Travel Agency Licence Fee Summary Table
| Fee Type | Amount (KES) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee (new applicants) | 1,000 | One-off, payable on first application |
| Annual licence fee | 8,000 | Payable every year |
| Licence renewal fee | 8,000 | Same as annual fee |
| Late renewal penalty | 10% of licence fee per month | Applied for every month of delay |
Who Needs a Travel Agency Licence?
Every person or entity that, for reward, arranges or facilitates travel-related services — including flight bookings, hotel reservations, tour packages, and related itinerary planning — must hold a current TRA licence. This applies to:- Sole proprietors operating independently
- Limited liability companies and partnerships
- Online-only travel booking businesses with a Kenyan operational base
- Branch offices of foreign travel agencies operating in Kenya
Application Requirements
Before a licence is issued, applicants must submit a complete set of documents to the TRA. These typically include:- A duly filled licence application form (available from the TRA or its TRIMS Self-Service portal)
- Certificate of Incorporation or Business Registration
- Memorandum and Articles of Association (for companies)
- Copy of the applicant's national ID or passport
- Curriculum Vitae and professional certificates demonstrating proficiency in ticketing and airline reservation systems (e.g. GDS platforms such as Amadeus or Galileo)
- Lease agreement or title deed for the business premises
- Work or entry permits for any non-Kenyan staff or directors
Licence Validity and Renewal
A TRA travel agency licence is valid for one year and must be renewed annually. The Tourism Act requires licence holders to apply for renewal at least 30 days before the current licence expires (Section 19(1)). Failure to renew on time attracts a penalty of 10% of the applicable licence fee for every month of delay — meaning a two-month delay would cost an additional KES 1,600 on top of the standard KES 8,000 renewal fee. If a licence is not renewed, it lapses, and continuing to operate without a valid licence exposes the business to enforcement action by TRA inspectors, who are mandated to conduct regular compliance inspections under Section 29(1) of the Tourism Act.Additional Costs to Factor In
The TRA licence fee is only one element of the cost of setting up a travel agency in Kenya. Other costs commonly incurred include:- Company registration with the Registrar of Companies (KES 10,000–15,000 range for name search, registration, and documentation)
- Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA) membership — for agencies seeking IATA accreditation support
- Kenya Association of Tour Operators (KATO) membership — if also operating as a tour operator; annual fees typically start at around KES 80,000
- Business permit from the relevant county government
- Office setup and GDS subscription costs
Where to Apply
Travel agency licence applications are processed by: Tourism Regulatory Authority — Head Office Utalii House, 5th Floor Utalii Lane, off Uhuru Highway P.O. Box 25357-00100, Nairobi Tel: +254 0701 444 777 Email: [email protected] Website: tra.go.ke Applications can also be submitted online through the TRIMS Self-Service portal on the TRA website.Note: Licence fees were set under Legal Notice No. 128 of 2014 and were current at the time of writing. Always confirm the latest applicable fees directly with the Tourism Regulatory Authority, as schedules may be revised by gazette notice.