Applying to be an approved inbound tour operator in the ADS scheme
Who can become an approved inbound tour operator in the ADS scheme?
How to apply
Related documents
More information
Who can become an approved inbound tour operator in the ADS scheme?
Inbound tour operators who hold the following may apply to participate in the Approved Destination Status (ADS) scheme:
- an Australian Business Number (ABN) or Australian Company Number (ACN)
- a current travel agent's licence under the relevant state/territory legislation
- a current membership to a relevant industry association.
Approved travel agents in China must be trained by Tourism Australia to become 'Aussie Specialists' and must have received training and approval from the Department of Immigration and Citizenship and the China National Tourism Administration (CNTA) before being allowed to handle ADS travel to Australia.
How to apply
To apply to become an approved inbound tour operator in the ADS scheme, applicants must:
Read the ADS Scheme Application Information Package and complete the Application Form (see Related documents).
Complete the ADS Scheme - Application Form. Ensure that you save a copy of this form. You must submit the completed application form by email to ads@ret.gov.au along with all supporting documentation
Applicants are required to submit the following documents with their application:
- a current National Police Check from the Australian Federal Police for each company director
- three references for the company
- three personal references for each company director
- a completed Deed of Agreement (see Related documents).
Importantly: You must email your completed application form along with all supporting documentation to ads@ret.gov.au. If problems are experienced while using the online ADS scheme – Application form, applicants are encouraged to contact the ADS hotline on 1800 048 155 (staffed between 9.00 am and 5.00 pm Monday to Friday, excluding ACT Public Holidays).
The Department aims to process applications within 40 business days from receipt of a completed application.
Approved ADS inbound tour operators are required to comply with the 
ADS Code of Business Standards and Ethics (the Code) version 2. The Code is backed by a compliance monitoring regime which includes various checks such as financial and random checks. Penalties for breaches of the Code may include suspension or revocation of an operator's ADS approval. (see Related documents)
The Code requires approved operators to provide information to the Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism and to the Department of Immigration and Citizenship. Templates are available to assist operators in providing this information (see ADS Itinerary Proforma, ADS Quotation Proforma and ADS Absconder Report).
Invitation for public comment on applicants to the ADS scheme
Public comment on applicants to the ADS Scheme are invited from the public.
Related documents
More information
For more information about the China Approved Destination Status scheme contact the ADS Executive Officer:
Phone: 1800 048 155
Email: ads@ret.gov.au
Mail: GPO Box 1564, Canberra ACT 2601