Luggage, Airports & Customs: What to Expect

Please put a Peter’s Way Tours luggage tag on both your checked luggage and your carry-on. Be sure to include the following information: name of tour, your name, home address, and the hotels at which you are staying, including dates. This will facilitate identification of your luggage at airports and hotels.

Peter’s Way Tours requires that you travel light, with one piece of luggage to check, one piece to carry-on, and one personal item such as a backpack or purse, due to space limitations on the bus. Your carry-on must be able to fit in the overhead bin on the aircraft. Your personal item must be able to fit under the seat in front of you. Both carry-on and checked baggage limitations of weight and dimension vary by carrier. It is important to check with all airlines before departure for their current baggage policy. Luggage in excess of these requirements can cause delays and unnecessary expenses.

We suggest that you pack a change of clothing in your carry-on bag in the event that your checked luggage is delayed. Always keep medication in your carry-on bag rather than your checked luggage. Medications do not need to be in their original prescription bottle.

Only your valid passport is required to check-in at the airport. Group airline contracts do not permit online check-in. Boarding passes and seat assignments will be obtained during check-in at the airport. The airlines will reserve a block of seats for the group and can accept individual requests at check-in.

Upon arrival at your overseas destination, everyone must pass through Passport Control. Next, you will collect your luggage from baggage claim and proceed to Customs. Outside the Customs area, you will be met by your Peter’s Way Tours representative. Depending on your destination, a tourist visa may be given to you at the airport. Please retain this form and keep it with your passport, as it will be needed to exit the country you are visiting.

If your luggage has not arrived or has been damaged, notify an airline representative immediately and fill out a claim form with the airline prior to leaving baggage claim. This is required to initiate the search and recovery of your luggage or to verify a damage claim.

Upon return to the U.S., you will pass through Passport Control, claim your luggage, and proceed to Customs, where you will declare items you have purchased overseas. Remember, Passport Control and Customs processing will occur each time you enter a country. When you return, it will occur in the airport where you first land within your country of origin, which may not be your final destination. For passengers continuing on a connecting flight, you will be able to re-check your luggage, with the assistance of airline employees, to your final destination immediately after clearing Customs.

Please note, it is important to check the allowed duty-free limits. If you are arriving with purchases valued at more than what is allowed, you may need to declare your merchandise and pay duty. For more information regarding duty-free limits, visit www.cbp.gov.

Travel authorization requirements have changed in recent years for several of our most popular destinations. Please review the information below carefully and plan well in advance of your departure date.

Traveling to the European Union — ETIAS

The European Union is developing a new travel authorization system called ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System), which is expected to launch in late 2026. Once in effect, U.S. and Canadian citizens will be required to obtain an ETIAS authorization before entering most EU member countries. Peter's Way Tours will notify all affected travelers with application instructions as soon as the program launches. Additional information is available on the official ETIAS website.

In the meantime, please be aware that as of October 12, 2025, the EU has implemented a new Entry and Exit System (EES) for travelers visiting participating Schengen Area countries for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Your fingerprints, facial image, and passport details will be collected upon entry. There is no fee and no advance action required — this happens automatically at the border.

Traveling to the United Kingdom — UK ETA

Since February 25, 2026, all U.S. and Canadian citizens traveling to the United Kingdom (including transiting through a UK airport) are required to obtain a UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before departure. If you do not have an approved ETA, you may be denied boarding by your airline.

Key details:

• Cost: £20 per person. Every traveler, including infants and children, must have their own ETA.
• Validity: Two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. Allows multiple entries for stays of up to six months at a time.
• Processing time: Most applications are approved within minutes via the official UK ETA app or gov.uk/eta. We recommend applying at least three working days before travel.
• Important: Only apply through the official UK Government app or website. Third-party sites may charge significantly more.

Traveling to the Middle East — Holy Land Tours

Peter's Way Tours offers pilgrimages to the Holy Land, which may include Israel, Jordan, and Egypt. Entry requirements and conditions in this region are subject to change, and we urge all travelers to stay closely informed.

Israel: U.S. citizens may enter Israel visa-free for stays of up to 90 days, but are required to obtain an ETA-IL (Electronic Travel Authorization for Israel) prior to travel. Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your date of entry. Please be aware that the U.S. Department of State currently advises travelers to reconsider travel to Israel due to ongoing security concerns. Peter's Way Tours has currently paused pilgrimages to Israel. We hope and pray for peace in the Middle East and safe return of pilgrims to the Holy Land.

Jordan: U.S. citizens may obtain a visa on arrival at Queen Alia International Airport and most major border crossings. A single-entry 30-day tourist visa is approximately $56 USD. A multiple-entry visa is also available at the airport.

Egypt: U.S. citizens require a visa to enter Egypt. A 30-day visa is available on arrival and typically costs $25 USD, payable in cash.

Please note: Conditions in this region can change rapidly. We strongly recommend enrolling in the U.S. State Department's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at step.state.gov, which provides up-to-date safety alerts and makes it easier for the Embassy to assist you in an emergency. Always check travel.state.gov for the latest advisories before departure.

Managing Money & Currency Abroad

Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted (American Express and Discover may not be accepted in many locations). As long as your credit/debit card has the CHIP on it, it is no longer required to contact your bank or credit card company in advance of your departure to advise them of your travel destination and dates. It is best to use your ATM card to get money when you are abroad, as you will generally get a better exchange rate than through a bank or merchant. Please contact your bank and/or credit card company for specific information on using your debit/credit card and possible foreign transaction fees. We recommend that you bring a photocopy of your cards or write down your account numbers in the event that a card is lost.

It is possible to exchange money at your local bank prior to departure. We recommend exchanging around $300 USD to cover expenses not included in your package price (e.g. tipping, meals, beverages, incidentals). Try to use all of your foreign coins before returning home. Banks will exchange paper money, but most refuse to exchange change. It may be convenient to carry change with you for tipping, church donations, purchasing small items, or using public restrooms.

Do not exchange currency at your hotel unless absolutely necessary. Banks give the official exchange rate. Check with your Peter’s Way Tours tour manager as to the location of the nearest bank and their business hours.

It is customary for restaurants abroad to include a service charge as a separate item on your check. Some state on their menu that service charges are included. An additional tip to the waiter of 5 - 10% is generally expected, depending on the quality of service.

Gratuities may not be included in your tour package. Please refer to the inclusions listed on your tour brochure. Although voluntary, gratuities are a supplemental income that the service industry relies on. For good work, we recommend $8.00 per person per day for your tour manager; $5.00 per person per day for your bus driver; $2.00 per person for a local guide when applicable. Tips for your tour manager and bus driver are normally given as a group at the end of the tour. Other gratuities are usually handled individually. All service charges and local taxes as imposed by hotels are included in the program rate. Although service charges at the hotels are included, it is customary to leave $1.00 per person for your waiter following dinner at the hotel and $1.00 per person per day for the maid or housekeeper. Local currency is preferred and your final travel document will have the suggested total amounts in local currency for you.

What to Pack for Your Pilgrimage or Choir Tour

We recommend that you pack light, bringing casual and comfortable clothes that can be layered. Layers of clothing will allow you to adapt to any weather changes that might occur during the day while touring. You will be doing a considerable amount of walking so be sure to bring comfortable walking shoes and a raincoat or umbrella in the event of rain. Weather information, including average temperatures for your destination and dates of travel, will be included in your final documents.

Dress casually. There may be only a few instances when you will want to be more formally dressed (e.g. concert performances, scheduled Mass, Papal Audience, and farewell dinners). When visiting churches, shorts and tank tops are not permitted, as knees and shoulders must be covered. Remember, most churches are not heated. While we enjoy the respite of these structures in the summer months, during the winter, it may be colder inside than outside. Please keep your season of travel in mind when packing.

Hotel accommodations used in our programs maintain private facilities in each room (unless stated otherwise). Shampoo, conditioner, soap, and towels are usually provided.

Traveling with Medications & Eyeglasses

Bring an adequate supply of all medication. Always keep medication in your carry-on bag, never in your checked luggage. It is no longer required to travel with your medications in their original prescription bottle. It is advised to carry a copy of all prescriptions for medication with you. Always carry notification of any allergies or medical problems and make sure a group member is aware in the event of an emergency.

If you are bringing a CPAP machine, syringes for medication, or other medical equipment, please contact the airline directly for proper travel instructions and necessary documentation.

If you wear eyeglasses or contact lenses, you may want to bring an extra pair or enough additional contact lenses in case of loss or damage. If you do not have an extra pair of eyeglasses, we recommend bringing a copy of your prescription in the event that you need to replace your eyeglasses.

Electronics, Phones & Staying Connected Abroad

Bring a universal travel adaptor for any electrical items you plan to use abroad, including phone and laptop chargers. Most destinations we visit use 220-volt current, so check that your devices are dual-voltage (most modern electronics are) before packing a separate converter.

Before departure, contact your mobile carrier about an international plan or a temporary eSIM, which many carriers now offer as a convenient and affordable alternative to a physical SIM card. We recommend installing WhatsApp (whatsapp.com) before you leave—it's free, works over Wi-Fi, and is the most widely used app for calls and messaging abroad. Most of our hotels provide Wi-Fi, making it easy to stay in touch with family and friends at no extra cost. Avoid using hotel room phones for international calls, as rates are typically very high.

Most smartphones handle international dialing automatically. If you need to dial manually, use the + symbol followed by the country code and local number (e.g., +1 for the U.S.). Save important contacts — including your Peter's Way tour manager — with their full international number before you depart.

Health, Dining & Staying Well on Tour

In the event that you begin to feel overtired or under the weather, do not hesitate to take time off. It is better to miss a day than the balance of the tour. If any problem arises, please inform your tour manager.

We recommend drinking bottled water. You will find it convenient to have a bottle with you while touring. Remember, walking makes you thirsty, and frequent drinking will help avoid dehydration. When ordering water in restaurants, if you would like tap water instead of bottled water, you must order it as such. Ice may not be available everywhere you travel.

Please keep in mind that the local diet may be different than you are used to. Participants should consider the traditional cuisine and plan for dietary supplements if necessary. If you have specific dietary needs, please notify us at least 2 weeks prior to departure so we can advise the airline, hotels, and restaurants.

Physical Requirements & Accessibility on Tour

Many cities in popular destinations have preserved their past by creating beautiful pedestrian promenades where there once were winding, narrow streets. This limits motorcoach access and involves a considerate amount of walking to see their main attractions. In addition, touring churches, museums, castles, and other historical sites frequently involves stairs. Some sites visited do not always accommodate wheelchairs. Walking is required for you to fully experience and appreciate the preservation and charm of the regions. Many of our tours are full walking tours (average 3-5 miles daily). Any person who cannot travel independently and who needs assistance with walking, dining, or personal needs must have a companion able to assist them.

Hotel Accommodations & Room Arrangements

The package price per person is based on two persons sharing twin bedded rooms with private facilities in hotels throughout the tour (unless stated otherwise). Double beds rooms for married couples are subject to availability and must be requested. Triple rooms may be available for family or friends traveling together. We discourage triple room accommodations because they are normally not spacious and there is no discount for triple occupancy. Triple rooms usually are regular twin or double bedded rooms with a rollaway bed added. Single rooms are limited but may be requested at time of booking for an additional charge as noted in the tour brochure. While single rooms provide privacy, they are often smaller than twin bedded rooms and may be located away from the group in some hotels. If you desire a roommate, we will make every effort to match you when we receive your application, but we do not guarantee a roommate can be matched. If a single room must be assigned due to your roommate's cancellation, incompatibility, or for any other reason (even at the last moment or while on tour), we must charge you the tour's single supplement or pro-rated amount.

Preparing for Your Destination

We suggest that you do some research concerning your destination. Research may help you plan some activities during leisure time and perhaps provide more detailed, advance knowledge that will enhance a guided sightseeing session.

In most cities, there should be no problem finding someone who speaks some English. However, it is recommended that you invest some time, prior to travel, mastering a few simple phrases for daily use to speak in the local language. Your sincere attempts at communicating in the native language will be much appreciated and reflect respect for the culture.

Customizing Your Itinerary & Travel Deviations

Peter’s Way Tours will be happy to assist you with travel arrangements for your deviation from the scheduled group air and/or land itinerary. Restrictions may apply depending on the airline. All deviations must be submitted in writing at least 100 days prior to departure (unless otherwise noted on your tour brochure). Additional fees will be determined by the changes requested.

Land Only Travel Packages

Land Only packages do not include any portion of the group airfare. This includes any flights booked within the group itinerary. All airline tickets will be your responsibility to book independently. A passenger choosing the Land Only portion of the package must notify Peter’s Way Tours, in writing, at least 100 days prior to departure (unless otherwise noted on your tour brochure) or a penalty fee will be assessed. Please be advised, passenger(s) opting for the Land Only package or who are deviating from the group itinerary will be responsible for their own transfers to/from the hotel/airport. However, if you arrive at the same time or earlier than your group, you are welcome to join the group on the bus. Additionally, if you purchase your own air transportation and the group does not materialize or you cancel your package for any reason, Peter’s Way Tours will not be held responsible for the cost of your airfare or other arrangements booked independently.

Travel Insurance for Pilgrimages & Choir Tours

It is strongly recommended that all participants purchase insurance when they travel, since the tour operator is not responsible for non-refundable payments, damaged luggage, or trip interruption. Peter’s Way Tours offers an optional travel insurance policy. These benefits and services help ensure the well-being of the passenger while traveling worldwide. The plan payments are based on total package price, including taxes, fuel surcharges, single supplements, deviation fees, etc.

The optional travel insurance policy includes coverage for the following: trip cancellation/interruption/delay, accident/sickness medical expense, emergency medical evacuation/repatriation, lost baggage/personal effects, accidental death & dismemberment, and 24-hour Emergency Travel Assistance Services. Upon claim approval, reimbursement is up to 100% of the non-refundable payments for your trip.

For complete details of coverage, terms, conditions, exclusions, and pre-existing conditions for this optional travel insurance policy, refer to the policy brochure that you will receive upon tour enrollment.