Before booking a tour package, flight ticket, or especially a Hajj or Umrah trip through a travel agent, it’s worth checking that they’re actually licensed. Which list you check depends on the kind of service you’re booking — here’s how to verify each type.
General Travel Agencies: Provincial Tourism Departments
General travel agencies (tour operators, ticketing agents, and similar businesses) are registered with each province’s tourism department. In Punjab, for example, this is the Department of Tourist Services (DTS).
- Visit the DTS Punjab travel agencies record at dtsweb.punjab.gov.pk/index.php/travel-agencies.
- Browse or filter the list by title or district to find the agency you’re checking.
- Compare the agency’s name and business address carefully against what’s listed, since similarly named agencies can cause confusion.
- Check the License No., Renewal Upto, and Current Status columns for that entry.
Be aware this list isn’t always perfectly maintained — the Current Status field is blank for some entries, and renewal dates can appear outdated without clearly indicating whether the license is still valid. If anything looks unclear or you can’t find the agency listed, contact DTS directly rather than assuming either way. Their Lahore head office is at 27-II Shadman, Behind OMC Hospital, Jail Road.
If you’re outside Punjab, check with your own province’s tourism department for their equivalent registration list.
Hajj and Umrah Operators: Ministry of Religious Affairs
This is the most important check to make if you’re booking a religious pilgrimage, given how often fraudulent Hajj/Umrah operators target pilgrims. Under the Hajj and Umrah Act 2024, only companies formally approved by the Ministry of Religious Affairs are permitted to offer Umrah services.
- Visit the Ministry of Religious Affairs’ official website at mora.gov.pk.
- Look for the published list of certified Umrah/Hajj operators.
- Confirm the company’s exact name matches what’s on the certified list before paying anything.
A few important safeguards the Ministry itself recommends:
- Pay only into the company’s official bank account — never to an individual’s personal account.
- Get a signed agreement and a proper payment receipt for your booking.
- Make sure your full package (visa, air tickets, transport, and accommodation) is booked through the certified company, not split across unverified middlemen.
Critically, the Ministry has said it will only accept complaints against officially certified companies — if you book through an unregistered or uncertified operator, you’re on your own if something goes wrong.
Airline Ticketing Agents: IATA Accreditation
If you’re specifically checking whether an agency can issue airline tickets through recognized industry channels, that’s a separate accreditation handled by IATA (International Air Transport Association) rather than a Pakistani government body. IATA-accredited agencies in Pakistan can be verified directly through IATA’s own official channels, which is worth doing if you’re dealing with a large ticket purchase or an agency you’re unfamiliar with.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the single most important check before booking Umrah/Hajj?
Confirming the operator appears on the Ministry of Religious Affairs’ official certified list at mora.gov.pk — the Ministry will not handle complaints against uncertified companies.
Is a travel agency license the same thing as Hajj/Umrah certification?
No. A general travel agency license (from a provincial tourism department) doesn’t automatically mean the agency is certified for Hajj/Umrah services, which requires separate Ministry of Religious Affairs approval.
What should I do if I can’t find an agency on either list?
Don’t assume it’s fine — contact the relevant department or ministry directly to confirm the agency’s status before paying anything.
Is it safe to pay a travel agent in cash or to a personal account?
No. Always pay into the company’s official business bank account and get a proper receipt and signed agreement, regardless of which type of service you’re booking.
Given how often fraudulent operators target travelers — especially around Hajj and Umrah season — taking a few minutes to verify a travel agent’s status before paying anything is one of the simplest ways to protect yourself.
