Turkey has thousands of honest, well-run tourism businesses, and a smaller number of operators that are not licensed. These checks take about ten minutes and tell you most of what you need to know before you sign or pay anything.

1. Ask for the details in writing

Get the company’s full legal name, address, tax number and, for an agency, its TÜRSAB licence number. A genuine business will give you these without fuss. Make sure the name on the contract and invoice matches.

2. Check a travel agency with TÜRSAB

3. Cross-check with the Ministry

The Ministry of Culture and Tourism is the licensing authority. Use its travel agency search and, for hotels, ask for the facility’s Ministry certificate number and check the tourism facilities pages.

4. Understand the licence

Agencies are licensed in groups A (full service), B (limited) and C (very limited), must have a dedicated physical office and a qualified manager, and must belong to TÜRSAB. A virtual office or a home address is a warning sign.

5. Talk to the right association

If you cannot resolve a doubt, the relevant trade association can usually tell you whether a company is a known member: TÜRSAB for agencies, TÜROB or TÜROFED for hotels.

Warning signs

  • No licence number, or one that does not match the name you were given.
  • Payment requested to a personal bank account, or to an account that does not match the company name.
  • Pressure to pay a large deposit quickly, or prices far below the market.
  • A website with no address, or a licence logo that does not link to a TÜRSAB record.
  • Refusal to put terms, cancellation rules and prices in a written contract.

Protect yourself

  • Use a written contract that names both companies, sets out services, prices and cancellation terms, and says which law applies.
  • Pay by bank transfer to an account in the company’s name, and keep records.
  • Start with a small booking before committing to volume.
  • For larger deals, take advice from a lawyer who knows Turkish law.

Want a hand?

Tell us what you are looking for and we will point you towards licensed businesses and the right association.

Checked 8 November 2026. This guide is general information, not legal advice. Visit Turkey is an independent guide and does not guarantee any business.