Abu Dhabi Tourist Guide Licence

Required documents and fees

Conditions and requirements to be met by the tourist guide:

  • Must complete 18 Gregorian calendar years of age.
  • Must have at least the general secondary school certificate or an equivalent.
  • Must have a good command of English besides another foreign language at least and master the terminology of his work.
  • Must be physically fit to perform his professional responsibilities.
  • Has not been convicted of an honour or trust crime.
  • Must reside in the UAE legally and be licensed to work therein.
  • Must have general knowledge about the Emirate’s tourist facilities, especially those related to its history, civilisation, monuments, social and natural environment, and must successfully pass the tests placed by the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority for this purpose.

Who is tourist guide who  can apply to be licensed by ADTA?  Tourist guides assist tourists, accompany them and guide them to the Emirate’s facilities, monuments, museums and tourist shops, or those locations classified by the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority as tourist attractions.

Dubai Visa Resources

From Dubai  Tourism website:

Visa on Arrival

The following categories of visitors may receive their visit visa at the airport, upon arrival:

AGCC Residents who are not GCC nationals but who have a high professional status such as company managers, business people, auditors, accountants, doctors, engineers, pharmacists, or employees working in the public sector, their families, drivers and personal staff sponsored by them, are eligible for a non-renewable 30-day visa upon arrival at the approved ports of entry.

National citizens of the following countries: UK (with the right of abode in UK), France, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Austria, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Portugal, Ireland, Greece, Finland, Spain, Monaco, Vatican, Iceland, Andorra, San Marino, Liechtenstein, United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Brunei, Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea and holders of Hong Kong SAR passports will be granted a free of charge visa for a single visit upon arrival in the UAE. It should be noted that this list may vary slightly from time to time and it is therefore best to check with your local UAE embassy or the airline that you are using to fly to the UAE.

Valid Sponsors

If you do NOT fall into one of the above categories, you will require a visa and a sponsor for your visit. The sponsor normally applies for the visa on your behalf. Valid sponsors are:

Hotels & Tourist Companies can apply, on your behalf, for a Tourist Visa (valid for 30 days); or a Service Visa (valid for 14 days); or a Visit Visa (valid for 30 days and can be extended for other 30 days)

Airlines & Airlines Handlers apply on behalf of their crewmembers for a 96-hour Transit Visa.

Other Organizations based in the UAE may only apply for Visit Visas and Service Visas.

Individuals (Relatives or Friends) already resident in the UAE may, subject to guidelines, also apply on your behalf for a Visit Visa.

If you are coming to work in the UAE you will require a visa that can only be obtained on your behalf by your employer or sponsor.

Regulations for visa application

Passport must have minimum 6 months validity at the time of applying for an Entry Permit.

All photographs are to be recent colour photographs. (Polaroid Photographs are not accepted)

Those who are already in the U.A.E cannot get another entry permit until he/she departs from U.A.E.

Tourist Visa for all Nationalities (Tourist companies)

Required documents:

Clear passport copy of the sponsor

Traveller insurance

Fees:

AED 210 e-DNRD fees

AED 220 e-form fees

AED 1000 deposit, refundable upon departure of the sponsored person

Valid for 60 days from the issue date and non-renewable

Valid for 30 days from the arrival date and renewable for the similar period (30 days) upon payment of a fees of AED 620

Service is provided through the eDNRD eServices

30 Days Short-Term Visit Visa (Individuals)

E-form application (fees paid) including clear personal photo of the sponsored person approved by the sponsors or authorized signatories (signed and stamped)

Required documents:

Clear passport copy of the sponsor

Clear passport copy of the sponsored person

A copy of the salary certificate or employment contract of the sponsor (resident) must be attached

Proof of family relationship

Traveller insurance

Fees:

AED 610 e-DNRD fees

AED 620 e-form fees

AED 1000 deposit, refundable upon departure of the sponsored person

Valid for 60 days from the issue date and non-renewable

Valid for 30 days from arrival date and non-renewable

More info about Dubai visas

Thailand Tourism License (TAT) Resources

For running tourist business in Thailand you must have a TAT License which is issued by Tourist Business and Guide Registration Office.

Law: Tourism Business and Guide Act B.E.2535 (1992)

Thailand business guide

Cost of doing business in Thailand

Tourism and travel related services

Bangkok Tourist Business and Guide Register Office http://www.tat.or.th/tbgr

MINISTRY OF TOURISM & SPORTS OFFICE OF TOURISM DEVELOPMENT
Tourism Development and the Development of Service Standards for Tourism Product and Services

Duties and responsibilities related to the support and development of the tourism industry as well as administrative issues have been transferred to the Ministry of Tourism and Sport’s Office of Tourism Development.

These include:

  • Tourist Business and Guide Registration/Certification
    This covers the issue of permits, extension of permits, suspension of permits and termination of permits, certification of duplicate copies of any other documents related to the tourism business operator or guide.
  • Setting standards for tourist attractions/sites, tourism products and services
    Promoting awareness of and encouraging tourism business operators and guides to adopt professional standards, methodology and practices in accordance with the Tourism Business and Tour Guides Act and other Ministerial Decrees issued thereof
  • Responsibility for the inspection and control of tourism business operators, places of business and guides to ensure compliance with the Tourism Business and Tour Guides Act
  • The conduct of legal proceedings in cases of misconduct or infringement of the law

To lodge complaints related to tourist business operators, tourist retail outlets or tour guides or report unethical tourism practices, please contact Office of Tourism Development, Service Standards Development Section of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports.

Contact information:
The Office of Tourism Development
Service Standards Development Section
Ministry of Tourism and Sports
National Stadium, Rama I Road,
Bangkok 10330, Thailand.
Tel: +66 (0) 2219 4010 – 17
Fax: +66 (0) 2216 6906
E-mail: webmaster@tourism.go.th
Web site: www.mots.go.th

THE MINISTRY OF TOURISM AND SPORTS
OFFICE OF TOURISM DEVELOPMENT

The ministry’s Office of Tourism Development assumes duties and responsibilities related to the development of service standard for tourist attractions or sites and tourism products and services offered by the Thai tourism industry. This includes the support of standards for tour businesses and tour guides, in order to achieve sustainable tourism development and generate economic, social and cultural benefits for local communities as well as the country.

Responsibilities of the Office of Tourism Development

  1. To study, analyze, research and compile statistics and data on guidelines for tourism development in accordance with the national tourism development policy and plan.
  2. To establish a development plan for tourism services as well as coordinate, promote and support the implementation of the plan
  3. To establish a development plan for the tour business and tour guide registration, including to coordinate, promote and support the operation as specified by law.
  4. To establish a development plan for tourist attraction sites, including to coordinate, promote and support the implementation of the plan
  5. To ensure compliance with the Tourism Business and Tour Guides Act and other relevant laws
  6. To monitor and follow up on tourism development performance.
  7. To promote and support the movie business in both the production and service sectors, including relevant businesses.
  8. Other tasks as specified by law in accordance with authorities and responsibilities of the Office, or as assigned by the Ministry or Cabinet.

Contact information:
The Office of Tourism Development
Service Standards Development Section
Ministry of Tourism and Sports
National Stadium, Rama I Road,
Bangkok 10330, Thailand.
Tel: +66 (0) 2219 4010 – 17
Fax: +66 (0) 2216 6906
E-mail: webmaster@tourism.go.th
Web site: www.mots.go.th

General Inquiries from Tourism Business Operators
Tour Operator Registration/Tourist Business/Tour Guide Registration Office
Tour Operator Registration
E-mail: tbgdep@tat.or.th

Tourist Business
Tel: +66 (0) 2250 5500 ext. 2406
E-mail: tbgdep@tat.or.th

Tour Guide Registration Office
Tel: +66 (0) 2250 5500 ext. 2405
E-mail: tbgdep@tat.or.th

Reporting unethical practice
Tel/Fax: +66 (0) 2216 6512
E-mail: co_service@tourism.go.th

Hong Kong Travel Immigration and Customs

What traveller to Hong Kong shoud know abot customs and visas?
Immigration: passports and immigration clearance
All visitors to Hong Kong must have a passport that is valid for at least one month to six months (depending on nationality) after the period of their intended stay in Hong Kong. Please contact Immigration Department for details. Nationals of most countries do not require visas and can stay for periods varying from 7 days to 180 days, depending on nationality. If unsure of status, check with any Chinese embassy or consulate. Please check the details about visa requirements on Immigration Department’s website.

Speedy Immigration Clearance for Frequent Business and Other Travellers
For the convenience of regular visitors to Hong Kong, two special passes are available to enable speedier processing through designated Immigration channels:

Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Travel Pass
Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Travel Pass is available to frequent business travellers holding valid passports and who are eligible to come to HKSAR without a visa or entry permit for visit purposes. Applicants should have genuine needs to visit the HKSAR frequently, and have previously visit on three or more occasions (not including side trips to Mainland China or Macau) in the 12-months prior to the application; or can satisfy the Director of Immigration that their visits may bring substantial benefits to the HKSAR. Holders of Travel Passes are allowed to use Hong Kong residents’ counters for simplified immigration clearance procedures. Details and downloadable application form can be found at the Immigration Department’s website.

Frequent Visitor Card
Frequent Visitor Card is available to visitors holding valid passports from any country, who have passed through Hong Kong International Airport at least three times in the previous 12-month period. FVC passes can be used only for entry through the airport. Details and downloadable application form can be found at the Hong Kong Airport Authority’s website.

e-Channels
Frequent visitors can now enjoy the convenience of self-service immigration clearance dedicated Frequent Visitor e-Channel at Hong Kong International Airport. To qualify, they must hold an HKSAR Travel Pass or APEC Business Travel Card (economy code ‘HKG’) or Frequent Visitor Card along with a valid travel document and a multiple-entry visa (if required).

Visas are required for all foreigners entering Mainland China. Visas should be obtained from the Embassy or Consulate General of People’s Republic of China in your own country before departure to Mainland China. More details can be found in the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China: www.fmprc.gov.cn.

Customs clerance
All visitors entering Hong Kong must go through Customs clearance and declare any dutiable commodities exceeding duty-free quotas. Please find out more about dutiable commodities and latest duty-free concessions. Also, the import/export of dangerous drugs, arms, animals, plants, endangered species, meat and poultry, etc. into or out of Hong Kong is governed by laws. Any import/export of these items must be accompanied by a valid licence or permit issued in advance by the relevant authorities, unless otherwise exempted by laws. Some personal protection devices like ‘mace’ spray, while legal in some countries, are prohibited in Hong Kong. For details, please visit the Customs and Excise Department’s website. To avoid any unnecessary delays, please follow the guidelines from Hong Kong International Airport.

How to find Hong Kong Travel agent?

Travel agents registry

Try to search Hong Kong Registry of licenced travel agents.  Your can search by Travel Agents Name or Licence Number or alphabetical.

All travel agents in Hong Kong are required to have  travel agent licence.

Some of travel agents in Hong Kong are:

Magic Globe Travel

http://www.magicglobe.com.hk

Tiglion Travel

http://www03.tiglion.net

Prince Travel

http://www.princehkg.com

HK Jumbo

http://www.hkjumbo.com/

Kuoni

http://www.kuonitravel.com.hk/cht/index.php

Travel agents ordinance

The Travel Agents Ordinance (TAO)(Cap. 218) provides the legislative framework for the regulation and control of travel agents and for the operation of the Travel Industry Compensation Fund.

Under the TAO, any person carrying on business as a travel agent is required to obtain a licence from the Registrar of Travel Agents. Licensing requirements include membership of the Travel Industry Council of Hong Kong (TIC). Travel agents are required to abide by the TIC’s codes of conduct and directives and are regulated by the TIC.

Definition of Hong Kong Travel Agent

According to the Travel Agents Ordinance (TAO) (Cap. 218), a travel agent can be categorized as an outbound travel agent or an inbound travel agent:

Outbound Travel Agent:

A person is an outbound travel agent if he carries on the business in Hong Kong of obtaining for another person -

  1. carriage, by any means of conveyance, on a journey which is to commence in Hong Kong and which thereafter is to take place mainly outside Hong Kong; or
  2. accommodation at a place outside Hong Kong for which payment is, or is to be, made to that person by or on behalf of that other person of an amount on account of the cost of that accommodation.

Inbound Travel Agent:

A person is an inbound travel agent if he carries on the business in Hong Kong of obtaining for a visitor -

  1. carriage, by any means of conveyance, on a journey which is to commence outside Hong Kong and which either -
    1. terminates in Hong Kong; or
    2. involves the visitor passing through immigration controls before departing from Hong Kong; or
  2. accommodation in Hong Kong for which payment is, or is to be, made to that person by or on behalf of the visitor of an amount on account of the cost of that accommodation; or
  3. one or more of the following prescribed services -
    1. sightseeing or visits to local places of interest;
    2. restaurant meals or other catered meals;
    3. shopping trips;
    4. local transport in connection with an activity referred to in item (c)(i), (c)(ii) or (c)(iii) above.

List of Singapore Travel Agents and Travel Associations

Travel Associations:

NATAS – National Association of Travel Agents Singapore

National Association of Travel Agents Singapore is  the national body to represent all travel agents in Singapore. Membership is open to all persons, firms, companies or organisations (duly registered with the Registry of Companies and Businessnes or such other government authorities or agencies as may be required) involved or engaged directly or indirectly in travel or tourism related businesses as defined by the Act and having attained the membership entry requirements as prescribed by the Association.

Singapore travel agent licences:

For arranging and putting together any travel/tour service with the transport service you are providing into a travel/tour package. Excludes the service of providing transport service to passengers ONLY. Please note that for all issues pertaining to China Inbound Visitors, applicants need to seek NATAS’ approval to be able to issue visas after they have obtained a TA licence
Estimated Processing Time if applied online here: 3-5 working days. Read more

Search Singaporr Travel Agents Directory

Travel Agencies:

Air Sino-Euro Associates Travel Pte Ltd (ASA Holidays)
Chan Brothers Travel Pte Ltd
Commonwealth Travel Service Corporation Pte Ltd
Creative Tours (Singapore) Pte Ltd
Dynasty Travel International Pte Ltd
H.I.S. International Travel Pte. Ltd.
JTB Pte Ltd, ION Orchard
JTB Pte Ltd, Mandarin Gallery
Nam Ho Travel Service (S) Pte Ltd
New Shan Travel Service Pte Ltd
NTA Travel Singapore Pte Ltd
Prime Travel & Tour Pte Ltd
Sino-America Tours
Tradewinds Tours & Travel

International Travel Agent

World is not enough-make a complete tour!

Once you choose a destination of your choice, leave everything from booking tickets to boarding and lodging at the desired location to a credible international travel agent. The agent will make sure that your vacationing will be according to your requirement, budget and will be memorable forever. Be it the splendid Switzerland, elegant Egypt, trip to India or an African Safari, these International travel agents will arrange your tour to any corner of the world without any hassle.

Credibility: the first aspect you should look for
Mushrooming numbers of international travel agents is making the whole scenario a bit complex. You need to choose an international travel agent who doesn’t charge you any hidden cost, has a positive track record as far as customer service is concerned and complete idea regarding the place you are visiting. Along with, the travel agent needs to inform you regarding cheap deals available on family vacationing during festive season. It will put less pressure on your wallet. Along with, if you are a celebrity, choose one of the international travel agents who have an excellent track record of keeping your tour private.

Choosing the right package
Travel agencies offer different packages for the same location. Price, facilities available and tenure of the trip vary from package to package. An international travel agent will understand your requirement and choose a package that will match to your requirement and budget. However, the international travel agent does all these after taking prior permission from you.

Online international travel agencies
Is not it a great idea to plan everything from buying ticket to hotel reservation at the desired vacationing destination from the comfort of home? There are several online international travel agents available who will make your job hassle free. You can find these internet travel agents through surfing internet for few minutes. Once you find an agent of your choice, just request a quote regarding your holidaying to the desired location. All other things will be taken care of by the international travel agent.

What are you waiting for, inform your international travel agent regarding your holidaying and start packing the baggage.