How to Apply for International Passport in Nigeria

Nigeria, a nation renowned for its varied population and rich cultural legacy, has grown more integrated into the international world.

An international passport is becoming necessary as more Nigerians look for travel, education, and job possibilities outside.

It is important to comprehend the procedure for getting an international passport in Nigeria, regardless of your level of experience or if this is your first time traveling abroad.

In this article, Knownigeria.ng will take you through the entire process of applying for an international passport in Nigeria, so you can be prepared to deal with the red tape and easily obtain this essential travel document.

What is an International Passport?

An official travel document provided by a national government to its residents is called an international passport, sometimes referred to as a world passport or just a passport. 

It permits the bearer to go abroad and acts as identification and nationality evidence. Name, date of birth, photo, signature, and other identifying details are typically included on passports.

An international passport’s primary purpose is to make international travel easier by allowing access to other nations while giving border control officials vital information about the passenger.

In the globalized world of today, having a valid passport provides many options for people to travel and experience different cultures, conduct business overseas, and seek education and career prospects abroad.

Important security measures like holographic pictures and biometric information are also frequently included in international passports to guard against fraud and unauthorized usage. 

Having this important document highlights the value of citizenship and identifies one’s obligations and rights as a citizen of a specific country. 

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Which Agency is for Issuing International Passports in Nigeria?

The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) is the organization in charge of issuing foreign passports in Nigeria. 

Under the Ministry of Interior’s jurisdiction, the NIS is a government organization entrusted with overseeing immigration, easing travel, and assisting with border control within Nigeria.

The Nigerian Immigration Service is in charge of handling passport applications, granting foreign passports, and keeping track of those who have obtained them. 

It runs enrolment centers and passport offices around the nation where people can apply for passports, provide biometric information, and pick up their passports when they have been processed.

What are the Nigerian International Passport Requirements?

The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) has established a systematic set of standards and procedures that must be followed to obtain a Nigerian international passport, commonly known as an e-passport. This is a clear summary of the usual requirements:

1. Filling out the application for a passport

Start the application process by completing the Nigerian Passport Application Form online on the NIS webpage. This form acts as a comprehensive database for your personal information, containing your full name, birthdate, home address, employment status, and contact details.

2. Payment

Following the completion of the application, you must pay the necessary passport fee. The NIS site is used to handle this online payment.

The cost varies based on the number of pages (32 or 64) and processing choices (standard or expedited) that you choose when applying for a passport.

3. Evidence of Citizenship

You must provide documentation of your Nigerian citizenship as a basic requirement. A birth certificate, a national identity card, or a certificate of citizenship issued by the appropriate authorities can serve as proof of this.

4. Passport Photographs

Provide passport-sized photos that are current and compliant with the NIS’s criteria. To appropriately capture your present look, these photos usually need to be in color, white background and shot within the last six months.

5. Letter of Introduction

A Nigerian citizen guarantor or referee may need to provide an introduction letter, depending on the NIS’s unique requirements. The purpose of this letter is to verify your citizenship and identity.

6. True Identification

To verify the information on your application, show a legitimate form of identification, such as a voter’s card, driver’s license, or national identity card.

7. Certificate of Marriage, if any

As part of the application procedure, you will need to provide a certified copy of your marriage certificate if you plan to add your spouse’s name to the passport.

8. Consent from parents (if minors)

Written approval from both parents or legal guardians is required if you are applying for a passport on behalf of a minor, which is defined as an individual under the age of eighteen.

9. Police report regarding passport loss

If your passport is lost or stolen, you will need to present a police report that describes the events leading up to the loss or theft.

10. Former Passport (to be renewed)

If someone wants to renew their passport, they must submit their old passport application with their application to make the procedure go more smoothly.

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What are the Types of Nigerian International Passport

The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) issues three primary categories of international passports in Nigeria. The number of pages and validity duration of these passports distinguish them from one another. Nigerian international passports come in the following types:

1. Standard e-Passport (32 pages):

Nigerian nationals are granted the most popular kind of passport for frequent overseas travel. It is valid for five years and has thirty-two pages. The regular e-passport is appropriate for people who go on occasional or private trips.

2. Standard e-Passport (64 pages):

The 64-page e-passport is also issued for routine foreign travel, just like the 32-page passport. Its 64 pages, however, give you more room for entry/exit endorsements and visa stamps. Those who travel frequently or need more pages for visa applications should get this passport.

3. Official e-Passport: 

Diplomats and other persons serving as official representatives of the Nigerian government overseas are granted official e-passports. It is valid for five years and comes in 32- and 64-page editions. 

The official e-passport is different from the regular one and is meant to be used exclusively for official purposes. This 

Here is a breakdown of International Passport Application fees 

NIS PASSPORT FEE – APPLYING IN NIGERIA (NAIRA)
Booklet Type	AGE 0 – 17	AGE 18 – 59	AGE 60+
32 Pages	₦35,000	₦35,000	₦35,000
64 Pages		₦70,000	₦70,000

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

Administrative fees are dependent on the office.

How to Apply for International Passport in Nigeria

To apply for an international passport: 

1. Go to the Nigeria Immigration Portal Home page 
2. Then, select the type of application form you want to apply for. Either e-Passport Application Form or MRP – Passport Application Form (Not Applicable In All Missions).
3. Choose the passport type and click on the ‘Start Application’ button.
4. You will be expected to fill out the Application form. Then, tick the checkbox and click on the “PRINT” Button to print the filled form.
5. Afterward, tap the ‘Submit Application’ button to view the ‘Applicant details page’ and  Proceed to Online Payment.
6. Choose the payment currency you want to pay with. You can either Pay in Naira or dollars. Then click on the ‘Continue’ button.
7. Choose the currency you want to use for payment (Naira or US Dollars):
   1. If you selected the option to pay in Naira, you will be prompted to select PayType (payment method): “Bank”, “Credit OR Debit card”,

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To pay at a Bank

Select “Bank” and click continue.

Then choose from the listed banks available on the platform and click on ‘Continue’.

The “Print Acknowledgment” button will help you print the “Payment Acknowledgment Slip” with Transaction ID, Application ID & Reference Number.

You can proceed to the bank to make payment with your Payment acknowledgment slip.

On making payment at the bank, you MUST be issued with an ‘approved payment platform provider’ receipt that contains a “Validation Number”. You will need the “Validation Number” for confirmation of payment on the portal. (For use of your Validation Number, see the section on Validation Number below)

To Pay with a Credit/Debit card

• Select “Credit/Debit card” and click continue,
• Then fill in your login details and click on Login after the process. You will be sent to the payment portal
• Click on the “PAY” button to proceed.
• The payment portal displays application details, click on the “Continue” button.
• You will be prompted to the “Value Card” payment page, provide information of your card & Click on “OK” button
• After payment, the “Validation Number” is generated. Store it and use it to confirm the payment.
• You can also print a receipt by clicking the “Print the Receipt” button.

Using your Validation Number
Proceed to the Nigeria Immigration system portal with your Validation Number. 

Go to the “Query your Application Payment Status” and enter your Passport Application ID and Reference No.

• Please input the number from your receipt from the “approved payment platform provider” if a “Validation Number” field displays. Recall that a validation number was also generated upon bank payment.
• A date for your interview has been generated on the “Applicant’s Details” page when you click the “Search Record” button.
• Using the buttons on this page, you can now print an acknowledgment slip or a receipt. They are essential for your interview.
• Your NIS e-receipt or Acknowledgment Slip will open in a new window for you. Send a copy to the printer by clicking the “Print” button.

Can I Renew My International Passport?

Yes, you can renew your international passport. For renewing your passport, a price is attached to it aside from the documents. The price differs in the same way that the price of getting a new International passport differs.
 

The prices differ based on: 

• Age of the applicant, 
• The number of leaves (pages) in the booklet 
• The duration of the International passport expiration (Either 5 years or 10 years)

Ages:	Ages 0-17	Ages 18-59	Ages 60+
Booklets:32 Pages: 64 Pages:	₦35,000 ₦70,000	₦35,000 ₦70,000	₦35,000 ₦70,000
Address Verification Fees	₦2,000  32 Pages Total: ₦10,750  64 Pages Total: ₦22,000	₦2,000  32 Pages Total: ₦17,000  64 Pages Total: ₦22,000	₦2,000  32 Pages Total: ₦10,750  64 Pages Total: ₦22,000

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What if you are Paying from Outside Nigeria? 

If you choose a processing nation other than Nigeria, US dollars would be used as payment. To finish your application and make your payment in US dollars, you will be sent to an authorized payment site.

Once you are done with payment and it’s confirmed, move to the Interview stage. Here, you must have all the relevant documents ready. On confirmation of payment, proceed for an Interview with relevant documents. 

Please, note that your interview schedule, final e-receipt, and acknowledgment slip are only accessible using your validation Number.

8. To print your NIS e-receipt
   1. On the portal home page, click on the ‘Query your application payment status’ link
   2. On the next page, select ‘Passport’ as an option under the ‘Application Type’ drop-down
   3. Enter the following details:
      • Application ID
      • Reference Number
      • Validation Number (if applicable)
   4. Submit the details
   5. Your full application details shall be returned
   6. Scroll down the page and click on ‘Print receipt’
   7. You will be presented with your NIS e-receipt in a new window
   8. Click on ‘Print this receipt’ to send a copy to the printer
9. To generate your Passport Guarantor’s Form
   1. Click on the passport guarantor’s form on the home page of the Nigeria Immigration Service
   2. Enter the reference and ID number generated on the acknowledgment slip
   3. Click Print to print out the first page and next to print out the second page (You will still be required to click the Print button)

Factors Affecting the Cost of an International Passport for Nigeria

The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) considers several criteria that affect the cost of a Nigerian international passport, commonly referred to as an e-passport. 

The costs associated with issuing and processing passports are determined by these factors. The following are some of the main variables that affect how much a Nigerian foreign passport costs:

Passport Type: 

The price of an international Nigerian passport varies according to the kind of passport that is being applied for. The standard 32-page e-passport and the standard 64-page e-passport are the two main varieties. Depending on the number of pages and validity period, these passports might cost different amounts.

Validity Period: 

A major factor in the price is how long the passport will remain valid. Typically, passports are awarded for intervals of time, like five or ten years. There may be fees associated with passports that are valid for longer than those that are not.

Expedited Processing: 

For a charge, applicants may choose to have their passport application processed more quickly. In most cases, expedited processing leads to quicker turnaround times, which enables applicants to get their passports more rapidly. Depending on the available processing choices and the urgency of the request, different fees apply for accelerated processing.

Delivery Mode: 

The mode of passport delivery that is selected might also have an impact on the price of an international Nigerian passport. Passengers may choose to have their passports delivered by courier or picked up in person. The passport’s overall cost may increase to cover delivery expenses if they apply.

Extra Services

When applying for their passports, applicants have the option to select extra features or services including name changes, adding a spouse’s name, or endorsing children. These added services could come with additional fees, raising the passport’s total cost.

Exchange Rate: 

Applicants paying in foreign currency may find the cost of a Nigerian international passport to be subject to fluctuations in the exchange rate. 

The amount that must be paid for passport fees can fluctuate depending on exchange rates, especially if applicants are paying with currencies other than Nigerian Naira (NGN).

Administrative and Processing Fees:

The NIS charges administrative and processing fees for the issuing and processing of passport applications, which are included in the total cost of a Nigerian foreign passport. The costs of handling applications, running background checks, and putting security measures in place are covered by these fees.

How Many Years Before Nigerian International Passport Expires?

The validity duration of a Nigerian international passport, commonly known as an e-passport, varies based on the type of passport issued. Generally, there are two primary categories of Nigerian foreign passports:

Five-Year Validity

After the date of issuance, this kind of passport is valid for five years. For routine international travel, Nigerian nationals are most frequently granted this form of passport.

10-Year Validity Passport

In addition to the 5-year validity passport, the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) also offers a passport with a validity period of 10 years. This type of passport gives an extended validity period, allowing passport holders to use it for foreign travel for a decade from the date of issue.

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FAQs

Conclusion

The Nigerian Agency for Issuing International Passports is essential to enabling Nigerian nationals’ travel across international boundaries. The organization has significantly improved passport issue and renewal services because of its effective and transparent processes.

There is always space for development, though, especially when it comes to dealing with problems like lengthy wait times and making sure that everyone can access it. The agency must continue to strive for excellence by streamlining its operations via the use of cutting-edge technologies and best practices. By working together, the organization may improve its services to fulfill international standards and better suit the requirements of Nigerian passport holders. 

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References

• Youverify.co- how much is an International passport in nigeria
• Walemarketer.com-how much is an International passport in nigeria
• Passportintl.immigration.gov.ng

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