Passports and Visas

206 Tours recommends that your PASSPORT is valid up to 6 months after your return flight.

If you have not yet obtained your passport, or just noticed that it will be valid 0 months after your return, URGENTLY contact your local passport office and apply for an expedited passport or passport renewal. A visa is not required for U.S. citizens to enter France, Netherlands & Belgium.

As of May 2025, Americans, Canadians, Australians will need to apply online for travel authorization for Europe.

• This applies to all travelers, and all ages.
• Fee approx. $9. Per Person
• The program is called ETIAS. Some refer to it as “visa for Europe “ it is not a traditional visa, but needs basic details about the traveler and their trip. • Approval will be sent by email within one (1) hour, but could be up to four (4) days.
• Once granted, it is valid for many trips over three (3) years or until passport expires
• The length of stay in Europe for US tourists (90 days within a 180-day period) remains unchanged.
• Our understanding is that the application will be simple and it must be done online.
• One must have an email address.
• The exact start date, or, when one will be able to apply is still unknown.
• This must be secured by the traveler directly with the EITAS Travel System without the involvement of 206 Tours

For those who hold a passport from a foreign country, please be advised that it is the passenger’s responsibility to reconfirm if any visas are required. Below please find embassy information on the country you will be visiting.

PLEASE NOTE: A valid passport is required, and it must be valid for at least 6 months after your return date. It is the traveler’s sole responsibility to obtain and have available when necessary the appropriate valid travel documents. All guests are advised to check with the appropriate government authority in each country visited to determine the necessary documents. At times, a hotel or cruise vessel may require you to hold your passport. When and if a visa or visa waiver is required, it is the passenger’s responsibility to obtain one. 206 Tours’ owner, agent, and employees cannot be held liable for clients not having proper passports, visa, visa waiver, or other travel documents. Cancellations due to a lack of appropriate documents will incur usual penalties. A passport card is not useful for international air travel. Attempting to use this instead of a passport book will result in a denial of boarding by the airlines and entry by the legal authorities.

Flight Changes/ Delays/ Cancellations: If your flight is experiencing a long delay, or a cancellation, do not panic, go to the airline customer service counter, or contact the airline, ask to be rebooked to another flight/airline, ask for meals or a hotel room.

Be Persistent. Speak with the kindest tone, but keep trying, do not just take “no” for an answer. Airlines will rebook you on the next flight to your final destination. Be Nice! Never yell or be rude to staff, as they are going through a lot and it is not their fault. You can take it out on CEO’s by writing a letter to particular airline’ customer service.

How early should I arrive at the airport?

• Domestic Travel: Arrive at least two (2) hours prior to flight
• International Travel: Arrive at least three (3) hours prior to flight

SCREENING & SECURITY VISITING LOURDES

Lourdes is a place of prayer, and peace, that welcomes pilgrims and visitors from all over the world. Security is a priority in accommodating everyone, as well as the Shrine itself, especially with the number of visitors continuing to increase each year. For that reason, the Sanctuary has decided to implement the following measures, to reaffirm their current rules of operation.

Sanctuary Hours: (no longer 24 Hours)
Gates will close at 12:30P
Saint Michael’s Gate: 6:00A – 12:30P
Saint Joseph’s Gate: 5:00A – 12:30P

Below please find a brief “walk through” of what your check-in experience at Airport is like, so you are informed and prepared. You may notice, throughout your time at the Sanctuary, uniformed and un-uniformed security personnel. Once you arrive at the Sanctuary, there will be a screening process for all. We will arrange for you to arrive at the entrance well in advance.

– Carry Bags are prohibited. Glass bottles, Knives, Scissors, sharp objects etc are strictly prohibited. Pilgrims carrying the following will be denied entry – so please leave them in your rooms.

– Plastic Bottles and Containers will be checked.

– Wheelchairs / Blue Carriages: Special access and attention will be granted upon arrival.

“See Something – Say Something”. Let us work together for the safety of our fellow pilgrims, and to ensure the continuation of Our Lady’s blessings, healings, and prayers to all!

Airline Connections

Where is my flight itinerary?
206 Tours provides you with your flight itinerary via email as well as printed in your final documents package. This itinerary shows the airline, flight number, departure and arrival times, and seat/meal information. It is recommended to keep the printed copy with you or download the itinerary to your smartphone for easy reference.

How are my flights arranged?
206 Tours books airline reservations in accordance with TSA rules, regulations & routings. We do our utmost to provide the most convenient flight schedule available. Pilgrims will be traveling independently on all flights.

Why does my plane reservation say one airline, but the plane reads another?
Many airlines participate in special agreements to share aircrafts. For example, your ticket may show United Airlines as your carrier even though you are actually seated on a Lufthansa plane. These are called “codeshare” flights, and if applicable it will be shown on your itinerary in the following way: “Flight operated by (airline).”

Who decides the connection time at airports?
The airlines determine the minimum connection time required to transfer from one gate to another for a connecting flight. 206 Tours does our best to provide ample connection time based on available flights and in accordance with our scheduled group transfers.

Flight Delays & Arrival Transfers

What if my flight is delayed or canceled?
If your flight is delayed or canceled, you must work DIRECTLY with the airline agents at the airport to arrange for alternate flights. Once you check-in for your flights, 206 Tours can no longer make any adjustments to your flight itinerary. After check-in, changes can only be made by the airlines.

In this scenario, please be persistent with the airline agent you are working with to rebook. Keep in mind that the situation is not the agent’s fault and try your best to remain calm and courteous to receive speedy assistance. Keep in mind that the airlines are not required to offer reimbursement for overnight stays when delays/cancellations occur due to weather. If you find that you are unable to receive adequate assistance from airline personnel, please contact the 206 Tours emergency line and we will do all we can to assist you remotely.

TIP: Once your airline has rebooked you, text/call your guide to advise them of your new arrival time so that transfer arrangements can be adjusted. Your guide’s phone number can be found in the digital confirmation email sent to you by your account manager.

What if I miss the group transfer upon arrival?
If you miss the group transfer to the hotel due to a flight delay, missed connection, or another reason, you may:

• Take a taxi to the hotel at your own expense.
• Contact your guide and ask for 206 Tours to arrange a private transfer at an additional cost. 

*Be sure to obtain a receipt of your transportation. Upon returning home, you may wish to seek reimbursement for the cost  if the reason for missing the transfer was due to airline problems.

What if I want to make a last-minute change to my ticket?
If you would like to make changes to your airline ticket once it has already been issued, you MUST work DIRECTLY with the airlines. You will incur additional costs (a minimum of $400 per person) for such changes.

Arrival Procedure

What do I do when my flight lands?
After deplaning, you will clear immigration and then proceed to baggage claim. Pay attention to the monitors above the conveyor belts in baggage claim. The conveyor that your bags will come out on will have monitors above it displaying your flight #. Once you collect your luggage, you will exit the baggage claim area through customs and into the arrivals hall/lounge. There, you will meet your guide/driver who will have a 206 Tours sign.

Look for the “206 Tours” Sign!
In the arrivals hall, you will be greeted by a 206 Tours representative holding a “206 Tours” sign. They will escort you to your hotel where you will check-in and have time to refresh before meeting the rest of the group later in the day.

TIP: If you do not see your guide/driver, look in that surrounding area (as they may have stepped back to assist another pilgrim). If you still cannot find them, contact your guide by utilizing the phone number provided in your final confirmation email.

How to Overcome Jet Lag

Traveling through time zones affects people differently. Some people get incredibly exhausted from the long flight and time change.  Here are some suggestions that may help you beat jet lag:

• Pack for your trip at least two days ahead of time.
• Make sure to go to bed early the night prior to travel.
• Hydrate! Drink more water than usual to avoid dehydration on the flight. Being seated for long periods of time can be very hard on the body and can cause poor circulation and bloating. Hydration is key to preventing this. 
• Try to sleep on the plane!
• Think in “Local Time” – reset your watch to the local time of your destination as soon as you board the flight. It may help to do this one day before travel, or even to slowly transition to local time a couple of days before travel if your schedule allows it.
• Stay busy – When you arrive at your destination, try to stay busy and go to bed at an appropriate time that night. Pacing is key!
• Eat fresh, healthy foods like vegetables, fruits, and protein to keep you alert. Heavy, greasy, or high-carb meals will make you more tired.
• Exercise – take a twenty-minute walk in the morning, stretch before getting on the plane, and get up and walk every now and then during the flight. Moving gets your blood flowing and allows your body to adjust to time changes easier. Make sure to keep moving when you get to your destination, as this will help you stay awake until nighttime. 
• On the day of return, get out of bed earlier than normal, hydrate, and try to get sleep on the flight home. Reset your watch and start thinking in the local time of your home.

Currency

The Euro (EUR) is the currency of France, If the pilgrims are bringing the cash, they should bring Euros.

The Euro (ILS) is the currency of Netherlands, though the US dollar is widely accepted.

The Euro (ILS) is the currency of Belgium, though the US dollar is widely accepted.

For most current exchange rates please visit www.xe.com. This website provides “pure” exchange rates. Pure rates do not include bank fees.

FreeCurrencyRates.com

Money

Bring small bills
Bring €20 cash in €1 or €2 Coins
Bring €50 cash in €5 Bills

For bathroom stops, to buy a candle, or to leave donations at churches. If you bring high denominations its hard to get change.

Where can I exchange money?

• Your Bank – Visit your bank before traveling for the best exchange rate
• Airports – there will be a convenience fee
• Major banks at the destination – there will be a small exchange fee
• ATM Machine – while in France, Netherlands & Belgium, an ATM machine is the most practical and cost-effective option. Utilizing your ATM card or debit card, you can also get cash advances on your credit card at an ATM, but there will be high fees.

How do ATM machines work in Europe?
ATM machines can be found at most bank branches, post offices, train stations, airports, shopping centers, etc. and are accessible 24 hours a day. Most banks charge a fee when you withdraw money, especially if it is from the network of another bank. You should ask your bank for information about where you can use your card and what fees are charged for withdrawing money. Most US banks apply a $2.00­-$5.00 international ATM fee in addition to the ATM’s fee. Your bank will utilize an exchange rate that is a couple percent above the “true” exchange rate. Be sure to find out your daily withdrawal limit before you depart. If you have any questions about your ATM card, check with your bank before your departure. Ensure you know how to contact them if you encounter problems using your card. Use your card before you leave home and again shortly after arrival, even if you do not need the money, solely to verify that everything works.

You can also get cash advances on your credit card at an ATM. Credit card companies try to protect themselves from theft by limiting the funds someone can withdraw outside their home country, so call your credit card company before you leave home. Keep in mind that you’ll pay interest from the moment of your withdrawal, even if you pay your monthly bills on time.

Can I use my credit card in France, Netherlands & Belgium?
Yes! We highly recommend using your credit card as it offers convenience, reasonable exchange rates, and security (you can cancel them if they are lost!). Visa and Mastercard are the best options, as they are accepted in most stores and restaurants. American Express and Discover are not widely accepted in Europe. Your guide can also advise you where the ATM machines with the lowest fees are located. Keep in mind that certain purchases (such as in Church gift shops, tipping on your own at restaurants, etc.) require cash.

IMPORTANT: Before you leave, inform your bank and credit card companies that you will be traveling in France, Netherlands & Belgium so that they do not flag, block, or suspend your account due to international transactions.

NOTE: For increased security, European banks now issue debit and credit cards that carry an embedded chip. As a part of their anti-fraud measures, you are seldom asked to give a store/restaurant employee your card for them to swipe. Instead, if you are at a restaurant on your own, your waiter will bring a portable card reader to your table with the amount of your bill already entered. You cannot add a tip to the total, so leave a small tip in cash instead. Your card is swiped, and you will be asked to OK the total and enter a PIN. The PIN for this is not the cash back PIN. If you have an older US credit/debit card without a chip, you may not have a PIN. In the case that you do not have a PIN or forget it, just hit the OK again with no PIN entered. It usually works.

How much money should I bring?
This is totally subjective based on how much you’d like to spend on souvenirs and on the meals not included. Refer to the itinerary for your particular pilgrimage and budget how much money you would like to spend on these two things. Keep in mind how many meals you will be responsible for, and how much room you have in your luggage for souvenirs. Then utilize the exchange rate calculator above. We generally recommend you bring at least 100 EUR per person (keep 50 EUR with you and 50 EUR in your checked bag).

TIP: Get your Euros in small bills, as it is harder to get change at churches and convenience stores if you pay in large bills.

How does tipping work?
Tips are an important part of earnings for your guides and bus drivers. While tips for provided meals, local guides, porters, etc. are included, tips to your 206 Tours guide and driver are not. Tips to your guide and driver are up to your discretion. Please use the tip envelopes provided with your travel documents.

When do I give the guide/driver their tip envelopes?
We suggest you tip the tour guide and bus driver the day prior to your return. We provide labeled tip envelopes within your final documents package.

How much should I give?
Tip according to your discretion and satisfaction level. Tipping in local currency is preferred. We recommend an amount per person/per day below.

Do I tip the spiritual director?
This is not required, but some pilgrims choose to give a small gift or donation.

Tips

Although you should tip according to your satisfaction level, the following amounts are recommended. The tip envelopes are included in your final documents package.

Tipping in France, Netherlands & Belgium:
Almost all restaurants include tax and a 15% service charge (service compris) in their prices. If a meal or service has been particularly good, leaving another euro (or 2) is customary, as is leaving the waiter the small change from your bill if you pay in cash. If a service charge is not included, a 10-15% tip is appropriate. You do not have to worry about this for included meals on your pilgrimage, but it is good to know for when you eat on your own.

In hotels, tips to the porters and chambermaids are included. If you are using a taxi on your own, drivers should be given a tip of 10-15% of the metered fare.

If your group has completely free days and the guide only sees you for a couple of hours or during dinner time, it is really up to you what you want to tip them. Normally most clients calculate a total amount of tips for the guide and driver for total days serviced. Keep in mind that when the tour guide works less hours one day, it normally compensates for the days with longer hours.

U.S. Customs

U.S. citizens who have been to Europe for more than two days may return to the United States with up to $800 worth of merchandise duty-free. For those who wish to bring more home with them, a flat rate of 3% duty is levied on the next $1,000 worth of purchases. It’s a good idea to retain the receipts from your purchases should they be requested by a customs inspector upon your return to the United States. For more details please visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel.

Value Added Tax (VAT) Refund

There is a 20, 21 & 21% value added tax on most goods and services in France, Netherlands & Belgium. At retail stores, this tax is always already included in the price. Upon making a purchase of 100 EUR, € 50 & 125.01 EUR or more at a gift store that has an agreement with the VAT authorities, you should acquire a refund document at the store and have it stamped. This refund offered to non-European citizens is called détaxe.You will be eligible, upon presenting the form and the item at the airport, for a 20, 21 & 21% refund at the airport prior to departure. You must be over 18 years old and you must present a passport to receive the refund. You never really get the full 20, 21 & 21% back, but you can come close.Tourist services (such as hotel accommodations and meals taken in hotels) paid with foreign currency are exempt from VAT tax.

How to Get Your VAT Refund:

After you spend the required minimum amount of 100 EUR, € 50 & 125.01 EUR at a participating retailer, ask for your détaxe papers. If you’re considering a major purchase, ask the store policy before you get too involved or be willing to waive your right to the refund. Fill out the forms before you arrive at the airport for departure to the U.S. All refunds are processed at the final point of departure from the E.U., so if you’re going to another E.U. country, you don’t apply for the refund in France, Netherlands & Belgium. Be sure to have the forms stamped at the airport customs desks. The customs official may ask to see your purchases, so it’s best to pack them in your carry­-on bag. Mail the stamped forms at the airport (the store provides an envelope) and the refund process has begun. Find additional information on the VAT refund in France, Netherlands & Belgium here.

TIP: Mark the paperwork to request that your refund be applied to your credit card, so you aren’t stuck with a check in Euros. Even if you made the purchase in cash, you can still get the refund on a credit card. This ensures the best rate of exchange. You can get cash in some airports, but if you don’t take the cash in Euros, you’ll lose money on the transaction.

What to Pack

The attire during the course of your journey should be conservative and comfortable. When packing for your upcoming pilgrimage, keep in mind that your knees and shoulders should be covered upon entering holy sites. Your clothing should not be revealing. This is out of respect for the local norms and customs as well as for the other pilgrims. We recommend that female pilgrims carry a shall or sarong in their backpack so that they can cover their shoulders when entering a church or a holy site. You can also wrap it around your waste to cover your legs for the more strict religious sites. For men, shorts that can be transformed by zippers into trousers may be convenient.

Suggested Clothing:

• For Winter, early Spring, and late Fall: be sure to back a warm jacket, a hat, scarf and gloves. Just in case.
• For Summer, late Spring, and early Fall: Bring a sunhat and plenty of loose-fitting clothing.
• Bottoms: comfortable pants or skirts no shorter than knee-length
• Tops: long or short sleeve tees, blouses, button-downs, polos, or sweaters that are seasonally appropriate. Shoulders should be covered for both men and women.
• Layers: undershirts, light sweaters, or cardigans are great for layering in the cooler mornings and evenings, even in the Summer.
• Jacket: a weatherproof rain jacket or all-weather jacket is great to have.
• Socks, undergarments, pajamas, belt, hat, scarf (large light fabric scarf if needed to cover shoulders), sunglasses, etc.
• Accessories: wallet, purse, etc.
• Mid-summer advice: carry a small bottle of water in your hand luggage, and make sure to drink more water than usual, as you will be outside and walking a lot. Avoid eating too much ice-cream and reduce the amount of ice in drinks.
• A small battery-operated fan may be useful in warm weather.

TIP: Count the number of days you are traveling. You can always wear pants or shirts twice.

Don’t forget your most comfortable shoes. This is the most important clothing item to pack. Your feet will thank you!

Wheelchair Assistance (Within Airports)
During registration pilgrims are offered several options for wheelchair assistance, including gate-to-gate assistance or all the way through to the seat. If you’ve made a wheelchair request, 206 Tours will secure this service for you and it will be included in your airline documents. An airport representative will meet you at the check-in desk to assist you.

Terrain in France, Netherlands & Belgium

Europe has a lot of split levels and uneven ground. Please watch your step! Due to the structure of old buildings, access to some establishments may not be convenient for wheelchair use, and facilities for the disabled in general may be limited. Many areas are pedestrian only and have cobblestones. High­heeled shoes are not suitable for cobblestone streets; rubber­soled walking shoes are recommended. Many streets in Europe are narrow, and due to strict traffic regulations, the buses are not always permitted to drop groups off directly in front of their destination. Please be prepared to walk.

What should I wear on the plane?
Wear loose-fitting clothing on the day of your flight to ensure comfort and to make it easier to sleep on the plane. You may want to pack a pair of slippers in your carry-on or wear slip-off shoes. If not, make sure your shoes are lace-up or flexible, as foot swelling is common on long flights.

Shopping

Will there be time to shop?
Yes, limited time has been set aside during your pilgrimage for shopping! Stores are open daily Monday to Saturday. (Some souvenir shops open on Sunday but just souvenir shops). Ask your tour escort where you are able to purchase regional specialty products which the countries/cities in your itinerary are known for. Small, light items that you can easily carry home make splendid and festive gifts. Don’t forget to buy something nice for yourself too. There will be shops for you to purchase walking and hiking gear. Whenever traveling abroad, be aware of your personal belongings when shopping in crowded areas. If you purchase a video or DVD, please check very carefully that it is compatible with your home viewing system. Sales tax or VAT (value added tax) is already included on price tags.

TIP: When shopping, use your credit card. That will secure your product, and if anything goes wrong you can claim it accordingly.

Gift shops at a shrine/church/basilica: cash only
Some holy sites have small gift shops run by clergy. At these shops, all proceeds are donated to the upkeep of the site. Often credit cards are not accepted. For these reasons, be sure to have cash on hand.

What if I purchase something that is big/heavy/fragile?
Arrangements can be made at the shop or hotel to have items shipped to your home.

What should I avoid when shopping abroad?
High-traffic areas, especially known tourist attractions, can be common places for pickpockets. Always be aware of your personal belongings when shopping in crowded areas. Try not to take out your money/credit cards in public areas, except at the time of making a purchase.

Hotels Accommodations

What type of hotels are we staying in?
206 Tours uses first-class four-star hotels throughout all of our pilgrimages. These hotels have all of the amenities you have at home. Hotel rooms abroad may be smaller than typical American hotel rooms. Many hotels use key cards to operate the room’s lighting, electricity, and/or elevator. Fixtures in the bathrooms and bedrooms are not standardized, so you may have to search for a light switch or outlet. All rooms are equipped with a private bathroom, mini-bar items, and access to paid TV channels at your own expense. While most hotels do offer a hair dryer in the bathroom as well as basic toiletries, we strongly recommend that you bring an adequate supply with you and any items you consider necessary. Rooms will have large towels and hand towels. It is not customary for hotels to provide washcloths. Please note that some hotels have elevated showers/tubs. To get inside, you will have to step up or down about two (2) feet. Be very careful as the floor and tub can be slippery.

King-size beds are rare abroad, therefore, couples should anticipate queen-size beds in most hotels. Single travelers sharing a room will have two (2) twin beds in their hotel room.

Please note that while we do request non-smoking rooms for our clients, hotels are less stringent about enforcing these rules outside of the USA.

TIP: Feel free to look at the websites of the hotels listed on our website and in your digital confirmation email. There you can view pictures, videos, and details about the properties.

Can we bring laptops / iPads?
Feel free to bring them with you as all of the hotels have complimentary WiFi available. However, we advise that you refrain from doing work on your pilgrimage as much as possible, as your days will be very busy and you will need your sleep at night. We hope you take advantage of the opportunity to disconnect and focus on growing in your faith.

Useful travel links:

Airline Tracker: www.flightarrivals.com
Currency Converter: www.xe.com
Department of Homeland Security: www.dhs.gov
Embassies: www.usembassy.gov
International Health Information: www.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/list
Language Translation: translate.google.com
Physical Disabilities Information: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/travelers-with-special-considerations/traveling-with-disabilties.html
Smart Traveler Enrollment Program: step.state.gov/step
Time Around the World: www.time.gov
Transportation Security Administration: www.tsa.gov
Trusted Traveler www.cbp.gov/travel/trusted-traveler-programs
US Customs: cbp.gov
US State Department Travel Warnings: www.travel.state.gov