Privacy Policy

At SIDQI Travels, your privacy and data security are our top priority. This policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your information.

Last Updated: January 1, 2025

This policy applies to all users of SIDQI Travels services, including our website, WhatsApp communications, and booking services.

1. Introduction

SIDQI Travels ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our travel booking services via WhatsApp, our website (sidqi.so), or other communication channels.

We operate as a travel agency specializing in travel to Somalia and serve clients worldwide, with particular focus on the Somali diaspora. By using our services, you consent to the data practices described in this policy.

Our Commitment

We follow data protection principles and only collect information necessary for providing our travel services. We never sell your personal data to third parties.

2. Information We Collect

We collect various types of information to provide our travel services effectively:

A. Personal Identification Information
  • Full name as it appears on passport
  • Date of birth and nationality
  • Passport number and copy
  • Contact information (phone numbers, email addresses)
  • WhatsApp number and communication history
B. Travel Information
  • Travel dates and destinations
  • Flight preferences and booking details
  • Hotel accommodation requirements
  • Visa application data
  • Payment information (Zaad, EVC Plus transaction IDs, bank details)
C. Technical Information
  • IP address and device information
  • Browser type and version
  • Pages visited on our website
  • WhatsApp usage patterns (with consent)
Important Note

We only collect passport copies and sensitive information when absolutely necessary for visa processing or flight bookings, and we delete these documents immediately after their purpose is served.

3. How We Use Your Information

Your information is used exclusively for providing and improving our travel services:

Purpose Description
Travel Bookings To book flights, hotels, and other travel arrangements with suppliers
Visa Processing To submit visa applications on your behalf to relevant authorities
Customer Service To respond to inquiries and provide 24/7 support via WhatsApp
Payment Processing To process payments via Zaad, EVC Plus, bank transfers, etc.
Travel Updates To send important travel updates, flight changes, or security advisories
Service Improvement To analyze trends and improve our services (anonymized data)
Legal Compliance To comply with Somali and international travel regulations

4. Data Protection & Security

We implement robust security measures to protect your personal information:

A. Technical Measures
  • Encrypted WhatsApp communications (end-to-end encryption)
  • Secure document storage with password protection
  • Regular security updates and monitoring
  • Secure payment processing without storing card details
B. Administrative Measures
  • Limited access to personal data for authorized personnel only
  • Regular staff training on data protection
  • Data minimization principles (collect only what's necessary)
  • Secure deletion of passport copies after visa processing
C. Data Retention

We retain your information only as long as necessary:

  • Booking records: 5 years for accounting and legal purposes
  • Passport copies: Deleted immediately after visa processing
  • WhatsApp chats: Archived after trip completion, deleted after 2 years
  • Marketing data: Until you unsubscribe or request deletion
Security Notice

While we implement strong security measures, no method of transmission over the Internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security but commit to using commercially acceptable means to protect your personal information.

5. Third-Party Sharing

We share your information only when necessary for service provision:

A. Travel Suppliers (Required)
  • Airlines: Name, passport details for ticket issuance
  • Hotels: Name, contact details for reservation
  • Visa Authorities: Passport copies and application data
  • Transport Services: Name, contact for pickup arrangements
B. Service Providers (Limited)
  • Payment Processors: Zaad, EVC Plus, banks (transaction data only)
  • Cloud Storage: Encrypted document storage
  • Communication Tools: WhatsApp (Meta) for messaging
C. Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information if required by law, such as:

  • Court orders or legal processes
  • Government requests (immigration, security)
  • To protect our rights, property, or safety
  • To investigate fraud or security issues
Supplier Agreements

All our travel suppliers are contractually obligated to protect your data and use it only for the specific booking purpose. We conduct due diligence on all partners.

6. Your Rights & Choices

You have the following rights regarding your personal data:

Right to Access

Request a copy of all personal data we hold about you.

Right to Correction

Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete data.

Right to Deletion

Request deletion of your data (subject to legal requirements).

Right to Object

Object to processing of your data for marketing purposes.

Data Portability

Receive your data in a structured, commonly used format.

Restrict Processing

Request restriction of processing in certain circumstances.

Exercise Your Rights

To exercise any of these rights, contact us via WhatsApp at +252 615 6899 73 or email at info@sidqi.so. We will respond within 30 days and may require identity verification for security.

7. Cookies & Tracking Technologies

Our website uses cookies to improve user experience:

Essential Cookies

Necessary for the website to function properly:

  • Session management
  • Security features
  • Load balancing
Analytics Cookies

Help us understand how visitors use our site:

  • Google Analytics (anonymized data)
  • Page visit tracking
  • Traffic source analysis
Third-Party Cookies

Some cookies are set by third-party services:

  • Social media widgets
  • Embedded maps
  • Payment gateway cookies
Cookie Control

You can control cookies through your browser settings. However, disabling essential cookies may affect website functionality. By using our website, you consent to our use of cookies as described.

8. Children's Privacy

Our services are not directed to children under 16. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 16.

Family Travel

For family bookings including children, we collect children's information (name, age, passport details) only from parents or legal guardians, and only for the purpose of making travel arrangements. This data is protected with the same security measures as adult data.

9. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by:

  • Posting the new Privacy Policy on this page
  • Updating the "Last Updated" date at the top
  • Sending WhatsApp notifications for major changes
  • Email notification (if you've provided email)

You are advised to review this Privacy Policy periodically for any changes. Changes to this Privacy Policy are effective when they are posted on this page.

10. Contact Us

If you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:

Via WhatsApp

Primary: +252 615 6899 73

Privacy Inquiries: +252 615 6899 73

Message Us
Via Email

General: hello@sidqi.so

Privacy Officer: privacy@sidqi.so

Email Us
Mailing Address

SIDQI Travels
Attn: Privacy Officer
Holwadaag st
Mogadishu, Somalia

Compliance

We comply with applicable data protection laws and strive to exceed industry standards for privacy and security in the travel industry.

Your Consent

By using our services, you consent to our Privacy Policy and agree to its terms. If you do not agree with this policy, please do not use our services.