What are current requirements to travel on a Collette tour within the United States?

Domestic Tours: Full vaccination against COVID-19 is required to travel on domestic tours through December 31, 2022.

International Tours: Full vaccination against COVID-19 is required to travel on all international tours departing through April 30, 2023. Some countries may require a booster dose before travel; please check the entry requirements for your destination prior to departure.

While vaccination requirements are in place, travelers must be able to provide proof of full vaccination against COVID-19. Each traveler will be asked to show their tour manager their official vaccination certificate (electronic or paper) and it must identify the traveler’s name and date of vaccination with final dose given at least 14-days before the start date of the tour. The Tour Manager will not collect and/or store vaccine, documented recovery, or test information from individual guests.

For my international tour, where can I find additional travel requirements for my destination?

Collette has partnered with CIBT to create the Online Travel Requirements Resource for every destination that we travel to. This tool is continually updated with the latest information on COVID-specific travel and health requirements (vaccination documentation, testing, exemptions, arrival forms, etc.), visas, and other considerations for every destination that Collette services.

Destination-specific information may change frequently and without prior notice. It is each traveler’s responsibility to check this resource frequently, including prior to tour departure, for changes that may be applicable to the destination.

What is Collette's on-tour masking policy?

Collette welcomes all guests, tour managers, and drivers to wear masks throughout the tour as deemed appropriate and in situations where masks are required by the country, state, municipality, and sites, attractions, or venues we visit on tour.
Guests should bring whichever personal protective equipment (PPE), including masks, that they are most comfortable and confident using, as Collette will not supply PPE on tour. Hand sanitizer will be widely available for use.

How is Collette ensuring that guidelines are being met with each part of the tour?

Our Tour Managers are receiving extensive training on protocols and procedures to operate tours within recommended guidelines. They are with the group every step of the way to ensure that all destination- specific guidelines are met.

What requirements does Collette have in place for their coach companies?

Just as the airlines are using sanitizing equipment, motor coach companies are applying similar methods for cleaning. Between groups, busses will be fully sanitized and in addition the high touch surfaces will be wiped down daily. Additionally, coach capacity limitations may be implemented as required by specific destinations.

What will it look like when dining or visiting an attraction?

On tour dining will be conducted in a accordance with local rules and regulations; this may entail being spread out while dining, moving through restaurants at staggered times, or in smaller groups. Similar to restaurants, we may move through attractions in smaller groups with multiple guides or arrive at staggered times as capacity constraints may play a role in group sizing.

Does Collette still require a Wellness Declaration to be filled out on tour?

Effective for all tours starting August 22, 2022 Collette is no longer requiring a Wellness Declaration to be filled out upon arrival on tour, consistent with recent changes in CDC guidance.

Will my tour manager be vaccinated?

All Tour Managers and Drivers guiding or driving for Collette will follow the same vaccination requirements as our travelers:

Domestic Tours: Full vaccination against COVID-19 is required to guide a domestic tour through December 31, 2022.

International Tours: Full vaccination against COVID-19 is required to guide an international tour departing through April 30, 2023.

What happens if I or another guest test positive for Covid while on tour?

Every destination has different protocols in place to deal with Covid cases, therefore every situation is unique. We follow the guidelines of the local health authorities where we are traveling and work with partners and staff to take care of our guests. Here's what you can expect:

- If a guest tests positive for COVID-19 during the tour, they will be isolated in order to protect their fellow travelers and Collette staff and the guest will need to leave the tour and quarantine in accordance with local regulations. The tour will continue its planned itinerary.

- Our head office will make accommodation arrangements for the durations of any required quarantine, either at their current hotel or an alternative hotel (if necessary, based on availability).

- All positive cases will be reported to Collette's Guest Relations team, who will reach out to the guest by phone/email to go through the quarantine/ isolations timeline, and to evaluate any necessary updates to their return travel arrangements.

- Guests are responsible to pay all up-front costs for the expenses they incur during their quarantine stay, including their hotel room, meals, additional cost for airfare (if necessary), and any ancillary charges.

- It is therefore important that guests ensure they have all the resources available (i.e. an available credit card), to provide for themselves financially should they require quarantine while on tour. Guests that have purchased Travel Protection, upon returning home, can file a claim and submit their expense to the insurance company.

-If a guest has purchased airfare and transfers through Collette, we will take care of rebooking their return flights and transfer(s) once guests are ready to return home. We will share the details of the new arrangements with them when completed.

I’ve purchased trip insurance through Collette. If my trip is interrupted, will I get reimbursed and how?

Please refer to our Travel Protection Plan page here for more information on Collette’s insurance. To review full plan details online or contact the insurer directly with additional questions, please click here.For a step by step guide on how to report your TripMate insurance claim, please click here.

Is COVID-19 (the Coronavirus) treated the same as other sicknesses under the terms of Collette’s insurance?

Yes, COVID-19 is treated the same as other sicknesses under the terms of Collette’s insurance. Collette’s insurance provider has provided us an FAQ specifically relating to trip delay, interruption, or cancellation due to COVID-19. Please click on the link here to learn more.