Travel Updates for Spring 2025 Updates on the latest events that might impact our tours around the world.

Context is closely monitoring developments following the passing of Pope Francis. We extend our condolences to those mourning this historic loss. As the Vatican enters a period of transition, we remain prepared to support our travelers through any changes that may arise.

From April 22nd to April 25th, tours to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel continue to operate as schedule while St. Peter's is closed for all visits besides the faithful wishing to pay their last respects. Pope Francis' funeral will take place on Saturday, April 26th. No tours can run on this day as the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica will be closed. Heads of State and other prominent global figures are expected to attend the Pope's funeral which may lead to travel delays and other disruptions in the city of Rome due to security measures. 

The Sistine Chapel will be closed as of Monday, April 28th in preparation for the Papal Conclave. All Context tours to the Vatican Museums and St. Peter's Basilica will proceed as regularly scheduled. At this time, we do not know for how long the Sistine Chapel will remain closed to the public, so we do not recommend rescheduling your tour at this time. 

All affected clients have been contacted by our Italy Regional team with further details and options. 

Ensuring a seamless and respectful travel experience remains our highest priority. For more insight into what occurs during Papal transitions, please visit our blog.

For any further questions, don’t hesitate to contact our Client Experience team at info@contexttravel.com.

 The Notre Dame is set to reopen on the weekend of December 7th-8th, 2024. While Context is closely following the reopening process, there has been no official update on the availability of guided tours inside the cathedral. It is unlikely that any news will be available before spring 2025. The Context team plans to reintroduce interior tours as soon as they are permitted.

Our Île de la Cité Tour will continue to highlight the exterior of Notre Dame and its significance in Gothic architecture. 

For clients wishing to visit Notre Dame independently after their Context tour, a free online reservation system will be introduced following the reopening. Visitors will need to book a timeslot in advance, with tickets available for booking 24 to 48 hours before their visit. Due to high demand, securing a spot may be challenging, especially during the busy Christmas holiday period.

Learn more about visiting Notre Dame on our website and please reach out to us at info@contexttravel.com if you have any questions or concerns about your upcoming tour. 

As of January 8, 2025, US citizens and other eligible non-Europeans will need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to travel to the UK, unless they have a UK visitor visa. The ETA is a digital permit to travel to the UK that's similar to the US's Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). 

View more details and apply on the gov.uk website here.

Pickpocketing is a common occurrence in many travel destinations. Avoid this happening to you and disrupting your vacation by following these steps:

If you have any questions for us about tips while travelling, or anything else regarding an existing order please contact our Client Experience team at info@contexttravel.com

Context's Client Experience team frequently receives the question, "Do I need to bring my passport with me on tour?" If you are travelling to Europe, the simple answer is yes. Police and other security personnel can carry out security and identification checks at their discretion. We highly recommend that you always carry a copy of your passport while on tour. 

While it's unlikely that you'll be asked for ID while exploring a neighbourhood or casually walking down the street, there are specific situations where you may need to present legal identification. This includes entering major venues, cultural heritage sites, or areas near highly guarded buildings. Venues such as the Colosseum, the Vatican, and the Last Supper Museum in Italy all require proof of legal ID. In Paris, where the Olympics and Paralympics are taking place in July and August, venues such as Sainte Chapelle, the Louvre, and Versailles may also require legal ID to enter.  

The safety of our clients and experts is Context's highest priority. As such, we abide by all local laws and venue requirements to deliver our tours and cannot provide refunds or credits if a client is denied entry to a venue due to a lack of proper ID. Your confirmation email will indicate whether a valid ID is required for the tour. Please reach out to us at info@contexttravel.com if you have any questions or concerns about your upcoming tour.