How to Check if a Travel Agency is Legit in Nigeria: Your Guide to Safe Bookings

​Planning a trip, whether for business, pleasure, or study, often involves entrusting a significant investment to a travel agency. In a market as vibrant as Nigeria’s, while many agencies are professional and reliable, the risk of encountering fraudulent operators is real. Protecting your travel funds and peace of mind starts with due diligence.

​Here is a comprehensive guide on how to verify the legitimacy of a travel agency in Nigeria before you commit to their services.

​1. Verify Official Registration and Licensing

​A legitimate business operates within the bounds of the law. This is your first and most crucial checkpoint.

• ​Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) Registration: Every legitimate company in Nigeria must be registered with the CAC. Ask for the agency’s full registered business name and registration number. A simple search or inquiry can help confirm that they are a legally incorporated entity.
• ​Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) License: The NCAA is the regulatory body for aviation in Nigeria. Travel agencies involved in selling flight tickets must be licensed by the NCAA. A valid NCAA certificate is a strong indicator of legitimacy and compliance with industry standards.
• ​National Association of Nigerian Travel Agencies (NANTA) Membership: While not mandatory for operation, membership in a respected industry body like NANTA shows the agency is committed to professional standards and ethics.

​2. Check for IATA Accreditation

​The International Air Transport Association (IATA) accreditation is a globally recognized standard for travel agents that are authorized to sell airline tickets on behalf of airlines.

• ​IATA Code: IATA-accredited agents have a unique code. You can ask the agency for this code and, in some cases, verify its status through IATA’s official tools or resources.
• ​Significance: IATA accreditation indicates that the agency has met rigorous financial, professional, and security standards set by the global airline industry. If an agency issues tickets directly, this accreditation is a major green flag.

​3. Review Their Physical and Digital Presence

​A reputable business will have a professional and verifiable presence both online and offline.

• ​Physical Office: A legitimate travel agency should have a verifiable physical office in a commercial environment. Be wary of agencies that operate solely out of residential addresses or insist on meeting only in public places. If possible, visit the office to assess the level of professionalism and the staff.
• ​Professional Website and Digital Footprint: Look for a well-designed, functional website with clear information on their services, contact details (including a business email address), and terms and conditions. A weak or non-existent online presence is a red flag. Check for active social media profiles that are consistent and provide helpful content, not just promotional spam.
• ​Customer Reviews and Testimonials: Search for the agency’s name on independent review platforms like Google Reviews, Trustpilot, and on popular travel forums. Look for a large volume of reviews spread out over time. Pay attention to both positive and negative feedback and how the agency responds to complaints. An agency with only a few, all-positive reviews posted in a short period might be suspicious.

​4. Evaluate Their Professional Conduct

​The way an agency communicates and conducts business can reveal a lot about its integrity.

• ​Communication: A legitimate agency will be responsive, professional, and transparent in their communication. They should be willing to explain procedures, costs, and terms clearly.
• ​Documentation: Insist on written confirmation for all bookings, payments, and service agreements. Reputable agents provide detailed itineraries, receipts, and service contracts.
• ​Realistic Promises: Be extremely cautious of agencies that promise “guaranteed visas” or offer deals that seem too good to be true. Travel costs have industry standards; exceptionally low prices can indicate fraudulent activity or an attempt to use illegal shortcuts.
• ​Payment Methods: A professional agency will have secure and traceable payment channels, typically a dedicated corporate bank account. Be highly suspicious if they ask you to pay into a personal account or use unconventional methods.

​5. Ask for References

​A well-established and confident agency should have no issue providing references from previous clients, especially for complex services like group tours or visa applications. Speaking directly with a past customer can offer invaluable insight into the agency’s reliability and service quality.

​By applying these checks, you significantly reduce your risk and increase your chances of having a smooth and safe travel experience, knowing that your trip is in the hands of a fully legitimate and reliable Nigerian travel agency.