Because our customers reside all over the United States, flights are not included in website pricing. We can make separate flight arrangements for you.

Passports are required.

All passengers must carry a passport valid for 6 months beyond your return date.

Children traveling without both parents may need additional documents.

ETIAS In a nutshell

ETIAS travel authorisation is an entry requirement for visa-exempt nationals travelling to any of these 30 European countries. It is linked to a traveller’s passport. It is valid for up to three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. If you get a new passport, you need to get a new ETIAS travel authorisation.

With a valid ETIAS travel authorisation, you can enter the territory of these European countries as often as you want for short-term stays - normally for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. However, it does not guarantee entry. When you arrive, a border guard will ask to see your passport and other documents and verify that you meet the entry conditions.

ETIAS will start operations in the last quarter of 2026.

No action is required from travellers at this point.

The European Union will inform about the specific date for the start of ETIAS several months prior to its launch.

Applying for an ETIAS travel authorisation

You can fill in the application form using either this official ETIAS website or the ETIAS mobile application. Applying for the ETIAS travel authorisation costs EUR 20, though some travellers are exempt from paying this fee. Read more about what you need to apply and payment exemptions.

Processing your ETIAS application

Most applications are processed within minutes.

It is possible, however, that your application may take longer to process. If so, you will receive a decision within four days. Please note that this period could be extended by up to 14 days if you are requested to provide additional information or documentation, or up to 30 days if you are invited to an interview. This is why you should apply for an ETIAS travel authorisation well in advance of your planned journey.

Once you have applied

You will receive an email confirming the submission of your application, which will include your unique ETIAS application number: make sure you keep this number for future reference.

Once your application has been processed, you will receive another email informing you about its outcome.

When you get your ETIAS travel authorisation please make sure your name, passport number and other information is correct: if there is any mistake, you will not be allowed to cross the border. More information about what to do if you made a mistake in your application can be found here.

If your application is refused, the email will provide the reasons for this decision. It will also include information about how to appeal, details of the competent authority, as well as the relevant time limit to appeal.

Validity period of your ETIAS

Your ETIAS travel authorisation is valid for three years or until the travel document you used in your application expires - whichever comes first.

It is for short-term stays: a valid ETIAS travel authorisation entitles you to stay in the European countries requiring ETIAS for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.

Please note that if you are travelling to or from Cyprus, the duration of your stay there will be calculated separately and does not count towards the up to 90 days you are allowed to spend in the other European countries requiring ETIAS.

You must be in possession of a valid ETIAS travel authorisation during your entire stay in the European countries requiring ETIAS. You can leave and come back at any time, as long as you respect the time limits mentioned above.

On arrival at the border

As your ETIAS travel authorisation is linked to your travel document, make sure to carry the same document which you used in your ETIAS application. Otherwise, you will not be allowed to board your flight, bus or ship, or to enter any of the European country requiring ETIAS.

Having a valid ETIAS travel authorisation does not guarantee an automatic right of entry. When you arrive at the border, border guards will verify that you meet the entry conditions. Those travellers who do not meet the entry conditions will be refused entry.

More information about what to expect when crossing EU borders is available here.

Your ETIAS check-list

• Apply for an ETIAS travel authorisation well in advance – before you buy your ticket or book your accommodation

• Make sure your passport details correspond to those in your ETIAS authorisation – you will be refused boarding and entry at the border if they do not match

• Make sure your ETIAS travel authorisation is still valid

• Check how long you can stay in the European countries requiring ETIAS

• Make sure your passport is valid for three months after your intended departure from the European countries requiring ETIAS - you will be refused entry at the border if it is not (exceptions apply).

All meals are included except for breakfast on Day 1.

Cruise ship accommodations range from luxurious suites, exterior balcony cabins, French balcony cabins, to fixed window (does not open) cabins.

All accommodations have private baths.

Gratuities are not included.

Yes!

There are several ways you can customize the trip to suit your needs. You can add pre or post cruise extensions to take advantage of the holiday atmosphere.

Optional shore excursions will be available to enjoy tailored sightseeing to your tastes.

To maximize your beverage options—beyond the complimentary house beers, wines and soft drinks (available with onboard lunches and dinners), and all-day coffees and hot teas, upgrade to a beverage package.

Arrival and Departure Transfers per city are not included unless the international flights are booked with the cruise line and you arrive and depart on the starting and ending dates of the cruise.

If you book a pre or post cruise extension, transportation can be added.

AIRLINES and CHECKED LUGGAGE: Due to space limitations during your journey, we ask that you please limit your checked luggage to one average-size suitcase per person. Besides complying with the restriction noted above, you should also be sure to research and comply with all airline baggage restrictions relating to your flights to and from your journey.

Airlines have become much more strict in enforcing size and weight limits in recent years, and are free to revise luggage policies without notice. Researching and complying with airline luggage restrictions is the responsibility of the guest, and the tour company and travel agency cannot be held responsible for any costs or disruptions to travel caused by the failure to research and comply with airline policies.

PLEASE NOTE that if you are booked on a tour that includes on-tour flights, the checked luggage weight restrictions for these flights may be lower than the weight restrictions for your international flights.

Checked Luggage – General

Due to space restrictions, we ask that you please limit your checked luggage to one suitcase per person weighing no more than 50 pounds (23 kg) and with overall dimensions (length + width + height) not exceeding 62 inches (158 cm).

Besides complying with the restriction noted above, you should also be sure to research and comply with all airline baggage restrictions relating to your flights to and from your journey. Airlines have become much more strict in enforcing size and weight limits in recent years, and luggage exceeding airline standards for size or weight may result in expensive overage fees or other consequences.

Airlines are free to revise luggage policies without notice, and certain airlines have different baggage allowances for different classes of service. Researching and complying with airline luggage restrictions is the responsibility of the guest, and the tour company and travel agency cannot be held responsible for any costs or disruptions to travel caused by the failure to research and comply with airline policies.

Carry-on Luggage - General

Although oversize bags and wheeled, carry-on luggage are popular for airline travel, they are often not convenient or appropriate for motor coach travel or for many on-tour flights.

HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS

Please check with your health insurance provider to determine whether you are covered while traveling. If you will not be covered under your current policy, we strongly suggest that you arrange for adequate coverage while on vacation.

If you have a medical condition that might limit your participation in activities, please consult your physician for pre-departure health advice and notify us as soon as possible, if you have not already done so. You may not be allowed to participate in some activities.

Please Note: Destinations around the world have instituted new measures like testing requirements, health insurance coverage, or specific restrictions on travel. These guidelines are in addition to, and may go beyond, the tour company's requirements.

VACCINATIONS

For complete vaccination and inoculation information, contact your physician, the public health service in your area, or the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia. The Travelers' Health Section of the CDC operates a 24-hour "Travelers' Health Hotline" at 800-232-4636 (toll-free in the U.S.). You may also log on to the CDC website by clicking here.

SERVICE ANIMALS

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and similar laws in destinations where we operate, Viking allows service animals. Guests who request a service animal must provide appropriate documentation to support the request. Requests for pets or emotional support animals are denied, as per our policy. All service animals are reviewed according to ADA or applicable regulations, and only service animals that have the appropriate documentation for admittance into the countries on an itinerary are permitted on board our ships. We are aware of isolated instances of improper behavior from service animals in public areas on board our ships. We have updated our policies accordingly to ensure such incidents do not happen in the future.

MOBILITY

Viking River Cruises require guests to have a certain level of mobility to move around the ship unassisted in an emergency and navigate the physical challenges of shore excursions, which often involve significant walking over uneven ground and stairs. Guests with significant mobility issues must travel with an able-bodied companion, as crew are not permitted to lift guests or push wheelchairs.

Onboard Requirements

• Independent Mobility: Guests must be able to move around the ship independently in case of an emergency.

• Stairs and Thresholds: Most international river ships are multi-level with stairs, and elevators (if available) may not access all decks (e.g., the sun deck is often only accessible by stairs). There can also be significant thresholds between decks and cabin doors that are narrow.

• Companion Assistance: If you need assistance with daily living activities, or moving around the ship or during an emergency, you must travel with an able-bodied companion who can provide all necessary assistance. Viking staff are not permitted to lift guests or push wheelchairs.

• Mobility Aids: Guests must provide their own wheelchairs or walkers, which should not exceed 22 inches in width for standard staterooms. Motorized scooters are generally not suitable for international river cruises and cannot be accommodated due to space constraints and safety regulations.

• "Rafting" at Docks: Ships often dock side-by-side ("rafting"), requiring passengers to cross narrow, angled gangplanks and potentially traverse the top deck of an adjacent ship to get to the dock. This requires good balance and the ability to walk unassisted across these transitional areas.

Shore Excursion Requirements

• Walking and Standing: Standard shore excursions typically involve walking and standing for extended periods, sometimes at a brisk pace.

• Uneven Terrain: Excursions often take place in historic areas with cobblestone streets, uneven pavement, and many stairs, which can be challenging for those with mobility issues.

• Transportation Access: Accessing tour buses may require climbing steps.

• Physical Demands: Viking's tour descriptions will note a physical rating (e.g., "demanding"), which often indicates significant walking distances or challenging terrain.

Key Actions

• Consult a Physician: Viking may require a "Fit to Travel" form from a physician for guests with significant health concerns or disabilities.

• Contact Viking Directly: It is strongly recommended to advise Viking of any accessibility needs prior to booking to determine if reasonable accommodations are available for a specific ship and itinerary. You can call their experts at 1-877-668-4546 for detailed information and to obtain necessary forms.

• Plan Ahead: Guests with mobility concerns must plan carefully, as the nature of river cruising presents inherent physical challenges.

For a U.S. river cruise (such as on the Mississippi), the ships are built to ADA requirements, offering better accessibility with elevators accessing all decks. However, this does not apply to international itineraries

OTHER HEALTH CONCERNS SHOULD BE DISCUSSED WITH YOUR TRAVEL ADVISOR BEFORE MAKING ANY PAYMENTS, AS PAYMENTS MAY BE NON-REFUNDABLE.