SingaporeMust travel agents be licensed in Singapore?
Yes, travel agents in Singapore must be licensed under the Travel Agents Act.
What the Law Says
The Travel Agents Act makes it illegal to carry on business as a travel agent in Singapore without a valid licence.
Under Singapore law, no person may operate as a travel agent unless they hold a licence issued by the relevant authority. This applies to anyone who, for reward or commission, arranges, sells, or promotes travel-related services — including transport, accommodation, tours, or related activities.
The law defines a 'travel agent' broadly and covers both physical offices and online platforms offering such services to the public in Singapore.
Statutory TextNo person shall carry on business as a travel agent unless he is the holder of a licence issued under this Act.
— Travel Agents Act, s. 5 — Prohibition against carrying on business as travel agent without licence
What to Do
Check whether your activity falls under the legal definition of a 'travel agent' under the Travel Agents Act.
Apply for a travel agent licence from the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), the licensing authority.
Ensure compliance with all conditions of the licence, including financial security requirements and record-keeping obligations.
Renew your licence before expiry — licences are typically issued for a fixed period and subject to renewal.
Sources
Not 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.