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Booking a holiday, Umrah trip or visa service through a UAE travel agency is common and convenient. A few minutes of checking before you pay helps you choose an agency that is properly licensed and offers exactly what you need. This guide explains what to check, which official tools to use, and where to find agencies by type.
Quick checklist
| Check | How |
|---|---|
| Tourism licence | Ask for the agency’s trade licence and tourism licence numbers. In Dubai, tourism licences are issued by the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). |
| Licence matches the service | The licensed activity should match what you are buying, e.g. outbound holidays, inbound tours or ticketing. |
| IATA code (for air tickets) | If the agency says it is IATA-accredited, ask for its numeric IATA code and check it with IATA’s CheckACode tool. |
| Written quote | Get inclusions, exclusions, total price and payment schedule in writing before paying. |
| Cancellation terms | Ask for the refund and change policy in writing, including any supplier (airline or hotel) rules. |
| Receipt | Ask for an official receipt or tax invoice showing the company name. |
Is the travel agency licensed?
A travel or tourism business in the UAE needs a licence from the authorities of the emirate where it operates. In Dubai, the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) is the authority for tourism licences and permits. In other emirates, ask the agency which authority issued its licence and confirm the details with that authority.
The simplest step is to ask the agency for its trade licence number and tourism licence number, and the company’s registered name. A legitimate agency will share these readily. Check that the name on the licence matches the name on your quote and receipt.
Does the licence match what you are buying?
Tourism licences cover different activities, for example travel agency services, outbound tour operation (holidays from the UAE) and inbound tour operation (tours inside the UAE). When you book a package abroad, ask whether the agency is licensed to sell that type of service. When you book a desert safari or city tour, check the operator holds the licence for tours in the UAE.
How to check an IATA code
Many agencies that issue airline tickets are accredited by IATA, the International Air Transport Association. IATA offers a free CheckACode evaluation tool. For passenger travel agencies, enter the agency’s 7- or 8-digit numeric IATA code.
An IATA code identifies a specific office location, so a head office and each branch can have different codes. Not every agency needs IATA accreditation. Smaller agencies may book through a consolidator, which is normal. IATA accreditation matters mostly when the agency issues the air ticket itself.
Questions to ask before you pay
- What exactly is included: flights, hotel name and room type, transfers, meals, visa fees, insurance?
- What is the total price, and are there any extra charges at the destination?
- When is payment due, and is a deposit refundable?
- What happens if you need to cancel or change dates, and what happens if the airline or hotel changes the booking?
- For visas: what documents are needed, and does the agency submit the application or only help you prepare it? Final decisions are always made by the embassy or immigration authority.
- Who do you contact during the trip, and on which number?
Hajj and Umrah bookings
Hajj and Umrah trips are handled by specialist operators. For Saudi requirements, permits and official services, use Saudi Arabia’s official Nusuk platform. See our Hajj and Umrah from the UAE guide for the planning steps.
Find travel agencies by type
- Travel agencies in the UAE
- Tour operators
- Visa consultants
- Top-rated travel agencies in Dubai and Abu Dhabi
Planning a trip abroad? Start with our holidays from the UAE guides, or see the UAE travel guide if you are visiting.
Frequently asked questions
Who licenses travel agencies in Dubai?
The Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) issues tourism licences and permits in Dubai.
How can I check if a travel agency is IATA-accredited?
Ask for its numeric IATA code and enter it in IATA’s free CheckACode evaluation tool.
Can a travel agency guarantee my visa?
No. An agency can help prepare and submit your application, but the decision is always made by the embassy or immigration authority.