Travel Allowance Basics: Nigerian Edition

Basic Travel Allowance (BTA) is a common scam in Nigeria. It usually starts with a person you meet online, with whom you develop a relationship or friendship. They then ask you to send money for a passport, airline tickets, or other expenses, such as medical bills or school fees, and promise to pay you back. Eventually, they will ask for money for a BTA, claiming that they need to show they have enough funds in their bank account to be allowed to leave the country. However, this is a scam, and there is no such requirement for departing Nigeria.

Is BTA a scam?

Basic Travel Allowance (BTA) is a common scam used by fraudsters, particularly in romance scams. It is not a requirement in any country in the world.

BTA is often used by scammers to target people they have met online, asking them to send money to allow them to travel. This is a trick to steal money from unsuspecting victims.

If someone mentions BTA, it is a scam. Victims of this scam are advised to contact the authorities to alert them about the scammers.

BTA and romance scams

Basic Travel Allowance (BTA) is a common ruse used by scammers, particularly in romance scams, to extort money from unsuspecting victims. BTA is a non-existent fee that scammers, often posing as potential romantic partners, claim is required for them to travel and meet their victims. This scam is frequently employed by fraudsters based in Nigeria, but it is also used in other parts of the world.

Romance scams involve scammers creating fake profiles on dating websites and apps to lure unsuspecting individuals into fake romantic relationships. Over time, they build trust and emotional connections with their victims before eventually asking for money, usually under the pretext of an emergency or the need to pay for travel expenses. BTA is one such travel-related scam.

The BTA scam often targets individuals who have already paid for their fictitious partner's travel expenses. The scammer claims that an additional fee, the BTA, is required for them to board their flight. This plays on the victim's emotions and sense of commitment, as they are more likely to pay, having already invested financially in the relationship.

It is important to note that BTA is entirely fictitious, and no such allowance or fee exists. Victims who fall for this scam not only lose money but also experience emotional distress and betrayal. The scammers exploit their victims' beliefs in true love and manipulate them into sending funds.

To protect yourself from such scams, it is crucial to be vigilant when interacting with individuals online, especially if they request money or claim to need funds for travel. Remember, if someone asks for money, particularly for non-existent fees like BTA, it is likely a scam. Always verify the identity and authenticity of the person you are communicating with, and never send money to someone you have not met in person.

If you suspect you are being scammed, it is important to report it to the relevant authorities, such as the police, the FBI, or the Better Business Bureau (BBB). By raising awareness and sharing information, we can help prevent others from falling victim to these deceitful schemes.

BTA and travelling to Russia

Basic Travel Allowance (BTA) is a common tactic used by scammers in Nigeria to extract money from unsuspecting victims, particularly in romance scams. It is not a requirement for leaving the country. If someone you have met online asks you to send them money for a BTA, you are likely being scammed.

However, one source mentions that some Nigerian citizens travelling to Russia with a special visa for the 2018 FIFA World Cup had to prove they had a BTA of $1000 USD at the airport before checking in.

Therefore, if you are a Nigerian citizen travelling to Russia, it may be wise to check with the Russian Embassy whether you need to provide proof of a BTA before your trip. It is also worth noting that BTA is a part of Nigeria's foreign exchange controls and refers to the allowance of foreign currency that Nigerian citizens are allowed to draw from a Nigerian bank when travelling abroad.

BTA and travelling to the UK

Basic Travel Allowance (BTA) is a common scam in Nigeria. It is not a government-sanctioned fee. If you are travelling to the UK from Nigeria, you do not need to pay a BTA.

There are many reports of people being scammed by individuals asking for money for a BTA. This scam often occurs in the context of romantic relationships, where one person has asked the other to pay for their travel costs so they can meet. In some cases, scammers will even produce fake documents to support their claims.

If you are unsure about whether you need to pay a BTA, it is recommended that you contact the Nigerian Embassy, as they will be able to provide accurate information.

The BTA, or Business Travel Association, is a legitimate organisation in the UK that advocates for the vital role of business travel and events to the wider economy. However, this is unrelated to the BTA scam in Nigeria.

BTA and travelling to the USA

Basic Travel Allowance (BTA) is the maximum amount of foreign currency that Nigerians travelling abroad are allowed to purchase. However, according to the Embassy of the United States in London, BTA is also a common scam under which foreign nationals request money from U.S. citizens for travel to the United States, claiming that a BTA is required under U.S. law. This scam is also prevalent on dating sites.

If you are travelling to the USA from Nigeria, you do not need to pay BTA. However, you should be aware of the local forex market regulations and the monetary limit for entering the USA. In the past, travellers entering the USA with more than $10,000 in cash have had their cash seized. Therefore, it is advisable to carry less cash and rely on electronic or plastic-based transactions instead.

When travelling to the USA, it is important to have the necessary visas and documentation. If you are visiting a company, it is recommended to have proof of your business dealings with them, such as company magazines, price lists, or other relevant materials. You will also need to fill out an arrival card and declare any cash amounts over the allowed limit.

It is always a good idea to consult official sources, such as embassy websites, for up-to-date and accurate information on travel requirements and allowances.

Frequently asked questions