Do you need a license to be a travel agent in Canada?
No. Canada doesn’t have federal licensing requirements for becoming a travel agent, but there are specific requirements for residents of Ontario, British Columbia (B.C.), and Quebec. This article covers requirements in Ontario and British Columbia.
Requirements for Ontario & B.C. residents
Check your local government website for more information. Fora can advise you on your specific situation.
Ontario residents: Pass the TICO exam
If you’re a resident of Ontario or you plan to market your travel services to clients living in Ontario, you must complete the Travel Industry Council of Ontario (TICO) Certification Program and be affiliated with a TICO-registered travel agency before you sell travel services in Ontario.
To get started, register for the TICO Certification Program (CAD $150) for an eight-module review course. Once enrolled, you can schedule your exam. The exam consists of 80 multiple-choice questions, and you will receive your results immediately after submission. There is no limit to the number of exam attempts, but each retake costs CAD $50.
B.C. residents: Operate under Fora’s CPBC license
If you’re a resident of British Columbia, Fora is licensed by Consumer Protection BC (CPBC) as a travel agency, and you can operate under our CPBC license as an advisor. This permits you to sell travel services such as transportation, accommodation, cruise, all-inclusive packages, as well as any combination of those services.
If you want to sell travel insurance directly to B.C. residents, you may sell it under Fora's Restricted Travel Insurance Agency License in British Columbia if you pass the Insurance Council–approved travel insurance exam (administered by ACTA) and complete two hours of continuing education (CE) each year.
BC-based travel advisors who have not yet completed the steps to sell travel insurance under Fora’s license can still partner with Allianz Canada, which sells insurance directly to clients and pays competitive commission to the advisor for making the referral. For more details on the exam and CE requirements, please visit this page.
Do you need an IATA number to be a travel agent?
Yes. You’ll need access to an IATA number or equivalent (e.g., TIDS)—a unique identifier that allows you to book travel and earn commissions. Most independent travel agents work with a host agency that provides this access. At Fora, an IATA number is included as part of your subscription.
Steps to become a travel agent in Canada
Understand the role
Travel agents (also called travel advisors) plan and book travel for clients. That covers everything from hotel nights and flights to full itineraries, cruises, and destination weddings. You’ll have the flexibility to work from home, build a niche around the travel you know best, and serve clients heading anywhere in the world.
Choose a host agency
Independent travel agents typically partner with a host agency for booking access, industry partnerships, commission management, training, and marketing tools. The right host agency sets you up with everything you need in one place. Fora is an all-in-one platform designed specifically for independent advisors—with the tools, training, and community to support you from your first booking onward.
Start booking & earning
After you join a host agency, invest in comprehensive training before diving into bookings. Fora’s Certified Advisor program includes 40+ hours of live, small-group training covering client management, booking fundamentals, and destination expertise. Advanced certifications, partner training, and destination deep dives are available as you grow.
Fora is essentially offering advisors a PhD in travel for $300 a year. You won’t find that anywhere else.
Nancy Vuletic
joined February 2024How do travel agents make money in Canada?
Commission earnings
Travel partners—hotels, cruise lines, tour operators, and more—pay agents a commission for each booking. Industry commission rates typically range from 5% to 10% of the total trip cost. Fora Advisors earn 12% on average. Commission rates are strongest on three-star and above hotels, villas, cruises, and tour operators, though you can book any type of travel.
Planning fees
Many advisors also charge planning fees for their time and expertise, particularly for complex itineraries or full-service trip planning. Fora Advisors can invoice clients directly through the platform.
How much does it cost to become a travel agent in Canada?
Fora charges a quarterly ($99) or annual ($299) subscription fee, which includes access to our all-in-one platform, live and recorded training, administrative support, and community app. We set you up with everything you need to succeed, from your first booking onward. There are no hidden fees, and no prior experience is required to join.
One subscription for everything you need to launch and earn
One subscription for everything you need to launch and earn
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a license to become a travel agent in Canada?
No. Canada doesn’t require a formal travel agent license or certification. You can start your business without one.
What certification do I need to become a travel agent in Canada?
No certification is legally required. Many advisors pursue voluntary credentials like the Certified Travel Associate (CTA) or destination-specific certifications to build expertise and credibility. Fora’s own Certified Advisor program provides a structured path to do exactly that.
Is it worth getting a travel agent license in Canada?
Generally speaking, there’s no license to get—the question is really about training and credentials. Investing in quality training pays off in client trust, booking confidence, and earning potential. Fora’s training program covers the fundamentals and beyond.
Does Canada require a Seller of Travel registration?
Canada’s requirements are regulated by province. Ontario, British Columbia, and Quebec-based agents must follow specific requirements. Check your local government website for more information.
How much does it cost to become a travel agent in Canada?
The exact amount depends on your host agency fees and fees for any required registration or insurance. With Fora, you pay a quarterly fee of $99 or an annual fee of $299. That covers your full platform access, training, tools, Errors & Omissions (E&O) insurance, and support. There are usually no additional licensing fees required in Canada, but Ontario and B.C. residents may need to pay fees for required exams.
How long does it take to become a travel agent in Canada?
Most Fora Advisors are up and running within a month. Training is available live and on-demand, so the timeline is largely up to you.
How do travel agents make money in Canada?
Travel agents earn commissions from hotels, cruise lines, tour operators, and other travel partners—typically 5%–15% of the total trip cost depending on the supplier. Fora Advisors earn 12% on average. Many advisors also charge planning fees for complex itineraries.
Can I get paid with a Canada-based bank account?
Each host agency handles payments differently. At Fora, we can pay our Canada-based advisors in Canadian dollars (CAD) via a preferred payments partner or in U.S. dollars (USD) if an advisor has a U.S. domiciled account, such as through Wise. No other steps are necessary.
Do I need prior travel experience?
No. Fora doesn’t require prior travel industry experience to join. Our training program is designed to build your knowledge from the ground up, whether you’re new to the industry or transitioning from another career.
How do I get an IATA number?
Most independent travel agents access an IATA number through their host agency rather than applying for one independently. At Fora, IATA access is included in your membership.
Can I work as a travel agent from home in Canada?
Yes, most advisors work remotely. At Fora, training is available virtually, and you can manage your entire business through Fora’s platform from anywhere in Canada or beyond.
Can I be a part-time travel agent in Canada?
Yes. Many advisors start part-time and grow their business at their own pace. As an independent contractor, you set your own hours.
