Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector is entering a new phase of structured regulation as the Kingdom accelerates toward its Vision 2030 target of welcoming 150 million visitors annually. With increasing visitor demand, major global events, and rapid infrastructure expansion, the Ministry of Tourism has intensified its licensing framework to ensure that all tourism activities operate with full compliance, higher service standards, and greater digital oversight.

In 2026, every business involved in tourism services must meet strict licensing requirements. Operating without a valid licence, or with a suspended one, is a direct violation of Saudi law.

This guide outlines the mandatory requirements companies must meet to obtain and maintain a tourism licence in Saudi Arabia.

1. Who Must Hold a Tourism Licence in 2026

A tourism licence is legally required for any individual or business offering:

• Travel and tourism services.

• Ticketing or reservation services.

• Tour operations and organised excursions.

• Accommodation booking or hotel inventory management.

• Hajj and Umrah packages or services.

• Tourist guiding (general or specialized).

No tourism activity may be performed without the correct licence type issued by the Ministry of Tourism.

2. Types of Tourism Licences

The Ministry regulates multiple licence categories, each with specific requirements.

1. Travel Agency Licence

Required for:

• Ticketing and reservations.

• Travel planning.

• Tourism packages.

Condition:
The Commercial Registration (CR) must list travel and tourism as an approved business activity.

2. Tour Operator Licence

Required for:

• Guided tours.

• Experience-based tourism.

• Excursion packages.

Operators must demonstrate the ability to provide safe, structured, and compliant tourism experiences.

3. Accommodation Booking Agent Licence

Required for:

• Booking and managing hotel/apartment reservations.

• Online accommodation platforms.

Applicants must show a valid office address and system capability for managing inventory.

4. Tourist Guide Licence

Required for:

• Individual guides.

• Adventure, heritage, or language-specific guides.

Requirements:

• Saudi nationality.

• Age 18+.

• Medical fitness.

• Accredited training and assessment.

5. Hajj & Umrah Service Provider Licences

Required for any pilgrimage-related service provider.

Requirements include:

• Higher financial guarantees.

• Strict digital integration (Nusuk).

• Seasonal readiness compliance.

3. Core Entity Requirements for Licensing

To apply for any tourism licence in 2026, the following legal and administrative requirements must be met:

• Valid Commercial Registration (CR) with the correct tourism activity.

• Chamber of Commerce membership.

• Official office lease inside Saudi Arabia.

• Registered National Address.

• Active local bank account.

• Accounts on all required government platforms.

• MISA approval for foreign-owned companies.

Any discrepancy between listed activities and actual operations will result in licence rejection.

4. Mandatory Documentation Requirements

Applicants must submit all required documents through the Ministry of Tourism e-services portal, including:

• CR certificate.

• Manager’s national ID / Iqama.

• Office lease agreement.

• National Address certificate.

• Activity description aligned with licence category.

• Insurance documents (where applicable).

• CVs and qualifications for regulated roles.

• Financial guarantees (for specific licence types).

Incomplete submissions or missing documents delay approval and may lead to rejection.

5. Digital & Platform Requirements (2026 Updates)

Saudi Arabia is transitioning tourism licensing into a fully digital compliance environment.

A. Ministry of Tourism e-Services

All licensing steps — submissions, declarations, payments, renewals — must be completed online.
No manual or paper applications are accepted.

B. Nusuk Requirements (Mandatory for Pilgrimage Operators)

For Hajj and Umrah service providers, the following are compulsory:

• Registration on the Nusuk platform.

• Hotel bookings processed only through Nusuk Masar.

• Verified digital integration with approved systems.

• Compliance with digital visa and booking workflows.

Failure to comply may prevent visa issuance for pilgrims.

6. Financial & Guarantee Requirements

Depending on the licence category, businesses must meet financial obligations including:

• Application and renewal fees.

• Refundable financial guarantees for specified activities.

• Insurance coverage requirements.

• Operational investments related to Saudization and staffing.

As of September 2024, the government has removed commercial licensing fees for hotels and resorts, reducing costs for accommodation-focused businesses.

7. Saudization Requirements in Tourism (2026)

Saudi Arabia continues to enforce localization across tourism occupations.

The following apply in 2026:

• Tourist guides must be Saudi nationals.

• Key roles such as reception, booking, and sales require high Saudization ratios.

• Some categories may require 70% localization or higher.

• Saudization compliance impacts licence issuance, renewal, and inspection outcomes.

8. Operating Compliance Requirements

After obtaining a licence, businesses must maintain full operational compliance:

• Operate only under a valid and active licence.

• Ensure the CR activity matches the actual service provided.

• Maintain a compliant office environment.

• Meet Service Quality and Visitor Safety Standards.

• Comply with digital audits and system integration requirements.

• Renew licences before they expire.

• Use mandatory platforms such as Nusuk (for pilgrimage services).

9. Penalties for Non-Compliance

The Ministry of Tourism actively monitors the sector and conducts regular inspections.

Penalties for violations include:

• Closure of unlicensed or non-compliant businesses.

• Fines for incorrect or suspended licences.

• Suspension or cancellation of licences.

• Removal from Nusuk for Hajj/Umrah operators.

• Legal penalties for operating during suspension.

The government is prioritising the elimination of unlicensed operators in 2026.

Secure Your Tourism License with TASC Outsourcing

Whether your business operates in travel services, tour operations, accommodation booking, guiding, or pilgrimage services, meeting the updated 2026 tourism licence requirements is essential for staying legally compliant and competitive in the Kingdom. Instead of navigating this complex process alone, partner with TASC Outsourcing, your trusted expert in compliance, licensing, and workforce solutions.

With TASC’s support, you can eliminate delays, minimize risks, and focus on growing your tourism business with confidence in one of the world’s fastest-growing travel markets.

Partner with TASC Outsourcing today and position your business for success in Saudi Arabia’s tourism future.