This policy was updated on 18 December 2023. Our policy guidelines have not changed, but the information about activity that doesn't follow this policy has been updated for clarity.
Our travel policy will guide you through what you need to know when selling travel on eBay.
What is the policy?
The business of arranging and selling travel, holiday packages and other travel services is complex and heavily regulated in many countries.
The guidelines below set out who can list travel and travel services on eBay, as well as specific guidelines for different types of services – including air, train and sea travel; public transportation tickets; hotel, spa, and resort stays; holiday packages; and gift certificates and travel vouchers.
Many travel tickets and vouchers are not transferable, and sellers should review any travel-related item before listing to make sure that it can be transferred legally to another party and will be accepted by the issuing provider of travel services.
Sellers listing travel services on eBay must clearly show any relevant travel advisory issued by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade - opens in new window or tab in their listing. See Additional information for more tips on safe travel.
Sellers who list travel services on eBay are responsible for ensuring that their listing complies with the law, including the law in their particular State or Territory relating to the provision of such services.
A business that actually provides the travel service – such as airlines, trains, coach companies, cruise operators, hotels or resorts – may generally list their services on eBay.
- Travel providers may list items such as their own gift certificates, packages or services, provided these comply with our other guidelines below
- In the listing, these sellers should clearly identify themselves as the actual provider of the service being offered
Businesses and individuals who are licenced to sell, advertise or arrange travel services (but do not directly provide the travel services themselves) may generally list travel services on eBay.
- Licenced travel agents may list travel services, provided these comply with our other guidelines below. In the listing, these sellers must include the following details so that they are clearly visible and can be easily read by all buyers:
- Their licence number (showing that they are licenced to provide travel services in Australia)
- Details of any accreditation, including AFTA accreditation - opens in new window or tab
- Details of any other affiliation such as AFTA membership - opens in new window or tab
- The following disclaimer:
"By listing this item/service I verify that I am the actual travel agent or travel provider and not a third party affiliate. The travel/accommodations in this listing will be booked directly through me and not an outside agency. I also verify that, other than the government taxes and related government fees stated within the listing description itself, there will be absolutely no additional fees, charges or after-sale purchases associated with booking the travel within this listing."
Individual travellers or small operators such as sporting or social clubs can list travel services on eBay, provided that:
- The seller doesn't list more than one trip per month
- The seller plays no other role than delivering the listed item (e.g. a voucher for a hotel stay)
- The travel services comply with our other guidelines below
Commercial transportation tickets (aeroplane, coach, boat)
- Transport operators and licenced travel agents may sell tickets for commercial travel, or package holidays that include commercial travel, such as:
- Aeroplane tickets
- Coach tickets
- Boat tickets (for cruises, see the guidelines below)
- Train tickets (for public transport, see the guidelines below)
- Note: These sellers must identify themselves as the travel provider or travel agent, as described above
- Individuals may sell tickets for, or package holidays that include, commercial travel, provided that they are permitted to do so under the terms of the ticket, and they meet the requirements for individual sellers as described above
- Listings may not offer a choice of travel operator (airline, coach operator etc.) or destination
Public transportation tickets
- Individuals may sell vintage or collectible public transportation tickets which are no longer in use or circulation, provided that the seller states this in the listing
- eBay does not allow the sale of public transportation tickets on its website, including:
- Train tickets
- Bus tickets
- Ferry tickets
- Light rail tickets
- Tram tickets
- Multi travel passes
- Concession cards
- Reusable smart cards
Travel certificates, vouchers and travel-related incentives
- Travel-related certificates may be listed, if they are issued by one specific provider of travel services (i.e. one particular airline, hotel chain, cruise company etc.) for use only with that company
- Gift certificates or travel vouchers issued by a specific travel provider (e.g. hotel chain or airline) may be listed, provided that the issuing company is disclosed
The following items are not allowed:
- Choice travel certificates or similar items that entitle the holder to free or low-cost travel services with a variety of providers and/or destinations
- Travel certificates or similar items that require an additional purchase (see also our policy on avoiding eBay fees)
- Travel club memberships, including service, cards, or identification numbers that give the holder the right to free or discounted travel or some other travel-related benefit
- Travel-related incentives, including:
- Airline gift vouchers
- Awards
- Certificates
- Codes
- Coupons
- Credits
- Guest passes to airline lounges
- Frequent flyer points or frequent travel miles
- Lodging certificates
- Travel or lodging gift vouchers
- Upgrades
- Vouchers
- Listings for accommodation rentals, such as homes, apartments, villas, B&Bs and timeshare weeks are allowed, as long as you personally own the property or have ownership rights, OR you are an accredited travel provider or licensed travel agent
- Listings for the sale of accommodation, such as holiday apartments or timeshares, are allowed in the Real Estate category
- Choices of accommodation locations are not allowed
Cruises and package travel
- Cruises and vacation packages are allowed, provided your business is authorised to issue these
- A choice of travel dates is allowed, but the specific destination, location of the hotel, spa, or resort or cruise line and cruise must be clearly identified in your listing
- Choices of cruise lines or cruise points of departure or destination are not allowed
Additional information
Safe buying
As always when shopping on eBay, take some time to read the listing carefully and look into the seller's Feedback. In addition, we recommend doing your own research before purchasing travel services. There are many websites where you can read reviews of travel services and accommodation, find advice about your destination and get other tips for an enjoyable holiday.
If you're buying from a travel agent, read the information they've provided about their licence and membership of any professional organisation. The Australian Federation of Travel Agents (AFTA) represents most travel agents in Australia, and members must abide by the AFTA Code of Ethics - opens in new window or tab.
Safe travels
The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) promotes the safe travel of Australians overseas, and provides travel advice for countries and events - opens in new window or tab. While it is every individual traveller's responsibility to adequately prepare for overseas travel, we also require sellers listing travel services on eBay to clearly display any relevant travel advisory from the Australian Government in their listing.
If you're planning to travel, check out DFAT's information for travellers - opens in new window or tab for tips on staying safe and healthy, travelling responsibly and what to do should things go wrong.
Activity on eBay is required to follow this policy, the eBay User Agreement and all applicable laws, as well as respect the rights of third parties. If it doesn't, eBay may take action consistent with applicable laws and the eBay User Agreement, and may even be legally required to do so. Such actions may include, as an example only: Removing the listing or other content, issuing a warning, restricting activity or account suspension.
Tip
Visit Seller Help - opens in new window or tab to find details of any policy issues with your account or listings, and get the information you need to quickly resolve them.
Why does eBay have this policy?
eBay is always looking for ways to improve the buying and selling experience. As part of this effort, we want to make sure travel-related items or services are listed properly on our site without breaching our policies or government regulations.