Terms & Conditions

1. Introduction

Welcome to Africa Tickets (“we,” “our,” or “us”). These Terms and Conditions (“Terms”) govern your use of our website africatickets.co.uk and our travel booking services. By accessing our website or using our services, you agree to be bound by these Terms.

Africa Tickets is operated by Aqdas Travel Ltd, a company registered in England and Wales under company number 16187110, with registered office at 665 Romford Road, London E12 5AD. We hold ATOL licence number 12834.

2. ATOL Protection

Important: Many of the flight and flight-inclusive holidays on this website are financially protected by the ATOL scheme. When you pay you will be supplied with an ATOL Certificate. Please ask for it and check to ensure that everything you booked (flights, hotels and other services) is listed on it. Please see our booking conditions for further information or for more information about financial protection and the ATOL Certificate go to: www.atol.org.uk/ATOLCertificate

2.1 ATOL Coverage

We hold Air Travel Organiser’s Licence (ATOL) number 12834 issued by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). This provides financial protection for:

• Package holidays that include flights
• Flight-only bookings
• Accommodation booked as part of a flight package
• Other travel services included in protected packages

2.2 What ATOL Protection Means

When you book an ATOL protected package or flight:

• Your money is protected if we become insolvent
• You will receive a full refund if your holiday cannot go ahead
• If you are abroad when we become insolvent, arrangements will be made to bring you home
• You will receive an ATOL Certificate confirming your protection

2.3 Services Not ATOL Protected

The following services are not covered by our ATOL licence:

• Accommodation-only bookings
• Car hire as a standalone service
• Travel insurance
• Excursions and activities booked separately
• Services provided by suppliers with their own financial protection

For non-ATOL protected services, alternative financial protection may be provided by the supplier or through other schemes as detailed in your booking confirmation.

3. Definitions

• “Services” means our travel booking, ticketing, and related services
• “Customer” or “you” means the person using our website or services
• “Booking” means any reservation made through our platform
• “Supplier” means airlines, hotels, tour operators, and other travel service providers
• “Website” means africatickets.co.uk and any related subdomains
• “Package” means a combination of travel services protected by ATOL
• “ATOL Certificate” means the document confirming financial protection

4. Our Services

Aqdas Travel Ltd trading as Africa Tickets provides travel booking services including but not limited to:

• Flight bookings to and from African destinations
• Hotel and accommodation reservations
• Package holidays combining flights and accommodation
• Tour packages and experiences
• Travel insurance products
• Visa assistance services
• Airport transfers and ground transportation
• Multi-destination travel arrangements

We act as both a principal (for ATOL protected services) and an agent (for other travel services) depending on the type of booking. Your ATOL Certificate will clearly identify which services are financially protected.

5. Booking Process and Confirmation

5.1 Making a Booking

To make a booking, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old or have parental consent
• Provide accurate and complete information for all passengers
• Have a valid payment method
• Accept these Terms and Conditions
• Confirm understanding of ATOL protection where applicable

5.2 Booking Confirmation

A booking is confirmed only when:

• Payment has been successfully processed
• You receive a booking confirmation email from us
• The supplier has confirmed availability
• An ATOL Certificate is issued (for protected bookings)

5.3 ATOL Certificate

For ATOL protected bookings, you will receive an ATOL Certificate within 24 hours of booking confirmation. This certificate is your proof of financial protection and must be retained for your records.

5.4 Accuracy of Information

You are responsible for ensuring all passenger details, travel dates, and other booking information are correct. We are not liable for issues arising from incorrect information provided by you. Names on bookings must match travel documents exactly.

6. Pricing and Payment

6.1 Prices

All prices are displayed in British Pounds (GBP) unless otherwise stated and include applicable taxes, fees, and ATOL protection contribution where applicable. Prices may change without notice until your booking is confirmed and payment received.

6.2 Payment

Payment is required at the time of booking unless otherwise arranged. We accept major credit cards, debit cards, and bank transfers. For package holidays, deposits may be accepted with balance due before travel.

6.3 Service Fees and ATOL Contribution

Our service fees and ATOL protection contribution are clearly displayed during the booking process and are non-refundable unless required by law or ATOL regulations.

6.4 Currency Fluctuations

For bookings paid in currencies other than the supplier’s base currency, exchange rate fluctuations may affect the final price. ATOL protected bookings are protected against significant currency fluctuations as per ATOL regulations.

6.5 Price Changes

For ATOL protected packages, prices may only be increased in accordance with ATOL regulations and your package terms. You will be notified of any price changes and your rights regarding such changes.

7. Cancellations and Refunds

7.1 Your Right to Cancel

For ATOL protected packages, you have the right to cancel your booking. Cancellation charges will apply as detailed in your booking terms and ATOL Certificate.

7.2 Cancellation Policies

Cancellation policies vary by supplier and service type:

• ATOL Protected Services: Subject to package terms and ATOL regulations
• Flight-only bookings: Subject to airline terms and conditions
• Hotel bookings: Subject to hotel cancellation policies
• Non-refundable fares: No refund available except in exceptional circumstances

7.3 Our Right to Cancel

We may cancel your booking in exceptional circumstances including:

• Insufficient numbers for group travel
• Force majeure events
• Supplier insolvency or operational failure
• Safety concerns at destination

For ATOL protected bookings, you will receive a full refund if we cancel for reasons within our control.

7.4 Refund Processing

Refunds will be processed within 14 days for ATOL protected bookings and within 14-21 business days for other services to the original payment method. ATOL protection ensures refunds even if suppliers fail to provide them.

7.5 Travel Insurance

We strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance to protect against unforeseen circumstances. ATOL protection does not cover all potential travel disruptions.

8. Changes to Your Booking

8.1 Changes You Make

Changes to confirmed bookings may be possible subject to:

• Supplier terms and availability
• Additional costs and change fees
• ATOL regulations for protected bookings
• Sufficient notice before travel

8.2 Changes We Make

We may need to make changes to your booking due to:

• Supplier schedule changes
• Operational requirements
• Circumstances beyond our control

For ATOL protected packages, significant changes will be communicated in accordance with ATOL regulations, and you may have the right to cancel with full refund or accept alternatives.

9. Travel Documentation

9.1 Passports and Visas

You are responsible for ensuring you have valid travel documentation, including:

• Valid passport with sufficient validity (usually 6 months from travel date)
• Appropriate visas for your destination(s) and any transit countries
• Any required health certificates or vaccinations
• Travel permits or authorizations (e.g., ESTA, eTA)
• Return or onward travel documentation

9.2 Health Requirements

You must comply with all health requirements for your destination, including:

• Required vaccinations and health certificates
• COVID-19 related requirements (testing, vaccination proof)
• Health declarations and medical forms
• Travel health insurance where mandatory

9.3 Entry Restrictions

Entry requirements can change at short notice. We recommend:

• Checking current requirements with relevant embassies or consulates
• Registering with your government’s travel advisory service
• Purchasing travel insurance that covers documentation issues
• Allowing sufficient time for visa processing

9.4 Denied Entry

We are not liable for costs arising from denied entry due to inadequate documentation. ATOL protection does not cover such circumstances unless specifically included in your package terms.

10. Liability and Disclaimers

10.1 ATOL Protected Services

For ATOL protected bookings, our liability is governed by ATOL regulations and international conventions. We provide the financial protection required by the ATOL scheme.

10.2 General Limitation of Liability

Subject to ATOL protections, our liability is limited to the value of the services booked through our platform. We are not liable for:

• Acts of suppliers beyond our reasonable control
• Force majeure events (natural disasters, pandemics, war, terrorism)
• Government actions or travel restrictions
• Personal injury except where caused by our negligence
• Loss of enjoyment or holiday disappointment
• Consequential or indirect damages
• Losses that could have been avoided with reasonable care

10.3 Supplier Responsibility

Travel suppliers are responsible for providing their services. For non-ATOL protected services, any issues with service quality, delays, or cancellations should be addressed directly with the supplier in the first instance.

10.4 International Conventions

Where applicable, our liability for flights is limited by international conventions including the Montreal Convention for international flights and EU regulations for flights within Europe.

10.5 Maximum Liability

Except for ATOL protected services and where prohibited by law, our total liability for any claim shall not exceed the total amount paid by you for the affected services.

11. Force Majeure

Neither party is liable for failure to perform obligations due to circumstances beyond reasonable control, including but not limited to:

• Natural disasters, epidemics, or pandemics
• War, terrorism, or civil unrest
• Government actions, travel bans, or border closures
• Strikes or industrial action
• Technical failures or cyber attacks
• Supplier insolvency or operational failure
• Severe weather conditions

ATOL protection provides additional security for protected bookings in force majeure situations.

12. Data Protection and Privacy

Your privacy is important to us. Our collection, use, and protection of personal data is governed by our Privacy Policy, which forms part of these Terms. By using our services, you consent to our data practices as described in our Privacy Policy.

We may share necessary personal information with suppliers, government authorities, and other parties as required to provide your travel services and comply with legal obligations.

13. Intellectual Property

All content on our website, including text, images, logos, and software, is protected by intellectual property rights owned by Aqdas Travel Ltd or licensed to us. You may not reproduce, distribute, or create derivative works without our written permission.

14. User Conduct

You agree not to:

• Use our services for illegal purposes
• Provide false or misleading information
• Interfere with website functionality or security
• Attempt to gain unauthorized access to our systems
• Use automated systems to access our website without permission
• Make fraudulent bookings or use stolen payment methods
• Violate any applicable laws or regulations

15. Complaints and Disputes

15.1 Complaint Process

If you have a complaint, please contact us as soon as possible and within 30 days of your return from travel. We will investigate and respond within 28 days.

15.2 ATOL Complaints

For complaints regarding ATOL protected services, we follow the CAA’s complaint handling procedures. If we cannot resolve your complaint, you may refer it to the Civil Aviation Authority.

15.3 Alternative Dispute Resolution

We are committed to resolving disputes amicably. If we cannot resolve your complaint, you may refer the matter to:

• ABTA arbitration scheme (if applicable)
• Civil Aviation Authority (for ATOL matters)
• Financial Ombudsman Service (for payment disputes)
• Relevant alternative dispute resolution schemes

15.4 Governing Law

These Terms are governed by English law, and any disputes will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of English courts, except where ATOL regulations or other mandatory consumer protections apply.

16. Financial Protection and Insolvency

16.1 ATOL Protection

Our ATOL licence provides financial protection through the Air Travel Trust Fund. In the event of our insolvency:

• ATOL protected customers will receive refunds or alternative arrangements
• Customers abroad will be repatriated at no extra cost
• Claims will be handled by the Civil Aviation Authority

16.2 Non-ATOL Protected Services

For services not covered by ATOL, financial protection may be provided by:

• Supplier financial protection schemes
• Payment card chargeback rights
• Travel insurance coverage
• Other applicable protection schemes

17. Third-Party Services

Our website may contain links to third-party websites or services. We are not responsible for the content, privacy practices, or terms of service of third-party providers. Third-party services may have their own financial protection arrangements.

18. Special Assistance and Accessibility

We are committed to providing travel services for customers with special requirements. Please inform us of any special assistance needs at the time of booking so we can coordinate with suppliers to meet your requirements.

19. Group Bookings

Special terms may apply to group bookings (10 or more passengers). Group booking terms will be provided separately and may include different cancellation policies, payment schedules, and ATOL protections.

20. Modifications to Terms

We may update these Terms from time to time to reflect changes in:

• Legal requirements and regulations
• ATOL licensing conditions
• Our business practices
• Industry standards

Changes will be posted on our website with the updated date. For ATOL protected bookings, material changes will be communicated in accordance with ATOL regulations.

21. Termination

We may terminate or suspend your access to our services at any time for violation of these Terms or for any other reason at our discretion, subject to ATOL obligations for protected bookings.

22. Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue in full force and effect, except where this would undermine ATOL protections.

23. Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy and any ATOL Certificates issued, constitute the entire agreement between you and Aqdas Travel Ltd regarding your use of our services.

24. Contact Information

If you have questions about these Terms & Conditions, please contact us:

24.1 Regulatory Bodies

25. Emergency Contact

For travel emergencies while abroad, please contact:

24/7 Emergency Line: 0207 870 8082
Email: info@africatickets.co.uk

For ATOL related emergencies (if we become insolvent while you are abroad):

Contact the Civil Aviation Authority on: 0330 022 1500