How to register |
Every inbound tour operator working in Queensland must register their business with us. You can register as an individual or a corporation.
Eligibility
You cannot register as an inbound tour operator if you:
- are younger than 18 years old
- are an externally administered corporation
- are affected by bankruptcy action
- have been convicted of a disqualifying offence within the previous five years, including:
- fraud or dishonesty that is punishable by at least three months imprisonment
- offences relating to the administration of justice
- miscellaneous offences against public authority
- stealing
- conspiracy
- offences like stealing
- stealing with violence - extortion by threats
- burglary, housebreaking and similar offences
- fraudulent practices
- receiving property that was stolen or fraudulently obtained
- false accounting - fraud by company trustees and officers
- secret commissions
- forgery
- impersonation
- any other corresponding offence under the federal or state/territory law
- have breached the Tourism Services Act 2003 or Fair Trading Act 1989 within the previous five years.
Education requirements
There are no educational requirements for this certificate.
How to register
To register:
- complete Inbound Tour Operators Form 1 - Application for registration as an inbound tour operator (PDF, 507 KB)
- provide originals or certified copies of your identification (and anyone else on the application), such as a drivers licence, passport, birth certificate, birth extract, Certificate of Australian Citizenship or deed poll (see below for instructions on getting documents certified)
- pay the registration fee of $676.00 for one year or $1906.00 for three years (including application fee)
- pay the criminal history check fee of $38.40 for each person shown on the application
- lodge the entire application (see the form for lodgement details).
If you are currently licensed as a travel agent, you are exempt from paying application and registration fees (but not the criminal history check fee) if you provide a copy of your licence.
After we approve your application, we will place your service´s name and details on a register that the public can search to confirm you are registered.
If we do not approve your application, we will notify you in writing, including the reasons for our decision. If you disagree with our decision not to approve your application, you have 28 days to appeal.
If you withdraw your application, or we do not approve it, we will refund your fees, minus a $61.00 handling fee and the criminal history check if it is already done.
Criminal history checks
Applicants must undergo a criminal history check to confirm their suitability.
The criminal history check costs $38.40 (which includes $1.13 GST) for each person who appears on the application form. The fee applies to all applications and renewal notices.
Processing time
Processing time is 4-6 weeks. However, it can take longer if we need to contact you for missing information or fees.
The processing time may be up to six weeks because the criminal history check process, handled by the Queensland Police Service, is thorough and time consuming.
Send certified documents
Take the original document and a copy to a Justice of the Peace, Commissioner for Declarations, solicitor, barrister or a Notary Public. They will stamp and/or sign the copy and write ´This is a true copy of the original document´.
The Department of Justice and Attorney-General has a list of JPs in your area. Otherwise, contact your local post office, courthouse, bank, shopping centre manager or pharmacy who may be able to advise on the location of local JPs.
Please note that a photocopy is not a certified document.
Refunds
Depending on your circumstances, you may be entitled to a partial refund if you withdraw your application or it is refused. We will also refund any unused criminal history check fees or fingerprinting fees.
Related links |
Tourism Services Act 2003 (Office of the Queensland Parliamentary Counsel website) |
Tourism Services Regulation 2003 (Office of the Queensland Parliamentary Counsel website) |
Last reviewed 28/09/2012 |
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