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Step 1 – Make sure your passport is up to date

Your passport’s expiration date must be at least six months after your return from your trip; if it is not, you must renew your passport. You will need a valid, up-to-date passport for each person in your party in order to accomplish the next two steps.

Step 2 – Check and complete your booking form

After you have confirmed your booking with Viking we will send you a pre-printed booking form. Please check this form carefully and complete the blank section. We use this information to create all your travel documents, airline reservations and so forth, and to make sure you receive the information and documents you need in a timely manner. Due to TSA airline security measures, your passport name must match your airline ticket name exactly, and you will need to provide your date of birth as well. Make sure to give us an emergency contact who will not be travelling with you, just in case.

Step 3 – Arrange for any needed visas

If you are travelling with us to China, Russia, or Vietnam and Cambodia, you will need a visa. You will need to have a valid passport as discussed above before you make these arrangements. As a service to guests, we are able to arrange visas through an independent third party (The Travel Visa Company). If you would like to take advantage of this service or you would like further information please call our payment and visa line on 0208 780 7900 and select option 2. You may wish to arrange your own visa(s) for more information please contact us directly.

Step 4 - Purchase travel insurance, if you haven’t already

Travel insurance can protect you from the unexpected if your holiday doesn’t quite go to plan. We strongly recommend you take out travel insurance; emergencies sometimes arise and you will want to protect your holiday and yourself while you’re away. Viking River Cruises has partnered with Holiday Extras* who will ensure that you are fully covered, just in case the unexpected happens. To learn more about Holiday Extras click here >

*Viking River Cruises UK Limited is not responsible for the content of external websites. Any contract for the purchase of goods and/or services offered by such external providers are with the relevant provider and the inclusion of a link should not be taken as an endorsement of that website or the products/services offered.

Step 5 – Consider a pre- or post-cruise land extension

Maximize your holiday and enjoy additional days to explore your river cruise embarkation or disembarkation city. A pre-extension is a great way to relax after a long flight and get accustomed to the time zone. Select your itinerary to see which pre- and/or post-trip destinations are available to you, or give us a call to learn more.

Step 6 – You have questions—we have answers!

We suggest you start by reading the FAQ, a compendium of questions asked by other travellers like you and our best answers to those questions. Check the On the Ship section to find out what your destination’s weather is like when you’ll be travelling, see packing tips, get lists of recommended reading material and much more.

Step 7 – Contact your airline directly about seat assignments and any special requests

If you have booked your air through Viking, you will receive your flight tickets 2-3 weeks before departure. If you would like to obtain or change seat assignments or have any other requests, you can call your airline—or, you may be able to manage many aspects of your air reservation online..

Step 8 – Check your travel documents carefully

About 2-3 weeks before your departure date, you will receive a packet containing tickets, vouchers and passenger ticket contracts. Please review all items carefully to make sure everything is correct and that you are clear on your departure date and time. If you have booked through your travel agent, he or she will receive this packet on your behalf.

Step 9 – Have a fabulous trip!

Relax and enjoy yourself on your once-in-a-lifetime Viking journey.