Obtaining an international passport is an essential step for individuals in Nigeria who wish to travel abroad for various purposes, such as business, education, tourism, or employment.
The Nigerian international passport, also known as an e-passport, serves as an official travel document that allows Nigerians to gain entry into foreign countries. However, navigating the passport application process can be confusing and time-consuming if you are unfamiliar with the requirements and procedures.
In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of obtaining an international passport in Nigeria, providing you with the necessary information and tips to make the application process smoother and more efficient.
Who Needs Nigeria Foreign Passport?
A Nigerian international passport is required for Nigerians who want to go abroad for work, pleasure, or other reasons like attending school.
Nigerians who travel abroad occasionally or for pleasure typically receive the 32-page international passport.
On the other hand, business travelers might wish to think about obtaining a 64-page passport if their position necessitates frequent annual foreign business travel.
The 64-page passport can be something you want if you travel frequently for leisure. You won’t have to worry about continuously having to get new passports or carrying along heavy paperwork thanks to this.
Types of International Passports in Nigeria
Nigerian passports come in five different varieties. Therefore, you should be aware of your category before applying for one.
Official Passport: Ministers, governors, permanent secretaries, and the secretary-general of the federation are among the recipients of this one. Its cover is blue.
Pilgrim Passport: This one is given by Nigerian immigration services to Nigerian nationals traveling to holy places like Jerusalem and Mecca for pilgrimage. Due to security concerns, this type’s cover color is not constant.
Standard Passport: Every Nigerian citizen has the right to obtain the Nigerian standard visa before departing for another country. Its cover is green.
Seamans Passport: People who work near the coast or sea are awarded it. Its maroon cover distinguishes it as being mostly for sailors.
Diplomatic Passport: Key government representatives, such as the president, vice president, governors, senators, and some other senior government officials, have access to this type of material. Its cover is red.
General Specifications for A Foreign Passport In Nigeria
Before initiating the passport application process, it is essential to ensure that you meet the prerequisites. Here are some key points to consider
Adults (18 years and over)
====> Authentication letter from the local government.
====> Where appropriate, a marriage certificate.
====> Report to the police over a lost passport.
====> Age declaration on a birth certificate.
====> A pair of colored passport photos.
====> Form of the guarantor, witnessed and stamped by a magistrate, a high court judge, and an oath commissioner.
====> Completed immigration data form for a passport.
Minors (below 18 years of age):
====> Completed passport application form
====> One passport-size photograph (signed on the 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)
====> Proof of payment
NOTE: A court order and a letter of approval from the state Ministry of Women and child development are necessary in the event that the kid is adopted.
Please visit the website of the Nigerian Immigration Services to stay current on the requirements for international passports.
Steps Needed in Applying for an International Passport in Nigeria
You have a choice between applying in person at the Nigeria Immigration Service’s physical location or online on the organization’s website.
It is recommended that applicants submit their applications six months before their passport expires.
The procedures you must take to finish your international passport application are summarized as follow.
Online Process:
Step 1 ====> Visit the Nigeria Immigration portal’s home page.
Step 2 ====> To begin, locate and select the relevant application form.
Step 3 ====> Then click the ‘Start Application’ button after choosing a passport type (regular e-passport or official e-passport).
Step 4 ====> Complete the application form, then print it off.
Step 5 ====> To access the page with applicant details, click the submit application button.
Step 6 ====> Then click Continue for Online Payment.
Step 7 ====> Click the Pay in Naira or Pay in Dollars option to choose your preferred payment currency, and then click the Continue button.
Step 8 ====> You will receive an application ID as well as a reference number. After making a payment and receiving a “Validation Number,” you can check it on the NIS website.
Step 9 ====> Using the portal’s home page, print your NIS e-receipt.
Step 10 ====> Create the form for your passport guarantor.
You need to show up in person at your designated immigration office for photos and biometrics after submitting your application online.
NOTE: You must complete the form for a Fresh Passport if you are applying for a new passport and have never previously possessed one.
Select “Fresh Passport” from the options. Click the ‘Start Application’ button after selecting the right passport type you’re requesting.
Offline Procedure
Please be advised that the application procedure may take much longer if you choose to submit it through an agent in Nigeria rather than online.
Choose your agents wisely to prevent falling victim to fraud schemes and having documents disappear.
You must still physically appear at the immigration office with the necessary paperwork, even if an agent is there.
After your biometric information has been collected, a new passport application takes around 48 hours to process.
Apply well in advance because processing times have been known to go up to a month in some circumstances.
Nigerians who reside outside of their country can apply for a passport at the consulate that is closest to them or online.
How Much Does an International Passport Cost in Nigeria?
The age of the applicant and the kind of passport booklet needed are two variables that affect the cost of getting a passport in Nigeria. There are two booklets: one has 32 pages and the other 64.
Payment for an international passport application is made electronically, with the choice of paying in US dollars or Nigerian Naira.
On the passport guidelines page of the Nigeria Immigration Services’ official website, you may find out the exact price of a new international passport in Nigeria.
The most recent details regarding the applicable costs are provided by this dependable source. Before starting the application procedure, it is essential to study this page to discover the current price.
Nigerian international passport fees for all embassies, consulates, and high commissions
| Booklet Type | Age 0-17 | Age 18-59 | Age 60 above |
| 32 Pages | $65 | $94 | $65 |
| 64 Pages | $125 | $125 | $125 |
Nigerian International Passport Fee in Nigeria
| Booklet Type | Age 0-17 | Age 18-59 | Age 60 above |
| 32 Pages | N 8,750 | N 15,000 | N 8,750 |
| 64 Pages | N 20,000 | N 20,000 | N 20,000 |
How Long Does it Take Nigeria To Process An International Passport?
Nigeria normally takes 3 weeks to process a passport renewal and 6 weeks to process a new application for an international passport.
However, during busy times, like the summer travel season, the processing time might be extended.
More Articles to Read:
How to Block GTBank Account from Another Phone
How to Apply for Rotary Foundation Global Scholarship Grants
Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program
5 Proven Strategies for Successful Immigration to Canada
How to Successfully Migrate to Canada
Guide to Win Scholarships for Studying in Germany
Arbella Insurance: Protecting What Matters Most
Where Can I Apply for an International Passport?
Any of the following locations accept applications for international passports:
====> Headquarters of the Nigerian Immigration Service in Abuja
====> The Nigerian Immigration Service’s State Command Headquarters may be located anywhere.
====> Any of the Nigerian Immigration Service’s Passport Offices
Validity
Standard international passports are currently only good for five years. Only after all of the allotted pages have been used can your passport be renewed.
Nigerian Passport Renewal Fees
The pilgrims’ passport is the only kind of passport that cannot be renewed once it has expired. By going through this renewal procedure, people can keep using their present passports for foreign travel.
The list of documents required for renewing an expired, unexpired document or a passport with used-up visa pages is provided below:
====> Completed form for renewing a passport.
====> Passport payment receipt and acknowledgment slip.
====> Two recent photos the size of a passport.
====> Current e-passport in both the original and photocopy form.
====> A slip with your National Identification Number (NIN) or enrollment documentation.
The fees for renewing a Nigerian passport abroad are listed below.
| Booklet Type | Age 0-17 | Age 18-59 | Age 60 above |
| 32 Pages | $65 | $94 | $65 |
| 64 Pages | $125 | $125 | $125 |
Conclusion
For all travelers, a passport is a crucial piece of identification. An international passport is required for Nigerians who want to travel to other African nations, Europe, or other foreign nations.
Follow the helpful resources and advice above to find out how to obtain an international passport in Nigeria and to make your work easier.