A Complete Guide For DTS License, Registration, Fee, Process

What is DTS License?

DTS stands for the Department of Tourism Services which was established in the year 1976 as an attached department of the Federal Ministry of Tourism, to deal with different requirements of the tourism industry and make sure that the quality of services provided by hotels, restaurants, and even of the travel agents is not compromised. DTS license is the issued license by the department to regulate the services.

How to Get DTS License in Pakistan?

If we have a look in the recent past, the business of travel and tourism has increased to a significant level and the trend of group tours worked to give it hype while engaging young tourists from all over Pakistan. However, most of these travel and tourism agents don’t know about the registration process and acquisition of the DTS License. So here is a detailed guide on how one can get DTS License in Pakistan:

   The following three Acts are being followed for the regulation and control of the tourism industry in Pakistan:

• The Travel Agencies Act, 1976 and Rules 1977
• The Hotels & Restaurants Act, 1976 and Rules 1977
• The Tourist Guides Act 1976 and Rules 1996

Functions & Services of DTS License

The major functions and services offered by the Department of Tourism Services include the following:

• Registration of Hotels / Restaurants
• Licensing of Hotels / Restaurants / Travel Agencies / Tourist Guides
• Renewal of Licenses
• Spot checking of services being provided by registered units on the parameters and benchmarks provided in the Act and rules
• Imposition of fines and penalties upon defaulters
• Classification of Hotels

Services for Hotels

Grant of Registration (One time only)

 Documents required
 Prescribed Application form duly filled in (Download Prescribed Application Form)
 Building Map
 Rules of Establishment
 Medical Fitness Certificate of Staff
 Qualification and Experience Certificates of GM, Manager and other Staff

Fee
Rs. 200/- to 1000/- per bed from one to five-star hotels

Grant of License (annual)

Documents required
 Building Map
 Rules of Establishment
 Medical Fitness Certificate of Staff
 Qualification and Experience Certificates of GM, Manager and other Staff

Fee
Rs. 100/- to 500/- per bed from one to five-star hotels

Renewal of License (annual)

Documents required
Paid Challan in respect of renewal fee and original license along with request letter before the expiry date of license

Fee
Rs. 100/- to 500/- per bed from one to five-star hotels (Download Challan Form)

Services for Restaurants

Grant of Registration (One time only)

Documents required
 Prescribed Application form duly filled in
 Building Map
 Rules of Establishment
 Medical Fitness Certificate of Staff
 Qualification and Experience Certificates of GM, Manager and other Staff

Fee
Rs. 1600/- to 20,000/- depending on air-conditioning status and seating capacity as well as the city.

Grant of License (annual)

Documents required
 Building Map
 Rules of Establishment
 Medical Fitness Certificate of Staff
 Qualification and Experience Certificates of GM, Manager and other Staff

Fee
Rs. 1600/- to 10,000/- depending on air-conditioning status and seating capacity as well as the city.

Renewal of License (annual)

Documents required
Paid Challan in respect of renewal fee and original license along with request letter before the expiry date of license

Fee
Rs. 1600/- to 10,000/- depending on the air-conditioning status

Services for Travel Agencies

Grant of License

Documents required
The application form is prescribed in the Travel Agencies Rules 1977 under Rule 3(1), according to which following documents are required with the license application:

 Bank Balance Certificate not less than Rs.200,000/-.
 An investment statement showing assets and liabilities duly certified by an appropriate authority i.e. chartered accountant or income tax practitioner.
 An attested copy of National Tax Number.
 Attested copies of lease/rent agreement/proof of the ownership of the premises.
 In the case of Partnership Firm, attested copies of Registration Certificate and Partnership Deed duly attested.
 In the case of Limited Company, attested copies of Incorporation Certificate, Memorandum and Articles of Association, Form-A and Form-29 duly certified from Securities Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP).
 A sketch of the office showing various counters, windows, etc. with measurement showing its covered area not less than 250 sq. ft.
 A list of staff showing their designations, qualification, training, and experience in travel trade business along with attested copies of the supporting documents.
 Attested copies of CNIC of the Proprietor/Partners/Directors/Chief Executive/Manager and employee.
 Photocopy of registration of a vehicle of 800cc or above.

Fee
 Only for air ticketing: Rs.8,000/- and Bank Guarantee Rs.200,000/-
 Ticketing + Group Tours + Transportation Accommodation Rs.20,000/- and Bank Guarantee Rs.400,000/-
 Domestic Tourism + Transportation Accommodation Rs.16,000/- and Bank Guarantee Rs.200,000/-

Renewal of License

Documents required
Paid Challan in respect of renewal fee and original license along with request letter before the expiry date of the license.

Fee
 Only for air ticketing: Rs.8,000/- and Bank Guarantee Rs.200,000/-
 Ticketing + Group Tours + Transportation Accommodation Rs.20,000/- and Bank Guarantee Rs.400,000/-
 Domestic Tourism + Transportation Accommodation Rs.16,000/- and Bank Guarantee Rs.200,000/-

Alteration in License

Documents required
 Depends on the nature of the alteration

Fee
 Rs. 10,000/- for change in nature of the composition of a travel agency
 Rs. 2000/- for each branch for change in the number of branches
 Rs. 5000/- and Rs. 1000/- for change in the field of operation
 Rs. 10,000/- for a duplicate license
 Rs. 1000/- and 500/- for shifting of office premises

Services for Tourist Guides

Grant of License

Documents required
 Prescribed Application form duly filled in.
 Account maintaining certificate of Bank.
 Copy of the CNIC.
 Minimum Qualification is Intermediate.
 Copy of Experience Certificate.

Fee
 Paid Challan of Rs.2,000/-

Renewal of License (Annual)

Documents required
 Paid Challan in respect of renewal fee and original license along with request letter before the expiry date of the license.

Fee
 Paid Challan of Rs.1000/-