Business setup · Hospitality & retail
How to Start a Travel Agency or Tourism Company in Dubai
A travel agency or tourism company in Dubai is a regulated business that needs a trade licence and tourism approvals from the Department of Economy and Tourism, which now carries the tourism functions previously handled by Dubai Tourism. Travel agencies that sell air tickets also need approval from the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA).
Fact-checked against official sources on · EH Management Consultancy LLC
At a glance
Key facts
- Licensing
- Department of Economy and Tourism (Dubai)
- Air ticketing
- General Civil Aviation Authority approval
- Categories
- Travel agency, tour operator, inbound tourism and others
- Guarantees
- Some categories require a financial guarantee
- Renewal
- Tourism approvals renewed annually
What do you need to know first?
Tourism activities include travel agencies, tour operators, desert safari operators, visa services and holiday homes, and each has its own requirements. The licence category decides whether you can sell flights, arrange inbound tours, or operate tours yourself.
Because tourism businesses take client money in advance, some categories require a financial guarantee and a physical office. Inbound tour operators and companies serving walk-in clients are typically licensed on the mainland; some free zones license travel agencies for online and outbound business.
Holiday homes, hotels and other short-stay accommodation are licensed separately from travel agencies, with their own registration and classification rules. If your business mixes accommodation, tours and ticketing, each activity may need its own approval.
Regulators
Which approvals are needed?
Where to set up
Which jurisdictions suit this activity?
Visas: Travel consultants and tour guides need employment visas; tour guides may need their own permits.
Process
Step by step
-
01
Choose the category
Travel agency, tour operator or another tourism activity.
-
02
Initial approval
Trade name and DET initial approval.
-
03
Premises and guarantee
Lease an office and arrange any required guarantee.
-
04
Tourism and GCAA approvals
Obtain tourism approval and GCAA approval for ticketing.
-
05
Licence and staff
Issue the licence and sponsor staff.
Checklist
What should you prepare before applying?
Settle these before you pay any government fees.
- 01
Pick the tourism category that matches your services.
- 02
Check whether you need GCAA approval for air ticketing.
- 03
Confirm any financial guarantee and office requirements.
- 04
Prepare supplier contracts with hotels and transport providers.
- 05
Plan insurance and customer refund procedures.
Frequently asked
Questions about travel & tourism in the UAE
Who regulates tourism businesses in Dubai?
The Department of Economy and Tourism, which carries the tourism functions previously handled by Dubai Tourism.
Do I need GCAA approval to sell flights?
Yes. Travel agencies selling air tickets need approval from the General Civil Aviation Authority.
Can I run a travel agency online from a free zone?
Some free zones license online and outbound travel agencies. Inbound tourism and walk-in agencies are generally mainland.
Is a bank guarantee required for a travel agency?
Some tourism categories require a financial guarantee. The amount depends on the category; confirm it before budgeting.
Can I run desert safaris with a travel agency licence?
Operating tours yourself usually needs a tour operator category and vehicle approvals, not only a travel agency licence. Confirm the category before you start.
Do tourism licences need renewal?
Yes. Tourism approvals are renewed annually along with the trade licence.
Can a travel agency also arrange visas for tourists?
Visa services are a separate activity with their own requirements. If you want to offer them, include them in your licence plan and confirm the approvals before marketing the service.
Official sources
Verify it yourself
Regulators update their rules. These are the authoritative references behind this guide.
Related
Services and guides
Ready to license your travel & tourism business?
We confirm the activity, approvals and best jurisdiction before you pay any government fees.