Covid 19 Policies

Committed to safe and responsible travel

We’re committed to ensuring our trips remain safe for our guests, our leaders and the people we visit along the way.

We require all travellers and tour leaders to be fully vaccinated, and we also follow recommendations from the World Health Organization and the World Travel & Tourism Council’s (WTTC) Safe Travel protocols.

All our itineraries undergo a comprehensive risk assessment and audit and our leaders and operators complete ongoing COVID-19 health and safety training and adhere to COVID-19 standards.

Everyone must be vaccinated against Covid-19

In an effort to protect fellow guests and the communities of locals we interact with, ALL GUESTS + THE PIGMENT TRAIL TOUR MANAGERS must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19. All guests in your group (including your tour manager and instructor) are required to produce proof of full COVID-19 vaccination. Full vaccination includes 3 shots of Moderna, Pfizer, Astra-Zeneca, or 2 shots of Johnson & Johnson, and that you are 21 days past your most recent shot. We also accept mixed doses as fully vaccinated (e.g. Astra-Zeneca + Pfizer or Moderna or Pfizer + Moderna).

At this time we cannot accept travellers on trips who have received only a partial dose of a vaccine.

Proof of Vaccination

Proof of the full COVID-19 vaccination with the final dose given at least 21 days prior to the start of the tour ~ A copy of your vaccination record (either paper or digital) listing dates is required.

For example:

• NHS card with batch number (UK travellers)
• EU Digital COVID Pass (EU travellers)
• CDC vaccination record (USA travellers)

Before Your Trip

As responsible travellers, anyone who chooses to travel with us has a duty of care to themselves and the people around them. Travellers will need to comply with local regulations and laws, as well as our own health and safety guidelines, to ensure that everyone can enjoy their adventure, while remaining well.

We continue to be guided by government travel advisories and other reputable authorities. Some destinations + regions may open gradually or partially and, in many cases, only to nationals from certain countries. We are monitoring the situation closely with your trip in mind.

Health Declaration

You will be required to complete a health declaration prior to your arrival. Based on the answers, The Pigment Trail reserves the right to restrict symptomatic or exposed guests from joining a tour. We have the discretion to ask for proof that you are fully vaccinated against Covid-19 at any time. We highly encourage everyone to get vaccinated as soon as they can in order to take care of each other and the local communities.

Testing

Ensure you are closely monitoring entry and travel requirements for the country you are visiting, as well as the re-entry requirements by your country of departure. Depending on the airline you travel with, you may be required to show proof of COVID testing, and similarly the destination you are travelling to may have specific requirements with regards to testing.

We also recommend you check your government’s travel advisory and the World Health Organization website (https://www.who.int/) for the most up to date information about destinations and permitted travel from each country.

We recommend all guests have proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than 72 hours before the trip’s starting date regardless of if this is required by the country you are visiting.

Any testing that is required pre travel will be the responsibility of the guest to organize. This testing will be at the expense of the guest. Any testing required post travel will again be the responsibility of the guest to organize.

Insurance

Insurance for all guests is required. At minimum your coverage should include Trip Interruption, Trip Delay, Medical Expenses, Quarantine Expenses and Emergency Evacuation/Repatriation. The insurance must cover medical costs. If available we highly encourage you to ensure your policy covers medically imposed quarantine if the insured or someone the insured has come into contact with, tests positive for COVID-19.

We recommend discussing your options with your insurance provider and consider purchasing or upgrading your travel insurance to a “cancel for any reason” plan. Please discuss all questions and concerns about your coverage directly with your insurance provider.

The Pigment Trail will not be responsible for refunding any lost trip funds if you have to miss your scheduled trip as you cannot meet the health + entry requirements determined by The Pigment Trail and the country you are visiting.

Within 14 days of departure, please ensure:

• You have not tested positive for COVID-19
• You are not experiencing a fever, dry cough, sore throat, difficulty breathing, fatigue, loss of taste and smell, or any other symptoms of COVID-19. If you travel and have a fever, you may be placed in quarantine (at your expense) or not allowed into the country.
• You have not been in close contact with anyone who has tested positive for COVID-19

During Your Trip

Hygiene Standards

Your Tour Managers and local hosts will have enhanced sanitation, disinfection, and deep cleaning practices for all equipment and facilities used as part of a trip. Your Tour Manager will provide frequent reminders and opportunities for hand-washing and hand sanitizer use and will let you know as we enter situations where face mask use is recommended or required. In line with the WTTC Safe Travel protocols, every effort will be made to have plenty of hand sanitizer available, but we strongly recommend bringing your own supply as well.

Hotels and service providers are obligated to meet the new operating standards of their local government authorities as a response to the challenges around coronavirus. The specific standards vary from location to location but rest assured we are in contact with our partners ensuring careful attention to detail.

We will continue to observe physical distancing when required or recommended in public situations by local authorities.

Your The Pigment Trail Tour Manager will be up to date on local regulations and restrictions and will be there to guide you through your travel process as smoothly as possible.

Small Groups

All of our trips have always been small. The maximum average group size is 8 – 12 people. This allows for everyone to have plenty of personal space but allows you access and to connect with your destination in a way you won’t get traveling on your own . We will continue to foster connections with newly created measures to keep you and everyone in your travel group safe.

Trip Changes

Due to health and safety concerns that could emerge from COVID-19, The Pigment Trailmay be forced to modify your trip and its activities. These modifications would be necessary to keep your group safe.

Once a trip has begun, we have fully committed to all payments (hotels, workshops, restaurants, transfers etc.) and therefore are unable to refund travellers should their trip be cut short or altered due to COVID-19 complication, failure to comply with local health protocols, or any other reason. Wherever possible we will find alternative solutions to ensure your experience is still a remarkable one.

We thank you in advance for your understanding and cooperation.

Covid-19 Frequently Asked Questions

What if I am not ready to travel on my trip dates?

If you decide not to attend your The Pigment Trail holiday because you are not ready to travel, your trip will be subject to our cancellation fees + terms, with no exceptions. Your deposit and/or final payment will not be refunded as per our Booking Terms + Cancellation policy.

If you let us know 90 days or more from the start date of your The Pigment Trail holiday, we can convert your full booking to account credit of 100% of all monies paid to-date. This, along with all payments to The Pigment Trail, is 100% financially protected.

Will I have to wear a mask?

You will need to wear a mask whenever your The Pigment Trail Tour Manager advises it is mandatory to do so, and anytime you wish to do so for your own assurance. Local laws and regulations regarding masks apply to all guests, Tour Managers and suppliers in the destination.

Vaccinated travellers are not exempt from wearing masks.

The Pigment Trail follows all government and local authority requirements around the use of masks. This depends on your location, mode of transport and other factors.

This includes (but is not limited to):

• Public and private transport
• Crowds or places where physical distancing is difficult
• Indoors (particularly in places with poor ventilation)
• Hotel common property
• During workshops + visits with local artisans

What happens if I get sick during the trip?

If you or someone else on your trip has symptoms of COVID-19 while travelling with us we will assist you to access testing and/or appropriate medical care as quickly as possible.

We will follow the advice of local health authorities on whether there is a need to self-isolate or quarantine or whether there is a risk to other travellers in the group. However, we won’t be able to provide refunds of the monies paid even if the trip is interrupted and there are unused services as a result.

Please note any expenses for testing, treatment or self-isolation will need to be covered by you (and/or your travel insurer) so please ensure you have access to funds while travelling in case of this or other emergencies.

What happens if The Pigment Trail is forced to cancel any portion of my trip due to an issue related to Covid-19? (Outbreak, government lockdown etc.)

Once a trip has begun, we have fully committed to all payments (hotels, local guides, restaurants, transfers etc.) and therefore are unable to refund travellers should their trip be cut short or altered due to COVID-19, failure to comply with local health protocols, or any other reason.

What if The Pigment Trail Postpones my trip?

In the unfortunate event your The Pigment Trail trip is postponed prior to the first day of your trip, you will be contacted immediately. Any guest booked on a postponed tour will have the opportunity to select one of the following flex options:

TRAVEL ON YOUR RESCHEDULED TOUR DATES: We will be rescheduling all postponed The Pigment Trail and your spot will be reserved on the rescheduled dates.

TRANSFER TO A NEW TRIP WITH THE PIGMENT TRAIL: If you can’t make your postponed tour dates you can transfer 100% of your booking amount to travel to another The Pigment Trail experience. Bookings can be transferred directly to any available trip with The Pigment Trail. Any remaining balance can be applied towards an additional The Pigment Trail trip. Requests for a trip transfer must be submitted at least 90 days prior to the original trip departure date.

CONVERT YOUR BOOKING TO ACCOUNT CREDIT: If you aren’t ready to travel yet, we can convert your full booking to account credit of 100% of all monies paid to-date. This, along with all payments to The Pigment Trail, is 100% financially protected.

*Your credit has no expiry date.*

CONVERT YOUR BOOKING TO A GIFT CARD: If you know you can’t travel next year or for the foreseeable future, you can convert your booking into a gift card to give to a friend, family member or loved one. Gift Cards have no expiry date.

Any postponement decisions will be made approximately 60-90 days prior to departure dates (or closer to travel if the situation dictates).

The above policies and guidelines are subject to change without notice before or during your trip as circumstances require.

Last updated: 21st April 2022.

Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about the above guidance or any other questions at: louisa@thepigmenttrail.com