01The client
Farhan Almas Company is a travel agency based in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Its leadership wanted IATA accreditation so the agency could work directly with IATA member airlines and issue airline tickets under its own accredited status.
02The challenge
IATA accreditation adds credibility, but the application process is detailed. Each country has its own requirements, and every document has to be complete, consistent and submitted in the right format. A Saudi GoLite application typically requires:
- Preliminary approval from the relevant Saudi tourism authority
- An attested copy of the Articles of Association
- Staff lists, CVs and training certificates
- IDs of the owner and shareholders
- An attested banking mandate and bank statements
- A letterhead sample, the chosen GDS and photos of the premises
Small gaps, such as an unattested document, a mismatched name or a missing certificate, can lead to clarification requests that add weeks to the process.
03What SkyBook Global did
1
Document coordination
We worked with the Farhan Almas Company team to identify, collect and check every document required for a Saudi GoLite application.
2
IATA portal registration
We registered the agency on the IATA portal and completed the online application.
3
Application submission
We submitted the application forms and supporting documents.
4
IATA correspondence
We handled IATA's clarification requests and any additional requirements until a decision was made.
Removing a paperwork bottleneck
The agency agreement was signed electronically rather than sent to the head office by courier. This removed a common source of delay and helped keep the application on a short timeline.
04The result
Farhan Almas Company was granted IATA GoLite accreditation on 22 October 2026, 19 days after the process began. According to IATA, accredited agents receive an identification code recognised by IATA member airlines, a single sales agency agreement for selling tickets on multiple airlines, and access to IATA's Billing and Settlement Plan (BSP) for invoicing and payment.
Documentscollected & checked
PortalIATA registration
Submissionforms, e-signed agreement
Accredited22 October 2026
Start to accreditation: 19 days
Achieving our IATA accreditation has been a proud milestone for Al Mas Travels, and it would not have been possible without the dedicated hard work of the entire SkyBook team. Their efforts truly deserve recognition. I would especially like to thank Ms. Sarga Ganesh, whose contribution throughout the process was invaluable.
05Lessons for Saudi agencies planning IATA accreditation
01
Prepare your licence first
Your tourism licence or approval is the foundation of the application. Check that it is valid and that the company name matches across every document.
02
Choose the right model
GoLite has simpler requirements and no minimum financial guarantee. GoStandard gives access to all of IATA's standard payment options but needs more financial documentation.
03
Get documents attested early
Attestations and bank paperwork usually take the longest. Start them first.
04
Submit a complete file
A complete, consistent application means fewer clarification requests, and that is the biggest factor in a short timeline.
06Frequently asked questions
How long does IATA accreditation take in Saudi Arabia?
It depends on how ready your documents are and how quickly clarification requests are answered. Farhan Almas Company received IATA GoLite accreditation 19 days after the process began.
Can a consultant guarantee IATA accreditation?
No. IATA makes the final decision on every application. A consultant helps you prepare a complete, accurate application and manages communication with IATA, which reduces avoidable delays.
What is the difference between IATA GoLite and GoStandard?
GoLite is IATA's simpler accreditation model, with no minimum financial guarantee required to issue air tickets. GoStandard gives access to all of IATA's standard payment solutions and requires more financial documentation.
Get in touch
Planning IATA accreditation for your agency?
Contact our IATA consulting team. We'll talk through your documents, the right accreditation model and the next steps for your market.
- Email usiataconsulting@skybookglobal.com
- Call us+91 9072 304 466
- ServiceIATA Accreditation Consulting · GoLite & GoStandard
- Websitewww.skybookglobal.com
Send Us a Message
A SkyBook advisor will respond within one business day.
IATA makes the final decision on all accreditation applications. SkyBook Global provides preparation and application support. Timelines vary by application. Requirements vary by country and change over time; check the current requirements for your market before applying. IATA information is from iata.org (checked 26 October 2026). SkyBook Global — A Division of Nucore Software Solutions.