Do you want a Nigerian passport? How do you get one? These are questions that every Nigerian who wants to travel abroad may have.
An international passport is a travel document issued by a country’s government to certify an individual’s identity to travel outside the country. Therefore, a Nigerian passport is a document issued by the Nigerian government to citizens who want to travel outside the country. The purpose of travelling is varied, it can be for education, health, tourism, or permanent relocation. Either way, you will need a passport and, most times, a visa to travel.
How to get an international passport in Nigeria
There are two types of passports in Nigeria – standard and diplomatic passports. The standard passport type is for the general public, while the diplomatic passport is strictly for protocol officers in government and government ambassadors.
To get a passport, you must have some official documents to qualify you for the process. These documents will be used in online processing as well as in-person processing. The following documents are what you’re required to bring during your application:
For Standard Passport
- Local Government letter of identification.
- Birth certificate / age declaration.
- Two recent colour passport photographs
- Guarantor’s form sworn to before a commissioner of Oaths / Magistrate / High Court Judge
- Parents’ letter of consent for minors under 16 years
- Marriage certificate, where applicable
- Police report in case of lost passport
- Submit application with supporting documents to passport office/embassy/high commission
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For Diplomatic Passport
- Letter of introduction from appropriate State Government, Federal Government Ministry/Organization.
- Marriage certificate, where applicable
- Police report in case of lost passport
- Letter of appointment / last promotion
- Submit application with supporting documents to passport office / Embassy / High commission
Requirements for international passport in Nigeria
The following are requirements for a Nigerian international passport.
For adults (18 years and above)
- Completed international passport application form.
- Two recent passport 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 a photocopy of the data page of the guarantor’s Nigerian e-passport and one passport-size photograph of the guarantor.
- Marriage certificate if you’re married.
- Change of name affidavit if applicable.
For minors (below 18 years of age)
- Completed international passport Application Form.
- One passport photograph which must have the signature of the parent or guardian showing their consent.
- Birth certificate
- Evidence of parent’s citizenship.
- Letter of consent from both parents. In case one parent is unavailable, you must obtain a valid court order.
- Proof of payment.
Note that if the child is adopted, a court order and letter of approval from the state Ministry of Women and Child Development are required. For additional information, consult the Nigerian Immigration Services.
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How much is Nigeria’s international passport
Here is a list of the official passport application fees according to age and booklet type.
NIS PASSPORT FEE – APPLYING IN NIGERIA (NAIRA) |
|||
| Booklet Type | AGE 0 – 17 | AGE 18 – 59 | AGE 60+ |
| 32 Pages | 8,750 | 15,000 | 8,750 |
| 64 Pages | 20,000 | 20,000 | 20,000 |
NIS PASSPORT FEE – ALL EMBASSIES, CONSULATES & HIGH COMMISSIONS (US DOLLAR) |
|||
| Booklet Type | AGE 0 – 17 | AGE 18 – 59 | AGE 60+ |
| 32 Pages | 65 | 94 | 65 |
| 64 Pages | 125 | 125 | 125 |
Note that information on the prices for an international passport was obtained from the Nigeria Immigration Service website and is subject to change.
How to apply for an international passport
To apply for a passport in Nigeria, take the following steps:
- Visit the Home page of the Nigeria Immigration Portal
- Click on the appropriate application form to start the process – e-Passport Application Form or MRP – Passport Application Form.
- Select the passport type – Standard e-Passport or Official e-Passport. Click on “Start Application.”
- Fill out the application form. Don’t forget to check ‘I ACCEPT FULL RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THIS FORM’
- Click the “PRINT” Button to print the filled form.
- Submit the application and view the ‘Applicant details page’
- Go on to “Proceed to Online Payment.” Select the “Pay in Naira” or “Pay in Dollars” option then click on ‘Continue’ button.
- After payment, you will be issued a validation number. Proceed to the NIS portal for the confirmation of payment.
- Print out the guarantor’s form and make sure it is certified. You will need to enter your Passport Application ID and Reference Number. Then submit to proceed.
- Submit your filled application form and other required documents in person at your selected passport office.
Note that you will need to go to the specified immigration office in person to have your biometrics and photographs taken.
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How long does it take to get an international passport in Nigeria
For first-time applicants, it can take up to six weeks for their international passports to be ready. On the other hand, for renewals/reissues, passport processing can take an average period of three weeks.
How to verify a Nigerian international passport
In May 2022, the NIS announced it has introduced a tracking system for the monitoring of statuses of passport applications by applicants. This was part of the agency’s efforts toward sustaining transparency and accountability in the passport issuance process. In simple terms, it means you can track the status of your international passport application from the comfort of your home. Just log onto the website on www.trackimmigration.gov.ng and upload the required details and you will get an immediate response.
Another method of verification that the NIS wants to introduce is self-validation of applicants’ NIN through the agency’s official website. Applicants will not be able to process their international passports without verifying their NIN first.
The NIS has also said the agency is working on introducing an alert system “so that holders of passports can be reminded when it is six months to the expiration of their passports.” Visa will not be issued on a passport that has less than six months. So the alert system will enable applicants to start the renewal process earlier.
Conclusion
Applying for an international passport in Nigeria has become easier than before. If you want to travel abroad, it is advisable to start the application process online and ahead of your departure date. Provide all the required documents listed above, follow the process also listed above and you will receive your international passport sooner than you think. If you’re having problems during your application, help is available on the NIS website’s contact. Good luck!
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