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Are you interested in establishing a travel agency in Hong Kong to provide outbound travel, inbound tourism, or local tour services to clients? Operating a travel agency in Hong Kong is not simply a matter of having passion and resources; it is essential to obtain a valid “travel agency license.” Otherwise, you may face legal risks! What is the application process for a travel agency license? What documents are required? What conditions must be met? This article will provide a detailed breakdown of the steps and requirements for applying for a travel agency license.
Further reading : IATA travel agencies must submit PCI DSS compliance certificates for renewal in 2025
What is a Travel Agency License?
Are you interested in operating a travel agency in Hong Kong that provides local or overseas travel services?According to the Travel Industry Ordinance (Chapter 634) of Hong Kong, any company engaged in outbound or inbound travel business must hold a Travel Agent License. Otherwise, it will be considered illegal operation.(To verify whether a travel agency holds a valid license, you may consult the “Travel Agent License Register.”This register is provided by the Tourism Industry Regulatory Authority and is regularly updated. Those in need may enter the travel agency’s name or license number to conduct a search.)
Licensed travel agencies are mainly divided into outbound travel agencies and inbound travel agencies, with different scopes of business:
- Outbound Travel Agent – A travel agency that arranges overseas travel for Hong Kong residents.
- Inbound Travel Agent – A travel agency specializing in receiving visitors to Hong Kong and providing local travel services.
How to Apply for a Travel Agency License?
Before applying, travel agencies must meet the following travel agency license application requirements:
①Complete company registration – You must register your company in Hong Kong and obtain a business registration certificate and company registration certificate.
②Provide a suitable business location – Travel agency offices must be used for travel business and cannot be shared with other companies.
③ Appointment of key executive personnel – A person with at least two years of experience in the travel industry must be appointed as the company’s key executive, and must be a Chinese citizen, Hong Kong permanent resident, or holder of a work visa (who must be deemed suitable by the Travel Agent Registrar).
④Payment of paid-up capital – The company must pay at least HK$500,000 as paid-up capital.
⑤Join a tourism association – Travel agencies must be members of one of the following eight associations:
- Hong Kong Travel Agents Association
- Hong Kong Japanese Travel Agency Association
- Hong Kong Chinese Travel Association
- Hong Kong Outbound Travel Agents Association
- International Chinese Tourism Association
- Hong Kong China Tourism Association
- IATA Travel Agents Association
- Hong Kong and Taiwan Travel Agents Association
Travel Agency License Application Documents Travel Agency License Application Documents
Whether you are applying for a travel agency license as a company, partnership, or individual, you must submit a series of supporting documents. For details, please refer to the “Travel Agency License Application Document Checklist.”
Travel Agency License Application Process
In fact, the process of applying for a travel agency license is not complicated. As long as you prepare the documents step by step and submit the application, you will generally receive a response within four weeks. Here are the four steps you need to know when applying for a travel agency license:
- Step 1: Download and fill out the application form.
First, you need to download and fill out the appropriate form based on the type of business you are operating (company name, partnership, or sole proprietorship). When filling out the form, make sure the information is accurate, otherwise it may be rejected or delayed.
- Step 2: Prepare all necessary documents
Depending on the type of applicant (company/partnership/sole proprietorship), prepare the required identity documents, business registration, proof of funds, bank guarantee, etc. (Recommendation: First refer to the “List of Required Documents” and prepare each item accordingly.)
- Step 3: Submit your application
Once you have all the necessary documents for your travel agency license application, you can submit your application. There are two ways to submit the form and documents: ① In person: You or your representative can deliver them to the Travel Industry Regulatory Authority office. ② By mail: Send the complete documents to the Travel Industry Regulatory Authority, and remember to write “Travel Agency License Application” on the envelope.
- Step 4: Pay the application and license fees
After successfully submitting your application, you will need to pay the relevant fees: application fee of HK$630 and license fee of HK$5,820 (i.e. HK$485 per month × 12 months). For payment methods, please refer to the guidelines on the Travel Industry Regulatory Authority website.
- Step 5: Wait for approval
If the submitted documents are complete and accurate, the Travel Supervision Bureau will generally complete the review within approximately four weeks of the application. If any documents are missing, they will contact you to request additional information. Please remember to check your email or phone for updates.
Want to Obtain a Travel Agency License Faster? TravelConnect Can Help You!
Applying for a Hong Kong travel agency license involves a number of procedures, from company registration, venue requirements, capital review, to professional qualification review. The process is complicated and time-consuming. However, if you want to obtain a travel agency license more quickly and smoothly, in addition to preparing all the necessary documents, choosing a professional consultant to assist you can speed up the process, reduce errors, and increase the success rate of your application!
Recommended TravelConnect Travel Excellence
- Professional guidance: Provide comprehensive guidance to ensure that applications comply with the provisions of Chapter 634 of the Tourism Ordinance.
- Document preparation: Assist in organizing all documents, including company registration, business address, capital proof, and executive qualifications.
- Compliance advice: Ensure that the office meets the requirements to avoid delays in approval due to venue issues.
- Accelerated process: Familiar with government approval procedures to reduce back-and-forth revisions and speed up the approval process.
Want to obtain a travel agency license quickly? Contact TravelConnect Travel Excellence immediately and let our professional team help you get it done efficiently!
Frequently Asked Questions About Travel Agency License Applications
According to Section 9 of the Travel Agents Ordinance, anyone operating a travel agency business must hold a valid license, otherwise they will face serious legal consequences. ① Conviction in public prosecution proceedings is punishable by a maximum fine of HK$100,000 and imprisonment for two years. ② Conviction in summary proceedings is punishable by a fine of HK$10,000 and imprisonment for six months.
Under normal circumstances, travel agency licenses are valid for 12 months and must be renewed before expiration to ensure legal operation of the business.
