Apply for an ATOL

Information and documentation to apply for a new ATOL

Who needs an ATOL?
An Air Travel Organiser's Licence (ATOL) is required by law when a firm sells: flight-based packages; charter flights; scheduled flights where an airline ticket is not issued straight away: Travel agents selling flight-based packages and flights as an agent for ATOL holders do not require their own ATOL, providing that these sales are documented correctly.

How long does the application process take?
We have strict service levels and pride ourselves on the efficient and expedient application process. The initial application is assessed within two weeks, and requests for any additional information made and provided by the applicant. We aim to reach a decision on an application, on average, no more than eight weeks after receiving all the information needed for us to consider it.

ATOL Bonding
The CAA's minimum bond requirement for new licence holders is £40,000 or an amount equal to 15% of ATOL turnover, whichever is the higher amount. A bond will be required for a minimum of four years but the amount of bonding required may be reduced annually at renewal. Bonds are provided by Banks or Third party insurers. We have listed those Insurance companies that currently provide ATOL bonds.

Choosing the right ATOL
There are four different types of ATOL licence depending on the type of business you operate. Carefully read the information, right, to establish the ATOL most suitable for your business and read more detailed information about applying for that specific category of licence.

What type of ATOL

Standard ATOL
No trading restrictions. Minimum £40K bond required on grant. Personal fitness test. Need to meet financial criteria test. £1,890 application costs plus grant charges. Read more…..

Small Business ATOL
Restricted to 500 passengers per annum for minimum three years. £40K bond required for grant. People in control of business not involved in a failed licence holder. Personal fitness test. No financial criteria test. £1,115 application costs. Read more….
ABTA Member ATOL
Restricted to ABTA members with estimated licensable turnover of £1.5million or less years. Personal fitness test. No financial criteria test. No ATOL Bond Apply through ABTA £710 application costs Read more….

Franchised ATOL
Limited to 1,000 passengers per annum. Licence granted on the basis of membership of approved franchise customer protection scheme. Personal fitness test. No bond. No financial criteria test. £710 application costs. Read more…….

ATOL to ATOL Trade sales
Sales restricted to other ATOL holders only. Personal fitness test. Financial Criteria test. £40K bond required on grant. £1,890 application cost. Read more…..