Government sets 15-Day deadline for travel agency registration

The Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism has issued a strict 15-working-day ultimatum to all travel agencies operating without valid registration, warning of legal action against those who fail to comply.

In an official notice issued on March 30, the ministry made it clear that operating a travel agency without a valid registration certificate—or failing to renew an existing one—is a punishable offense under the Bangladesh Travel Agency (Registration and Control) Act, 2013, its 2021 amendment, and the Rules of 2022. The directive states that all individuals and entities currently running travel agency businesses without proper authorization must immediately apply for registration or renewal through the government’s online Travel Agency Management System.

The ministry emphasized that failure to renew registration certificates is also depriving the government of revenue. Officials noted that the move aims to bring greater discipline and accountability to the travel agency sector, ensuring better service standards and protecting consumers from fraudulent or unregulated operators.

According to the notice, enforcement actions will be taken against violators under existing laws, which may include penalties and possible closure of unauthorized operations. The directive has been issued with the approval of the concerned authority, signaling a renewed push by the government to regulate the sector more effectively.

Industry insiders believe the ultimatum will compel many unregistered agencies to formalize their operations. However, some small operators may face challenges meeting the deadline. The ministry has urged all travel agencies to take the deadline seriously and complete the necessary formalities promptly to avoid legal consequences.

Under the Bangladesh Travel Agency (Registration and Control) Act, 2013, travel agencies are required to obtain a registration certificate from the designated authority before commencing operations. The law explicitly prohibits any person from establishing or operating a travel agency without such registration.

The deadline serves as a final opportunity for unregistered and non-compliant travel agencies to bring their operations within the legal framework, after which the government has indicated it will strictly enforce the law.