Ministry of Tourism urges travelers to verify company licensing before booking
The Saudi Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities has called on citizens to confirm that travel companies are licensed before signing contracts or making payments. The advisory is in effect immediately and applies to all Saudi travelers planning tours or programs.
In this story
At a glance
- What changes
- Travelers must verify agency licensing before booking
- Timing
- Effective immediately
- Who is affected
- All Saudi citizens booking tourism programs
The details
- Announced by
- Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities
Background of the advisory
The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities issued a public notice urging citizens to ensure that any travel or tourism program they intend to join is organized by a licensed company. The notice highlights the risk of dealing with unlicensed entities that operate outside legal frameworks.
What travelers are asked to do
Travelers are instructed to check the licensing status of the organizing company before signing any contract or transferring money. The Ministry provides a hotline (19654) and a reporting number (01550008630) for verification and to report illegal operators.
- Contact the Ministry hotline to confirm a company's license
- Use the online directory of licensed tourism companies on the Ministry’s website
Enforcement and follow‑up
Inspection committees will continue monitoring unlicensed entities and will take action to stop violations. The Ministry emphasizes that using licensed companies protects travelers' rights and ensures services meet regulatory standards.
- Ministry inspections target illegal operators
- Legal actions will be taken against non‑compliant companies
What this means for travellers
Trip planning
- Existing bookings should be reviewed to confirm the organizer’s licensing status
- New bookings must include a verification step before payment is made
Cost and documents
- No additional fees are introduced by the advisory
- Travelers should retain proof of booking and payment as part of verification
What you need to do
- Check the Ministry’s online directory or call 19654 before confirming any travel program
- Report any suspected unlicensed operator using 01550008630
Who this affects
-
Saudi citizens booking domestic tours
The advisory targets all Saudi travelers arranging tourism programs within the Kingdom
What to do Verify the organizer’s license before signing contracts or paying
-
Saudi citizens booking international tours
The notice applies to any program advertised by a company operating in Saudi Arabia
What to do Confirm the company’s licensing status through the Ministry’s channels
-
Travel agencies offering packages to Saudi customers
Agencies must be licensed to avoid penalties and maintain credibility
What to do Ensure their licensing is up‑to‑date and visible to clients
Frequently asked questions
How can I verify if a travel company is licensed in Saudi Arabia?
You can verify a company's license by calling the Ministry of Tourism hotline at 19654 or by checking the online directory of licensed tourism companies on the Ministry’s website.
What should I do if I suspect a travel operator is unlicensed?
Report the suspected unlicensed operator to the Ministry of Tourism using the dedicated number 01550008630, which handles complaints about illegal tourism entities.
Does the Ministry’s advisory impose any new fees on travelers?
No new fees are mentioned; the advisory focuses on verification of licensing and does not introduce additional costs for travelers.
Will my existing travel bookings be affected by this advisory?
Existing bookings should be reviewed to ensure the organizer is licensed; if not, travelers are advised to contact the Ministry for guidance before proceeding.
Are social media advertisements sufficient to confirm a travel company's legitimacy?
The Ministry warns that advertisements on social media are not enough; travelers must check the official licensing status through the Ministry’s channels before making any payment.
