How to get international passport in Nigeria 2024: types, requirements, documents, how much?

Nigerian citizens who want to travel outside of Nigeria need to apply for an international passport. Whether you’re planning a family vacation, relocating, or taking an official work trip, there are a number of passport options available to you.

The most important factor to consider when choosing a passport is the country you will be visiting. Nigeria has two different types of international passports: the standard passport and the official passport. In this article I will explain in details the types, requirements, documents and how much international passport cost in Nigeria.

Table of Contents

What is a Nigerian International Passport?

A Nigerian international passport is a travel document issued to citizens of Nigeria to facilitate international travel. It is also the official document used for identification purposes within Nigeria. The passport is valid for 10 years from the date of issuance.

Why is Nigerian International Passport One of the Best Passports for International Travel

The Nigerian international passport is one of the best passports for international travel because it allows visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 139 countries, including all European Union countries, Singapore, South Korea, and Japan. This means that Nigerian passport holders can travel to many countries without having to go through the lengthy and sometimes expensive visa application process.

The Nigerian Immigration Services (NIS) now only issues electronic passports (e-passports) to new applicants for new passports. Standard e-passports (green cover) are available to ordinary citizens, while official e-passports (blue cover) are only available to government officials and Nigerian diplomats.

To apply for a Nigerian passport, applicants must be at least 18 years old and have a valid national identity card. The application process can be completed online or at any Nigerian embassy or consulate abroad.

What is an Electronic Passport?

An electronic passport is a travel document that contains an embedded electronic chip. The chip contains the holder’s biographical information, such as name, date of birth, and nationality, as well as a digital photograph of the holder.

Benefits of Electronic Passports

Electronic passports offer a number of benefits over traditional paper passports, including:

  • Increased security: Electronic passports are more difficult to counterfeit than paper passports.
  • Faster processing times: Electronic passports can be processed more quickly than paper passports.
  • Reduced fraud: Electronic passports make it more difficult to commit fraud, such as identity theft.

How to Apply for a Nigerian Electronic Passport

To apply for a Nigerian electronic passport, you can either complete the application process online or visit a Nigerian embassy or consulate abroad.

If you are applying online, you will need to create an account on the Nigerian Immigration Services website and then fill out the online application form. Once you have submitted the application form, you will need to upload the required documents, which include a passport-size photograph, a copy of your birth certificate, and a copy of your national identity card.

If you are applying at a Nigerian embassy or consulate, you will need to fill out a paper application form and submit the required documents in person.

Once you have submitted your application and paid the application fee, you will need to schedule an appointment to have your fingerprints and biometric data collected.

Once your fingerprints and biometric data have been collected, your passport application will be processed. The passport processing time typically takes 2-4 weeks.

What is the Difference Between Nigerian International Passport and ECOWAS Passport?

The ECOWAS passport is a travel document issued to citizens of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) member states. It allows visa-free travel to all 15 ECOWAS member states. However, the ECOWAS passport does not allow visa-free travel to any other countries outside of West Africa.

Nigerian citizens who want to travel outside of West Africa must obtain an international passport from the Nigerian government.

5 Types of Nigerian International Passport

There are 5 types of Nigerian international passports. Nigerian citizens can apply for one of two types of international passports.

  • Standard passport (green cover): This passport is available to all Nigerian citizens and is valid for 10 years. It allows for multiple entries into most countries, but visa requirements may vary.
  • Official passport (blue cover): This passport is reserved for government officials, Nigerian diplomats, and other key personnel. It allows for expedited entry and exit from most countries, and may waive visa requirements in some cases.
  • Diplomatic passport: This passport is issued to high-ranking government officials and diplomats.Service passport: This passport is issued to government employees on official business.
  • Pilgrim passport: This passport is issued to Nigerian Muslims who are traveling to Mecca for the Hajj pilgrimage.

Difference between Nigerian Standard passport and Official Passport

The main difference between the two types of passports is the color of the cover and the eligibility requirements. Standard passports are available to all Nigerian citizens, while official passports are only available to certain government officials and other high-ranking individuals.

Standard passports are the most commonly used passports in Nigeria. They are valid for a single entry and allow you to stay in a country for up to 3 months.

Official passports are issued to citizens of countries that have a bilateral agreement with Nigeria. They are valid for multiple entries and allow you to stay in a country for up to 10 years.

Which type of passport is right for you?

The type of passport that is right for you will depend on your individual needs and travel plans. If you are a regular traveler, a standard passport is a good option.

However, if you are a government official or other high-ranking individual, you may want to apply for an official passport.

Which Passport do I need to Travel out of Nigeria?

When planning international travel from Nigeria, it is important to consider the type of passport you have, its expiration date, and the specific countries you plan to visit.

If your passport is still valid and has at least six months before it expires, you can use it for international travel. However, if your passport is about to expire or has already expired, you will need to get a new one.

There are three types of Nigerian passports: standard, diplomatic, and official. Standard passports are issued to Nigerian citizens who are not government employees or military personnel. Diplomatic passports are issued to government employees and their families, as well as military personnel and their families. Official passports are issued only to certain government officials.

The type of passport you need depends on your nationality and the destination country’s entry requirements. Some countries allow visa-free entry for Nigerian citizens, while others do not. If you are not sure which passport you need, it is best to contact the embassy or consulate of the destination country.

Nigerian passports are generally accepted as valid travel documents in most countries worldwide. However, some countries require visas for entry, and others may not recognize the Nigerian passport at all. It is important to research your destination and make sure you have the correct documentation before traveling.

Requirements for International Passport in Nigeria?

To travel outside of Nigeria, Nigerian citizens must apply for an international passport. The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) is responsible for issuing international passports in Nigeria.

There are a number of requirements that must be met in order to apply for an international passport in Nigeria. These requirements include:

Adults (18 years and over):

  • Completed passport application form
  • Two passport-size photographs taken recently
  • Proof of payment/ Receipt
  • Letter of identification (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
  • Name change affidavit

Minors (below 18 years of age):

  • Completed passport application form
  • One passport-size photograph (signed on the back by the consenting parent/s)
  • Birth certificate
  • Evidence of Nigerian citizenship of parent/s
  • Consent letter from both parents (valid court order if one parent is unavailable)
  • Proof of payment/receipt

Please Note: Adopted children require a court order and a letter of approval from the State Ministry of Women and Child Development to apply for an international passport.

For more information or complaints about international passports in Nigeria, or to stay updated on the requirements for international passports in Nigeria, please contact the Nigerian Immigration Services.

Documents Needed for International Passport in Nigeria

To obtain an international passport in Nigeria, you will need the following documents:

For a Standard Passport:

  • Local Government letter of identification.
  • Birth certificate / age declaration.
  • 2 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

For a Standard 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

Please Note: To renew your international passport in Nigeria, you will need to provide the following:

  • Your old passport/documents
  • Proof of payment for the renewal fee

How to Get an International Passport in Nigeria

To get an international passport in Nigeria, you will need to complete your application online. Once you have completed your application, you will need to print out a copy of it and submit it to a passport office near you. You will also need to submit the required supporting documents, such as your birth certificate and Nigerian National ID card.

Here are the steps for a successful passport application in Nigeria:

  • Go to the Nigerian Immigration Services website: This is Nigeria’s official website for applying for an international passport online.
  • Choose a passport type: Select “Standard e-Passport” OR “Official e-Passport,” then click the “Start Application” button.
  • Choose your processing country: This is the country where you intend to apply for and receive your passport booklet.
  • Fill out the application form correctly: When filling out the application form, tick the ‘I ACCEPT FULL RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THIS FORM’ check box before clicking the “PRINT” button to print the completed form.
  • Upload scanned copies of required documents: Gather the necessary and correct documents in scanned pdf format and upload them.
  • Continue to Online Payment: Choose your desired payment method by choosing “Pay in Naira” or “Pay in Dollars.”
  • After payment, click the submit button: After you’ve selected your preferred payment method and completed your payments, click the “Submit” button to proceed to the next step.
  • You will be given an Application ID as well as a Reference number: Following payment and receipt of the “Validation Number,” proceed to the NIS portal for payment confirmation.
  • Print and certify the Guarantor’s form: To proceed, you must input your Passport Application ID and Reference No. and then click submit.
  • Complete the procedure at the passport office: In person, submit your completed application form together with any additional required documents to your chosen passport office.

Note: After submitting your online application, you must visit in person at your designated immigration office to have your pictures and biometrics taken.

How Much is Nigeria International Passport

The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) has increased the cost of international passports. The new prices are as follows:

  • New international passport (32 pages): 15,000 naira
  • New international passport (64 pages): 20,000 naira
  • Replacement passport: 15,000 naira
  • New passport for minors (under 18 years old) and the aged (60 years and over): 10,000 naira (both 32 and 64 pages)

The price increase went into effect on February 1, 2018. The increase was necessary because the cost of producing passports has increased.

The NIS is working to make it easier and more affordable for citizens to obtain passports. In the near future, there may be a process where citizens can apply for passports online.

Note: The prices above are subject to change. Please visit the NIS website for the most up-to-date information.

How Long does it take to get an International Passport in Nigeria?

The processing time for an international passport in Nigeria is typically 2-4 weeks, depending on the efficiency of the passport office and the volume of applications.

However, it is important to note that the processing time may vary depending on the individual applicant’s circumstances. For example, applicants who have lost their passport or who have made changes to their personal information may experience longer processing times.

Frequently Asked Questions About Passports and International Travel in Nigeria

Q: Which passport is best for international travel in Nigeria?

A: The Nigerian passport is a valid travel document for international travel. However, visa requirements vary from country to country, so it’s best to check with the embassy or consulate of the destination country before traveling.

Q: How many types of international passport do we have in Nigeria?

A: There are five types of Nigerian passports:

  1. Standard passport: This passport is issued to all Nigerian citizens for general travel purposes.
  2. Official passport: This passport is issued to government officials and diplomats.
  3. Diplomatic passport: This passport is issued to high-ranking government officials and diplomats.
  4. Service passport: This passport is issued to government employees on official business.
  5. Pilgrim passport: This passport is issued to Nigerian Muslims who are traveling to Mecca for the Hajj pilgrimage.

Q: What’s the difference between Ecowas passport and international passport?

A: The Ecowas passport is a passport issued to nationals of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). It allows for visa-free travel within the ECOWAS region. The international passport is a passport issued to nationals of all countries and allows for travel to any country in the world.

Q: How much does a Nigerian international passport cost?

A: The cost of a Nigerian international passport varies depending on the type of passport and the age of the applicant. The current prices are as follows:

  • New standard passport (32 pages): 15,000 naira
  • Replacement passport: 15,000 naira
  • New passport for minors (under 18 years old) and the aged people: 10,000 naira
  • New standard passport (64 pages): 20,000 naira
  • New passport for minors (under 18 years old) and the aged people (64 pages): 20,000 naira

Q: How much is a visa from Nigeria to Canada?

A: The cost of a Canadian visa from Nigeria depends on the type of visa you are applying for. A visitor visa costs CAN$75, a study permit costs CAN$150, and a work permit costs CAN$155.

Q: How much is a visa from Nigeria to the USA?

A: The cost of a visa from Nigeria to the United States depends on the type of visa you are applying for. A tourist visa costs $160, while a business visa costs $270.

Please note that these prices are subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, please visit the Nigerian Immigration Services website.


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