The EU strengthens the protection of tourists. Clear rules for travel packages, vouchers, and cancellations in extraordinary situations.

Brussels, December 2, 2025 The European Parliament and the Council have reached a provisional agreement on the modernization of EU rules regarding travel packages, aimed at strengthening consumer protection and increasing clarity of obligations for operators. Negotiators emphasize that the new framework addresses the lessons learned during the pandemic, when numerous agencies and tour operators faced difficulties in refunding canceled trips and managing unused vouchers.

In short

A unique definition of "package" for all types of bookings, including online ones.

Vouchers become strictly optional; unused vouchers must be automatically refunded.

Refunds in case of bankruptcy must be made within a maximum of six months.

The agreement introduces a single definition of the package, eliminating the category of "associated travel arrangements" and clarifying the situations in which two or more services automatically become a package, including in the case of online bookings where personal data is automatically transferred between providers within 24 hours. Negotiators state that this clarification will reduce uncertainties for consumers and put an end to divergent interpretations in national legislation.

Rules regarding the use of vouchers are also strengthened. Consumers will be able to refuse vouchers received instead of refunds, their validity will be limited to a reasonable period, and unused vouchers will have to be automatically refunded upon expiration. The aim of these changes is to prevent situations from the pandemic when millions of tourists were left with unusable vouchers or those not covered by sufficient guarantees.

In case of extraordinary circumstances at the destination — such as natural disasters or major health situations — consumers will have the right to cancel the package without penalties. Official travel warnings from national and European authorities will be taken into account, but will not, on their own, constitute an automatic basis for cancellation; the situation must be assessed individually to avoid abusive interpretations.

To protect tourists' funds in case of the organizer's bankruptcy, the agreement introduces firm deadlines for refunds: a maximum of six months in most cases, with the possibility of extending to nine months in exceptional circumstances. Member states will be able to use a variety of protection mechanisms, including guarantee funds or alternative forms of insurance, to ensure the recovery of owed amounts.

Another important element is the introduction of a standard European procedure for handling complaints. Package organizers will have to respond to consumers within seven days and provide a reasoned solution within a maximum of 60 days. The level of the advance required at booking and the penalty regime for cancellation will continue to be set at the national level, as member states have not reached a consensus on harmonizing these aspects.

The rapporteur of the European Parliament, Alex Agius Saliba, welcomed the agreement stating that it "will improve the protection of tourists and provide clarity to both consumers and businesses in the tourism sector," appreciating the balance found between travelers' rights and the needs of the industry. The provisional agreement will be subject to formal approval by the European Parliament and the Council, and the new rules will start to apply after a transposition period of 28 months, followed by another six months for implementation.

https://2eu.brussels/articol/stiri/ue-intareste-protectia-turistilor-reguli-clare-pentru-pachetele-de-calatorie-vouchere-si-anulari-in-situatii-extraordinare