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Tourism Licensing Services

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Tourism Licensing Services

The Business Development & Licensing Directorate at the Bahrain Tourism & Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) is responsible for regulating and licensing tourism activities across the Kingdom of Bahrain. The Directorate plays a key role in facilitating tourism investment, ensuring compliance with applicable regulations, and supporting the sustainable development of Bahrain's tourism sector.

Through a transparent and customer-focused licensing framework, the Directorate works closely with investors, tourism establishments, and relevant government entities to deliver efficient licensing services while maintaining high standards across the tourism industry.

Roles and Responsibilities

  • Issuing tourism licenses for regulated tourism activities.
  • Reviewing and assessing applications for new tourism licenses.
  • Processing renewal, amendment, cancellation, and revival requests.
  • Coordinating licensing approvals with relevant government entities.
  • Developing and implementing tourism licensing policies and regulations.
  • Providing guidance and support to investors throughout the licensing process.
  • Supporting initiatives that enhance the quality and competitiveness of Bahrain's tourism sector.

Tourism Activities

Accommodation:

  • Hotels
  • Hotel Apartments
  • Furnished Apartments

Food and Beverage Service Activities:

  • Restaurants for Tourist Services

Tourism Offices:

  • Travel Office Activities –Travel Agencies Office
  • Arranging and Assembling Tours
  • Activities of head offices or management offices – hospitality management
  • Production of live theatrical presentations and other stage productions
  • Organization of conventions, events, and trade shows – offices for organizing tourism festivals
  • Activities of amusement parks and theme parks
  • Tourism related consultancy
  • Operation of Sea/Diving Tours - Operation of Sea/Diving Tours without Pearl Diving

Licensing Services

  1. New Tourism License

    Apply for a new tourism license to establish and operate a tourism activity in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

  2. License Renewal

    Renew an existing tourism license to continue operating in accordance with BTEA regulations.

  3. License Amendment

    Update information relating to an existing tourism license, including changes to the trade name, ownership, activity, location, or other approved amendments.

  4. Temporary Closure & Reopening

    Request the temporary closure of a tourism establishment and apply to resume operations upon completion of maintenance, renovations, or other approved works.

  5. Reclassification of Tourism Establishments

    Apply to change the classification or licensing category of a tourism establishment in accordance with the applicable regulations.

  6. License Revival

    Reinstate an expired tourism license in accordance with the applicable regulations.

  7. License Cancellation

    Apply to permanently cancel a tourism license upon the cessation of the tourism activity.

  8. Tour Guide License

    Apply for a Tour Guide License to provide licensed tour guiding services in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

  9. Artist Performance Permit

    Apply for a permit for artists or performers participating in entertainment activities at licensed tourism establishments.

  10. Exhibition & Conference Permit

    Apply for a permit to organize exhibitions, conferences, conventions, and similar business events within the Kingdom of Bahrain.

Licensing Journey

  1. Submit application through Sijilat.

  2. Application reviewed by BTEA.

  3. Supporting documents assessed.

  4. Coordination with relevant government entities where applicable.

  5. Site inspection conducted.

  6. Payment of applicable fees.

  7. Tourism License issued.

Government Coordination

Depending on the tourism activity, BTEA coordinates with:

  • Ministry of Industry & Commerce
  • Ministry of Municipalities Affairs & Agriculture
  • General Directorate of Civil Defense
  • General Directorate of Traffic
  • Ministry of Health

Contact Us

For enquiries related to tourism licensing services, please contact the Business Development and Licensing Directorate at the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority through the following channels:

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Content last updated: 11 August 2026

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