Tripate Shipping Policy

Introduction

This Shipping Policy outlines how Tripate (Taabow Travels Private Limited) handles the delivery of physical documents to customers. Our travel and visa services are primarily digital; however, in certain cases (such as visa processing that requires original passport submission) we will ship documents by courier. This policy is designed to protect our company’s legal interests while ensuring transparency for our customers, in line with industry standards and Indian law.

Digital vs. Physical Deliveries

• Digital Deliveries: Most of our services – including e-visas, tour bookings, and travel confirmations – are delivered electronically via our website or email. No physical shipment is needed for these, and customers can access digital visas and tour vouchers online using their Tripate account.

• Physical Document Shipments: For certain visa applications, customers must send us their physical passport. In such cases, we will courier the passport (with visa) back to the customer after processing. We may also ship other travel documents or kits if specified, but generally physical shipping is limited to original documents like passports. All physical shipments are handled through reputable courier partners as described below.

Courier Partners and Tracking

We utilize trusted third-party courier services for document shipments, such as Blue Dart, DTDC, Professional Couriers, India Post, or similar providers. Our team will choose an appropriate delivery partner based on the destination and urgency. All shipments are sent via secure, traceable delivery methods for safety. Once your documents are dispatched, we will provide you with the courier name and tracking number (via email or update in your Tripate account). Customers can use this tracking information to monitor the shipment status in real time. Industry experts recommend using secure and trackable courier services for important documents, and we adhere to this best practice. Please note that by using third-party couriers, the delivery is subject to the terms and conditions of those courier companies.

Shipping Charges

Any courier or logistics fees for shipping physical documents will be communicated to you in advance. In many cases, visa processing packages will list the courier fee separately, or we will invoice it before dispatching your documents. Customers are responsible for all such shipping charges, unless explicitly stated as included in a service package. These fees cover the cost of secure packing, handling, and courier transit. Once the shipping service has been provided (i.e. your passport/documents have been dispatched), the shipping fee is non-refundable, even if there are delivery delays or if a visa application is later canceled. This policy is consistent with standard practice that logistics fees paid to third parties cannot be recovered once the service is initiated. If a shipment needs to be re-sent due to an error in address or delivery failure, additional courier charges may apply for the re-delivery (see “Address Accuracy” below).

Dispatch Timeframes

We understand that timely delivery of your documents (especially passports with visas) is critical. Tripate aims to dispatch passports and other physical documents within 1–2 business days after the visa is issued or the document is ready. We will notify you by email once your documents are shipped. Typical transit times for courier delivery within India range from 2 to 7 working days, depending on the destination. Metro city addresses usually receive faster delivery (often 1-3 days), whereas more remote areas or addresses outside India (if applicable) may take longer. Please be aware that delivery timelines are estimates, not guarantees. While we strive to meet estimated dates, actual delivery can vary due to courier operational factors and external conditions. Tripate shall not be liable for any delays by the courier service, as detailed in the section on delays below. We recommend that customers factor in a buffer period for transit when planning time-sensitive travel. If you require urgent delivery or special handling (e.g. holiday or weekend delivery), please inform us – we will coordinate with the courier if possible, and additional charges may apply for premium services.

Address Accuracy and Recipient Availability

Customers must provide a complete and accurate shipping address for document delivery. This includes the full address, PIN code, and an active phone number of the recipient. We will ship the documents to the exact address provided by the customer at the time of booking or visa application. Tripate is not responsible for delays or failures in delivery if the address given is incorrect, incomplete, or if the recipient is unavailable to receive the package. Please double-check your address details to avoid misrouting.

• If an address is incomplete or incorrect: The shipment may be delayed, returned, or even delivered to a wrong location. We do not take responsibility for such errors on the customer’s part. Any re-delivery due to address errors will incur extra shipping fees and extended timelines.

• Recipient not available: Our courier partners typically require a signature or ID verification upon delivery, especially for important documents like passports, to ensure it reaches the right hands. If no authorized person is available at your address to receive the package, the courier may attempt re-delivery or hold the package at their local office for pickup. It is the customer’s responsibility to be available or make arrangements to receive the shipment on the expected delivery date. We recommend providing an address where someone (you or a trusted delegate) can sign for the delivery during working hours.

• Unclaimed or returned shipments: If a shipment is returned to us due to failure in delivery (e.g., wrong address or unavailability), we will notify you. You may then opt to pick up the documents from our office or request a re-shipment to the correct address (additional courier charges will apply in that case). We will hold returned documents for a limited time; if unclaimed beyond a reasonable period, we reserve the right to treat it as an abandoned service request per our terms.

Packaging and Handling

We take utmost care in handling and packaging your documents. Passports and other sensitive documents are sealed in tamper-evident envelopes or secure packaging before dispatch. We include your return address and contact number on the package for safety. Prior to shipping, our team verifies that all required documents (passports, visa papers, etc.) are enclosed. However, the customer should also verify contents upon receipt (see Customer Responsibilities below). Once a package is handed over to the courier, it is out of our direct control, but we will assist with tracking and communications as needed. If you notice any damage to the package upon delivery, do not accept an open or damaged packet; immediately inform the courier agent and us so that appropriate steps can be taken.

Loss or Damage in Transit

Once we hand over your documents to the courier, Tripate cannot guarantee their condition or safety while in transit. We will, of course, take all necessary steps to ensure safe delivery of your passport/documents, but we disclaim liability for loss, theft, or damage that occurs after dispatch. Tripate does not own or operate the courier services and has no direct control over their handling of packages. In the unfortunate event that your documents are delayed, misplaced, lost, or damaged by the courier, Tripate will not be held liable for such incidents. Your sole recourse in those situations may be to file a claim with the courier company itself, as per their terms of service. This policy is in line with standard industry practice – for example, major travel and visa service providers explicitly state that they are not responsible for passports or documents lost in transit by courier. We strongly recommend that customers keep copies of important documents (like the photo page of your passport and any visa/reference numbers) before sending them to us, for use in the rare case a document is lost.

To the maximum extent permitted by law, Tripate disclaims any and all liability for loss or damage caused during shipment by a third-party courier. We will not be liable for any direct or indirect losses arising from such an event – including but not limited to the cost of obtaining a new passport, visa re-issuance fees, additional travel or accommodation expenses due to delay, or any other consequential damages. For instance, if a courier misplaces a passport, we are not responsible for your missed flights or travel plans as a result. While we understand the serious inconvenience this could cause, our role is limited to facilitating the courier service on your behalf. Rest assured, cases of loss are exceedingly rare, but it is important for customers to be aware of this risk allocation. If available, we will assist you in contacting the courier and providing shipment information to support any claim you lodge with them. In some cases, courier companies have limited liability coverage for lost items, but this is subject to their policies (for example, many standard couriers in India have liability caps for document envelopes). If you desire additional insurance coverage for the shipment of your passport or documents, please inquire with us before the dispatch – we may be able to arrange insured shipping at an extra cost, depending on the courier’s options. By default, shipments are sent without declared value insurance, as passports typically carry personal value rather than monetary value.

Delivery Delays and Unforeseen Events

Delivery timelines are not guaranteed and may be affected by factors beyond our control. Tripate will not be responsible for delays in delivery due to the courier’s internal issues or external circumstances. This includes, but is not limited to: logistical backlogs, misrouting, wrong sorting by the courier, or any failures/mistakes by the courier company in delivering or tracking the package on time. We also cannot and do not make any promises on behalf of the courier regarding their service quality or delivery speed. Once we ship your documents, the transportation is subject to the courier’s service commitments and network constraints. We do follow up with the courier if a shipment is severely delayed, but we have the same tracking information as provided to you.

Additionally, certain force majeure events or circumstances can impact shipping: for example, weather disturbances, natural disasters, strikes or labor unrest, war, pandemics, governmental restrictions, public holidays, or other “Acts of God” could result in delayed deliveries. In such cases, Tripate and the courier may not be able to adhere to the estimated schedule. We will not be liable for any delay or failure in delivery caused by such events beyond our reasonable control. If we become aware of a widespread issue (like a courier service strike or lockdown restrictions) that will likely impact shipments, we will attempt to inform affected customers when possible and work out alternate arrangements if feasible. However, by agreeing to use our service, you acknowledge that unforeseen delays are possible and you release Tripate from claims arising out of such delays. We advise all travelers: do not finalize non-refundable travel plans (flights, hotels, etc.) until you have your passport and visa in hand, as recommended by travel experts. This precaution can save you from losses if a delay occurs.

Customer Responsibilities Upon Receipt

When you receive your shipped documents, it is important to promptly inspect the package and its contents. We require that you:

• Check the envelope for any tampering or damage before opening. If the package appears compromised (open, torn, resealed, etc.), photograph it and notify the courier and Tripate immediately, and only then proceed with caution.

• Verify that all expected documents are present. For example, ensure your passport is inside and that any additional papers (like visa grant letters or receipts) are included if they were part of the shipment.

• Review your passport and visa details carefully. Confirm that the visa issued is for the correct country, with correct personal details (name, passport number, etc.), and valid for the intended travel dates. It is the customer’s responsibility to ensure the visa has been issued as per your application and is sufficient for your travel. Travel companies like MakeMyTrip also advise customers to double-check all visa details in their returned passports immediately upon receipt. If you find any discrepancy (such as a typo in your name or an incorrect visa duration), contact us within 24 hours of delivery so we can guide you on next steps.

• Acknowledge receipt if required. Our system or customer support may request confirmation that you have received your documents. Kindly respond or acknowledge as this helps us close your case on our side.

By promptly checking and reporting any issues, you enable us to assist you better. If we do not hear from you within a reasonable time after the courier confirms delivery, we will assume that the shipment was received in good condition and the contents were correct. Beyond that point, Tripate may not be able to address claims of missing or incorrect documents, especially if the documents have since been altered or used.

Limitation of Liability and Indemnity

This Shipping Policy is part of Tripate’s broader Terms and Conditions. By using our visa processing or tour booking services that involve physical shipping, you agree to the terms above. To the extent permitted by Indian law, Tripate’s liability for any claims related to shipping of documents is limited to the amount you paid for the shipping service (if any). Even though we take responsibility for dispatching your documents through reliable means, we do not assume liability beyond what you paid us, especially for events outside our control. In no event will Tripate or its directors, officers, or employees be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, or consequential losses arising from document shipment, including travel losses, opportunity costs, emotional distress, etc.. By agreeing to this policy, you also agree to indemnify and hold Tripate harmless against any third-party claims or damages resulting from your violation of these shipping terms (for example, if you provide a false address that leads to legal issues, or if someone else at your provided address misuses your documents). This indemnification obligation is further detailed in our general Terms of Service.

Governing Law and Jurisdiction

This policy shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of India. Tripate operates in compliance with all applicable Indian regulations regarding courier and e-commerce services. Any disputes or legal matters arising under this Shipping Policy will be subject to the jurisdiction of the courts at our registered corporate location in India. By availing our services, the customer agrees to submit to the said jurisdiction. (For instance, if our company is registered in Chennai, then any disputes shall fall under the competent courts in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.) We hope, of course, that no dispute ever arises – and we are committed to resolving any customer concerns amicably and efficiently through our customer support and grievance redressal mechanisms.

Updates to this Policy

Tripate reserves the right to update or modify this Shipping Policy as needed, in order to reflect changes in our services or compliance with law. Any material changes will be posted on our website with a revised effective date. Customers are encouraged to review the policy periodically. Continued use of our services after changes constitutes acceptance of the revised terms.

Effective Date: This Shipping Policy is effective as of the date of posting on our website and will remain in effect until further notice. All previous statements regarding shipping or delivery (if any) are superseded by this version.

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By using Tripate’s visa facilitation and tour booking services, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Shipping Policy and agree to be bound by it. If you have any questions or require clarification about any part of this policy, please contact our customer support before proceeding with your booking.