GermanyCan I cancel a package tour and get a refund?
Yes, you can cancel a package tour before departure under German law, but the tour operator may charge a reasonable cancellation fee — unless unavoidable, extraordinary circumstances (like a pandemic) apply.
What the Law Says
German law gives travelers strong protections when cancelling a package tour — but the rules depend on timing, contract terms, and whether exceptional events are involved.
Under § 651h of the German Civil Code (BGB), you have the right to withdraw from a package tour contract at any time before the trip starts. Once you cancel, the tour operator loses their right to the full travel price — but they may claim a reasonable cancellation fee.
The fee must reflect actual savings (e.g., unused hotel bookings or transport) and any income the operator earns by re-selling the services. If your contract includes pre-agreed cancellation fees (‘Entschädigungspauschalen’), those apply — as long as they’re fair and based on how far the departure date is.
However, if unavoidable, extraordinary circumstances — like war, natural disasters, or official travel bans — severely disrupt the trip or transport to the destination, you can cancel for free. These circumstances must be outside the operator’s control and unavoidable even with all reasonable precautions.
Statutory TextVor Reisebeginn kann der Reisende jederzeit vom Vertrag zurücktreten. Tritt der Reisende vom Vertrag zurück, verliert der Reiseveranstalter den Anspruch auf den vereinbarten Reisepreis. Der Reiseveranstalter kann jedoch eine angemessene Entschädigung verlangen.
— BGB § 651h (1) — German Civil Code
Statutory TextAbweichend von Absatz 1 Satz 3 kann der Reiseveranstalter keine Entschädigung verlangen, wenn am Bestimmungsort oder in dessen unmittelbarer Nähe unvermeidbare, außergewöhnliche Umstände auftreten, die die Durchführung der Pauschalreise oder die Beförderung von Personen an den Bestimmungsort erheblich beeinträchtigen.
— BGB § 651h (3) — German Civil Code
Statutory TextWenn der Reiseveranstalter infolge eines Rücktritts zur Rückerstattung des Reisepreises verpflichtet ist, hat er unverzüglich, auf jeden Fall aber innerhalb von 14 Tagen nach dem Rücktritt zu leisten.
— BGB § 651h (5) — German Civil Code
What Courts Have Said
German courts have clarified when travelers can cancel without paying fees — especially during crises that make travel unsafe or impossible.
COVID-19 restrictions and health risks qualified as unavoidable, extraordinary circumstances under § 651h(3) BGB, allowing travelers to cancel package tours without cancellation fees.
What to Do
Cancel in writing (email counts) as soon as possible — include your booking reference and cancellation date.
Ask the tour operator to justify any cancellation fee using § 651h(2) — they must show actual savings and re-sale income.
If cancellation is due to official travel warnings, lockdowns, or similar events, cite § 651h(3) and demand a full refund.
If you don’t receive your refund within 14 days, send a formal reminder — and consider filing a complaint with the German Travel Association (DRV) or consumer arbitration.
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US-CaliforniaNot legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: June 2026.