Umm Al-Qura Gazette · Regulation · Tourist Guidance · 2026
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The Umm Al-Qura Gazette published the Tourist Guidance Regulation, issued pursuant to the Tourism Law. The regulation sets the rules governing how to obtain a tourist-guidance license, the conditions for practicing the activity, its requirements, its procedures, and the continuing obligations placed on the licensee, and it applies from 2026-09-11, its publication date.
At a glance
- Issuing authority
- Umm Al-Qura Gazette (UQN)
- Gazette date
- September 11, 2026
- Effective date
- September 11, 2026
- Scope
- Sets the licensing conditions, requirements, procedures and continuing obligations for practicing the tourist-guidance activity
What it requires
| Who | Obligation | By when |
|---|---|---|
| A person licensed to practice the tourist-guidance activity | must not use the Ministry's name or logo in any advertisement or marketing activity without obtaining its approval in advance | September 11, 2026 |
| A person licensed to practice the tourist-guidance activity | must announce the service price in both Arabic and English when displaying it on websites and electronic platforms, including any accompanying fees where they exist | September 11, 2026 |
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What does the Tourist Guidance Regulation govern, and under which law was it issued?
The Tourist Guidance Regulation was issued pursuant to the Tourism Law. It sets the rules governing how to obtain a license to practice the tourist-guidance activity, the conditions required to practice it, its requirements, its procedures, and the continuing obligations placed on the licensee after the license is granted.
What does the regulation require to obtain a tourist-guidance license?
The regulation requires a license applicant to hold Saudi nationality and to be no younger than 18 years old, with no health impediment preventing them from practicing tourist guidance. It also requires a certificate confirming a clean record and a certified basic-aid certificate from the competent authority, proof of proficiency in the non-Arabic language or languages intended for the guidance, and payment of the fee set for issuing the license.
What is the license term, and how is it renewed?
The tourist-guidance license term must not exceed 3 years, and it is renewable under the regulation's provisions. A licensee wishing to renew before expiry must apply to the Ministry within 90 days before the license expires, meeting the renewal conditions set out in the regulation and paying the fee set for renewal.
What fees does the regulation set for issuing and renewing the license?
The regulation's fee schedule sets license issuance at 500 Saudi riyals for a 1-year term, 750 riyals for a 2-year term, and 1000 riyals for a 3-year term, with 25% of that fee collected on application, non-refundable, and the remaining 75% collected on issuance. Renewal fees are set at 250 riyals for a 1-year term, 500 riyals for a 2-year term, and 750 riyals for a 3-year term.
Frequently asked questions
Can tourist guidance be practiced without a license?
No. The regulation states that the tourist-guidance activity may not be practiced without obtaining a license, after it expires, after it is cancelled, during its suspension, or if a licensing condition is lost.
When does the Tourist Guidance Regulation take effect?
The regulation states that it is published in the Official Gazette and takes effect on 2026-09-11, the date the Umm Al-Qura Gazette published it.
Can a single tourist-guidance license cover more than one category or region?
Yes. The regulation allows a license to include more than one category, more than one region, or more than one specialization or location, as determined by the Ministry.
Can a license applicant be exempted from some of the requirements?
Yes. The regulation allows the Minister, or a delegate, to exempt an applicant from certain requirements, based on considerations including the tourism sector's need in the targeted region or exceptional qualifications or experience held by the applicant.
Issuances referenced
Related briefings
Official sources
- Umm Al-Qura Gazette — Tourist Guidance Regulation
- Umm Al-Qura Gazette — Issuing authority — official website
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