Getting an international passport is important for Nigerians who want to travel outside the country. The passport allows you to go through immigration and proves your Nigerian citizenship when visiting other nations. In Nigeria, the cost of a standard international passport booklet is fairly affordable. I spent a little over N70,000 for the 64-page option when I got mine some few months back. But with the consistently rising dollar and inflation, you should be looking at N100,000 or more. But that’s not all. So, allow me to go over the current fees and process for obtaining a Nigerian passport for international travel.
How Much Does It Cost to Get an International Passport in Nigeria?
As I said earlier, travelling internationally requires having a valid passport, and for Nigerian citizens, obtaining this crucial document comes at a reasonable cost. However, it’s important to note that while the fees listed on official government websites may seem affordable, the realities of inflation and fluctuations in the dollar exchange rate can make the actual costs higher than stated.
For Nigerians residing within the country, the listed fee for a 32-page passport booklet valid for five years is N35,000. However, with the impact of inflation, the real cost may be higher. Similarly, the official fee for a 64-page passport with a ten-year validity is N70,000, but the actual amount paid could be more.
The situation is even more pronounced for Nigerians in the diaspora who are applying for their international passports from abroad. The official charges are $130 for a 32-page, five-year passport and $230 for a 64-page, ten-year passport. Again, with the dollar’s rising value against the naira, the true cost in local currency terms can be substantially higher than what is listed.
Despite these potential increases due to economic factors, having a current Nigerian international passport remains essential for trouble-free travel around the world. While the fees are intended to be accessible to most citizens, it’s crucial to be prepared for possible added expenses beyond the official rates when budgeting for this vital travel document.
There you go—what it would cost you to get an international passport in Nigeria. But let’s go over other details.
What is an International Passport?
The international passport is an important document for anyone who intends to go abroad. It serves as the main proof of identification issued by the government of one’s country and is globally recognized.
It not only serves as a form of identity, but it also proves that the holder is a legal citizen of their home country, granting them access to a variety of critical services such as medical and legal support.
An international passport also acts as proof of identity, which can help validate other documents required for foreign travel, such as visas and birth certificates.
An international passport provides crucial information about a person, such as their name, date of birth, photograph, and other identifying characteristics. It is necessary for almost every country on the globe to enter, exit, or transit its borders.
Without a valid international passport, an individual will be unable to leave or enter their home country or any foreign land. As a result, anyone planning to travel internationally must get and carry a valid international passport. It is essential to ensure that one’s international passport is current and valid before starting any international journey.
Requirements for Getting a Nigerian International Passport
To get a Nigerian international passport, you must show proof of Nigerian citizenship, such as a birth certificate or national identity card.
The Nigerian government issues four types of passports:
- Standard International Passport
- Official international passport.
- Seaman’s Book
- Diplomatic International Passport.
#1. Standard International Passport
Nigerians are issued the Standard International Passport, which is green and used for normal travel–the kind I applied for. It has a ten-year validity period.
Documents Required to Get a Standard International Passport in Nigeria.
The Standard International Passport in Nigeria requires the following documents:
- Identification letter from your Local Government Council of Origin.
- A court-issued declaration of age or a birth certificate can serve as proof of age
- Two current passport images with a white background
- A guarantor’s form
- A letter of consent from a parent (applicable to someone under the age of 16).
- A marriage certificate (applicable to those who are married).
- A police report (in the event of a lost or stolen international passport)
#2. Official International Passport
Government officials and Nigerian ambassadors are issued an official international passport. The passport is blue and has a five-year validity.
Documents Required to Get an Official International Passport in Nigeria
Documents needed to obtain an official international passport in Nigeria include:
- A letter of appointment from any relevant level of government at the federal or state level.
- A marriage certificate, if necessary.
- A police report (in the event of a lost or stolen international passport)
- A letter of last promotion or appointment
- The application must be sent to the passport office, Embassy, or High Commission, together with other documentation.
#3. Seaman’s Book
The Seaman’s Book is a passport for those operating on ships and watercraft. The Seaman’s Book is maroon in colour.
Documents Required to Get the Seaman’s Book in Nigeria
The documents needed to obtain the Seaman’s Book in Nigeria include:
- Identification letter and evidence that the applicant is a seaman
- A completed application form.
- A Local Government letter of identity
- Birth Certificate or Age Declaration
- 2 current coloured passport images (with white backgrounds).
- The application must be sent to the passport office, Embassy, or High Commission, together with other documentation.
#4. Diplomatic International Passport.
The Diplomatic International passport, which is red in colour, is provided to government officials who travel outside the country on official business. It is provided free of charge to government officials on official trips outside the country.
How to Apply for a Diplomatic International Passport
To apply for a diplomatic international passport, you must write and submit an application at the Comptroller General’s office in the Nigeria Immigration Service Headquarters.
Along with the international passport application, you must submit the following documents:
- 2 passport photographs
- Appointment Letter
- Proof of age.
- Return certificate from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) (applicable for political officeholders).
You will need to wait for the documents to be verified before proceeding to the next phase, which is biometric capture for your Nigerian international passport.
Meanwhile, all Nigerian international passports require applicants to present the following documents:
- An acknowledgement slip.
- Payment receipts
- Two recent pictures.
- A printed copy of the completed application form.
- Finally, you will need two guarantors to sign your documents.
The guarantor must also be able to attest to your character and identification. They will be asked to sign your application form as proof of their support.
This process helps to guarantee the legitimacy of the information you submit on the application and is critical to maintaining the international passport system’s security and integrity.
As such, as an applicant, you must carefully select your guarantors and present the necessary evidence to support their application.
The guarantors are required to submit the following documents:
- Photocopy of the data page of the Nigerian Standard International Passport.
- Driver’s License or National Identity Card
- The signed application form may be filed at any passport office, Embassy, or High Commission.
Factors That Determine the Cost of a Nigerian International Passport
The cost of an international passport in Nigeria depends on the following factors:
1. Types of Booklets
There is a cost difference between a 32-page and 64-page booklet.
2. Validity Period (Expiration)
The amount of leaves (pages) on the booklets affects the cost of purchasing them. The 64-page booklets have a 10-year validity period, whereas the ordinary 32-page booklets have a 5-year validity period.
3. Region of Application in Nigeria
The cost of a Nigerian international passport is significantly higher in the southern part of Nigeria than in the northern zone.
This is because the number of individuals leaving the country from the south is greater than the number leaving from the north (excluding Abuja).
How to Pay for International Passport Application Fees Online in Nigeria
While the cost of obtaining an international passport in Nigeria varies depending on the above variables, applicants must complete all essential procedures and standards to avoid excessive delays and denials.
There are two options for paying your application fees online. Pay with a bank transfer or a credit card. We went into greater detail about this later.
Here is a step-by-step approach for paying international passport application expenses in Nigeria:
- To begin the application procedure, go to the Nigeria Immigration Portal’s main page and select the appropriate form.
- Select “Standard e-Passport” or “Official e-Passport,” then click “Start Application.”
- Fill out the Application form, check the box labeled “I accept full responsibility for the information provided in this form,” and click the “PRINT” button to print the form.
- Submit your application and visit the ‘Applicant details page.’
- Click the “Proceed to Online Payment” option to pay the application fees.
- Click to choose your payment currency. There are two (2) payment currency options: “Pay in Naira” and “Pay in Dollars.”
- Click the ‘Continue’ button.
- Select your preferred currency: Naira or US dollars.
- If you wish to pay in Naira, you will be prompted to select your PayType, that is, payment method: “Bank” or “Credit or Debit Card.”
1. Bank Payment Method
Follow the steps outlined below for the bank payment method:
- Select “Bank” as your payment method in the PayType section and click Continue.
- You will see a list of participating banks; click ‘Continue’ to proceed.
- Click the “Print Acknowledgment” button to print your “Payment Acknowledgment Slip” along with the transaction ID, application ID, and reference number.
- Proceed to a participating bank for payment with a copy of your “payment acknowledgement slip.”
After making a payment at any of the partner banks, you will receive an “approved payment platform provider” receipt that includes your “Validation Number.”
You need this “validation number” to authenticate your payment through the NIS portal.
2. Credit/Debit Card Payment Methods
For the credit or debit card payment option:
- For the PayType payment method, select “Credit or Debit Card” and click Proceed.
- Proceed to enter your login credentials.
- To enter the payment portal, click the “Login” button. Then, click the “PAY” button to see your application details.
- After reviewing your application details, click the “Continue” option.
- You will be brought to the “Value Card” payment page; enter your card details and click the “OK” button.
- After you’ve made your payment, you’ll be given a “validation number” that you should keep because you’ll need it to confirm your transaction.
- You can also generate a receipt by clicking the “Print the Receipt” button.
How to Confirm Payment for Nigerian International Using Your Validation Number
To confirm your payment, copy the “Validation Number” that was generated after you paid through the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) webpage.
Follow the instructions listed below.
- On the NIS portal, proceed to “Query your Application Payment Status” and input your International Passport Application ID and reference number.
- Enter the receipt number from your “approved payment platform provider” receipt into the “Validation Number” column.
- Click the “Search Record” button. You will be transported to the “Applicant’s Details” page, where your interview date has been produced.
- To print your NIS receipt or acknowledgement slip, click on the corresponding icons.
- Your NIS e-receipt or acknowledgement slip will appear in a new window.
- Clicking the “Print” button will send a copy of the receipt or slip to the printer.
Renewal Requirements
- You must have NIN.
- Old passport number.
- A passport photograph that meets the ICAO criteria
- Birth certificates and municipal government certifications of indigeneity, among other things, serve as supporting documentation.
Do I need a NIN to get an international passport?
The Nigeria Immigration Services (NIS) requires all applicants for new international passports in Nigeria, as well as those seeking to renew their existing passports, to give their National Identification Number (NIN) as proof of identification. Furthermore, the ongoing database harmonization efforts with other agencies and banks across Nigeria, combined with the Nigeria Immigration Service’s announcement that the NIN is required for the acquisition of a travel passport, highlight the importance of each individual having their own NIN.
How long does it take to apply for an international passport in Nigeria?
Passport applications can take up to 6 weeks to process for new applicants and 3 weeks for renewals. Expect to obtain your passport within 6 weeks of biometric enrollment for new passports and 3 weeks for renewals.
What is the difference between a 32 and 64-page passport?
Compared to the 32-page normal passport, the 64-page edition has twice as many pages for visa endorsements and stamps. This type is appropriate for regular travelers, especially those involved in international business or government officials who frequently need several visa entries.
How much does a ten-year passport cost in Nigeria?
Please keep in mind that 32 pages for 5 years costs N35,000, while 64 pages for 10 years costs N70,000. Throughout the various steps, you will be given a reference number; please keep this number safe. It will allow you to track the status of your Nigerian passport application or production.
Conclusion
Understanding what factors influence the cost of a passport, such as the type of passport, how long it takes to process, and how it is applied for, will help you make an informed decision and plan your budget. By following the steps outlined in this article, you may make the process of applying for a passport simple and straightforward. Before you can acquire your passport, you must ensure that you have all of the necessary documents, apply in the proper manner, and wait for the processing.
Finally, visit the Nigerian Immigration Service’s website for the most up-to-date information on how to apply for a passport, what you’ll need, and how much it costs. This ensures you receive the most up-to-date and accurate information to guide you through the procedure.
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