Tiếng Việt
中文Quick answer: No. Under clause 3, Article 30 of the Law on Tourism 2017 (No. 09/2017/QH14), an enterprise engaged in international travel services may operate both international and domestic travel services (except for foreign-invested enterprises restricted under clause 4, Article 30). Therefore, an enterprise that already holds an International Travel Service Business License does not need to apply for a separate Domestic Travel Service Business License.
Scope of travel services under the Law on Tourism 2017
- Domestic travel (clause 1, Article 30): serving domestic tourists;
- International travel (clause 2, Article 30): serving international tourists coming to Vietnam and tourists traveling abroad;
- An enterprise with an international travel license → may operate both scopes (except foreign-invested enterprises);
- An enterprise with only a domestic travel license → may not operate international travel.
Conditions for being granted an international travel license
Under Article 31 of the Law on Tourism 2017, the conditions for international travel business include: (a) being an enterprise established under enterprise law; (b) making a deposit for international travel business at a bank at the level prescribed by the Government; (c) the person in charge of travel business having graduated from college or higher in a travel-related major (where graduating in another major, a certificate of international tourism operation is required). The conditions for international travel are higher than for domestic travel — which is why the international license “covers” the domestic scope.
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Notes for foreign-invested enterprises
Under clause 4, Article 30 of the Law on Tourism 2017, a foreign-invested enterprise may only operate international travel services serving international tourists coming to Vietnam (inbound), except where an international treaty to which Vietnam is a member provides otherwise — it may not operate domestic travel or take tourists abroad (outbound).
Post-licensing obligations
- Maintain business conditions throughout operations (clause 2, Article 31);
- Publicize the enterprise name and license number on signboards, travel contracts and advertising publications;
- Notify any change of the person in charge of travel business within 15 days;
- Purchase insurance for tourists; comply with the reporting and statistics regime as prescribed (Article 37);
- The license may be revoked if the enterprise ceases operations, dissolves, goes bankrupt or no longer satisfies business conditions (Article 36).
Frequently asked questions
I have a domestic license and want to expand to international — what should I do?
You must satisfy all international travel conditions (higher deposit level, personnel with college-level or higher qualifications in a travel major) and complete the procedure for being granted an International Travel Service Business License. A domestic license does not automatically convert into an international license.
Does a travel agency business need a travel license?
No. A travel agency business only needs business registration and an agency contract with a licensed travel enterprise; it does not need to apply for a Travel Service Business License.
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This content is for general reference only and does not replace legal advice for a specific matter. Legal regulations may change; the scope of advisory work is agreed separately with each client.
