Expense management

Corporate travel policy - An ultimate guide

Apr 05, 2024

Corporate travel plays a pivotal role in the global economy, facilitating face-to-face meetings, fostering business relationships, and driving growth across industries. In India, businesses have recognized the significance of business travel, resulting in substantial expenditures in recent years.


In 2022, the business travel market in India attained a significant scale, amounting to approximately US$ 35.6 billion. Moving ahead, IMARC Group anticipates a substantial expansion, with the market projected to reach US$ 59.5 billion by 2028. This forecast indicates a notable compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.71% from 2023 to 2028.


Moreover, the future forecasts are equally promising, with projections indicating a steady increase in corporate travel expenses for the upcoming years.


In light of these trends, it becomes imperative for organizations to establish a robust and well-defined corporate travel policy that optimizes costs, enhances traveler experiences, and ensures compliance.

What is a corporate travel policy?


A corporate travel policy or business travel policy is a set of guidelines and regulations implemented by an organization to govern and manage employee travel for business purposes. It outlines the approved procedures, protocols, and limits related to booking transportation, accommodations, and other travel-related business expenses.


The corporate travel policy for employees aims to streamline travel arrangements, control costs, ensure compliance with regulations, enhance employee safety and well-being, and promote efficient and effective business travel practices within the organization.

Why you need a corporate travel policy?


A well-defined corporate travel policy benefits both employees and companies alike, here’s how:


Benefits of a corporate travel policy

1. Help ensure employee safety and well-being


By establishing a comprehensive corporate business travel policy, organizations can prioritize the safety and welfare of their employees while on business trips. This policy offers clear directives on selecting secure accommodations, opting for reliable modes of transportation, and handling emergency scenarios. This commitment to employee safety fosters a secure and favorable environment that supports the well-being of the workforce.


2. Expense control


A corporate travel policy helps keep travel expenses in check, preventing unnecessary and excessive spending. It sets clear guidelines for allowable expenses, such as accommodation rates, meal allowances, and transportation costs.


By establishing spending limits, organizations can effectively manage their budgets and avoid unexpected financial burdens.



3. Fraud prevention


A robust business travel policy reduces the likelihood of expense fraud or unwarranted claims. By outlining specific procedures for expense submission and requiring proper documentation, organizations can mitigate the risk of fraudulent activities.


This not only safeguards the company's financial resources but also fosters a culture of integrity and trust among employees.



4. Transparency and positive company culture


A well-communicated business travel policy for employees promotes transparency and clarity within the organization. It ensures that employees understand the expectations and guidelines for business travel, minimizing misunderstandings and conflicts.


Additionally, a consistent policy creates a positive company culture by treating all employees fairly and equally when it comes to travel-related matters.



5. Legal and regulatory compliance


Corporate travel policies help ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. They address obligations related to tax regulations, travel permits, visas, and duty of care.


By adhering to these requirements, companies avoid potential legal complications and maintain a strong reputation for ethical business practices.



6. Streamlined reimbursement and approval process


An effective travel policy simplifies the travel reimbursement and approval process for employees. It establishes clear procedures for submitting expense reports, obtaining necessary approvals, and receiving timely reimbursements. This streamlines administrative tasks, reduces delays, and enhances employee satisfaction.

Key components of a corporate travel policy

Corporate travel booking

This section of the corporate travel policy covers the booking procedure for business travel. It outlines the approved methods and platforms for making travel reservations, such as online booking systems or designated travel agencies.


It may also include specific guidelines for air travel, such as preferred airlines, class of travel, advance booking requirements, and restrictions on booking non-refundable tickets.

Helpline number and point of contact

To address unforeseen circumstances and emergencies, the travel policy should provide employees with a helpline number or a designated point of contact. This contact information should be readily available to employees and accessible during their travel.


It allows employees to seek assistance or report incidents promptly, ensuring a swift response and support in critical situations.

Reimbursement guidelines

This section of the corporate business travel policy outlines the procedures and requirements for submitting travel expense reports and seeking reimbursement.


It specifies the timeframe for submitting expense reports, the acceptable forms of documentation, and any additional information required for reimbursement. It may also include guidelines on currency conversion rates, reimbursement limits for specific expense categories, and the process for obtaining approval for exceptional expenses.

Transportation and accommodation

The transportation and accommodation component of the policy provides guidance on selecting appropriate transportation options and accommodations. It may specify preferred modes of transportation, such as trains, rental cars, or ride-sharing services, based on factors like cost-effectiveness and convenience.


The policy may also outline guidelines for booking accommodations, including preferred hotel categories, maximum allowed rates, and booking through approved platforms.

Entertainment policy guidelines

This component outlines the guidelines and restrictions for entertainment expenses incurred during business travel. It may specify the types of entertainment expenses that are eligible for reimbursement, such as client meals, team-building activities, or industry-related events.


The policy may also define reasonable spending limits for entertainment expenses, as well as any documentation requirements, such as itemized receipts or attendee lists.

Advances and per diem allowances

This section clarifies the rules and procedures for requesting advances or receiving per diem allowances for daily expenses. It outlines the eligibility criteria, maximum limits, and the process for submitting advance requests. Per diem allowances, if applicable, define the daily amounts employees are entitled to for meals, incidental expenses, and accommodations.


The policy should clearly state the conditions for receiving advances or per diems and the accountability measures in place.

Travel safety and health guidelines

The travel safety and health component focuses on ensuring the well-being of employees during travel. It includes information on travel insurance coverage, such as medical insurance, and trip cancellation coverage.


The policy may provide instructions on obtaining necessary vaccinations or medical clearances for specific destinations. Additionally, it may offer guidance on adhering to local laws and customs, maintaining personal safety, and handling emergency situations while travelling.

Details of reimbursable and non-reimbursable expenses

To maintain cost control, the business travel policy specifies the categories of expenses that are reimbursable and those that are non-reimbursable. Reimbursable expenses typically include transportation, accommodation, meals within specified limits, and other necessary business-related expenses.


Non-reimbursable expenses may include personal expenses, unapproved upgrades, and unauthorized services or items. By clearly defining these distinctions, the policy ensures transparency and consistency in expense management.

How to improve corporate travel policy compliance?


How to improve travel policy compliance

1. Ensure clear and concise policy communication


It is essential to have a well-documented corporate travel policy that is easily accessible and clearly communicated to all employees. Provide a comprehensive policy document that outlines the guidelines, procedures, and expectations for business travel. Make it easily accessible on the company intranet or through other digital platforms.


Additionally, conduct regular training sessions or briefings to ensure employees understand the policy and its implications.



2. Balance employee satisfaction and cost containment


While cost containment is important, it should not overshadow employee satisfaction. Striking a balance between cost-effective measures and providing a comfortable travel experience is crucial.


Take into consideration employee preferences when selecting accommodations, transportation options, and meal allowances. Consider feedback from employees to identify areas for improvement and address any concerns promptly.



3. Clearly communicate business objectives


To improve compliance with the travel policy, it is crucial to effectively communicate the business objectives and reasons behind them to employees. This is one of the most important corporate travel policy best practices.


When employees have a clear understanding of the policy's purpose and goals, they are more inclined to comply voluntarily.


Emphasize the significance of cost control, prioritizing safety, and adhering to legal obligations. By aligning employees with the organization's objectives, compliance becomes a collective responsibility shared by all.



4. Implement automation for monitoring and enforcing compliance


Leverage technology to automate the monitoring and enforcement of policy compliance.


Utilize expense management software or travel booking platforms that have built-in policy controls and pre-approval mechanisms. These tools can flag non-compliant expenses, provide real-time visibility into spending, and enable automated approvals and reimbursement processes.


Automation streamlines compliance monitoring, reduces manual errors, and enhances overall policy adherence.


Supercharge your travel expense management process with our comprehensive article on travel and expense automation to discover how automation can save you time, reduce errors, and boost productivity. 



5. Regularly review and update travel policies


Travel policies should be regularly reviewed and updated to reflect changing business needs, industry trends, and regulatory requirements.


Consider conducting periodic audits to assess policy compliance and identify areas for improvement. Solicit feedback from employees, travel managers, and finance teams to incorporate valuable insights into policy updates. This iterative approach ensures that the travel policy remains relevant, effective, and aligned with organizational goals.



6. Encourage employee participation and feedback


Encourage employee participation and seek their feedback on the travel policy, employee engagement is one of the most crucial corporate travel policy best practices.


Engage employees in the policy development process and include them in discussions and decision-making. Conduct surveys or feedback sessions to gather insights on their travel experiences and suggestions for improvement.


By involving employees, they feel valued and more likely to comply with the policy. Additionally, their perspectives can provide valuable input for refining the policy and addressing any compliance challenges.

Corporate travel policy best practices



1. Keep the policy clear and concise


A clear and concise business travel policy is easier for employees to understand and follow. Avoid unnecessary complexity and use simple language to convey guidelines and procedures.


Organize the policy into sections for easy reference and provide examples or case studies to clarify expectations.



2. Tailor the policy to meet your organization's needs


Every organization has unique requirements and priorities. Customize your corporate travel policy for employees to align with the specific needs of your company.


Consider factors such as the nature of business travel, preferred suppliers, budget constraints, and legal obligations. Tailoring the policy ensures that it is relevant and practical for your employees.



3. Establish a well-defined approval process


Clearly define the approval process for travel requests. Outline who has the authority to approve travel, the necessary steps to obtain approval, and any documentation required. This ensures consistency and transparency in decision-making, minimizing confusion or delays in travel arrangements.



4. Clearly define business objectives


Clearly articulate the business objectives that the corporate travel policy aims to achieve. Communicate how adhering to the policy supports the organization's strategic goals, cost control initiatives, duty of care, and compliance requirements. When employees understand the purpose behind the policy, they are more likely to comply willingly.



5. Define expense reimbursement procedures


Outline the procedures for submitting travel expense reports and seeking expense reimbursement. Clearly state the types of expenses that are eligible for reimbursement, the required documentation, and the timelines for submission. This clarity helps employees understand what expenses will be reimbursed and facilitates a smoother reimbursement process.



6. Establish clear communication guidelines


Effective communication is essential for policy compliance. Clearly communicate the corporate business travel policy to all employees and ensure it is easily accessible.


Provide channels for employees to seek clarification or ask questions. Regularly communicate updates or changes to the policy to keep everyone informed.



7. Make use of an expense management system


Leverage technology by implementing a travel and expense management software. This system can automate the process of submitting expense reports, streamline approvals, track expenses, and generate reports. An expense management system improves efficiency, reduces errors, and provides real-time visibility into travel expenses.

How can Volopay help you with corporate travel and expense management?


Why choose Volopay for travel expense management?

1. Volopay corporate cards


Volopay provides corporate cards that streamline the process of managing business and corporate travel expenses. These cards offer enhanced control and transparency by allowing businesses to set spending limits, track transactions in real-time, and categorize expenses.


With Volopay corporate card, employees no longer need to rely on personal funds for business-related expenses, simplifying the reimbursement process and reducing administrative burdens.



2. Reimbursements


Volopay simplifies and expedites the reimbursement process for employees. Instead of waiting for manual expense submissions and approvals, employees can capture receipts and submit expenses digitally through the Volopay app.


The reimbursement platform automates the reimbursement process, allowing businesses to review and approve travel expenses swiftly. This streamlines reimbursement cycles, minimizes delays, and enhances employee satisfaction in their experience with the company’s corporate travel policy.


3. Integrations


Volopay seamlessly integrates with popular accounting software and platforms, such as QuickBooks and Xero. This integration eliminates the need for manual data entry and reconciliations, as expenses are automatically synced with the accounting system.


By connecting expense data with existing financial tools, businesses can streamline their bookkeeping processes, improve accuracy, and gain a comprehensive view of their financials. This becomes particularly useful when managing corporate travel expenses for a large business.



4. Expense tracking and reporting


Volopay provides robust expense tracking and reporting features, allowing businesses to gain insights into their spending patterns during business trips made by employees. The platform automatically categorizes expenses based on predefined rules and enables businesses to create custom expense categories as needed.


Detailed expense reports can be generated, providing a clear overview of spending across different departments or projects. This data-driven approach enhances cost control, facilitates budget planning, and enables businesses to make informed decisions, especially when it comes to formulating or improving the corporate travel policy.



5. Approval workflows


Volopay offers customizable approval workflows to ensure compliance with business travel policy for employees. Administrators can configure approval hierarchies, setting up multiple levels of approval for different expense amounts or specific categories.


This streamlined process ensures that expenses are reviewed and authorized by the appropriate individuals before reimbursement. The automated workflow reduces manual intervention, minimizes errors, and enhances policy compliance.

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FAQs on corporate travel policy

What is a good travel policy?

A good corporate travel policy is one that is clear, concise, and aligned with the organization's goals, ensuring cost control, employee safety, and compliance with legal requirements.

What is a business travel allowance?

A business travel allowance refers to the funds or monetary provisions provided by a company to its employees for covering expenses related to business travel, travel allowance is also sometimes referred to as per diem allowance.

What is a sustainable travel policy?

A sustainable business travel policy for employees is a set of guidelines and practices that promote environmentally friendly and socially-responsible approaches to business travel, aiming to minimize carbon footprint and support sustainable travel choices.

Is travel allowance part of salary?

A travel allowance is typically not considered part of an employee's salary but is provided as a separate amount to cover expenses specifically related to business travel. However, this may vary from organization to organization or even jurisdiction to jurisdiction.

Why is a corporate travel policy important?

A corporate travel policy is important as it helps ensure consistency, control, and compliance in managing business travel, promoting cost savings, employee safety, and efficient travel operations.