Protection for inbound visitors

Inbound visitors may browse the “ Advice for Travellers ” and the “ FAQs ” sections to learn about the protection for them. They may also browse the "List of Registered Shops" and “Shops whose Registration has been Cancelled”.


List of members using the e-levy system

The e-levy system has been in full operation since 1 June 2018. Please click here for the updated list of members using the e-levy system.


List of operators and intending operators of study tours

Schools or organisations intending to appoint travel agents to organise study tours on their behalf can refer to the “List of operators and intending operators of study tours” and contact the travel agents directly.


Communicable diseases and travel health advice

For the latest update and preventive measures of dengue fever, please click here for details (Chinese only).

For updates on communicable diseases such as rubella in Japan, avian influenza and Ebola virus disease, please visit the Centre for Health Protection website.

Travellers wishing to learn about latest news on health advice, please visit the Hong Kong Travellers' Health Service website and the Travel Health Bulletin.


Recovering the cost of levy payments from travellers

Members may recover the cost of levy payments from travellers. Please browse the leaflet and Directive No. 235: "Rules for recovering the cost of levy payments from customers" for details.


Guidance for booking cruise products through travel agents

Please browse the Guidance for booking cruise products through travel agents .


Recent decisions by TIC's disciplinary committees


Outbound Travel Alert (OTA) System and Registration of Outbound Travel Information (ROTI)

Hong Kong residents planning to travel overseas are advised to browse the Security Bureau's OTA webpage and use the Hong Kong Immigration Department’s ROTI service to receive OTA updates and related information from the Government. 


Immigration Department's 24-hour helpline

Hong Kong residents who need help when they are outside the city may call the 24-hour hotline of the Immigration Department's Assistance to Hong Kong Residents Unit on (852)1868.


Visa-free Access for HKSAR Passports

Travellers may visit the GovHK website for an updated list of countries/territories which have granted visa-free access to HKSAR passport holders.


E-levy system has replaced all franking machines from 1 July 2019


Information of fuel surcharges to be released on TIC website
2019-8-23

The TIC will release the information of fuel surcharges on its website from mid-September (Circular C1830).


Pilot Information Technology Development Matching Fund Scheme for Travel Agents: Ninth-round Applications
2019-8-2

The deadline for ninth-round applications is 31 August (Circular C1828).


32nd Annual General Meeting: Nomination for Directors’ Election
2019-8-2

This year’s AGM and directors’ election will be held on 28 November, and the nomination period for the election will be between 12 August and 11 September (Circular C1826).


Dedicated Email System for Tours from Shenzhen to Hong Kong
 2019-7-26

Please click here for the dedicated email addresses of Hong Kong’s receiving agents. The dedicated email addresses of Shenzhen’s outbound agencies can be downloaded here (password not required).


SCED writes to Consuls General in Hong Kong to allay safety concerns
2019-7-26

The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development has written to the Consuls General and international chambers in Hong Kong on 24 July to allay safety concerns about the recent protests and demonstrations in Hong Kong. Please refer to Circular C1825 for details.


The Voice of TIC is released
2019-7-16

Please read the “Cover Story” of the latest issue of The Voice to know the key requirements for travel agents under the new regulatory regime.


Practical Workshop for Travel Consultants
2019-4-18

The captioned workshop, which is eligible for subsidies under the Development Fund for the Travel Industry, is now open for enrolment. Please see Circular C1805 for details.


Survey and Research

The details of the project “Enhancing the Capability of Outbound SME Travel Agents for Service Innovation and Value Creation, Responding to the New Business Challenge” have been uploaded to the TIC website (Latest News).


Student helpers available to receive cruise visitors and offer assistance in MICE events

Inbound agents that need student helpers to receive large parties from cruise ships visiting Hong Kong or offer assistance in MICE events on an ad hoc or temporary basis may contact various universities and tertiary institutions (“ Latest News ”).


Schemes for SMEs

Members may go to the SME Funding Schemes’ website and the SME Financing Guarantee Scheme’s web page for details about various schemes for SMEs.


E-learning platform for tourism service industry

Industry members are welcome to use the e-learning platform (in Chinese only) launched by the Quality Tourism Services Association to enhance their service standards.



The HKTB announces new appointments in different strategic markets. Please click here for details.


Benefits for tourist guides

Continuing Professional Development (CPD) for tourist guides...
2016-4-14

Geopark Guide Accreditation System

Tour Escorts

Security Bureau's mobile app "Safeguard HK" is launched.

Latest information on courses for tour escorts:



Continuing Professional Development (CPD) for tourist guides
2016-4-14

Tourist guides may click the following links to browse the information of the CPD activities:

  1. “Knowledge on Hong Kong” Workshop / Quiz
  2. Seminars on professional ethics
  3. Self-selected courses


Tourist guides must not directly arrange inbound reception services

Tourist guides must not arrange tour-guiding and transfer services for inbound tours organised by mainland tour operators (“ Latest News ”).


Demerit system for tour guides

The TIC has set up a demerit system to improve the service standard of tourist guides who receive mainland visitors (“Other Rules for Tourist Guides”).


Tour guides must never force visitors to stay in shops

Tourist guides must not stop visitors from leaving the shops freely or coerce them into making purchases (“Latest News”).


Latest information on courses for tour escorts

The Certificate Courses for Outbound Tour Escorts to be held during the following period is now open for enrolment:


Handy Tips for Tour Escorts

The “Handy Tips for Tour Escorts” covers general rules for healthy travel, basic first aid, insurance claims procedures and useful telephone numbers.


How to renew TIC membership?
Is it necessary for a person to hold a passport whose validity period exceeds six months when leaving Hong Kong, in order to be allowed to return to Hong Kong?
What are the entry requirements for the Pre-service Tourist Guide Training Course? Which institutes are organising the Course?
© 2005 Travel Industry Council of Hong Kong. All rights reserved.
Last Updated: 2019-8-22