SingaporeA travel agent went bankrupt after I paid. Can I get my money back?
You may be able to recover your money if the travel agent was licensed and had contributed to the Travel Agents’ Compensation Fund — but only up to S$20,000 per claim and subject to strict time limits.
What the Law Says
The Travel Agents Act sets up a Compensation Fund to protect consumers when licensed travel agents become insolvent or cease business. This is the only statutory mechanism for recovering prepaid travel funds in Singapore.
Under the Travel Agents Act, every licensed travel agent must contribute to the Travel Agents’ Compensation Fund. This fund exists specifically to reimburse members of the public who suffer financial loss because a licensed travel agent becomes insolvent, ceases business, or fails to provide services paid for in advance.
However, the law places strict limits: claims are only admissible if the travel agent was licensed at the time of payment, the loss arose from the agent’s insolvency or cessation of business, and the claim is made within six months of the agent’s bankruptcy or winding-up.
The maximum amount payable per claim is capped at S$20,000 — regardless of how much you paid. The fund does not cover losses from unlicensed operators, disputes over service quality, or delays unrelated to insolvency.
Statutory TextEvery licensed travel agent shall pay to the Board such sum as may be prescribed for the purpose of establishing and maintaining a Travel Agents’ Compensation Fund.
— Travel Agents Act, s. 11 — Establishment of Compensation Fund
What to Do
Confirm the agent was licensed by checking the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) registry.
Gather proof of payment (e.g., receipt, bank statement) and evidence of the agent’s bankruptcy (e.g., court order or STB notice).
Submit a written claim to the Singapore Tourism Board within 6 months of the bankruptcy date.
Include completed claim form, supporting documents, and specify the exact amount claimed (up to S$20,000).
Await STB’s assessment — decisions are final and non-appealable under the Act.
Sources
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South KoreaNot legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.