The Nigerian travel and tourism industry is one of the fastest-growing sectors of the service industry. It offers huge opportunities for entrepreneurs who want to provide services like flight ticketing, tour packaging, hotel reservations, visa assistance, holiday planning, and more.
However, because the business involves international transactions and sensitive customer information, the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) has set strict requirements for registering a travel agency in Nigeria. Only properly structured and financially capable companies are allowed to operate.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about how to register a travel agency with CAC: the requirements, step-by-step CAC process, common mistakes to avoid, and what to do after incorporation.
Requirements for Registering a Travel Agency with CAC in Nigeria
Minimum Share Capital
A travel agency must have a minimum share capital of ₦30,000,000.
Company Structure
It must be registered as a Private Limited Liability Company (Ltd), not a business name.
Object Clauses
Your MEMART must clearly include travel, tours, ticketing, and tourism services as the business activities.
Directors and Shareholders
At least two directors and two shareholders are required.
Regulatory Compliance (Post-CAC)
After CAC registration, a travel agency must:
- Be a member of NANTA (National Association of Nigerian Travel Agencies); and
- Register with the NCAA (Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority)
- These bodies regulate and license travel operators in Nigeria.
Step-by-Step Process for CAC Registration of a Travel Agency in Nigeria
Step 1: Check Name Availability
- Search the CAC portal to confirm that your preferred company name is available.
- Choose a name that reflects travel or tourism services and avoid restricted terms.
Step 2: Reserve Your Company Name
- Once confirmed available, reserve the name on the CAC portal.
- Name reservation lasts for 60 days.
Step 3: Prepare Incorporation Documents
Prepare all required documents, including:
- MEMART with the correct travel-related objects clause.
- Details of directors/shareholders (IDs, passport photos, email, phone number).
- Signatures for all directors and shareholders.
- Registered office address.
- Company secretary details (if applicable).
- Share capital structure showing ₦30 million authorised share capital.
Step 4: Complete Online CAC Registration
Upload all required documents:
- Means of identification for directors/shareholders
- Passport photographs
- Signature samples
Pay the statutory CAC fees and stamp duties.
Step 5: Approval and Issuance of CAC Documents
Once approved, CAC issues:
- Certificate of Incorporation
- Status Report
- MEMART
Your travel agency is now legally incorporated.
Post-Incorporation Compliance for Travel Agencies
After obtaining your CAC certificate, you must:
- Become a member of NANTA and register with the NCAA: Mandatory for ticketing and travel operations.
- Obtain a SCUML Certificate: Required for Anti-Money Laundering (AML/CFT) compliance.
- Open a Corporate Bank Account: You will need your CAC documents and TIN.
- Comply with Annual Returns and Tax Obligations: To keep your entity active and compliant.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Registering a Travel Agency
- Registering as a business name instead of a Limited Liability Company.
- Leaving out travel-related objects in the MEMART.Using the wrong share capital to reduce cost will result in the application being rejected.Skipping essential post-CAC registrations (SCUML, NANTA, and NCAA).
- Using unqualified agents unfamiliar with travel industry compliance.
Case Study: How a Nigerian Entrepreneur Successfully Registered a Travel Agency
To better understand how the process works in real life, here’s a simplified success story.
“Abimbo Ogi” (not her real name) is a Lagos-based entrepreneur who noticed a growing demand for affordable vacation packages and student travel services.
Step 1: Understanding CAC Requirements
She initially wanted to register as a business name, but after speaking to a legal consultant, she learned that CAC required:
- ₦30 million share capital, and
- Only Limited Liability Companies can operate travel services.
Step 2: Choosing & Reserving a Name
She chose Conmoon Travel & Tours Ltd. and reserved it on the CAC portal.
Step 3: Preparing Incorporation Documents
She engaged a corporate lawyer to draft a MEMART that included travel and tourism objects.
She provided all IDs, passport photos, and signatures for herself and her co-director.
Step 4: CAC Approval
Within 10 business days, her application was approved.
She received her Certificate of Incorporation, Status Report, and MEMART.
Step 5: Post-Incorporation Licencing
She completed:
- SCUML registration, and
- Bank account opening
Business Launch
Within six months, Conmoon had booked over 200 trips, including group tours to Dubai and Zanzibar.
Key Lesson
Her success came from doing things correctly from the start. Cutting corners would have delayed or shut down her operations.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)
1. What is the minimum share capital for registering a travel agency with CAC?
The minimum share capital is ₦30,000,000, as required for companies offering travel, ticketing, and tourism services.
2. Can I register a travel agency as a business name?
No. You must register as a Private Limited Liability Company (Ltd). Business names are not permitted for travel agency operations.
3. Do I need NCAA registration?
Yes. The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) regulates travel operators, so you must register with them before selling flight tickets.
4. Do I need SCUML as a travel agency?
Yes. Travel agencies are classified under DNFBPs, so SCUML registration is required for anti-money laundering compliance.
Need a Professional to Register Your Travel Agency?
Setting up a travel agency requires more than just CAC incorporation. You must also meet the necessary aviation and anti-money laundering requirements.
With our experience in company registration, sector-specific licencing and compliance, we make the process seamless so you can focus on running your business.
📞 Contact us today to get started.
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Disclaimer: This publication has been prepared for general guidance on matters of interest only, and does not constitute professional advice. You should not act upon the information contained in this publication without obtaining specific professional advice.
For specific legal advice, contact us.
Written by
Anulika Esther Ezigbo
Legal Associate
TCorporate Legal Advisory