Navigating government websites, deciphering complex requirements, and battling the fear of a costly mistake—these anxieties are common for any entrepreneur looking to start a travel agency in Bangladesh. You have the vision, but the path to legal operation can feel deliberately obscure. This guide was created to dismantle that complexity. For any serious entrepreneur, obtaining the official tour and travel agency license in Bangladesh is the most critical first step. Forget the confusion and fragmented advice. This is the only roadmap you will need to understand the necessary travel agency rules and regulations.
Decoding the Bureaucracy: The Key to a Smooth Application
Every entrepreneur faces bureaucratic hurdles. The process for licensing a travel agency in Bangladesh often feels like a maze, leaving passionate business owners stuck in a cycle of delay. The catalyst for this guide was simple: I saw an entrepreneur’s application stall for months. The cause wasn’t a major legal issue, but a small, avoidable error—their office rental agreement wasn’t formatted correctly.
And that’s when the core principle became clear:
The secret to a smooth application isn’t just following steps; it’s achieving ‘document readiness’ before you even begin. This guide is built on the principle of front-loading all preparation to make the official submission a simple formality.
This is not just another checklist. It is a strategic framework designed to save you time and money by turning a daunting ordeal into a predictable, manageable procedure.
Your Blueprint for the Travel Agency License: The Three Pillars of Success
A successful application rests on legal understanding and meticulous preparation. To secure your tour and travel agency license in Bangladesh efficiently, you must master three non-negotiable pillars.
- Pillar 1: Understand the Legal Framework. You must know the rules. This means understanding the primary law, the Tour Operators and Travel Agents (Registration and Control) Act, 2010, and the role of the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism. This knowledge is the bedrock of your application.
- Pillar 2: Prepare Documents Meticulously. This is where most applications falter. Every document, from your company’s trade license to employee CVs, must be flawless. Achieving this “document readiness” allows you to move forward with confidence.
- Pillar 3: Navigate the Submission & Follow-Up Process. With a perfect set of documents, the final pillar is execution. This involves submitting your application correctly, preparing for the office inspection, and professionally liaising with the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism to track your application.
What Documents Are Required for a Travel Agency License in Bangladesh?
Before you touch the official application form, you must compile your core business documents. Attempting the process without these “ingredients” is a recipe for failure. The list below covers the essential documents for a travel agency license.
Business Formation Documents
These establish your business as a legal entity.
- Trade License for Tour Operator: This is non-negotiable. The business description must explicitly state “Tour Operator” or “Travel Agency.” Obtain this from the local City Corporation.
- Company Registration Documents: You need a Certificate of Incorporation, Memorandum of Association (MoA), and Articles of Association (AoA) from the Registrar of Joint Stock Companies and Firms (RJSC) if your business is a Limited Company.
- Partnership Deed: A registered partnership deed is mandatory if operating as a partnership.
Financial Documents
These prove your company’s financial health and tax compliance.
- Bank Solvency Certificate: Your bank must issue a certificate confirming a minimum balance of BDT 5 Lakh in your company’s name.
- Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) Certificate: An up-to-date company TIN certificate is required.
Office & Manpower Setup Documents
These prove you have an operational base and qualified staff as per the travel agency rules and regulations.
- Proof of Office Space: A rental agreement or ownership deed for a commercial office of at least 200 square feet. The rental agreement must be on BDT 300 non-judicial stamp paper.
- Employee Roster: A list of at least two experienced employees (can include the owner) with their names, designations, photos, and detailed CVs.
- Owner Information: Copies of the National ID (NID) and recent photographs for all owners.
How to Get Your Travel Agency License: The Step-by-Step Process
With your documents prepared, you are ready to begin. Follow these steps methodically to secure your tour and travel agency license in Bangladesh.
Step 1: Form Your Company and Secure Your Trade License
- Why: A legal business identity is a prerequisite for a specialized license.
- Action: First, register your business with the RJSC (if applicable). Then, immediately obtain your trade license for tour operator, ensuring the business category is correct. This is a common point of failure—double-check it.
Step 2: Compile All Required Documentation
- Why: This step creates your final, error-free submission packet.
- Action: Systematically gather every item from the document checklist. Create both a physical file and a digital backup. Verify all details are correct.
Step 3: Complete the Official Application Form
- Why: This form is your formal request to the government.
- Action: Download the prescribed application form from the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism website. Fill it out precisely. It is best to type the information or use clear, block letters.
Step 4: Submit the Application Packet
- Why: This action formally initiates the Ministry’s review.
- Action: Organize the completed form and all supporting documents into a single packet. Submit it to the designated counter at the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, Bangladesh Secretariat, Dhaka. Pay the application fees via Treasury Challan. Always secure a receiving copy as proof of submission.
Step 5: Prepare for the Office Inspection
- Why: The Ministry inspects your office to verify your business is operational.
- Action: Ensure your office is professionally set up: minimum 200 sq. ft., furnished, with a company signboard. Your experienced staff must be present.
Step 6: Follow Up and Receive Your License
- Why: Professional follow-up keeps your application moving.
- Action: After a few weeks, inquire about your application status by referencing your submission number. Once approved, you will pay the final license fee and your official license will be issued.
Mastering the Office & Manpower Requirements
Many applications fail at the inspection stage. This is not a mere formality. The secret to passing is demonstrating that you are an established, professional, and fully operational business from day one.
The Physical Office Space: More Than Square Footage
The law requires 200 sq. ft., but inspectors look for more.
- Foolproof Instructions:
- Install Professional Signage: A clear signboard is mandatory.
- Furnish the Office: It must contain desks, chairs, computers, and a telephone.
- Display Your Credentials: Frame and display your Trade License and TIN Certificate.
- Organize Your Documents: Have business cards and all original documents accessible.
The Experienced Manpower Requirement: Prove Your Expertise
The Tourism Act Bangladesh framework requires at least two experienced personnel.
- Foolproof Instructions:
- Define “Experience”: Verifiable work history at another travel agency, airline, or tour company.
- Document the Experience: Provide detailed CVs that list previous roles and employers.
- Provide Proof: Include copies of experience certificates to strengthen your application.
Application Troubleshooting Guide: Common Problems & Solutions
Use this guide to diagnose and fix any issue you encounter during the application process.
| The Problem | The Likely Cause(s) | The Foolproof Solution |
| “My application was rejected for ‘incomplete submission’.” | A document was missing, incorrect, or not attested. | Request the specific reason in writing. Review your submission against the master checklist, correct the error, and resubmit the packet with a cover letter. |
| “The physical office inspection is delayed.” | Administrative backlog at the Ministry. | Wait 4-6 weeks post-submission. If no update, make a polite inquiry via formal letter or phone, referencing your application number. |
| “I made a mistake on the submitted application form.” | A simple clerical error like a typo. | Write a formal letter to the Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism. State your application number, identify the error, and provide the correct information. |
| “My Bank Solvency Certificate is wrong.” | Amount is below BDT 5 Lakh or it’s in a personal name. | This is critical. Get a new certificate from the bank in the company’s name for the correct amount and submit the corrected document. |
| “My Trade License category is incorrect.” | You chose a general category, not “Travel Agency.” | You must return to the City Corporation and apply for a correction. Your application cannot proceed until this is fixed. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the travel agency license fee in Bangladesh?
The direct government travel agency license fee is roughly BDT 30,000 – 40,000 (including application fee, final fee, and VAT). However, the total startup cost—including the mandatory BDT 5 Lakh bank balance, office setup, and company formation—is substantially higher.
How long does the entire process take?
Expect the process to take 3 to 6 months from submission to issuance, assuming all your documents are perfect. This is a key part of how to start a travel agency in Bangladesh legally.
Can I apply for the license online?
No. The process is primarily manual. Forms may be online for download, but the application packet must be submitted physically to the Ministry.
What is the travel agency license renewal process?
The license is valid for three years. The travel agency license renewal process is simpler, requiring a renewal form, the original license, an updated Trade License, a current Bank Solvency Certificate, and the renewal fee.
Is ATAB membership required?
ATAB membership is not required to get the government license. However, joining the Association of Travel Agents of Bangladesh (ATAB) is highly recommended for credibility and networking after you are licensed.
Definitive License Requirement Summary
| Meta-Information | |
| :— | :— |
| Governing Body: | Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism |
| Applicable Law/Act: | Tour Operators and Travel Agents (Registration and Control) Act, 2010 |
| **Estimated Timeframe:**| 3 – 6 Months |
| Website for Forms: | mocat.gov.bd / regtravelagency.gov.bd |
Required Documents Checklist:
- [ ] Completed Application Form
- [ ] Treasury Challan for Application Fee
- [ ] Attested copy of valid Trade License for Tour Operator
- [ ] Company TIN Certificate
- [ ] Bank Solvency Certificate (for min. BDT 5 Lakh)
- [ ] Company Registration Documents (from RJSC) or Partnership Deed
- [ ] Attested Photographs & NID Copies of Owner(s)
- [ ] Employee Roster & CVs of experienced staff
- [ ] Proof of Office Space (min. 200 sq. ft.)
- [ ] Sketch Map of office location
Application Process Overview:
- Form Company & Obtain Trade License: Establish the legal entity.
- Compile Documents & Prepare File: Gather all required items.
- Submit Application Packet: File with the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism.
- Undergo Office Inspection: Pass the physical verification.
- Pay Final Fee & Receive License: Complete the final step to get your tour and travel agency license in Bangladesh.
Detailed Cost Breakdown (Estimates):
- Government Fees:
- Application Fee: ~BDT 5,000
- License Fee (upon approval): ~BDT 25,000
- VAT: As applicable
- Document & Setup Costs:
- Trade License Fee: BDT 2,000 – 5,000
- Company Registration (RJSC): BDT 15,000 – 25,000+
- Mandatory Capital Requirement:
- Bank Solvency: BDT 500,000 (must be maintained in the company account)
- Miscellaneous Costs:
- These include consultancy fees, legal costs, and office setup.