FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Planning a pilgrimage should bring peace, not pressure. Below are answers to questions we are often asked by pilgrims preparing for their journey.
Visas and Travel Documents

Yes. We can provide supporting documents or confirmation letters if required to assist with your visa application.

No. Visa fees are a personal expense and are not included in the pilgrimage cost.

Yes. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your return date.

Health and Safety

Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended. It should include medical coverage, trip cancellation, and emergency assistance.

Please inform us in advance. While we will do our best to accommodate individual needs, many pilgrimage sites involve walking, stairs, and uneven terrain.

Yes. While Shalom Catholic Tours carefully plans each pilgrimage with safety in mind and provides guidance throughout the journey, pilgrims are asked to take personal responsibility for their own safety. This includes being attentive while walking, crossing roads, navigating uneven terrain, and participating in any pilgrimage-related activities. Pilgrims are encouraged to follow the instructions of tour leaders and local guides at all times. Shalom Catholic Tours and its representatives are not liable for incidents arising from a failure to follow instructions or exercise due care.

What sets Shalom Catholic Tours Apart

Our itineraries are shaped around prayer, Scripture, and the sacraments, with the Eucharist central to every pilgrimage. Each journey is led by experienced pilgrimage leaders who bring their own lived experience, and pilgrims travel together as a supportive faith community throughout the pilgrimage.

Mass and the Sacraments

When a priest accompanies the pilgrimage, opportunities for Confession and spiritual guidance are available. In some destinations, such as Medjugorje, Confession is available daily, with multiple priests hearing Confessions throughout the day.

Packing for Pilgrimage

Yes. Both men and women are required to dress modestly at all times. Some churches and holy sites do not permit entry if clothing is short, sleeveless, or immodest.

This is optional. Mass readings and prayers will be provided during the pilgrimage.

Shopping During the Pilgrimage

No. Any shopping expenses are personal and not included in the cost of the pilgrimage.

Yes. We recommend carrying some local currency for small purchases. ATMs and currency exchange options are generally available in major towns and pilgrimage sites, and your guide will provide advice as needed.

Payments, Invoices, and Instalments

Payment details and instructions will be provided during the booking process. Direct bank transfer is the most commonly used method.

Yes. Payments are generally made in two to three instalments, depending on the pilgrimage.

Yes. An initial deposit is required to secure your place on the pilgrimage. Remaining balances are payable by the specified due dates.

Cancellations and Refunds

Flight refunds are subject to airline policies and conditions, which vary between carriers. Shalom Catholic Tours will assist pilgrims in obtaining the best possible refund or credit available under the airline’s terms and conditions.

For hotel and land arrangements, Shalom Catholic Tours will do its best to secure a full or partial refund, depending on when the cancellation occurs. Generally, cancellations made more than one month before departure are eligible for a full refund, subject to supplier conditions.

Yes. Refunds may be reduced if cancellation occurs close to the departure date, depending on airline, hotel, and tour operator policies. Exact fees will be communicated at the time of cancellation.

In the unlikely event that Shalom Catholic Tours cancels a pilgrimage, pilgrims will be offered a full refund of all payments made or the option to transfer to another pilgrimage date.