To acquire an international passport in Nigeria, there are certain requirements that applicants must fulfil, and these requirements vary, depending on whether it is a first-time passport or a renewal. The international passport serves as an official travel document and provides identification and proof of citizenship.
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The online application process is simple and straightforward. If you happen to be outside of Nigeria, you can apply online or at your nearest consulate. Save yourself unnecessary stress by applying and submitting your application documents well in advance of your departure date. Once you receive your passport, all that’s left to do is pack your bags and jet off!
Please note this process is applicable to Nigerian citizens.
What is a Nigerian International Passport?
The Nigerian international passport is your chance to enjoy international travel and explore different cultures, allowing you to travel anywhere in the world (provided you have the correct visa). The international passport is not the same as the ECOWAS passport, which only grants travel entry into 15 West African states. Nigerians wanting to travel outside of West Africa are required to get a Nigerian international passport.
To apply for a new passport, the Nigerian Immigration Services (NIS) currently only issues electronic passports (e-passports) for new applications. Ordinary citizens can apply for a Standard e-passport (green cover), while official e-passports (blue cover) are reserved for government officials and Nigerian diplomats.
Who Needs One?
Nigerians who are intending to travel outside of Nigeria for business, leisure or other activities such as school purposes need a Nigerian international passport.
The 32-page Nigerian international passport is commonly issued for leisure travellers or those not travelling internationally very often. Business travellers, on the other hand, may want to consider applying for a 64-page passport if your job requires you to take frequent international business trips throughout the year. If you are an avid leisure traveller, you may want the 64-page passport as well. This will save you the hassle of constantly needing to apply for new passports and carrying around bulky documents.
How Much Does an International Passport Cost in Nigeria?
The price of obtaining an international passport in Nigeria is subject to several factors, including the applicant’s age and the type of passport booklet required. There’s the 32 paged booklet and the 64 paged booklet.
To streamline the application process for an international passport, payment is conducted online, with the option to pay in either Nigerian Naira or US dollars.
The specific cost of a new international passport in Nigeria can be found on the passport guideline page of the official website of the Nigeria Immigration Services. This reliable source provides up-to-date information regarding the applicable fees. It is crucial to review this page to ascertain the current cost before initiating the application process.
| CATEGORIES | 32-PAGE BOOKLETS | 64-PAGE BOOKLETS | ||
| AGE: 0 – 17 YRS | AGE: 18 – 59 YRS | AGE: 60 YRS + | ||
| Passport Booklet Fee | ₦ 25,000 | ₦ 25,000 | ₦ 25,000 | ₦ 35,000 |
| NIN Processing Fee | ₦ 1,000 | ₦ 1,000 | ₦ 1,000 | ₦ 1,000 |
| TOTAL | ₦ 26,000 | ₦ 26,000 | ₦ 26,000 | ₦ 36,000 |
*Please note these prices were taken from the official Nigerian Immigration Services website and are subject to change.
How to Apply
The Nigerian international passport application can be processed either online or offline. Both ways will result in you receiving a hardcopy of your passport.
Online:
- Visit the Nigerian Immigration Services portal
- Select passport type
- Select processing country
- Complete application form
- Upload scanned copies of required documents
- Select preferred payment method (payment can be made with Visa cards)
- Once payment is completed, click “Submit”
- You will be issued an Application ID and Reference number
- Print out Guarantor’s form and have it certified
- Submit completed application form with additional required documents in person at your selected passport office
Once you have submitted your online application, you are required to appear in person at your specified immigration office for photographs and biometrics to be taken.
Offline:
If you’d prefer to submit your application through an agent in Nigeria, rather than online, please be aware that this process may take a lot longer. Be careful which agents you work with so as to avoid getting caught in fraud scams and documents getting lost. Even with an agent involved, you are still required to appear in person at the immigration office with your required documents.
A new passport application takes around 48 hours to process after your biometric data has been captured. In some cases, it has been known to take up to a month to process, so make sure you apply well in advance.
Nigerians living abroad can apply for their international passport at their nearest consulate, or via the online application.
Validity
Currently, standard international passports are valid for five years or ten years. You may only renew your passport once all available pages have been used.
What are the Different Types of Nigerian Passports?
In Nigeria, there exist five distinct types of passports that cater to various categories of individuals. It is crucial to identify the appropriate passport category you belong to before applying for one. Here are the different types of Nigerian passports:
1. Standard Passport:
The standard Nigerian passport, recognizable by its green cover, is an essential travel document available to all Nigerian nationals. It serves as a means of identification for Nigerians travelling abroad.
2. Diplomatic Passport:
The diplomatic passport is exclusively reserved for high-ranking government officials, government ambassadors, and other key personnel. Individuals eligible for this type of passport include the President, Vice President, Governors, Senators, and other officials of significant stature. The diplomatic passport is easily identifiable by its distinct red cover.
3. Official Passport:
The official passport is designated for government officials such as Ministers, Governors, Permanent Secretaries, and the Secretary-General of the Federation. It is a document that facilitates official travel and represents the bearer’s affiliation with the Nigerian government. The official passport stands out with its distinctive blue cover.
4. Seaman’s Passport:
The seaman’s passport caters to individuals employed in maritime occupations, specifically those who work at sea. This type of passport is primarily issued to sailors and other maritime personnel. It is easily recognizable by its maroon cover.
5. Pilgrim Passport:
The Nigerian Immigration Services issues the pilgrim passport to Nigerian citizens embarking on religious pilgrimages to sacred destinations such as Jerusalem and Mecca. Due to security considerations, the pilgrim passport does not have a fixed cover colour. Instead, it may vary to ensure the document’s integrity and safety.
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What are the Requirements?
The requirements for an international passport in Nigeria may vary depending on your age and whether you’re applying for a first-time passport or a renewal. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps involved in applying for an international passport in Nigeria. We’ll also provide a list of the required documents and information.
So, whether you’re a first-time applicant or a renewal applicant, read on to learn everything you need to know about the requirements for an international passport in Nigeria.
The international passport serves as an official travel document and provides identification and proof of citizenship. To acquire an international passport in Nigeria, there are certain requirements that applicants must fulfil, and these requirements vary, depending on whether it is a first-time passport or a renewal.
First-Time Passport Applicants
When appearing at the immigration office, the requirements for the international passport are as follows:
Adults (18 years and over):
- Completed passport application form
- Two recent passport-size photographs
- Proof of payment
- Letter of ID from local government/ state of origin (valid staff ID card attached)
- Birth certificate
- Completed Guarantor’s form (with photocopy of data page of Guarantor’s Nigerian e-passport and one passport-size photograph of the Guarantor)
- Marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Name change affidavit (if applicable)
- Payment of N1,000 for the NIN Processing fee
Minors (below 18 years of age):
- Completed passport application form
- One passport-size photograph (signed on reverse side by consenting parent/s)
- Birth certificate
- Evidence of Nigerian citizenship of parent/s
- Letter of consent from both parents (valid court order if one parent is unavailable)
- Payment of N1,000 for the NIN Processing fee
- Proof of payment
*In the event that the child is adopted, a Court Order and Letter of approval from State Ministry of Women and Child Development is required.
To stay up-to-date on the requirements for the international passport requirements, please consult the Nigerian Immigration Services website.
Renewal Passport Applicants
The requirements for renewal passport applicants are as follows:
- A completed passport application form
- A recent passport-style photograph
- A copy of your old passport
- Payment of N1,000 for the NIN Processing fee
Steps Needed in Applying for an International Passport in Nigeria
To apply for an international passport in Nigeria, there are certain steps one must take.
- Go to the Nigerian Immigration Service website and download the passport application form.
- Fill out the application form and sign it.
- Attach a recent passport-style photograph to the application form.
- Attach a copy of your National Identification Number (NIN) to the application form.
- Attach a copy of your birth certificate to the application form.
- If you are under 18 years old, you will need to attach a letter of consent from your parents or guardian to the application form.
- Pay the passport application fee.
- Submit the application form and supporting documents to the Nigerian Immigration Service.
Every applicant is issued an application ID and reference number in the process. Once payment is made, a Validation Number is given. This will be used to confirm payment and set an interview date.
What is the Processing Time for International Passports in Nigeria?
The processing time for an international passport in Nigeria is typically 3 weeks for a renewal of the passport and 6 weeks for a fresh application. However, the processing time may be longer during peak periods, such as the summer travel season.
Where Can I Apply for an International Passport?
You can apply for an international passport at any of the following locations:
- The Nigerian Immigration Service Headquarters in Abuja
- Any of the State Command Headquarters of the Nigerian Immigration Service
- Any of the Passport Offices of the Nigerian Immigration Service
Conclusion
In conclusion, obtaining an international passport in Nigeria requires adherence to specific requirements set by the Nigeria Immigration Services. This crucial travel document allows Nigerian citizens to explore the world and engage in international endeavors.
To successfully obtain an international passport, applicants must meet the stipulated requirements, which may include providing necessary documents such as a birth certificate, proof of Nigerian citizenship, and a valid identification card. Additionally, applicants are required to complete the application form accurately and pay the prescribed fee.
It is important to note that the specific requirements may evolve over time, so it is advisable to consult the official website of the Nigeria Immigration Services for the most up-to-date information.
Hope you find this article helpful.
