Frequently Asked Questions

As of 01/12/15, the Indian government will refuse non-readable passports for non-Indian nationals seeking entry into the country.

Our deposit is 20% of the total holiday price, which needs to be paid at the time of confirming your holiday. Your balance will be detailed on your invoice and must be paid in full no later than 12 weeks before your departure.

Bank transfers

• Account name: Serenity Holidays
• Account number: 06019129
• Sort code: 60-18-46

Please quote your GA******* booking reference number on all bank transfer transactions

Credit and Debit cards (no handling charge, unless a business credit card is used when a 1.6% charge will apply)

• Visa
• MasterCard
• Visa Electron
• Delta

Unfortunately, we are not able to accept Solo or American Express cards

Cheques

Please make payable to Goa Experience and add your holiday reference to the reverse of the cheque along with your name and address.

The vast majority of British nationals visiting Goa do so without any problems. Take particular care of your bags and purses, and avoid unlit and remote beaches after dark. Keep your passport and other valuables safe. You should follow warnings posted at beaches and instructions issued by lifeguards.

For more information please visit the website of the Foreign travel advice office 

There have been a small number of cases of the mosquito-borne Zika virus report in India. You should follow the advice of the National Travel Health Network and Centre, particularly if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant and seek guidance from a health professional if you have any further questions or concerns.

There is no dedicated one for India or Goa however the European ones are listed as covering India

If you test positive in your destination before you’re due to return home to the UK, you’ll need to inform your representative, your insurance company and your hotel as soon as possible. You’ll then need to follow the specific guidance given to you by your insurance company, which may include the need to self-isolate in a medical facility or your hotel room and our resort team will be on hand to assist you.

You will need to complete an online e-Arrival card within 72 hours before your arrival in India: e-Arrival ; this will replace the paper disembarkation cards. We recommended keeping a printed copy of the digital e-Arrival form with your passport and e-visa status.

Occasionally, despite the best efforts of all concerned, flights are delayed for reasons beyond our personal control. If a long delay occurs, we will always do our best to provide a snack or meal when appropriate and in the case of an overnight delay, suitable accommodation. If we are made aware of a potential delay we will do our very best to advise you.

Please note that the choice of accommodation for flight delays is made by the airline and is not part of your original package holiday.

Your travel documents will be sent by email two weeks prior to your date of travel. Your flight timings will be those shown in your travel documents email, please check them carefully as soon as you receive them as the airline may have changed these since the time of booking.

Any amendments will be subject to availability and will incur amendment charges in addition to any difference in costs. This is in addition to any carriers' amendment or cancellation fees. Further details can be obtained from our Administration department on 01489 866987 or via email at admin@goaexperience.co.uk. Amendments within 14 days of travel are not always possible and cancellation changes will apply.

We shall be pleased to pass on your request to the airline or hotel; however, we cannot guarantee that they will be met. If you have any special requests for your accommodation or flights, please ensure they are requested at the time of booking, as procedures for flight requests vary from airline to airline and they require as much notice as possible. Airlines tend to require at least five days' notice for any dietary requirements.

All airlines are required to collect Advance Passenger Information from all customers (including infants) travelling to and from the UK by air in advance of issuing tickets.

What information is needed per passenger?

• Full name, as per your passport including any middle names.
• Your date of birth.
• The travel document 'type' e.g. passport.
• Your nationality.
• Passport Country of Issue.
• Passport number, issue date and expiry date.

When is the information required by?

• If we require this before issuing your tickets, this will be requested at the time of booking or at least 7 days before travel in order for your tickets to be processed in time.
• If your ticket is issued as an e-ticket by the airline, you may be invited to enter this information directly into the airline website in order to complete online check-in and generate boarding passes.
  Information on this will be included with your travel documents.

How can I provide this information?

• You can enter passport information securely online under Manage My Booking or call our Admin Team on 01489 866987 with your passport details.

• We advise that you do not email this information for security reasons.

What if I book late?

• Our website will not allow a booking within 7 days of travel, unless API details are input at the time of booking.

Transfers are included if you have booked a package holiday with us. Private transfers can also be arranged from £25pp return. Please note we do not provide transfer vouchers in your ticket pack for standard transfers, however it will be displayed on your confirmation invoice.

The average transfer takes around 1 hour depending on the drop off and collection point. The longest transfer is about 1 hour 40 minutes.

We are working with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office to do all we can to help British travellers stay safe overseas. Their website at: www.fco.gov.uk/knowbeforeyougo is packed with essential tips, travel advice and up-to-date country specific information.

The Arabian Sea can be deceiving and often has strong currents and undertows. On many beaches, there are trained lifeguards and flag systems in place but please observe caution when swimming in the sea and do not swim out of your depth.

Many hotels situated in the busier resorts of Goa only offer a 'Bed & Breakfast' or ‘Half Board’ board basis, due to the affordability of meals and drinks, plus the wide variety of restaurants available. At The Goa Experience, we encourage clients to support the local economy as part of our commitment to Sustainable Tourism where possible, although some hotels do offer an all-inclusive option. Buffet-style dining is generally available, often with the added benefit of choosing from the à la carte menus at an additional cost, varying your meal options.

Goa is a popular destination for weddings and events for the domestic market. On occasion hotels may organise special entertainment and live music to celebrate these occasions. Events can be impromptu and we are unable to advise whether these will be going on during your stay unless the hotels advise us.

In main resorts such as Colva, Candolim, Calangute and Baga, there is a wide range of dining options offering both Goan, Indian and International cuisine. Goa is also famous for its beach shacks where you can sample some of the local cuisine with views of the Arabian Sea.

Many hotels in Goa have Wi-Fi access, usually in the reception area although some do have access in the rooms. There may be a charge locally for this access.