Before you travel

Check-in / Security Deposits / Damage

All customers have to pay a security deposit on their villa booking. As part of your online check-in process, you are required to submit travel documentation and pre-authorise a security deposit payment, 4 days prior to your arrival. The amount can be viewed under the 'House Rules' section on your chosen villa page. Villa access information and any driving directions will become available in the online 'Manage my Booking' portal, MyVillaPlus, prior to your departure, once passport information has been completed for all guests. If you fail to submit your travel documentation or decline to pay the security deposit required, you will not be able to access the villa, and no refund will be issued. We reserve the right to charge your party an appropriate fee during your stay, for any costs resulting from excess damage or which causes villa owners or Agents' housekeeping teams extra cleaning work.  

We understand that accidents happen on occasion, please remember that should you have any accidental breakages at your villa it must be reported to our local Villa Representatives or the local resort office team promptly. They are there to help and you can contact one of our Villa Representatives on their mobile telephone via your mobile, WhatsApp, email to the local resort office, or from a pay-phone/restaurant.

Assuming you leave the villa in good condition and no damage has been found, Villa Plus will release the pre-authorisation of any security deposit paid within 28 days of your departure from the villa.

In some instances, villa owners may ask us to take an additional security risk deposit on their behalf, which must be paid on request, prior to your travel arrival date.  A member of our UK Travel Team will contact the lead customer if this charge applies to your booking to advise the process and facilitate payment.  this charge will be determined by the number of bedrooms and the overall cost of the property being booked., at a minimum cost of £200.00 GBP per bedroom. Payments can only be made with a credit card. Assuming the villa is found to be in good condition, with no issues identified during your stay, our Travel Team will refund any additional security risk deposit within 31 days.  

Credit / debit card payments

Online payments can only be made by our stated credit / debit cards , debit cards – there is no charge. Please note that payment for Risk / Security deposits can only be made by credit card.

Car Hire

We have classified our villas as Car Not Required, Car Optional, and Car Recommended, considering factors such as distances to restaurants and shops, steepness of hills and access to public transportation. We also provide detailed – interactive - maps with distances to nearby amenities on the individual villa page.

Car hire can be booked via the MyVillaPlus portal, after making your villa booking*. It is not always essential to hire a car with our villas, but it is a great asset – use the location information on the individual villa page to help you make an informed choice. We are able to offer special contract rates, which must be pre-booked in the U.K. To assist you in deciding if you need to rent a car on your holiday, we have categorised each villa as follows:

• Car not required - No car, no problem! Enjoy leisurely strolls from the villa to a variety of restaurants, bars and shops and if there's a beach nearby, it's within walking distance too. All the essentials for an enticing villa stay are right at your doorstep.
• Car optional – Car keys at hand or within a 30 minute stroll? Explore charming restaurants, shops and maybe even a sun-drenched beach or unique sights, close to the villa. When you're ready to venture out, you have flexible options - choose from local taxis, public transport, or hire a car if you prefer!
• Car recommended - 'We recommend you hire a car to make the most of your villa stay. The villa location has limited access to public transportation, with most restaurants, bars, shops and attractions, best reached by car. With your own transport, you have the freedom to explore historical monuments, scenic beaches or other adventurous sights, unique to the area.

 *Please note that all car hire is on request until confirmed with the supplier. All car hire can be added up to 7 days prior to departure. 

Insurance for your hire car

Your vehicle comes with sufficient insurance cover for you to drive away. Please note, upon collecting your vehicle you will have to sign a rental agreement with the supplier at which time you must leave a credit card imprint. The supplier will generally hold an amount on the credit card until you return the car. The agreement that you must sign will specify that you are responsible for certain failures/damage on the vehicle including (but not limited to) windscreen, tyres, wheels, sump, clutch and the underside of the vehicle. This is not covered by your CDW cover and neither are accidents where the rental company believes you were negligent. Any additional or newly imposed Government Taxes or charges are not included in your arrangements with Villa Plus and are payable locally. The supplier will usually offer you additional, optional, cover for increased peace of mind if you don’t already have your own private insurance cover, or an excess reduction policy.

It is important to note that any additional cover taken out locally is strictly optional and represents a private arrangement which is not part of your Villa Plus booking. DO NOT sign the rental agreement offered to you on collection of the vehicle unless you have read, understood and agreed to all the charges shown on the documentation (printed or electronic). Once this agreement has been signed, we are unable to obtain any refunds from the supplier for any unwanted optional extras. 

Rental period

Vehicles are rented in periods of 24 hours from the time of collection and not by calendar date. Your rental agreement will show the time that you will need to return the vehicle at the end of your holiday. Please note that if you return the vehicle after that time, you will be liable for a late return fee which is typically one full day’s rental at the supplier’s local rate (not the special rate negotiated by Villa Plus) plus an admin fee. Make sure your rental booking covers sufficient hours to avoid these charges – you may wish to consider booking an extra day at the end of your stay if your homeward flight is significantly later than your arrival in resort. 

Who can drive?

Your vehicle will be booked in the name of the lead passenger. If the lead passenger is not going to drive the vehicle, please discuss this with us in advance so that we can advise the supplier otherwise the lead name on the booking will be considered as the lead driver. In most cases a second driver is included free of charge but the person in whose name the booking is made must also have a valid driving licence. Conditions, as set out under the individual destination car hire pages relating to the eligible age of drivers, will apply. 

Vehicle model

Each rental group includes a range of different makes and models. Vehicles are booked by group type and not specific vehicles. The vehicle models shown on our (or the supplier’s) website are for indication only. Rental companies in different locations may have different makes and models available and we cannot guarantee a specific vehicle will be provided.

Please note that although the alternative vehicle will be from the same rental group it may, in some cases, be smaller than the one pictured on the website. We reserve the right to substitute any vehicle for a similar or superior group if the booked vehicle is not available at the time of collection.

If at the time of booking you are told the car group selected is on a ‘request basis only’ this means that we are unable to confirm availability of the requested group until we have contacted our local supplier. If our local supplier is unable to provide this car group, we will then offer an alternative car group at the best price available. You will then be able to either accept the alternative car hire element of your booking or decline and make your own car hire arrangements. N.B. If it transpires that the ‘on request’ car hire group is not available it will NOT be possible to then cancel the other elements of your CONFIRMED Villa Plus Holiday arrangements without incurring our published cancellation charges. 

Fuel policy

The vehicle will generally be provided with a full tank of fuel, please check your fuel gauge when collecting the vehicle. You will be expected to return it in the same condition. You may be charged a deposit for fuel which will be refunded providing the vehicle is returned with a full tank. You must confirm with the rental company that this will be done when you return the vehicle as it will not be possible to ask for this later.

Some companies offer a ‘fuel up front’ option whereby you pay in advance for a full tank of fuel and can then return the vehicle with any amount of fuel. This payment will only be returned if the tank is full at the end of the rental. Anything less than a full tank will incur the full charge and no partial refunds will be given. 

Car Hire & Driver’s own car - Traffic offences

You are responsible for any fines payable should your vehicle receive a parking/speeding ticket or contravene any traffic regulation while in your possession. Rental companies are obliged to provide details of the driver to the police if required and you will be required to pay any resulting fines or handling charges directly. Villa Plus is unable to intervene in such circumstances. 

Amendments to car-hire bookings

It is important that you check the details of your car rental ( particularly the drivers' names and booking dates ) are correct prior to confirming the booking as it is subject to the specific Terms and Conditions of the Third Party Supplier which may differ from Villa Plus. Changes made after confirmation may be subject to amendment fees which might, in some instances, incur 100% cancellation charges.

 *******

Foreign Office Travel Advice ( for UK residents )

For more information about your chosen destination and the latest travel advice we recommend that you refer to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) website.  For information on local laws, passports, VISA information and your holiday destination in general, then visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice 

Local Taxes and Charges

Any new or additional local government taxes or charges at your destination are not included in your booking with Villa Plus. These will either need to be paid locally or through our "Manage Your Booking" online portal, MyVillaPlus. This applies to destinations including Greece, Portugal, the Balearic Islands, Madeira, and Sicily. The total amount will be due when you complete the online check-in process, prior to departure.

Passport and Visas

It is your responsibility to check and fulfil the passport, visa, health and immigration requirements applicable to your itinerary and your country of residency or departure. We can only provide general information about this (please also read the 'Before I book ' section.) You must check requirements for your own specific circumstances with the relevant Country Embassies and/or Consulates and your own GP, as applicable. Requirements do change and you must check the up to date position in good time before departure.

• If you have a UK passport, please use the web link below to check your current passport validity dates for travel to Europe: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/be-travel-aware
• For passport applications or renewals, please go to: https://www.gov.uk/apply-renew-passport
• For more information about your chosen destination and latest travel advice we recommend that you refer to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office ( FCDO ) at www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice British Citizens holding a full British Passport currently do not need a visa to enter EU member states, although this is likely to change in 2025, with the introduction of ETIAS. The European Commission has confirmed that British residents are likely to need a visa to travel throughout Europe, which is anticipated to start during 2025, when the proposed Visa will be introduced, if travelling to certain countries. This is called a European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) costing around 7 Euros. Further information can be viewed on this link: https://www.etiasvisa.com/etias-news/how-will-the-etias-system-work. If in doubt as to whether you need a visa, please contact the relevant Consulates on the below details:   Portuguese Consulate General: 020 7291 3770 // Spanish consulate visa information: 09065 508970 // Greek consulate visa information: 09065 508983  // French consulate visa information: 0207 605 6740. Italy’s visa application centre: 0871 376 0023 and the consular section of Cyprus High Commission is: 0207 629 5350. Some visas can take up to 4 weeks or longer to issue, so please ensure you allow plenty of time before your planned travel date to apply. Unless already on a parent's passport, children/ infants will need their own passport. Anyone 16 or over on their return date must have their own passport. Anyone aged under 18 must be travelling with an adult aged 18 or over and/or provide information as required by the local authorities. Villa Plus accepts no responsibility for any clients refused entry to their destination due to incorrect documentation. ( Please refer to our Booking Conditions. )
• New EES ( Entry Exit System ) border entry system - scheduled for 2025  The new EES system is likely to be implemented in late 2025. Once we have a confirmed date, we will update further. This scheme will mean all non-EU travellers entering or leaving EU or Schengen zones will be subject to fingerprint and facial scanning, registering them on an EU members state database, the first time they enter an EU zone country.  Subsequent trips should then result in faster processing times. 

Special needs and mobility requirements

Our villas may not be ideally suited for clients with limited mobility although some are more suitable than others. If you have a disability, mobility or other medical considerations and have specific questions before booking with us, we must be pre-advised by writing to us ( preferably by email ) or calling our UK Travel Team. When making a booking, if you think any member of your party may have mobility considerations, please ensure that you have selected the 'villa suitability check' option during the booking process and one of our Travel Team will contact you to discuss further. We are unable to take any responsibility for the lack of suitable facilities without being made aware of your considerations. To help us help you, please ask for a copy of our Checklist for Disabled or less mobile clients. (See also clauses 14/15 of our booking conditions). 

Villa Occupancy

All party names staying in the villa overnight during the villa rental period must be stated in the LAR request information requested before departure. The number of people staying overnight at the villa must not exceed the maximum occupancy number as shown on our website. Whilst day visitors are permitted ( limited to no more than 2 additional persons ) Villa Plus will ask any additional persons not listed in the LAR / Passport information, to leave the villa in a case of non-compliance. No overnight guests are permitted.

General European Travel Advice ( Driving & Green cards / Travel Insurance / EHIC cards / Mobile phone fees / Passports & visas / Local taxes & charges )

 What should I expect, travelling in Europe ?

We have prepared our information below, based on the destinations / countries which we feature in our programme. If you're travelling to, or through, any other European countries, please check the UK Gov.uk website for full details.

Can I use my UK Driving Licence in Europe ?

From the 1st January 2021, UK drivers won't need an International Driving Permit / IDP to drive in the EU, but must carry their photocard driving licence* and car insurance details with them, plus any medical documents if these are required as a condition of driving. IDP permits are available from UK Post Offices at a cost of £5.50 - drivers must be 18+, residents of the UK or Northern Ireland and hold a full UK driving licence.*You might need an IDP to drive in some EU countries ( Cyprus, France, Italy and Norway ) if you have a paper driving licence or a licence that was issued in Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man.  The Gov.uk website gives full guidance details: EU Driving: Read More IDP's: Read More

Will I also need a Green Card to drive in the EU?

You won't need a Green Card if you're hiring a car in the EU, as the Car Hire supplier's insurance will cover you. If you are taking your own car to Europe, you will need a GB sticker or a UK sticker to drive your car outside the UK. From 28 September 2021, UK stickers will replace GB stickers. if you are driving outside the UK before, on, or after 28th September 2021, please check the UK Government website for further details: https://www.gov.uk/displaying-number-plates/flags-symbols-and-identifiers

How do i use EHIC / GHIC cards in Europe / Travel Insurance?

From the 1st January 2021, UK registered EHIC cards will remain valid for use within the EU, until their expiry date. The UK Government introduced the free GHIC ( Global Health Insurance card ) on the 11th January 2021 and UK residents can apply for a new card, or when their existing EHIC card has expired. These cards offer equivalent protection for emergency and medically necessary healthcare needs when travelling within the EU on a temporary stay, which includes holiday, study and business travel.  Applications for the GHIC card should be made at least 3 weeks before the date of travel via the Gov.uk site on: https://www.ghic.org.uk/Internet/startApplication.do All British residents travelling to Europe should ensure that they have taken out a suitable travel insurance policy for their requirements, especially if they have specific medical considerations, as some health-related costs may not be covered such as non-urgent treatments, ongoing medical treatment or medical repatriation.

Are European flights operating normal schedules ?

It is recommended that travellers check for flight time updates prior to their departure travel date. Please note that any flight information shown is via a 3rd party.  Villa Plus does not sell flights or package bookings.

What about Mobile phone roaming charges?

UK residents previously benefited from fixed rates for call, text and internet usage whilst within the EU prior to Brexit, capped at 50 Euros. Whilst some providers have advised they will continue to offer competitive rates and cost transparency, we recommend that you check with your provider regarding any fee changes to their charges for using these services. The UK Government has introduced some legislation to safeguard charges to users:  A £45-a-month limit on the amount that customers could be charged for using mobile data abroad before having to opt into further use.  Requirements for customers to be informed when they have reached 80% and 100% of their data allowance. This information was updated March 2023

Do I need to renew my Passport / obtain a Visa after Brexit?

The UK Government recommends that all British Residents check the expiry date on their passport, as travellers must ensure that it is valid for the duration of their planned trip: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/be-travel-awareRenew my passport: Read more:  These rules will apply to all EU countries within the Schengen area. For countries outside the Schengen area ( Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus and Romania ) there may be some different entry requirements. From the 1st January 2021, all travellers with short stays of 90 days or under, will require a current passport that is under 10 years old, with at least 6 months validity from the issue date, before the duration of travel. Border Control staff may require travellers to show return flight tickets and confirmation that they have sufficient funds available for the duration of their stay. Further information can be found on the Gov.Uk website: Read more The European Commission has confirmed that British residents are likely to need a visa to travel throughout Europe after Brexit, which is anticipated to start late 2022, when the proposed Visa may be introduced, if travelling to certain countries. This is called a European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) costing around 7 Euros. Further information can be viewed on this link: https://www.etiasvisa.com/etias-news/how-will-the-etias-system-work. We will continue to update our information as changes are published. New EES ( Entry Exit System ) border entry system - scheduled for 2025 The new EES system, which was due to go live on 6th November 2024, has been temporarily postponed and is now likely to be implemented in 2025. Once we have a confirmed date, we will update further. This scheme will mean all non-EU travellers entering or leaving EU or Schengen zones will be subject to fingerprint and facial scanning, registering them on an EU members state database, the first time they enter an EU zone country.  Subsequent trips should then result in faster processing times.   Updated 22 October 2024

Local Taxes and Charges

Any local destination sustainability or tourist taxes / charges are not included in your accommodation holiday price and will be payable separately, via our " Manage your booking " online portal called ' MyVillaPlus '. Local taxes for Greece, the Algarve and the Balearics will be payable when you complete the online check-in process, prior to departure.