TOUR OPERATOR AND TRAVEL AGENCY BUSINESS

All travel agencies operating in Cambodia are required to have a Tourism License and other relevant licenses. You can apply for these licenses as below:

• For Tourism License to operate tour operator and travel agency business, you can apply it at the Ministry of Tourism in Phnom Penh or Provincial Department of Tourism or online registration through the following link: http://cambodiatourismindustry.org
• For Certificate of Incorporation (business registration), you can register your certificate through the following link: www.businessregistration.moc.gov.kh or you can go to Department of Business Registration/ Provincial Department of Commerce to assist you in business registration.
• For Tax Registration for Patent Tax, VAT Number and Registration Tax, you can apply them at General Department of Taxation/National Tax School in Phnom Penh or Provincial Tax Branch.
• For Location Approval License, you can apply it at Phnom Penh Municipality.
• For Registration for Opening Enterprise, Establishment Ledger, Payroll and Internal Work Rule, you can register it at Ministry of Labor and Vocational Training or online registration recognized by Ministry of Labor and Vocational Training.
• For Tax Permit on Sign Board, you can apply it at General Department of Taxation or Provincial Tax Branch.
• For Permit on Sign Board, you can apply it at Phnom Penh Municipality.

You are required to have the following documents for application process:

• Certificate of incorporation (business registration) issued by Ministry of Commerce
• Letter of Guarantee Deposit from the bank recognized by Ministry of Tourism
• Letter to certify the location of the business or renting house contract issued by local authority
• Certificate/letter to respect and comply with law
• Identity card or passport
• Photo 4 X 6

Having a Tourism License for tour operator and travel agency will provide you with the following benefits:

1. Your business will be recognized as a legal entity and protected by the laws of the Kingdom of Cambodia;

2. Your contractual relationships with business partners will have better legal standing, which is important in taking advantage of business opportunities, and increasing your access to resources such as financing; and

3. You will be able to consult with officials on business start-up, running the business and consumer protection.

4. If you operate your tour operator and travel agency business without tourism license, you will be fined between 2,000,000 to 20,000,000 riel.

During application process of tourism license for tour operator and travel agency, you should expect the following inspections:

(1) Location Inspection by Local Authorities and

(2) Inspection by Ministry of Tourism officer.

In addition, you should also expect the following inspections during your travel agency business operation:

(1) Fire Safety and Security Inspection by MoI; and

(2) Labor Compliance Inspection by MoLVT depending on the number of employees; and

(3) Location Inspection by Local Authorities.