International Passport in Nigeria (A Guide)

 Do you want to explore the world, go on business trips, or want to hold the highest form of national identification? Then you need the Nigerian International Passport. 

Are you tired of seeing exotic places on social media? Do you want to visit and enjoy the experience of those places? Or do you have an international business project that requires you to travel? 

Whether you plan to travel for leisure, study, relocation, or business, you need an international passport.

Today on BestLagos, we will give you a step-by-step breakdown of how to get an international passport.

All your questions about the cost of purchase and others will be effectively answered, read on!

What is the Nigerian International Passport

The Nigerian International Passport is a government-approved document that confirms a person’s claim on their Nigerian citizenship. 

An international passport is the primary identification document in a country. A valid international passport makes citizens of a country eligible for services like legal and medical aid.

In Nigeria, it is the highest recognized form of identification. Nigerian citizens with an international passport can easily verify their identity with credible international companies and platforms. 

Furthermore, the document is your ticket out of Nigeria. It allows you to travel around the globe at your own pace. However, certain terms and conditions apply. Your international passport also verifies documents you need to travel like your visa and birth certificate.

A Nigerian International passport contains important information such as the name, date of birth, photograph, and other unique identifiers of the holder. It is required by nearly all countries throughout the world in order to enter, exit, or transit through their borders. 

A valid International passport is essential for anyone who wants to experience international travel. It is important to ensure that your International passport is up-to-date and valid before embarking on any international journey. An expired international passport in a foreign country may leave you stranded.

If you want to travel to any of the 15 West African countries, you don’t necessarily need an international passport. An ECOWAS passport or travel certificate will suffice. So, if your destination is around West Africa, then quickly apply for the ECOWAS passport. 

Who is Eligible for the Nigerian International Passport

Every Nigerian citizen is eligible for the Nigerian International Passport. Although every Nigerian citizen is advised to have a Nigerian International Passport, many Nigerians do not apply for it. Nigerians who apply for the passport are those who have business or activities outside Nigeria. 

The Passport is mostly issued to two kinds of people: 

• Those who travel frequently apply for the 64-page Nigerian International Passport while,
• the odd traveller applies for the 32-page passport.

Due to the stress of getting a new Passport, many Nigerians opt for the 64-page passport. 

Important Information about the Nigerian Passport

According to the November 2023 entry of the VisaGuide Passport Index, the Nigerian International Passport ranks 190th position out of over 200 international passports. 

This means that Nigerian Passport holders enjoy these privileges:

• visa-free entry into 27 countries, 
• e-visas from 12 countries,
• visas on arrival (VOA) in 17 countries and,
• 170 countries require a valid visa before you enter the country. 

Visa-free countries require a health insurance document from you along with a valid passport.

An e-visa follows the same process for obtaining a normal visa. However, you will not be required to visit a visa application centre. Everything is done online, including your visa approval. 

VOA countries allow you to submit your visa application at the nation’s international airport. 

Types of International Passport in Nigeria

There are several variants of the Nigerian International Passport. Each of them was created to meet the needs of a certain demography. Do you know the type of Nigerian passport you need for that journey? Keep reading to find out.

Official Passport

This type was designed for government officials. It serves as an identity and travel document for individuals holding official positions. Government officials such as Ministers, Governors, Permanent Secretaries, and the Secretary-General of the Federation use this passport. It is characterized by its distinctive blue cover. It is used for official travel and represents the bearer’s affiliation with the Nigerian government. 

Diplomatic Passport

This passport is reserved for high-ranking government officials and diplomats. The diplomatic e-passport signifies a special status. It grants the bearer privileges and immunities in accordance with international law. 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.

Seafarer’s Passport

 The Seafarer’s e-Passport was tailored for individuals engaged in maritime activities. It is an essential document for sailors, ship crew members, and maritime professionals. It facilitates smooth international travel for those contributing to the maritime industry’s growth and development. The passport cover has a maroon colour.

Standard Passport

The standard passport is the most widely used passport in Nigeria. It features a green cover and a biometric data page that enhances security. This passport is available in three categories: 32 pages (for frequent travellers), 64 pages (for business travellers and frequent flyers), and 64 pages for diplomats. It serves as a means of identification for Nigerians travelling abroad.

Pilgrim Passport

Nigerian citizens intending to travel to the Holy lands like Jerusalem and Mecca obtain a pilgrim Passport from the Nigerian Immigration Service. 

 The pilgrim passport does not have a fixed cover colour because of security reasons. Instead, it may vary to ensure the document’s integrity and safety.

Child Passport

This is Specially designed for Nigerian minors, the child e-passport is issued to citizens below the age of 18. It is a crucial document for families travelling internationally, ensuring that children have the necessary identification for border crossings. The child must be present during the application process.

The pilgrim and child passports are subsets of the standard International Passport. 

Requirements for International Passport in Nigeria

Since each type of Nigerian passport serves a certain group of people, there are distinct requirements for each passport.

In this section, we will provide the document required for each type of Nigerian International Passport.

Documents required for the Standard International Passport in Nigeria include: 

• Identification letter from your Local Government Council of Origin
• Proof of age such as a declaration of age from a court or a birth certificate 
• Two (2) recent white background passport photographs
• A guarantor’s form
• A letter of consent from a parent (Applicable to someone below the age of 16 years)
• A marriage certificate (Applicable to someone who is married)
• A police report (In case of a lost or stolen International passport).

Documents required for the Official International Passport in Nigeria include: 

• A letter of appointment from any appropriate level of government at the State or Federal level 
• A marriage certificate where necessary 
• A police report (In case of a lost or stolen International passport)
• A letter of last promotion or a letter of appointment 

Application should be submitted to the passport office, Embassy, or High Commission along with other documents. 

Documents required for the Seafarer’s Passport

• Identification letter and proof that the applicant is a seaman 
• A completed application form 
• A Local Government letter of identification 
• Birth certificate or age declaration 
• 2 recent coloured passport photographs (with white background).

Documents required for the Diplomatic Passport

 Visit the office of the Comptroller General of the Nigerian Immigration Service at the Headquarters to write and submit the passport application with the following documents: 

• 2 passports photography
• Appointment letter
• Proof of age
• Return certificate from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ( applicable to political officeholders)
•  And other standard application documents for an international passport. 

How to Apply for an International Passport in Nigeria

Previously, Nigerians had to go through the stress of physically submitting their passport application at the branch offices of NIS( Nigerian Immigration Service). 

Fortunately, the organization has embraced more modern trends. So you can complete the bulk of the application process online. 

So, the step-by-step online Nigerian International Passport is: 

Visit the NIS portal and click on the passport application section.

1.  Choose the type of passport you want to obtain
2. Pick your desired location (ie country) for passport processing and obtaining. 
3. Fill the blank lines on the application form and check the customary box. Then print the filled application form. 
4. Scan and upload the required documents to the website. Every scanned document should be in PDF format.
5. Proceed to the payment section and choose your desired currency: Naira or Dollars. 
6. Select your preferred payment method( Visa Cards are accepted) Wait for your payment to be confirmed. More details about the payment process will be discussed in subsequent sections
7. Immediately after your payment is confirmed, click on submit and you will receive a validation number, application ID and which you can verify on the Nigerian Immigration Service website. 
8. Print a copy of the Guarantor’s form. 
9. Get the necessary signatures and upload them on the website using your passport application ID and reference number. 
10. Submit the form.
11. Visit your designated immigration office with a printed application form and other documents for your biometrics and photo capture. 

Nigerians living abroad can apply for their passports through the online platform or a Nigerian consulate. 

We advise Individuals to avoid working with agents during passport application. The online process is faster and more reliable than the physical process with agents.

Online payment process for Nigerian International Passport applicants

There are two ways you can pay your application fees online. Either via bank method or credit card method. You can use either of them.

To proceed with the application fees, 

• click on the button that says “Proceed to Online Payment” 
• Click to select your Payment Currency. There are two (2) payment currency options: “Pay in Naira” or “Pay in Dollars”
• Choose your preferred currency: Naira or US Dollars
• Click on the ‘Continue’ button
• If you prefer to pay in Naira, you have to select your PayType – that is payment method: “Bank”, “Credit OR Debit card”

Bank Payment 

• At the PayType, payment method, select “Bank” and click continue,
• You will see the list of participating banks, click on ‘Continue’ to proceed
• To print your “Payment Acknowledgment Slip”, Transaction ID, Application ID and Reference Number, click on the “Print Acknowledgment” button
• Proceed to a participating bank for payment with a copy of your “Payment acknowledgement slip”

After making your payment at any of the participating banks, you will be given an “approved payment platform provider” receipt. This receipt contains your “Validation Number”. 

The”Validation Number” will be used to confirm your payment on the NIS portal

Credit or Debit Card

• At the PayType, payment method, select “Credit OR Debit card” and click continue
• Proceed to fill in your login details.
• Click on the “Login” button to enter the payment portal. You will see the “PAY” button, click on it and your application details will be displayed 
• After viewing your application details, click on the “Continue” button
• You will be taken to the “Value Card” payment page, put in your card information, and Click on the “OK” button
• Your “Validation Number” will be generated after making your payment. Store the Validation number, you will use it to confirm your payment

• You can also click on the “Print the Receipt” button to print a receipt.

Steps to Confirm Payment for the Nigerian International Passport Using Your Validation Number

• On the NIS portal go to “Query your Application Payment Status” and enter your International Passport Application ID and Reference No
• Type the receipt number from your “approved payment platform provider” receipt on the “Validation Number” field
• Click on the “Search Record” button. You will be taken to the “Applicant’s Details” page, where a date for your interview has been generated
• Click on the appropriate buttons to print your NIS receipt or your acknowledgement slip. 
• Your NIS e-receipt or acknowledgement slip will be displayed in a new window
• Click on the “Print” button to send a copy of the receipt or slip to the printer.

Cost of Procuring a Nigerian International Passport

The cost of a new International Passport in Nigeria is based on your age, the validity period of the document and how many pages you want.  

• Children under the age of 17 pay N8,750 for a 32-page passport and N20,000 for a 64-page passport. 

• Adults aged 18 to 59 pay N15,000 for the 32-page passport and N20,000 for the 64-page passport.

• Adults aged 60 years and above pay N8,750 for a 32-page passport and N20,000 for a 64-page passport.

The cost of obtaining a passport is dependent on the NIS. The NIS will always display the updated cost on its portal. 

-How long does it take to get an international Passport in Nigeria

Ideally, it takes 48 hours or 2 working days for the processing of a complete online passport application (after biometrics and photo capture)

However, certain factors may lengthen the process to a month. Apply for your international passport a few months before your departure period to avoid disappointing situations.

A standard international passport has a minimum shelf life of 5 years. You can renew your Nigerian International passport if you exhaust all the pages within the 5-year window.

Factors Responsible for the Cost of International Passport in Nigeria

1. Age
2. Number of Pages in the Passport
3. Validity window: a 32-page passport expires after 5 years from the date of issuance while a 64-page passport expires after 10 years.
4. Location: the cost of obtaining an international passport in the Southern region of Nigeria is relatively higher than the cost in the North. This is because many Nigerian residents in the south travel more often than their peers in the north.

How Much is the Renewal of an International Passport in Nigeria?

The cost of renewing a standard International Passport in Nigeria is based on your age and how many pages you want.  

• Children under the age of 17 pay N8,750 for a 32-page passport and N20,000 for a 64-page passport. 

• Adults aged 18 to 59 pay N15,000 for the 32-page passport and N20,000 for the 64-page passport.

• Adults aged 60 years and above pay N8,750 for a 32-page passport and N20,000 for a 64-page passport. 

How to Track your International Passport Application status in Nigeria

After submitting your biometrics, it is important to track your application status. This way, you are aware of the entire process. Below are the steps to track your Nigerian International Passport application status:

• Visit the NIS Portal to verify passport status, and 
• click on “Passport Application Status,”
• Enter your passport application ID and reference number.
• Click Submit.

The details of your application will immediately be displayed on your screen. If you notice an error or disruption in the approval process, visit the nearest NIS office to lodge a complaint.

Closing

The Nigerian International Passport is an essential document for every Nigerian. Although the process seems lengthy, the benefits of having a Nigerian International Passport outweigh the process.

We hope this guide fills the gaps in knowledge that you might have about the process of passport procurement.