The Saudi Ministry of Tourism's travel and tourism services licence: its four categories, which ones need a financial guarantee, the documents required, and obligations once licensed.
1. The travel market in Saudi Arabia
Most new agencies in Saudi Arabia focus on umrah, Hajj & inbound tours. Decide early whether you will sell to travellers in Saudi Arabia, design trips in Saudi Arabia for visitors and foreign agents, or both: the answer shapes your licence, suppliers and marketing.
Clients will expect quotations in SAR or their own currency, fast replies, and clear terms before they pay.
2. Licences and registration
Travel and tourism businesses are licensed by the Ministry of Tourism under the Travel and Tourism Services Regulations, through the Ministry's tourism licensing portal. The Ministry's services guide sets out four categories: General Travel and Tourism Services, Tour Operations, Travel and Tourism Agencies, and Accommodation Unit Booking. Each allows different services; for example, selling travel tickets and arranging outbound visa services fall under Travel and Tourism Agencies, while ground services and tour guides fall under Tour Operations.
According to that guide (the 2022 English translation; the Arabic text governs), a bank guarantee in the Ministry's favour is required for General Travel and Tourism Services (SAR 800,000) and Tour Operations (SAR 50,000), but not for Travel and Tourism Agencies or Accommodation Unit Booking. Check the current guide before applying.
3. Client money, trust and obligations
Once licensed, the guide requires you to show the trade name, licence number and category on your websites, keep the licence displayed at your office, and advertise services and prices in both Arabic and English.
Hajj and Umrah services are regulated separately by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, so check its requirements if you plan to serve pilgrims.
4. Company, tax and banking
Register for VAT with ZATCA and plan for its e-invoicing (FATOORA) requirements, which most VAT-registered businesses must follow.
5. Set up sales and operations
Before the first enquiry arrives, decide how you will capture leads, build quotations, confirm suppliers, invoice and collect payments. For your market, plan these workflows from day one:
6. Launch checklist
Tick these off before you take your first payment in Saudi Arabia.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all Saudi travel licences need a bank guarantee?
No. According to the Ministry of Tourism's services guide, guarantees apply to the General Travel and Tourism Services and Tour Operations categories, not to Travel and Tourism Agencies or Accommodation Unit Booking.
How long is a Saudi travel and tourism services licence valid?
The Ministry's guide states that the licence is valid for three renewable years once issued.
Sources
Official pages this guide is based on, checked on 11 October 2026. Rules and fees change: confirm the current requirements with the authority before you apply. This guide is general information, not legal advice.