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Canadian Regulations for Travel Agencies in a Nutshell

 We have a pretty comprehensive article on US Seller of Travel Laws   (SOT), but we don’t want to leave out our neighboring Canadian travel agents. Canada has enriched my life with many great gifts like poutine, Justin Trudeau, Margaret Atwood and Alice Munro, the prettier half of Niagara Falls, hockey, and Alaska (jk, that last one was from Russia. Thanks, Russia!).

Plus, from a design standpoint, their flag is pretty awesome. This is my long way of saying, I owe you one, Canada. So allow me to attempt to repay my huge debt with an article that includes some updates on Canadian travel agency regulations.

Want to fast-forward to a specific province? Here you go:

⭐️ HAR ARTICLE HIGHLIGHTS: ⭐️

• Canadian Licensing in a Nutshell [+infographic]
• British Columbia
• A List of Canadian Host Agencies, by Province

Canadian Travel Agency Licensing Regulations in a Nutshell:

Only three provinces have specific regulations for selling travel—Quebec, Ontario, and British Columbia. In short, this means that if you are a travel agent that operates your business in of any of these provinces OR if you sell to any residents of those provinces, you need comply with each province’s regulations.

There are no extra-territorial laws, so agencies that want to operate in or sell to clients in multiple of these provinces will need to register for licensing in EACH of those provinces. There’s no reciprocity, my friend.

Here is all is, simplified into a nifty infographic:

Of course, that's just the beginning. Read on for more details on each province's regulations.

Quebec Travel Agency Licensing Regulations

Quebec is a bit complex, and not only because my French is veeeeeeeery rusty. But, in the spirit of licensing, there are oodles and oodles of bureaucratic hoops to jump through (let’s be honest, this is NOT limited to Quebec).

Like most licensing requirements, the Quebec Office of Consumer Protection (OPC) differentiates between travel agencies and travel counsellors. This is a line that can be pretty blurry for hosted agents, but I’ll attempt to bring it into focus below.

For hosted agents, I don’t want to mince words. Here’s OPC’s definition of an outside agent , verbatim, “travel agents who are contractually bound to a single travel agency. Most of the time, they do not work in the office. These counselors may not receive clients at home unless a duplicate of the travel agency's permit has been issued for an establishment located at their address.”

Here’s what you need as a hosted agent:

To be licensed as a hosted agent in Quebec, you must have Travel Counsellor Certificate (on the English translation of the site, it’s sometimes referred to as “the travel agency stewardship certificate”—don’t be fooled, it’s the same thing). The process for receiving the certificate is relatively straightforward:

• Pass the Travel Counsellors Exam: You can register for your exam through the Institute of Tourism and Hotels of Quebec (ITHQ). The exam runs $53 and there are optional study guides and exam simulations (not required) also available for purchase. The exam consists of True/False questions, and applicants need to score a 65% to pass. Travel counselors must retake this exam annually to renew their license. 
• Travel Agency Certificate: Before you even apply, you must hold a Travel Agency Steward Certificate. This runs $56 CAD and you must renew it annually (the renewal is $28CAD). In order to receive your Travel Agency Steward certificate, you must be affiliated with a licensed travel agency.
• Register Your Business: Registraire des entreprises du Québec .

The caveat here is that everything you do and sell must be under the umbrella of your host agency (including service fees). This means that, while you can have your own travel agency brand, you will still need to disclose to clients the name of the host agency you sell under, and you cannot accept money from your clients (only commissions from your host).

If that’s too restrictive, travel agencies can apply for a Travel Counsellor General Permit (not to be mistaken for the “Certificate”). You will need one whether you are based in Quebec OR selling travel to clients in Quebec. There are some exceptions, but they mostly apply to outfitters and folks who book travel without any compensation or commission (probably not you). 

In order to apply for the General Permit, you must do all the above to get your Travel Agency Certificate, plus you get to have a little extra bureaucratic fun:

Eligibility to qualify for a Travel Counsellor General Permit in Quebec: 

• Another exam! Joy! This one is the Travel Agency Managers Exam , and it runs 70CAD and lasts 90min. If you’re taking the exam for the first time, you must pass it before you apply. But if you’re renewing (which you will do annually), you just need to make sure you pass it before the renewal date of your license. 
• Cost: The cost of permit is $74/$75 CAD per month for an agency and $46/$47 CAD per month for a branch office 1
• Bond: You will need to provide a $25,000 CAD bond. This is used to compensate customers in the event the agency fails, closes or needs to provide compensation for services promised then not rendered. None of this will apply to you, but it’s a safety net that will help you as much as it will help your clients. 🙂
• If the bond is a bearer bond or cash (CHA-CHING!), you will need to also submit a Merchant’s form (so you can’t go all anonymous superhero, and sell travel under the cover of night).  
• First-time applicants must demonstrate proof they have $5,000 CAD of working capital, and this must be verified by an external accountant and or auditor. (Sorry, you can’t submit janky homemade Excel sheets like I always try to do.) 
• Copy of agency’s opening documents and signature from of each trust account signed by its financial institution.
• If your company is registered outside of Quebec, you need a certificate of compliance from Registraire des entreprises du Québec .

The licenses are issued 15 days after the completed application is received, but can be rushed in 3 days if you’re really in a pinch. 2 Did I mention my French is horrible? If I missed anything, let me know.

Ontario Travel Agency Licensing Regulations—TICO Registration

Travel agents in Ontario, Canada, you’re the most highly restricted. The first thing you need to know is that there is a difference between the Travel Industry Council of Ontario (TICO) Education Standards Exam (or the TICO exam ) and being a TICO registered travel agency.

Every employee working at an Ontario agency that is selling travel/providing advice (and yes, this includes you, supervisors and managers!) must take and pass the TICO exam. But get this. Even if everyone in your office has taken and passed this test, you aren't legal unless your travel agency is registered as TICO agency.  

That's right Ontario travel agencies, you need two parts to be compliant:

• TICO agency registration
• all employees to pass the TICO exam

Or, on the flip side, if you're a hosted travel agent in Ontario, you need:

• a TICO registered host agency ( search for TICO registered travel agencies )
• to take (and pass) the TICO exam

So, here's the info that will help make sure you're legal! The  (TICO) exam  currently rings up at $35 CAD for travel counsellors, $35 CAD for managers/supervisors, and $50 for the combined travel counsellor/manager-supervisor test. Here's a great resource if you're looking for in-depth information on the TICO exam process .

Getting registered as a TICO agency is going to require quite a bit more moola. You can find more specifics on the requirements of the TICO agency registration  on their site but we've shortened the list for you. Here's the things that will jump out to you and have you gawking at your screen:

• There's a $3,000 CAD application fee for new agencies
• You need to show financial statements proving you have $5,000 in capital to work with
• You'll need letters of reference
• A $10,000 security deposit (returned to you after 2 years of showing you're not going to rip anyone off)
• You need to set up a trust account

If you're already a TICO registered agency, the renewal fee is based on your travel sales:

One last thing to note, the TICO agency registration is NOT transferable. So if you were looking to buy an agency, know that the costs to re-register will be significant. And after all that, if you're still ready to make the leap, here's the registration forms to become a TICO registered travel agency!

British Columbia Travel Agency Licensing Regulations

In BC, you'll need licensing regardless if you plan to be a hosted travel advisor or want to get your own travel accreditation . Big picture, if you want to get licensed in BC, here's what you need to do:

• Register your business with the BC Corporate Registry (Tele: 1-877-526-1526, $40 registration fee and $30 name approval fee for Sole Proprietors, or $305 for LLCs)
• Apply for your license to sell travel through the Consumer Protection BC  (Tele: 1-888-777-4393, $1,293 fee for travel agencies/wholesalers and $839 for branch offices).

Here's a big whopping checklist of steps needed to get licensed in BC:

Here's a look at BC's license application checklist:

However, the process is going to be different for hosted advisors compared to independently-accredited advisors. Below offers a bit more detail:

4 steps to get licensed as a Hosted advisor in british columbia, Canada

Hosted advisors are considered a branch office in the eyes of BC. The good news for all y'all hosted advisors is that this route is lighter on the paperwork.

Here's the steps to get licensed:

• Provide your municipal business license
• Set up a business phone number (must be public, searchable, and clearly listed on your website, invoices, and other public documents.)
• Fill out a branch location license form .
• [For home-based advisors only] Fill out this form if you want to operate your business from home.
• Get knowledgeable about lots and lots of rules and regulations .

9 steps to get licensed as an independently-accredited advisor in british columbia, Canada

Fun for you, you get to fill out a lot more paperwork than your hosted peers! Here are the nine steps you need to get licensed as a "head office" in BC.

• Provide proof of registration or incorporation. (Go here to register your sole proprietorship or general partnership.)
• Get a criminal record check (for Canadian residents).
• Obtain and provide financial security. (Cash, Letter of Credit, Surety Bond, or Safekeeping agreement are all acceptable forms. Go to this link for more details.)
• Provide financial information. (This ensures you have enough working capital to operate.)

List of Canadian Hosts by Province

Here's a handy dandy guide to see which Canadian-based host agencies are licensed to operated in the provinces mentioned in this article:

• Travel Masters  
• KVI Travel  
• Casino World Travel  
• Travel Edge
• TravelOnly  
• Prestige Agent Network
• Travel Masters
• Nexion Canada
• Casino World Travel
• Travel Professionals International
• Expedia CruiseShipCenters
• Newwest Travel & Cruises
• The Travel Agent Next Door

British Columbia:

• Expedia CruiseShipCenters  
• Newwest Travel & Cruises  

If you want to operate to your agency in any of provinces outside of QC, ON and BC, AND you don't plan on selling to resident in any of those provinces, you're in the clear and don't need to worry about of this (but you're dang smart!). 

Canadian + Fees.

This last part doesn't necessarily have to do with regulations but I figure since you've read the entire way through this, that you deserve a little pick me up. And I have just the thing for you.

Take some time to listen to a fellow Canadian who only sells air tickets (no he's not a corporate agent) and has come up with a way to charge a $60-500 CAD ticketing fee for every ticket. 85% of his income comes from fees. Feeling inspired and curious? Have a seat and plug into an episode of our Travel Agent Chatter podcast!

I reached out to Justin Trudeau for comment, but his offices mentioned something about him being busy running a country or something like that. Oh well. You can’t win them all. Look no further.

But  I'd like to extend a very special thank you to two excellent resources who shared their expertise for this article:  Mike Foster , President of Nexion Canada, ULC, and James Shearer , Chief Operating Officer of Travel Masters who offered a ton of great insights and information for this article. 

Do you have thoughts or comments or ideas or experiences you’d like share? We want to hear from you!

• Depends on when application is submitted: If it’s before May 1st, it’s the lesser amount in both cases. If you apply after May 1st on any given calendar year, it’s the higher amount ↩
• if you want to do that, you will need to pay 50% of your entire permit—which would be half of the monthly cost times 16 months. ↩

About the Author

Mary Stein has been working as a writer and editor for Host Agency Reviews since 2016. She loves supporting travel advisors on their entrepreneurial journey and is inspired by their passion, tenacity, and creativity. Mary is also a mom, dog lover, fiction writer, hiker, and a Great British Bake Off superfan.

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How to become a travel agent in bc.

If you know where popular tourist spots are located and how to find bargains, then you have a good chance at being a successful travel agent in British Columbia. No formal education or training is required to be a travel agent in British Columbia, but if you aspire to be successful, earn special credentials and learn how to make your clients' travel plans a positive experience.

Take a Canadian Institute of Travel Counsellors (CITC) training course. Such courses are frequently offered in British Columbia, including day and distance courses at Canadian Tourism College, CDI College and Westminster College. A day course lasts about 23 weeks, and includes instruction in the two main computer systems used in the travel industry, as well as customer service and marketing courses.

Enroll for Travel Counsellor Certification through CITC. The certification involves a written examination that you can take before you are hired. When you get a job, you will undergo a performance evaluation that will further qualify you as a Certified Travel Counsellor. Since working in British Columbia, especially in the Vancouver area can be competitive, obtaining this certification gives you an added edge to get a job and find clients. Going through the training will test your skills and help you determine your strengths and weaknesses, so you know what type of travel bookings -- such as cruises, local travel or adventure travel -- which could be your expertise.

Apply for a travel insurance license through the Insurance Council of British Columbia. You will need this license if you plan to run your own travel agency. If you plan to work for someone else, you don't need your own travel insurance license. (see reference 2) This license allows a travel agency to issue travel insurance to clients.

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Nicole Vulcan has been a journalist since 1997, covering parenting and fitness for The Oregonian, careers for CareerAddict, and travel, gardening and fitness for Black Hills Woman and other publications. Vulcan holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and journalism from the University of Minnesota. She's also a lifelong athlete and is pursuing certification as a personal trainer.

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Travel Agent Certificate Online

Learn everything you need to know to become a Travel Agent! Canadian Tourism College’s Travel Agent Certificate can be completed entirely online.

Not able to come to one of our campuses for your program? Canadian Tourism College’s Travel Agent Certificate is offered online.

This ACTA 3-star endorsed online program is a great entry point to a new career as a Travel Agent/Consultant or for anyone interested in developing a home-based business as an independent agent.

Since 1980 CTC has been offering high-quality hospitality and tourism education in British Columbia. Some of our perks include:

• You create your schedule: online courses let you balance your priorities and work when it’s best for you.
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How to Obtain a Travel Agent License in British Columbia

Understanding Licensing Requirements for Travel Agents in British Columbia

Embarking on a career as a travel agent in British Columbia presents a promising venture, yet it necessitates strict adherence to specific licensing requirements. This guide is crafted to provide an in-depth understanding of these requirements, ensuring you meet all provincial regulations. Please note, this article is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as legal advice. For detailed and up-to-date information, refer to Consumer Protection BC and the BC Laws website. Always consult legal or professional advice when required to ensure full compliance with the law.

If you're looking for a more in-depth guide to becoming a travel agent click here !

Who Needs a Travel Agent License?

Businesses Providing Travel Services

• Scope of Services : Any individual or business offering travel services, including transportation, accommodation, or any service combined with these, is legally obligated to have a license. This ensures consumer protection and maintains industry standards.

Different Business Models

• Travel Agents : Specifically, those selling or providing travel services directly to the public, where the services are supplied by a third party.
• Wholesalers : Entities that buy or obtain rights to resell travel services from a third party, or deal with travel agents or other wholesalers.
• Branch Offices : Smaller, remote offices that are part of a larger corporation, but operate independently while remaining accountable to the head office.
• Independent Contractors/Agents : Individuals operating under a licensed travel agent, engaged in selling or providing travel services. They typically work on a commission basis and need a travel branch license.
• Accommodation Providers : Those who arrange short-term vacation rentals for locations or units they don’t own, requiring a travel wholesaler license.

Understanding these requirements is crucial for anyone looking to start a career in this dynamic industry, as it lays the groundwork for a legitimate and successful travel business in British Columbia.

Understanding Licensing Fees

In British Columbia, obtaining a travel agent license involves a series of detailed steps, each associated with specific requirements and fees. Firstly, individuals or entities must provide proof of business registration or incorporation, which includes details of partners, proprietors, or directors. A local municipal business license is also required, and evidence of applying for this license may need to be included in the travel agent license application.

A crucial step is the completion of a criminal record check by senior officers, partners, or proprietors, with the results sent directly to the licensing authority. Additionally, applicants must submit financial security, which can be in various forms such as a Letter of Credit, Cash, Surety Bond, or Safekeeping Agreement. The amount required for this security starts at $15,000 for travel agents.

The cost of obtaining a travel agent license varies. As of 2023, the fee for a new license is $1,293, and for a branch office, it is $839. There is also an initial contribution to the Travel Assurance Fund (TAF) of $632 for new head offices. Renewal fees depend on the timing of the application – $776 for early renewal and $839 for standard renewal. Additional charges may apply for changes in licensee information, NSF payments, late filings, or reconsideration of decisions. Furthermore, the fees for new agency and branch office licenses are prorated based on the length of the license, with various scales depending on the number of months covered.

This process, with its multiple steps and varying fees, ensures that travel agents in British Columbia are well-vetted and financially secured, maintaining high standards in the travel industry for consumer protection.

It might be smart to consider joining a host agency as an independent travel agent. You get the best of both worlds: the freedom to run your business your way, plus the perks that come with backing from a big company. This includes things like special travel deals, high commission rates, and training that puts you ahead of the game. Plus, you're not alone; you'll be part of a community that's all about helping each other succeed. Interested? Check out how to join us and take your travel business to the next level .

Fee Schedule

• New License : $1,293.
• Branch Office License : $839.
• Initial Contribution to Travel Assurance Fund (TAF) for new head offices: $632.

Renewal Fees

• Early Renewal : $776 if submitted more than two weeks prior to expiry.
• Standard Renewal : $839 for applications within two weeks of expiry.

Additional Charges

• Changes in Licensee Information : $63 for changes in name or address, or in senior officers/shareholders.
• NSF Payments or Declined Credit Card : $61.
• Late Filing Charges : $272 for late filing of financial statements or TAF contributions.
• Reconsideration of Decisions : Application fee of $272.

Prorated Fees for New Agencies

The fee varies based on the length of the license, starting from $1,293 for 12 months to $647 for 6 months or less.

Fees for New Branch Offices

These also vary by the length of the license, with a range from $839 for 12 months to $418 for 6 months or less.

Step-by-Step Guide to Licensing

Step 1: registration or incorporation proof.

When starting a new travel agency business in British Columbia, the first essential step is to provide proof of business registration or incorporation. This requirement ensures that the business is legally recognized and structured according to provincial laws. For businesses that are partnerships or proprietorships, the names of all partners or proprietors must be included in the application. In the case of a corporation, it is mandatory to list the names of directors, senior officers, and any beneficial owners who hold voting shares. Additionally, if the business operates under a trade name different from its legal name, a current copy of the trade name registration must be provided.

Step 2: Municipal Business License

The second step requires obtaining a municipal business license from the local government where the business is based. This step verifies that the business complies with local bylaws and regulations, which is a crucial aspect of ensuring consumer safety and business legitimacy. Some municipalities may require evidence of a travel agent license application before issuing their business license. In such cases, applicants need to submit a copy of the municipal license application and the receipt as part of their travel agent license application. This ensures coordination between local and provincial licensing requirements.

Step 3: Criminal Record Check

The third step involves a criminal record check for senior officers, partners, or proprietors of the business. This process is integral to maintaining the integrity and trustworthiness of the travel industry. The check is conducted by a designated third-party supplier, and the results are sent directly to the licensing body. This ensures an unbiased evaluation of the applicant’s background. For non-Canadian residents, a criminal record check from their home jurisdiction is required. This process helps in ensuring that those at the helm of travel agencies are individuals of good standing, thereby enhancing consumer confidence in the services offered.

Step 4: Financial Security

Submit financial security, which can be a Letter of Credit, Cash, Surety Bond, or Safekeeping Agreement, starting at $15,000 for travel agents.

This detailed guide aims to provide a clear and comprehensive understanding of the process involved in obtaining a travel agent license in British Columbia, including the associated costs. By meticulously following these steps and being aware of the financial requirements, aspiring travel agents can navigate the licensing process effectively and efficiently.

Obtaining a travel agent license in BC involves a detailed process that ensures compliance with provincial regulations. It's a crucial step in establishing a legitimate and trusted travel business. By following these steps meticulously, you can embark on your journey as a licensed travel agent in British Columbia , ready to offer high-quality, reliable travel services to the public.

Learn More About BNW Travel

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BC Insurance Exam

The BC Insurance Exam program consists of a Study Manual and an Exam. The exam is only available in an online version. Please Note: An exam date must be scheduled at least 10 business days (excluding holidays) after your completed registration form has been received at the ACTA Office. Candidates have the option to write the exam in either a Proctored Venue (where the computer and a Proctor are provided.) OR Candidates may choose their own Proctor and write the exam anytime, anyplace they choose. The fee for the exam is as follows: $65.00 + applicable taxes. This does not include any fees required by a Proctored Venue or a Proctor, as these arrangements are strictly between the candidate and the proctor. Results: The pass mark on the Exam is 72%. For questions or concerns about the BC Insurance Exam, please email us at [email protected] or by calling 1-888-257-2282 or 905-282-9294 extension 128.

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Please remember that the Insurance exam is designed to test your ability to properly service the needs of your customers. In order to do so, you must have an understanding of the details of travel insurance. This exam is not designed to trip you up with grammatical tricks or "sounds-like" responses. It is a straightforward review of the information covered in the Study Manual. There are numerous sites on the internet that give you ideas about studying and writing exams. For those who may be anxious about the Insurance exam, please take some time to look at some of these sites:

• www.studygs.net/tstprp8.htm
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How to Become a Travel Agent in British Columbia, Canada

Updated: Nov 11, 2019

The travel industry grows with each second that ticks away because the more the world becomes globalized, the more its occupants feel the need to travel. Being a travel agent is ranked to be one of the trendiest jobs in the century, because of the challenge, novelty and fun it entails. Even if this is true, the role of a travel agent also associates with constant risk. One cannot merely raise his/her hand and be qualified as a travel agent. The job is about taking people to places, making their experience a pleasantly memorable one, and bringing them back home safe. This is not as simple as it sounds; given the different rules and regulations, one has to agree to in different countries of the world. What someone might love to do in one country might be illegal and punishable by law in another. The travelers might not be aware of the weather conditions, legal aspects, language, customs, and social construct of the country they are traveling.

This is why the travel agent who escorts them must know what he/she is doing. Taking all these into consideration, different states of the world have put up specific rules and regulations about starting up travel services. In Canada, British Columbia is one of the three provinces that have particular rules and regulations about selling travel.

This applies for travel agents who either have their business located inside the province, or sell their services to residents living in the province despite being located elsewhere. If a travel agent who comes either comes from or sells to British Columbia does not agree to these terms and does not get a license as a travel service provider, you must completely stop trusting that service to be real.

Being a Licensed Travel Agency in British Columbia

There is a set of rules and regulations you have to abide by if you plan on becoming a travel agent, or you have to consider if you plan on hiring one.

Before being a travel agent in BC, a registration fee of $40 must be paid to the BC Corporate Registry. Making sure this is done leads to another step to be completed; which is that an application for a license should be sent to the Consumer Protection BC. The last time I checked, the fee was $1,126 for travel agencies, while those who want to start branch offices of existing travel agencies are charged $675. It must also be noted that travel agency branches that are located in different locations need to obtain separate travelers’ licenses. British Columbia requires you to follow these steps in obtaining a license:

Apply for a travel agency head office application

Residential address declaration

Confirm financial information

Security requirements and working capital requirements

Annual financial report

Agreement of safekeeping

Letter of credit

Surety bond

Authorizing of credit card payment

Consumer protection BC logo request

Upon completion of these steps, you are to get a travel agency license that allows you to sell travel services to people. If your agency is located in British Columbia, you are bound by the regulations put up by the province for its own good and yours. In addition to these legal steps, you have to vow to yourself to serve the community honestly and legally. If you are a traveller looking for a trustworthy travel agency in BC, make sure to ask them to show you their license granted by the province. Because unlike travel agents in other areas, a BC travel agent needs a BC issued license.

Who Needs to be Licensed to Sell Travel in BC?

Travel agents: Travel agents are those who sell travel to the Canadian public. They provide guidance and active assistance in escorting travelers to their destinations.

Branch offices: A branch office is connected to the corporate headquarters, in this case, the host travel agency. According to the BC law, even a home-based unit is also considered as a separate branch. Each branch needs to be licensed separately by paying the $625 payment required by the Consumer Protection BC. The head office is what takes care of applying separate licenses for its branches, at the same time settling payments, managing the financial reports, and handling the documents.

Wholesalers: These are sellers of travel services through a third party. They need to be licensed, just as much as independent travel agents.

Independent travel agents: Independent travel agent is an agent of a travel agency. He/she works under commission and is bound to the host travel agency on a contract basis. But this does not allow them to work without a separate license; they too have to obtain a license as a branch office. If any independent travel agent fails to supply a travel agent license when you ask them, he/she is either on malpractice, or is employed by an irresponsible travel agency that does not recruit its agents legally.

Accommodation providers: An accommodation provider is the one who arranges vacation rentals, lodges, and locations for travelers. They need to have a wholesaler’s license if they are serving in British Columbia.

Travel Agent Regulation in British Columbia, Canada

A set of regulations binds travel agencies in British Columbia. The reason for this is that several cases of fraud travel agents in the area have been reported, and many people who wanted to be accompanied by a respected travel agent ended up being disappointed. Virtual companies who have not obtained a travel license must be rejected immediately because failure to show proof of the license is regarded as a felony. Finding out whether they have a BC travel seller’s permit is the healthiest way to start your relationship with a travel agency. If you are planning to be a travel agent yourself, start by applying for the license because you can do nothing without it. Accepting and adapting to the regulations makes you an eligible travel agent, and clients would eventually be glad that they hired you.

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Know your obligations

The information on this page is to help you understand the travel agency and wholesaler law and ensure you maintain your good standing as a business. This is a general overview of our expectations and the laws we oversee. It is your responsibility as a BC-licensed travel agent or wholesaler to review the laws in detail, comply with municipal bylaws and get independent legal advice, if necessary.

As part of our inspection or investigative process, we may impose an administrative monetary penalty (financial penalty) for certain violations of the laws we oversee. Every contravention has a base penalty amount, based in part on the seriousness of the infraction.

Read the Business Practices and Consumer Protection Act . Read the Travel Industry Regulation . Understand all our policies, including about administrative penalties .

Submit your financial report yearly

You must submit your financial report within 3 months of your business year-end date annually. It is important to note you must submit your financial report prior to renewing your licence. It’s important to note, if you are within your first fiscal year you do not need to submit a financial report to us. 

You must contribute annually to Travel Assurance Fund (TAF) for your first three (full) fiscal years. Contributions are made through MyAccount at the same time as your financial report submission. 

Login to MyAccount to submit your financial report .

See a sample of the financial reporting requirements (for reference only). Learn more about Travel Assurance Fund .    

Provide the security requirement

The required amount may change depending on the total gross sales each year.

Travel agent 

Travel wholesaler / accommodation provider.

We may require that you provide security greater than the amount required.   

Financial security must be provided in any of the following forms:

• Letter of Credit  – in favour of Consumer Protection BC issued by a financial institution.  See sample .
• Surety Bond  – an insurance policy issued by an insurance company authorized to operate in BC.  See sample .
• Safekeeping Agreement  (i.e. GIC or similar investment issued by a financial institution) – in favour of Consumer Protection BC.  See sample .
• Cash  – presented as bank draft or money order held in trust by Consumer Protection BC. Note: no interest is paid on cash securities.

The original issued document provided by the financial institution or insurer must be included with the application. This security will be held throughout the term of your licence plus 6-months after the cancellation or expiry of your licence.

Report changes to your business

You must report any changes to your business within 14 days including a business name change, location change, changing partner or corporate officer, change in your business model, fiscal year-end change, or if you are selling your business.

Submit a notice of change form – business information . Submit a  notice of change form – purchase of business . Submit a  notice of change form – corporate officers .

Notify us that you are closing your travel agency/wholesaler .

Display your licence

You must publicly display your licence in your place of business. You must also include your licence number on any print or web materials, including:

• business cards
• print collaterals (such as brochures and flyers)
• documentation (including contracts)
• your website

Renew your licence

Renew annually within 3 months from your financial year-end to maintain your travel agent or wholesaler licence.

Log in to MyAccount to complete this process .

Operating a branch

If your business has more than one location, each location must have its own licence. The head office must complete the branch application, not the Branch Manager. 

Apply to get a branch licensed .

BC consumer protection laws require that businesses have a licence for each location from where it conducts business. Conducting business from a location means several things, including:

• A location from which your physical presence, address, or telephone number in British Columbia is given in a telephone directory.
• A location from which your physical presence, address, or telephone number in British Columbia is given in any verbal or written advertisement.
• You have, in British Columbia, a resident agent, or a warehouse, office, or place of business.

We understand that you may provide remote working options to your employees.

Provided they are not conducting business in the way described above, remote workers may work from remote locations if they follow these guidelines:

• They can only work remotely from their home-based location.
• If the law or health directives allow, they are only to directly meet and serve clients from licensed locations and not at remote or unlicensed home-based locations.
• While conducting business, they must only, use the contact information of the licensed location in any visual representation, correspondence, business cards, or on any printed or electronic advertisement.
• Other than cell phone numbers or corporate IP-based phone numbers, they may not disclose their personal telephone number(s) to suppliers or clients nor reveal that they are conducting business from any unlicensed location.
• Payments for services may be received only at the licensed office unless those payments are through electronic means via credit card or immediate EFT, and no payment information is retained or stored in the home-based location.
• All client files, arrangement details, and associated original records of accounting or contracts handled by a telecommuter must be kept at the businesses’ licensed location. (It is permissible for telecommuters to retain copies of routine correspondence and other records at their home-based location).
• Persons selling or otherwise arranging for the supply of goods and services to consumers with the expectation of receiving payment or benefit for so doing, are deemed to be acting as licensees and are required to comply with the provisions of these guidelines.

Except for items 6 and 7 above, these guidelines do not apply to employees of licensees performing purely accounting or other administrative functions.

Collect and maintain records

You must collect and keep organized records of consumer transactions, your accounting and other financial information documents.

Provide proof of payment documentation

You must provide your consumers with a receipt that includes:

• your business name, address, telephone number and licence number
• the date when payment is received
• the customer’s name and address
• the description of services including travel date
• the amount of money received, refunded or outstanding, with the itemized purchase price for the travel services

Keep current records of your trust account

You must keep proper records for your trust account – this includes money deposited, all disbursements, account balance, and balance for each customer where money has been deposited into the trust account where funds must be kept separate and apart from the business’s transactions.

Read the Travel Industry Regulation, section 13 .

Understand your contract obligations

When you book travel for your customers, that’s a contract. Your receipts/invoices are a key element of your contract with your customers. As a BC travel agent or wholesaler, there are specific contract rules in BC that you must follow.  

Know about your contracts.

Understand our inspections process

We perform routine, random, follow-up and complaint-based inspections of all our regulated businesses to ensure they comply with the law.

Find out what to expect and how to prepare for an inspection .

Do not engage in deceptive or unconscionable acts  

By law, you must not engage in deceptive or unconscionable acts.

Read the  Business Practices and Consumer Protection Act, section 4 .

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Travel agencies.

From: Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

You might choose to have a travel agent help you book your next vacation. Here’s what you need to know about using the services of a travel agency.

On this page

Choosing a travel agency or agent, licensed travel agents, members of travel associations, travel agency complaints.

Here are some questions to ask before choosing a travel agent:

• Is the travel agent licensed in your province or territory?
• Has the agent completed a training program?
• Has the agent travelled widely?
• How many years has the agent or agency been in business?
• Does the agent or agency belong to a travel agents' association or related organization?

In some Canadian jurisdictions, travel agents must be licensed or registered. Check with your provincial or territorial consumer affairs office to find out what requirements exist in your region.

Many travel agents or agencies belong to professional travel associations. Members may be required to meet certain requirements for training, staffing and financing, and often must follow a code of ethics and standards.

Here are the names of a few of these associations:

• Association of Canadian Travel Associations (ACTA) : Over 12,000 travel agents across Canada work in ACTA member agencies – representing more than 80% of the travel business booked through a travel agency.
• International Air Transport Association (IATA) : Travel agencies displaying the IATA designation are authorized to sell tickets for IATA-member airlines ( some 290 airlines  in 120 countries).

Choosing a travel agent or agency affiliated with these groups does not guarantee that you won't have problems, but it can offer you an additional measure of security.

Although the Canadian Transportation Agency may be able to help with complaints about the air portion of travel arrangements booked through a travel agency or as part of a tour package, complaints about travel agents and tour operator services fall under provincial jurisdiction. The Consumer Hub can help you find the appropriate provincial or territorial government authority to seek redress for a consumer issue with a service booked using the services of a travel agency.

Consumer Hub

Find answers to your transportation, financial services and telecommunications and broadcasting questions.

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Council makes every effort to keep insurance licensee resources regularly updated. Please check back often.

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Corporate or partnership restricted travel insurance agency licence qualifications and application information for first-time or returning restricted travel insurance licence applicants in BC.

• Requirement to register with Consumer Protection BC :  Council will only issue restricted travel insurance licences to agencies registered to act as a travel agent with Consumer Protection BC.
• Requirement for Business Name Registration: The Insurance Council requires all names, including operational names or "doing business as" names (i.e. trade names), to be registered with the BC Corporate Registry , and be approved by the Insurance Council. The business name must be a name that will not likely be confused with the name of an insurer, another licensed insurance agency or an adjusting firm. Furthermore, an insurance applicant or licensee is required by the Financial Institutions Act (the “Act”) to have a name that is neither misleading, nor likely to cause confusion for the public. Section 12.1 of the Act also requires that anytime the word “insurance” or “assurance” or “insurer” is used, the name cannot be used in a manner that would cause a member of the public to believe the entity is an insurance company. As this section falls under the jurisdiction of the BC Financial Services Authority, further information regarding name requests can be found on their website here .

Employees or commissioned salespeople of the licensed restricted travel insurance agency do not need to hold a licence if their only insurance-related activity is to sell travel insurance incidental to the ordinary business of the travel agent or wholesaler.

Employees of the licensed restricted travel insurance agency or wholesaler must meet education requirements to qualify for the individual licensing exemption:

• Pass the Council-approved travel insurance exam   (can be taken online) from the Association of Canadian Travel Agencies  ACTA — formerly Canadian Institute of Travel Counsellors):

2560 Matheson Blvd. East, Ste 226

Mississauga, ON L4W 4Y9

Telephone: 1-888-257-2282│1-905-282-9294 (ext. 128)

Facsimile: 1-905-282-9826

Web: www.acta.ca  

Email: [email protected]

• He or she has not worked in the travel insurance industry for 1 year after successful exam completion.
• He or she has not been actively involved in the travel insurance industry for 2 or more years.
• The licensed restricted travel agency or wholesaler is responsible for ensuring its exempt employees meet these education requirements.
• Exempt employees must also complete a minimum of 2 hours of continuing education  each calendar year, following specific content and record-keeping requirements.

*Council does not have information regarding course costs, delivery methods, or scheduling.

• Complete the application yourself, following the instructions in the application package. 
• Answer all questions and attach all required documents, including the application fee, before submitting your application, as incomplete applications may take longer to process.
• If your application has been pending for more than our displayed processing times , please feel free to contact Council's Licensing Department .