If you are a Nigerian citizen who wants to travel out of the country, you’ll most definitely need to apply for an international passport through the Nigerian Immigration Service. But what are the exact requirements for an international passport in Nigeria?
The requirements for an international passport in Nigeria depend on several factors, but most importantly, on your age and whether you are applying for your first passport or a renewal. As someone who has been through this process, in this article, I will guide you through the steps of applying for an international passport in Nigeria and the necessary requirements.
What Are the General Requirements for Obtaining an International Passport in Nigeria?
An international passport is an official travel document that includes identification and proof of citizenship. To obtain an international passport in Nigeria, applicants must meet specific conditions, which vary depending on whether the passport is a first-time or a renewal.
First-Time Passport Applicants
First-time passport applicants must meet the following requirements:
- A complete passport application form.
- A recent passport-style photo.
- A copy of your National Identification Number (NIN).
- A copy of your birth certificate.
- A letter of approval from your parents or guardians (if you are under the age of 18).
- Payment of N5,000 for the passport application fee.
Renewal Passport Applicants
The requirements for renewing passports are as follows:
- A completed passport application form.
- A recent passport-style photo.
- A copy of your old passport.
- Payment of N2,000 for the passport application fee.
Let’s cover this in detail.
Documents Required for a Nigerian International Passport
Submit only the necessary documents to obtain your passport. As I mentioned earlier, depending on your age and citizenship type, additional documents may be required. Here is a document list for each category under the following subheadings.
#1. Nigerian Citizen By Birth
You will require the following documents if you are a Nigerian citizen by birth:
Requirements for 18 years and up:
- Identification Letter: To apply for a Nigerian international passport, you must submit an identification letter. You can submit any of the following as proof of identification:.
- A letter of identity from your local government/state of origin or residency is required.
- A national ID card.
- For Nigerian residents working in government, a letter of introduction specifying the service number, length of service, and designation/rank is required. A valid employee identity card must accompany this letter.
- Nigerian Passport Application Form: Complete the passport application form and attach two passport-sized pictures. Keep in mind that a guarantor must sign your passport photo on the back.
- Guarantor’s Form: You must also provide a Guarantor’s form signed by an Oath Commissioner, a photocopy of the Guarantor’s Nigerian e-passport data page, and one passport-sized photograph of the Guarantor.
- Marriage certificate, if applicable.
- Age Proof: You can submit any of the certifications listed below as age proof.
- The National Population Commission issued your birth certificate.
- If you were born after December 1992, you will need to provide an age declaration. A Commissioner of Oaths must sign and date your age declaration document, which should also include one passport-sized photograph.
- Payment Proof: Proof of payment and an acknowledgment slip.
- To obtain a new, upgraded e-passport, you must provide your NIN (National Identification Number). In Nigeria, obtaining an international passport requires an NIN, and all types of applicants require NIN to obtain the upgraded new e-passport.
Requirements for below 18 years (Minors):
The Nigerian federal government requires minors under 18 to provide a few documents from their parents. These are mentioned below. If you are a minor or are applying for a minor applicant, you must present the following documentation:.
- Nigeria Passport Application Form: Fill out the Minor Passport Application Form and attach one passport-sized photograph. Please keep in mind that minor passport photographs require a parental endorsement.
- Citizenship Proof for Parent/s: Proof of citizenship for the parent(s). Along with the application, you must include documentation of your parent’s Nigerian citizenship.
- Certificate of Birth: A birth certificate issued by the National Population Commission for minors in Nigeria.
- Letter of Consent: The minor should submit a consent letter from either parent/s.
- Payment Proof: Proof of payment and an acknowledgement slip.
#2. Nigerian citizenship via naturalization
This requires a separate document:
- The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria duly issued naturalization certificate.
- Two passport-sized photographs and a completed passport application form (with the Guarantor’s endorsement on the back).
- A completed and signed guarantor’s form. You must also provide a Guarantor’s form signed by an Oath Commissioner, a photocopy of the Guarantor’s Nigerian e-passport data page, and one passport-sized photograph of the Guarantor.
- Certificate of marriage (if applicable).
- As proof of age, bring a birth certificate or the data page from a previous passport.
- Proof of payment and an acknowledgement slip.
#3. Citizenship by Registration:
Citizens by registration will need the following set of documents:
- The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria issued Certificate of Registration in due course.
- Two passport-sized photographs and a completed passport application form (with the Guarantor’s endorsement on the back).
- A completed and signed Guarantor’s Form: You must also provide a Guarantor’s form signed by an Oath Commissioner, a photocopy of the Guarantor’s Nigerian e-passport data page, and one passport-sized photograph of the Guarantor.
- Certificate of marriage (if applicable).
- As proof of age, bring a birth certificate or the data page from a previous passport.
- Proof of payment and an acknowledgment slip.
What are the different types of Nigerian passports?
In Nigeria, there are five different types of passports that appeal to different groups of people. Before applying for a passport, be sure you know which category you fall under. Below are the several categories of Nigerian passports:
1. Standard passport:
The basic Nigerian passport, distinguished by its green cover, is a necessary travel document available to all Nigerian citizens. It acts as a kind of identification for Nigerians travelling overseas.
2. Diplomatic Passport:
Diplomatic passports are only issued to high-ranking government officials, ambassadors, and other crucial individuals. Individuals eligible for this sort of passport include the President, Vice President, Governors, Senators, and other high-level officials. The diplomatic passport is immediately identified by its distinctive crimson cover.
3. Official Passports:
Official passports are issued to government officials like ministers, governors, permanent secretaries, and the Federation’s Secretary General. It is a document that allows for official travel and identifies the bearer’s affiliation with the Nigerian government. The official passport sticks out because of its striking blue cover.
4. Seaman’s Passport:
The seaman’s passport is intended for people working in nautical occupations, particularly at sea. This form of passport is typically provided to sailors and other marine personnel. It’s easily identifiable by its maroon cover.
5. Pilgrim Passports:
The pilgrim passport is issued by the Nigerian Immigration Services to Nigerian citizens who are going on religious pilgrimages to holy places like Jerusalem and Mecca. Due to security concerns, the pilgrim passport does not have a fixed cover colour. Instead, it could change to maintain the document’s integrity and safety.
Steps to Apply for an International Passport in Nigeria.
Several processes must be followed to apply for an international passport in Nigeria.
- Visit the Nigerian Immigration Service website and download the passport application form.
- Fill out and sign the application form.
- Attach a recent passport-style photograph to your application form.
- Please attach a copy of your National Identification Number (NIN) to the application form.
- Please include a copy of your birth certificate in the application form.
- If you are under 18, you must attach a letter of approval from your parents or guardians to the application form.
- Pay the passport application fees.
- Send the application form and supporting documentation to the Nigerian Immigration Service.
Throughout the procedure, each candidate receives an application ID and a reference number. Once payment is received, a validation number is issued. This number will be used to confirm payment and schedule an interview date.
How Much Does an International Passport Cost in Nigeria?
The cost of acquiring an international passport in Nigeria depends on numerous criteria, including the applicant’s age and the type of passport booklet requested. There are two booklets: 32 and 64 pages each.
To expedite the application procedure for an international passport, payment is made online in either Nigerian Naira or US dollars.
The particular cost of a new international passport in Nigeria is available on the passport guideline page of the Nigeria Immigration Services’ official website. This trusted source gives up-to-date information on applicable fees. Studying this page to determine the current cost before beginning the application process is critical.
Read Also: How Much Is International Passport in Nigeria 2024 (Detailed Guide)
What is the processing time for an international passport in Nigeria?
In Nigeria, the processing time for an international passport renewal is normally three weeks, and six weeks for a new application. Processing times may be longer during high seasons, such as the summer travel season.
Where Can I Apply For an International Passport?
You may apply for an international passport at any of the following locations:
- The Nigerian Immigration Service’s Headquarters in Abuja
- Any State Command Headquarters of the Nigerian Immigration Service
- Any Passport Offices of the Nigerian Immigration Service
Can I apply for an international passport online in Nigeria?
Yes. Visit the Nigeria Immigration Service website (https://passport.immigration.gov.ng/).
Do I Need NIN to Apply for an International Passport?
Yes. Your foreign passport application must include a National Identification Number (NIN).
How many countries may Nigerian passport holders visit without a visa?
You can travel visa-free to 27 countries across the world.
Conclusion
Finally, obtaining an international passport in Nigeria necessitates adherence to specified regulations established by the Nigeria Immigration Services. This important travel document enables Nigerian people to travel and participate in international activities.
To obtain an international passport, applicants must complete the eligibility requirements, which may involve supplying documents such as a birth certificate, proof of Nigerian citizenship, and a valid identity card. Additionally, applicants must accurately complete the application form and pay the authorized charge.
It is crucial to note that exact requirements may change over time; thus, the most up-to-date information can be found on the Nigeria Immigration Services’ official website.
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