WhatsApp quoteImport / Export Code is a customs client code that lets your company clear goods through UAE ports and airports, and it applies to any company that physically imports or exports goods, whether mainland or free zone. The Federal Tax Authority's EmaraTax portal makes Import / Export Code a digital process, but the questions it asks are precise and the supporting documents must match your licence exactly. GoldenKey has licensed travel agency businesses for customers in Import / Export Code and knows which sub-activities to list so you are not asked to amend the licence later. In practice, travel & Tourism Agency in Import / Export Code means inbound and outbound travel, tour operating, ticketing and holiday packages, and it is licensed as a commercial activity.
Why Import / Export Code
On the ground, the steps for Import / Export Code are: apply on the Dubai Trade or relevant customs portal, upload licence and authorised signatory documents, pay the registration fee and then link the code to your freight forwarder. The code is renewed annually with the licence and is required before your first shipment can be cleared. For travel & tourism agency, Import / Export Code offers the office options such a business actually needs and a visa quota that can grow with the team.
How Import / Export Code works with GoldenKey
Step 1Assessment
We confirm whether Import / Export Code is mandatory, voluntary or not yet required for your turnover and activity, and fix the right timing. We keep a written record of this step so your file for import / export code for a travel agency is audit-ready.
Step 2EmaraTax setup
We set up EmaraTax access and attach your licence, authorised signatory and IBAN.
Step 3Application
We complete the Import / Export Code submission with turnover, activity and import details and upload the supporting paperwork. This is also the point at which we answer any question specific to import / export code for a travel agency.
Step 4Certificate and compliance calendar
The FTA issues your Import / Export Code certificate and we add every filing and payment date to your compliance calendar.
Documents required
For import / export code for a travel agency the licensing authority asks for the following documents, and we tell you exactly how each must be formatted.
- Customs code and import records where applicable
- Bank account letter or IBAN certificate
- Trade licence and certificate of incorporation
- Passport and Emirates ID of the authorised signatory
- Turnover evidence such as invoices, contracts or financial statements
- Memorandum of association showing shareholders
Pricing
In practice, all prices for import / export code for a travel agency are indicative, shown in AED and confirmed in writing before you pay. Pricing for import / export code for a travel agency depends on the package you choose; every option below includes GoldenKey's service and the government fees stated.
| GoldenKey service fee | AED 2,000 |
|---|
Dubai Customs or respective emirate customs code for trade activity
Request this servicePrices are indicative, in AED, exclusive of 5% VAT where applicable, and confirmed in writing before payment. Last updated 2026-10-06.
Why the UAE
Since 2021, most mainland activities have allowed 100% foreign ownership, and free zones have always offered it, so import / export code for a travel agency no longer requires a local partner. English is the working language of business, contracts are routinely drafted in English, and government portals are bilingual, which simplifies import / export code for a travel agency for international founders.
Why GoldenKey
In our experience, you deal with one named case manager from the first call until your Import / Export Code licence, visa and bank introduction are complete, and that consultant answers your WhatsApp messages personally. In our experience, because GoldenKey works with the licensing authority, the immigration department and the banks every single week, we know exactly which documents each of them will ask for on an Import / Export Code file. Our office is a short drive from the Ajman Free Zone, Ajman DED and the immigration centre, so physical submissions for import / export code for a travel agency happen the same day they are ready.
Tell us about your plans for import / export code for a travel agency and GoldenKey will come back to you shortly with a clear price, a document checklist and a realistic timeline.
Frequently asked questions
Can GoldenKey act as my tax agent?
Yes, it can. GoldenKey can prepare and submit filings on your behalf and handle FTA correspondence, so you have one point of contact for licence, visa and tax matters.
What happens if I miss the Import / Export Code deadline?
In practice, late registration attracts a fixed penalty, and late filings add further penalties. If you are already late, GoldenKey can register you and advise on penalty reconsideration where grounds exist.
Does Import / Export Code apply to a new company with no revenue yet?
The customs code is needed before the first shipment, so new traders apply as soon as the licence is issued.
Which licence type covers travel & tourism agency?
In practice, travel & Tourism Agency is classified as a commercial activity, and GoldenKey selects the exact activity code so your licence matches what you actually do.
Is travel & tourism agency allowed in Import / Export Code?
Import / Export Code applies to a travel agency businesses on the same basis as any other UAE company: any company that physically imports or exports goods, whether mainland or free zone.
