Launch Your Surrey Travel Agency: 7 Essential Requirements
This page gives you a practical, step-by-step path to starting a travel agency in Surrey under NAICS 561510. It offers a clear requirements overview that highlights the seven essentials you must meet, from permits and local licenses to registrations and basic setup. You’ll also find honest estimates for startup costs and a realistic timeline, so you can plan with confidence rather than guesswork.
You’ll learn exactly what each requirement involves and how to tackle it. Expect guidance on registering your business, obtaining a Surrey or provincial license, GST/HST registration, essential insurance, and binding supplier contracts. The guide also covers choosing travel-booking software, putting solid financial controls in place, and building a smart marketing plan—plus a straightforward timeline and cost ranges to help you budget as you proceed.
Surrey is a vibrant place to launch a travel agency. Its diverse population and proximity to Vancouver create strong demand for local and international travel planning, with supportive small-business networks and easy access to suppliers. That mix makes this city a practical, growth-friendly backdrop for NAICS 561510 agencies.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a travel agency in Surrey is the BC Travel Agent/Wholesaler Licence. This license is legally required to offer travel services in British Columbia, and you cannot operate without it. It’s non-negotiable: start the application with the regulator (Consumer Protection BC) and complete any required steps. Once you have the licence, you must keep it current and comply with ongoing rules to stay compliant.
Beyond the licence, focus on mandatory operational requirements that keep your business safe and properly permitted. If you have employees, you’ll need WorkSafeBC coverage and registration to meet workplace safety rules. You’ll also need a Surrey municipal business licence to operate from that location. Keep all licenses up to date and renew them on time, and follow any applicable consumer protection guidelines for handling client information and bookings.
For business registration and taxes, you’ll need a Canada Revenue Agency Business Number (BN) to manage tax accounts and payroll deductions if you hire staff. If you’re operating as a sole proprietor or partnership, register your BC business name. Plan for GST/HST registration as your revenue grows (or as required by rules), and align payroll deductions with CRA requirements so you’re set up from the start.
You can do this step by step with a simple plan. Start the travel agent licence application, then set up your BN, register for GST/HST if needed, apply for your BC business name (if applicable), secure WorkSafeBC coverage, and obtain the Surrey business licence. If you’d like, I can help map out a practical 6-week checklist to keep you on track and feeling confident.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a travel agencies in Surrey:
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BC Travel Agent/Wholesaler Licence RequiredLicence for travel agents and travel wholesalers in British Columbia issued by Consumer Protection BC Apply through Consumer Protection BC. New agency licence: $1,480 (2025). Branch office: $960. Travel Assurance Fund contribution: $723. Renewal: $888-963. Licence expires 3 months after fiscal year-end. Home-based and independent contractors also require licence. Contact: Consumer Protection BC at 1-888-564-9963.
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Business Number (BN) Registration RequiredA 9-digit Business Number is required for most businesses operating in Canada. It is used to interact with the Canada Revenue Agency and other federal programs. Required for GST/HST, payroll, corporation income tax, and import/export accounts. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) at canada.ca. Takes 15-30 minutes. As of November 3, 2025, online registration is MANDATORY for new BNs - phone registration no longer available. You'll need: business name, address, owner SIN, business type, and start date. BN (9-digit number) issued INSTANTLY online. Available 21 hours/day, 7 days/week (closed 3-6am ET for maintenance).
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Business Licence RequiredGeneral business licence required to operate a business in City of Surrey. Apply to City of Surrey for Business Licence: 1. Determine business category 2. Complete business licence application 3. Submit required documents (ID, lease, zoning confirmation) 4. Pay application and annual fees 5. Await approval and receive licence Contact City of Surrey Business Licensing for specific requirements. Home-based businesses may have different requirements. Annual renewal required.
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BC Business Name Registration (Sole Proprietorship/Partnership) RequiredRegistration of sole proprietorship or partnership business names with BC Registries Register sole proprietorship or partnership at bcregistry.gov.bc.ca. Name reservation: $30 (standard) or $100 (priority 1-2 days). Registration fee: $40. Total: ~$70. Name reserved for 56 days after approval. Registration is continuous (no renewal required). No name protection for sole proprietorships. Personal names operating under own name do not require registration. Contact BC Registries: 1-877-526-1526.
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GST/HST Registration ConditionalRequired if annual taxable revenue exceeds $30,000 (small supplier threshold). Taxi/ride-share drivers must register regardless of revenue. Businesses with gross revenues over $30,000 in any single quarter or over four consecutive quarters must register for, collect, and remit GST/HST. Small suppliers (under $30,000) may register voluntarily. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) when your revenue exceeds $30,000 in any 4 consecutive quarters (small supplier threshold). Takes 15-30 minutes. You MUST register within 29 days of exceeding threshold and start charging GST/HST immediately on the sale that made you exceed it. Need your BN (or get one simultaneously). As of Nov 3, 2025, online registration is mandatory. Voluntary registration available anytime for input tax credits.
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Payroll Deductions Registration ConditionalRequired if you pay salaries, wages, or other remuneration to employees. Must register before first pay period. Required if you have employees. You must withhold Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Employment Insurance (EI), and income tax from employee wages and remit to CRA. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) when you hire your first employee. Takes 15-20 minutes. You'll need your Business Number (BN) or can get one simultaneously. Payroll account (RP) added to your BN instantly. Register BEFORE your first pay date. Required to deduct CPP, EI, and income tax from employee wages. For 2025: CPP rate 5.95%, EI employee rate $1.66/$100 insurable earnings.
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WorkSafeBC Coverage and Registration ConditionalRequired if you have workers in BC. Workers compensation insurance coverage through WorkSafeBC for employers in British Columbia WorkSafeBC coverage required for most BC employers. Average base premium rate: 1.55% of assessable payroll ($1.55 per $100). Register online at worksafebc.com. Apply 30 days before starting business or hiring workers. Processing: ~10 business days. Premium rates vary by industry classification (514 classification units). COR certified employers eligible for 10% rebate. Contact: 604-276-3100 or 1-888-967-5377.
Funding & Grants
Available funding programs that may apply to your travel agencies:
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Three-stream grant program for Nunavut-based artists, businesses, and organizations: (1) Getting Started/Arts Creation/Training — supports education, training, art supplies, equipment; (2) Arts and Culture Development — supports collaborative arts initiatives, exhibitions, shows, and touring; (3) Infrastructure Development — supports studios and cultural tourism infrastructure. Annual call for proposals.
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Provided contributions to settlement, employment, and community organizations delivering programs addressing employment barriers for racialized newcomer women, including work placements, mentorships, job counselling, and support for gender- and race-based discrimination. Program renewal ended in 2025; no new open call as of early 2026. Over 2,200 racialized newcomer women were served …
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