Vacation Centre (Pty) Ltd — Travel Agency, South Africa. Please read these terms carefully; making a booking constitutes your acceptance of them.
In these Terms and Conditions, unless the context indicates otherwise:
2.1 VC accepts the following payment methods:
2.2 No booking shall be confirmed or processed until full payment has been received and reflected in VC's bank account. Pending EFT transfers do not constitute confirmed payment.
2.3 The Customer accepts full liability for any price increases arising from fluctuating commercial conditions (including, but not limited to, changes in exchange rates, fuel surcharges, or supplier tariff adjustments) during the period between the date of quotation and the date on which payment clears in VC's account.
2.4 Should the requested service or product become unavailable due to delayed payment clearing (clause 2.2), VC will refund all funds received in full within a reasonable period, subject to any non-refundable supplier charges already incurred.
2.5 Service Fees: VC charges professional service fees for booking, amendments, reissuances, and refund processing. These fees will be disclosed to the Customer prior to confirmation of any booking and are non-refundable unless arising from VC's error.
3.1 All prices are quoted in South African Rand (ZAR) unless expressly stated otherwise.
3.2 Exchange Rate Variation: Where applicable, the ROE at the date of quotation will apply. Should the ROE be less favourable at the date payment reflects in VC's account, the Customer shall be liable for and shall pay the additional amount arising from the ROE difference.
3.3 Availability: All quotations are subject to availability from third-party Suppliers at the time of booking. VC does not guarantee availability. Should a product or service become unavailable, VC will endeavour to present a suitable alternative at a revised price, subject to the Customer's approval.
3.4 Website Pricing: Prices displayed on VC's website are indicative only and subject to change without notice. A confirmed booking price shall only be established upon receipt of a written booking confirmation from VC. VC reserves the right to correct any errors in pricing displayed online, and the Customer will be notified of any such correction before the booking is finalised.
4.1 All cancellations or changes to bookings must be communicated to VC in writing (email or written notice). Verbal cancellations will not be accepted. The effective date of cancellation shall be the date VC receives and acknowledges the written notice.
4.2 The Customer shall be liable for cancellation penalties imposed by third-party Suppliers. These penalties vary by supplier, product, fare type, and the notice period given before travel commencement. Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended to protect against cancellation losses and are subject to the relevant insurance company's decisions and terms and conditions.
4.3 In addition to Supplier cancellation penalties, VC's own administrative fee for processing cancellations or changes will be applicable. This fee will be disclosed at the time of booking.
4.4 Non-refundable fares, promotional tickets, and group bookings may attract 100% cancellation penalties from the date of booking, irrespective of the notice period given.
4.5 Changes to bookings (e.g., name corrections, date changes) may be subject to Supplier amendment fees plus VC's administrative fee, and availability cannot be guaranteed.
5.1 VC will endeavour to submit refund requests to airlines within 24 (twenty-four) hours of receiving a valid written refund request from the Customer, subject to the exceptions in clauses 5.2 and 5.3 below.
5.2 The following refunds may take up to twelve (12) weeks to process, subject to the relevant Supplier's timeframes:
5.3 VC is not liable for delays in refund processing caused by third-party Suppliers. VC will keep the Customer reasonably informed of the status of any outstanding refund upon written request.
5.4 VC charges a service fee for processing refunds. This fee will be communicated to the Customer prior to initiating the refund request. Refunds will be returned via the original payment method where possible.
5.5 Credit card refunds are subject to the relevant bank and card issuer's processing timelines, which are outside VC's control.
6.1 VC acts exclusively as a booking agent and intermediary on behalf of the Customer. VC does not own, operate, or control the services provided by third-party Suppliers, including but not limited to airlines, hotels, cruise lines, coach operators, car rental companies, and tour wholesalers.
6.2 By making a booking, the Customer expressly authorises VC to act as their agent to conclude contracts with Suppliers on their behalf, subject to the applicable Supplier terms and conditions.
6.3 VC exercises reasonable care in selecting reputable Suppliers; however, VC does not warrant the quality, safety, fitness for purpose, or reliability of any Supplier's services. VC shall not be liable for any loss, damage, injury, delay, or inconvenience caused by the act or omission of any Supplier, except where directly attributable to VC's own negligence.
6.4 Supplier terms and conditions are available on each Supplier's website or upon request from VC. The Customer is deemed to have read and accepted all applicable Supplier terms and conditions upon making a booking.
6.5 Any legal recourse for failure of a Supplier's services must be directed against the relevant Supplier. VC will, where reasonably possible, assist the Customer in lodging such claims without accepting liability for the outcome.
7.1 To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, VC's aggregate liability to the Customer for any claim arising from or in connection with these Terms and Conditions or any booking shall be limited to the total amount paid by the Customer to VC in respect of the relevant booking.
7.2 VC shall not be liable for any indirect, consequential, special, or punitive damages, including loss of profits, loss of enjoyment, emotional distress, or any other losses not arising directly from VC's proven negligence.
7.3 Nothing in this clause shall limit VC's liability for gross negligence, fraud, or wilful misconduct, or any liability that cannot be excluded under the CPA or any other applicable law.
8.1 Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended for all travel bookings. VC strongly advises Customers to obtain travel insurance covering, at minimum: trip cancellation and curtailment, medical expenses and emergency evacuation, personal liability, and loss or delay of baggage.
8.2 Should a Customer elect to travel without adequate insurance cover, they do so entirely at their own risk. VC shall not be responsible for any costs, losses, or damages that would have been covered by travel insurance.
8.3 VC may arrange travel insurance on the Customer's behalf if requested. Any claims or queries must be directed to the insurer directly.
Tip: If you decline travel insurance, VC recommends you confirm in writing that you have been made aware of this recommendation and have elected to travel uninsured.
9.1 All travellers (including infants) are required to hold a valid passport for international travel. Passports must:
9.2 All travel documents (tickets, vouchers, hotel confirmations) must reflect the exact name as it appears on the traveller's passport (for international travel) or identity document (for domestic travel). Name discrepancies may result in denied boarding at the Customer's own cost.
9.3 The Customer indemnifies VC against any costs, losses, or penalties arising from travel documents not yet issued by the Department of Home Affairs at the time of booking completion, or from any other passport irregularity within the Customer's knowledge and control.
9.4 South African permanent residents travelling on foreign passports bear sole responsibility for ensuring they hold all required documentation, including any applicable re-entry permits and visas.
9.5 When renting a vehicle abroad, the driver must produce both a valid South African driver's licence and an International Driver's Permit, as well as a valid credit card in the driver's name for the collection deposit.
10.1 South African passport holders require visas for travel to most international destinations, including but not limited to the United Kingdom, United States of America, Canada, Australia, and Schengen Area countries. A Schengen visa is required where transit through two or more European countries is involved.
10.2 The Customer bears sole and exclusive responsibility for verifying visa requirements — including transit visas — for all countries on their itinerary, including stopovers and ports of call. This includes checking maritime visa requirements for cruise itineraries crossing international waters.
10.3 VC may, at the Customer's request, assist in obtaining visa information or referring the Customer to an accredited visa service provider. VC accepts no liability whatsoever for incorrect, outdated, or incomplete visa advice provided by third-party visa companies, embassies, or consulates.
10.4 VC shall not be held liable for any claim, loss, or expense arising from a country denying a traveller entry or exit, regardless of the reason. VC accepts no liability relating to working visa applications or compliance.
10.5 Visa requirements are subject to change without notice. The Customer must verify all requirements with the relevant embassy or consulate as close to the travel date as practicable.
11.1 In accordance with South African law (effective 1 June 2015, as updated), all minors (persons under 18 years of age) travelling internationally require an unabridged birth certificate. Additional requirements are as follows:
11.2 The age of children and infants for fare purposes is determined as at the date of each respective flight segment. The Customer is responsible for ensuring children are ticketed at the correct age category.
11.3 Requirements may be updated by the Department of Home Affairs from time to time. The Customer must verify current requirements prior to travel.
12.1 By facilitating travel to any destination, VC does not represent, warrant, or guarantee that travel to such destination is safe, advisable, or without risk.
12.2 The Customer and all Travellers acknowledge that travel involves inherent risks including, but not limited to, political instability, natural disasters, health risks, crime, and personal injury. The Customer and each Traveller assume all such risks voluntarily and indemnify VC against any resulting claims.
12.3 VC recommends that Customers consult the South African Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) travel advisories, as well as the advisories of the destination country's official government portal, prior to travel.
13.1 The Customer is solely responsible for ensuring compliance with all health, vaccination, and entry requirements of any destination country visited, including any required documentation.
13.2 Health and entry requirements (including vaccination mandates) may change without prior notice. VC strongly recommends consulting a travel health practitioner, the relevant embassy, or the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) well in advance of travel.
13.3 The Customer should confirm with the relevant embassy whether travellers are permitted to leave transit airports at stopovers and whether specific health documentation is required for transit purposes.
13.4 VC accepts no liability for denied boarding, entry refusal, or additional costs arising from the Customer's failure to comply with health or entry requirements.
14.1 Customers with special requirements (including dietary needs, wheelchair assistance, medical equipment, or any other specific requirement) must notify VC's consultant at the time of booking. VC will make reasonable efforts to communicate and arrange such requirements with Suppliers; however, VC cannot guarantee fulfilment by third-party Suppliers.
14.2 For assistance, email info@vacationcentre.co.za.
15.1 The Customer must advise VC of all frequent flyer or loyalty programme membership numbers at the time of booking. VC will endeavour to include these in the booking but cannot guarantee that the relevant Supplier will credit points for any booking.
15.2 VC accepts no liability for any failure by a Supplier to credit loyalty points, nor for any expiry of points during the booking or refund process.
16.1 Flight schedules are subject to change by airlines without prior notice. The Customer is responsible for independently confirming flight times with the relevant airline at least 24 (twenty-four) hours prior to each departure.
16.2 VC will endeavour to notify Customers of significant schedule changes communicated by airlines; however, VC accepts no liability for failure to receive or relay such notifications.
16.3 Passengers are advised to check in online and arrive at the airport in compliance with each airline's minimum check-in requirements.
17.1 Definition: A "Force Majeure Event" means any event beyond the reasonable control of VC or a Supplier, including but not limited to:
17.2 Where a Force Majeure Event prevents or delays performance by VC or a Supplier, the affected party shall notify all relevant parties in writing as soon as practicable. Performance shall be suspended for the duration of the Force Majeure Event without liability to either party.
17.3 VC's obligations during a Force Majeure Event are limited to using reasonable efforts to assist the Customer in accessing remedies available through Suppliers and insurers. VC does not guarantee any refund or compensation from Suppliers during Force Majeure Events.
18.1 In-travel complaints: Any dissatisfaction during travel must be reported to VC and/or the relevant Supplier immediately to allow a reasonable opportunity to rectify the situation. Failure to report a complaint timeously may prejudice the Customer's right to compensation.
18.2 Post-travel complaints: All written complaints must be submitted to VC within 21 (twenty-one) days of the Customer's return date. Claims submitted after this period will not be considered. Lost or stolen baggage must be reported to the airline before leaving the airport and a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) obtained.
18.3 VC is not responsible for death, personal injury, property damage, or losses caused by the acts or omissions of third-party Suppliers. Any such claims must be directed to the relevant Supplier.
19.1 VC is committed to processing your personal information lawfully, fairly, and transparently in accordance with POPIA (Act 4 of 2013) and VC's Privacy Policy.
19.2 VC collects and processes personal information including your name, contact details, passport and identity information, payment details, travel preferences, and loyalty programme numbers solely for the purpose of facilitating your travel bookings and providing related services.
19.3 VC may share your personal information with Suppliers (airlines, hotels, car hire companies, etc.) where strictly necessary to fulfil your booking. VC will not sell or otherwise disclose your personal information to third parties for marketing purposes without your express consent.
19.4 Your rights under POPIA include:
19.5 To exercise any of the above rights, contact VC's Information Officer at info@vacationcentre.co.za or refer to our Privacy Policy.
19.6 In the event of a data breach that may affect the Customer's rights, VC will notify the affected parties and the Information Regulator as required by POPIA.
19.7 Personal information is retained only for as long as necessary to fulfil the purpose for which it was collected, or as required by applicable law. Customer records are typically retained for a period of five (5) years following the conclusion of the relevant booking.
20.1 In accordance with ECTA (Act 25 of 2002), data messages (including emails, electronic booking confirmations, and online acceptances) are valid and binding contracts and shall have the same legal force as written documents.
20.2 A data message is deemed received when it enters the addressee's server or information system. VC recommends that the Customer retain all booking confirmations and correspondence received electronically.
20.3 VC's website content is provided "as is" and VC makes no warranties as to its accuracy or availability. VC shall not be liable for any loss arising from website errors, downtime, or cyberattacks.
21.1 In the event that VC is required to engage legal counsel to enforce any right under these Terms and Conditions and is successful in such enforcement, the Customer shall be liable for VC's legal costs on the attorney-and-own-client scale.
21.2 Each party shall bear its own costs in any mediation proceeding unless otherwise agreed in writing.
22.1 These Terms and Conditions are governed by and shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the Republic of South Africa.
22.2 The Customer irrevocably and unconditionally submits to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of the South Gauteng High Court, or such other court as VC may elect, including the Magistrate's Court where the value of the claim falls within that court's jurisdiction.
23.1 VC reserves the right to amend these Terms and Conditions at any time. The most current version will be published on VC's website and will apply to all bookings made after the effective date of the amendment.
23.2 No individual amendment, waiver, or variation of these Terms and Conditions shall be valid or binding unless agreed in writing and signed by both the Customer and a duly authorised representative of VC.
24.1 All intellectual property, including but not limited to VC's trademarks, logos, website content, branding, and marketing materials, remains the sole and exclusive property of VC. Reproduction, distribution, or unauthorised use is strictly prohibited.
25.1 VC's chosen domicilium citandi et executandi for service of legal process, notices, and correspondence is:
Vacation Centre (Pty) Ltd, 381 Frank Road, Die Wilgers, Pretoria, 0184
Tel: 012 880 5186 · Email: info@vacationcentre.co.za · Web: www.vacationcentre.co.za
25.2 Hand-delivered notices shall be deemed received at the time of delivery during Business Hours (08:30 – 16:30 on Business Days). Emailed notices shall be deemed received upon acknowledgement of receipt by the addressee.
26.1 If any provision of these Terms and Conditions is found to be unlawful, void, or unenforceable, such provision shall be severed without affecting the validity or enforceability of the remaining provisions, which shall continue in full force and effect.
27.1 These Terms and Conditions, read together with any booking confirmation, applicable Supplier terms, and VC's Privacy Policy, constitute the entire agreement between VC and the Customer and supersede all prior negotiations, representations, or agreements relating to its subject matter.
Vacation Centre (Pty) Ltd · vacationcentre.co.za · info@vacationcentre.co.za