Travel Agency Operating License
This service can be used to obtain a new operating licence for a travel agency operation. The application should be submitted at least one month before the commencement of operation.
Responsible Entity: Ministry of Tourism
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Apply for Travel Agency Operating Licence
Before You Start
Please ensure that the following service(s) are completed before proceeding with your application.
Business Entity Registration
Business Name Registration.(if different from business activity)
Note: The business should comply with the Regulation on Travel and Tour Operation Services in the Maldives (2021/R-29) gazetted on 25th February 2021.
Eligibility
The directors should not have any criminal records (the criminal records mentioned in the regulation). Any director should not have been convicted of any offence involving fraud within the past 5 years.
Foreign companies or a company that has a foreign partner or board members, are not permitted to operate a travel agency or a tour operator in the Maldives.
However, a foreign travel agent, online travel agency, or tour operator may open a representative office in affiliation with a registered local travel agent to facilitate travel related services to tourists that arrive through such companies.
A special permit should be obtained from the Ministry of Tourism prior to opening such a representative office.
How to Apply
You can apply using an Efaas account.
Logging into your own account will direct you to the oneGov homepage.
Documents Required
General documents
Corporate profile sheet (“travel agency and tour operation” should be stated under the objectives/activities of the entity)
MIRA tax clearance report of current operator (date of issue should not be more than one month from the submission of application form)
Criminal Record of Directors/Partners/Sole Proprietor (Travel Agency Kushuge record form with Prosecutor General’s Office, Anti-Corruption Commission, Maldives Police Service, Maldives Correctional Service and Department of Judicial Administration)
Letterhead
Payment voucher
Payment invoice
Reservation voucher
Free Individual Traveller voucher (FIT)
If operator is a representative office
Registration certificate of foreign travel agency or tour operator or online travel agency (issued by the incorporated country)
Agreement with the affiliated travel agency in Maldives
Passport of the shareholders and directors of the foreign company
After You Apply
After successful submission, a notification will be sent to your email and phone.
You can check the status of the request from the “My Applications” tab.
Once the application is processed, the Travel Agency Operating license will be issued.
Estimated Time Frame
All duly completed applications will be processed within 7 business days.
Renew Travel Agency Operating Licence
Before You Start
Please ensure that the following service(s) are completed before proceeding with your application.
Business Entity Registration
Business Name Registration.(if different from business activity)
Note: The business should comply with the Regulation on Travel and Tour Operation Services in the Maldives (2021/R-29) gazetted on 25th February 2021.
Eligibility
Renewal applications can be made before existing license expiry
How to Apply
You can apply using an Efaas account.
Logging into your own account will direct you to the oneGov homepage.
Documents Required
Tax clearance report issued by Maldives Inland Revenue Authority of operator.(issued date shall not be more than 1 month)
Filled criminal record form of directors/partners/sole proprietor
After You Apply
After successful submission, a notification will be sent to your email and phone.
You can check the status of the request from the “My Applications” tab.
Once the application is processed, the Travel Agency Operating license will be issued.
Estimated Time Frame
All duly completed applications will be processed within 7 business days.
Change Travel Agency Operating Licence
Before You Start
Please ensure that the following service(s) are completed before proceeding with your application.
Business Entity Registration
Business Name Registration.(if different from business activity)
Note: The business should comply with the Regulation on Travel and Tour Operation Services in the Maldives (2021/R-29) gazetted on 25th February 2021.
Eligibility
Changing travel agency operating license applications can be made for reasons such as:
Change of name of travel agency
Change of operator
Change in address of operator
Replacement of lost licence
How to Apply
You can apply using an Efaas account.
Logging into your own account will direct you to the oneGov homepage.
Documents Required
Tax clearance report issued by Maldives Inland Revenue Authority of operator.(issued date shall not be more than 1 month)
Supporting document required for change
After You Apply
After successful submission, a notification will be sent to your email and phone.
You can check the status of the request from the “My Applications” tab.
Once the application is processed, the Travel Agency Operating license will be issued.
Estimated Time Frame
All duly completed applications will be processed within 7 business days.
FAQs
How can I apply for a tax clearance certificate?
Tax Clearance Certificate can be obtained from Maldives Inland Revenue Authority (MIRA).
Where can I get the criminal record form?
The criminal record form can be downloaded from the Ministry of Tourism website.
Can the registered address of the travel agency office be different from the business entity’s registered address?
A physical office address is not mandatory. As per the new travel agency regulation, you may operate a virtual office.
What is a Free Individual Travelling Voucher (FIT Voucher)?
Free Individual Travelling Voucher (FIT Voucher) is a voucher issued to bookings made by an individual traveller such as a backpacker. The format is the same as Reservations Voucher. The only difference is that the Reservations Voucher is made for a group whilst FIT Voucher is made for an individual.
Can a tour operator or travel agency business established offshore operate travel agencies in the Maldives?
Yes, it can be established but the business should be affiliated with a local registered travel agency.
What are the standards stipulated in the travel agency regulation providing travel & tour operation services?
Travel and tour operation service providers should have a telephone and an email address. If the service provider is a company or any other business organisation, an emergency contact person should be designated and provided with a contact number and email address. Travel service providers should inform of any change in (eg: name, telephone number, address, business working hours, should be communicated to the Ministry of Tourism in writing within 7 days.This information should be visibly displayed. Proper records of communication and financial records of the travel service provider should be kept. Records of all business transactions and communications in accordance with relevant laws and regulations should be kept. Where there is a change (in registered address, name change, change of shareholders or directors) it should be communicated to the Ministry of Tourism in writing within 3 working days.
What are the standards for a tour operator representative office?
Services should be provided in a designated office with a name board visibly displayed and working hours stated. A special representative office permit should be displayed in the office. The agency should be manned with staff who are able to communicate both in Dhivehi and English. At least 2 business work hours should coincide with official government working hours.
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