Tour Operator's Licence Fees / Charges, Kenya

Any person or company operating as a tour operator, safari operator, or travel agency in Kenya must hold a Tour Operator's Licence issued by the Tourism Regulatory Authority (TRA). Tour operators fall under Class "C" tourism enterprises under the Tourism Act, 2011. This class also includes tourist service vehicle hire, local air charter operators, travel agencies, water sports operators, balloon operators, and boat excursion businesses. No other licensing body in Kenya may issue a commercial permit to a tourism enterprise unless the applicant produces a valid TRA licence. Tour operators are additionally required to obtain Tourist Service Vehicle Stickers for all vehicles used to transport tourists.

Tour Operator's Licence Fees (TRA — Tourism Enterprises Regulations, 2024)

Category	Application Fee (KES)	Annual Licence Fee — Citizens (KES)	Application Fee — Non-Citizens (USD)	Annual Licence Fee — Non-Citizens (USD)
Tour / Safari Operators	1,000	25,000	100	1,500
Tourist Service Vehicle Hire	1,000	25,000	100	1,500
Travel Agency	1,000	25,000	100	1,500
Water Sports	1,000	20,000	100	1,500
Local Air Charter	1,000	49,500	100	1,500
Balloon Operators	1,000	49,500	100	1,500
Boat Excursions	1,000	10,000	100	1,500

Tourist Service Vehicle Sticker Fees

Sticker Type	Fee
Local Registered Tourist Vehicle (per vehicle, annual)	KES 1,000
Foreign Registered Tourist Vehicle (per vehicle, 6 months)	USD 500

How to Apply

Applications are submitted through the TRA TRIMS portal at trims.tourismauthority.go.ke. Required documents include: certificate of incorporation, KRA PIN, national IDs of directors, professional tourism qualifications, entry/work permits for non-citizen staff, and proof of fee payment. Licences expire on 31 December each year. Late renewals attract a 10% penalty per month. Contact: Tourism Regulatory Authority, Upper Hill, Nairobi | tra.go.ke | Tel: 0709 389 000

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