How to Register a Travel Agency with CAC
Understanding the ₦30 Million share capital requirement and the licensing path for Nigerian travel entrepreneurs.
Opening a travel agency in Nigeria is one of the most exciting entries into the tourism sector, but it is also one of the most strictly regulated. Unlike a neighborhood retail shop, a travel agency requires significant financial commitment and multiple regulatory permits even before the first ticket is sold.
The Nigerian tourism sector recovered strongly after the post-pandemic slump, and in 2026, the number of registered travel agencies has grown significantly. However, many entrepreneurs make the mistake of underestimating the regulatory requirements—particularly the ₦30 million share capital rule—and end up with a rejected CAC application or a company that cannot legally operate.
1. The Right Business Structure
The first and most important rule: You cannot register a travel agency as a Business Name (Sole Proprietorship). The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) mandates that all travel and tour operations must be registered as a Private Limited Liability Company (Ltd).
"A corporate structure ensures perpetual succession and the legal weight required to apply for NCAA licenses and airline ticketing partnerships."
This Ltd requirement exists because the travel agency sector involves significant financial transactions on behalf of clients—flight tickets, hotel bookings, tour packages—and the government requires the accountability structure of a limited company to protect consumers. For a comparison of business structures, see our guide on Business Name vs. Limited Company.
3. Necessary Documents
To register a travel agency Ltd with the CAC, you will need:
- Minimum 2 Directors: Valid identification (NIN / International Passport) for all directors. Single-member companies are not recommended for regulated sectors like travel.
- MEMART: Memorandum and Articles of Association specifically stating "Travel and Tour Operations," "Ticketing," and "Hospitality Services" as primary objects. Generic MEMARTs will be flagged during NCAA licensing.
- Verifiable Office Address: A physical, inspectable address is mandatory. A P.O. Box alone will not be accepted.
- Share Allocation: A detailed list showing how ₦30 million in shares is distributed among subscribers at incorporation.
- BVN & NIN of All Directors: Required for CAC biometric verification.
- Proposed Company Name: Must not conflict with existing registrations. Naming conventions often include "Travel," "Tours," or "Vacations."
4. NCAA and NANTA Licensing
A CAC certificate is just your "birth certificate." To operate and issue tickets, you need your "driver's license":
NCAA Approval (Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority)
The NCAA must approve your agency for domestic and international ticketing operations. They inspect your office space, equipment, and financial backing. Required before any airline partnership.
IATA / NANTA Membership
Joining the National Association of Nigerian Travel Agencies (NANTA) and eventually obtaining IATA (International Air Transport Association) certification allows you to issue global flight tickets directly and access GDS (Global Distribution System) platforms like Amadeus and Sabre.
Tourism Operator License (State)
Many state tourism boards also require a separate operational permit, particularly for agencies offering inbound tourism packages or managing hotel bookings within their state.
5. Total Cost Breakdown
| Item | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| CAC Filing Fee (₦30M share capital) | ₦331,000 |
| Stamp Duties (0.75%) | ₦225,000 |
| Professional Agent Fees | ₦40,000 – ₦100,000 |
| NCAA Application Fee | ₦50,000 – ₦100,000 |
| Total Estimate | ₦650,000 – ₦850,000 |
6. Common Registration Mistakes
- ✗Using a generic MEMART.
If your MEMART says "General Merchant" instead of "Travel and Tour Operations," your NCAA application will be rejected even if your CAC certificate is approved.
- ✗Registering as a Business Name.
You will not qualify for NCAA licensing or IATA certification without an Ltd structure.
- ✗Underestimating post-CAC costs.
The CAC certificate is just the beginning. Budget for NCAA, NANTA, state tourism permits, and professional indemnity insurance.
Conclusion
The road to a successful travel agency starts with a robust corporate registration. By meeting the ₦30M share capital requirement, crafting a precise MEMART, and obtaining your NCAA and NANTA credentials, you set your agency up for airline partnerships, international operations, and long-term growth. FastCAC can handle your Ltd registration end-to-end—reach out today to get started.
FastCAC Legal Team
Our team specializes in regulated industry registrations, ensuring travel agencies and schools meet high-entry legal requirements.