The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (Motac) will require all outbound tourism and Umrah operators to provide a bank guarantee as a new licensing condition beginning May 15, 2026.
The requirement applies to all licence holders and is part of Motac’s efforts to strengthen consumer protection and improve integrity within the tourism industry.
The ministry said the move is in line with the Tourism Industry Act 1992 and the Tourism Industry (Tour Operating Business and Travel Agency Business) Regulations 1992.
Motac said the bank guarantee requirement is intended to safeguard the interests of travellers, ensure more orderly business operations and enhance the long-term sustainability and competitiveness of outbound and Umrah tour operators.
All licence holders must comply with the requirement from May 15, 2026, or from any other date to be announced by the ministry. Failure to do so may affect the approval or renewal of their licences.
The ministry said detailed implementation mechanisms would be announced from time to time through its official channels.
Motac also called on licence holders to cooperate fully in ensuring compliance with the new requirement in the interest of the national tourism industry.
