To travel out of Nigeria, maybe for business, education, tourism, or family visits, you need an international passport – thanks to recent changes, the process of getting one has become better than it used to be in the past.

Previously everything was done offline, you have to get to the passport office before you get the form, fill it out and submit it back after which you go for biometrics capturing.

All of that is in the past now and the process is better and more efficient, though, we can’t deny the human factor still plays its destructive role in the process.

This happens when passport officers try to delay the process in a bid to get a tip from you.

If you want to apply for your international passport in Nigeria, follow the steps below.

Different types of passports you can apply for in Nigeria

Nigeria issues three types of passports:

• Standard Passport (32 Pages): This one is suitable for you if you are a frequent traveller who engages in international travel for business or leisure.
• Standard Passport (64 Pages): This type is ideal for individuals who travel extensively and require additional pages for visa stamps and entry/exit endorsements.
• Official Passport: This is issued to government officials, diplomats, or individuals representing the Nigerian government on official business.

Section 2: Gathering Required Documents:

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To initiate the application process, you need to gather the necessary documents. The typical requirements include:

• Proof of Citizenship: You need original and photocopies of your birth certificate, certificate of origin, or any other acceptable proof of citizenship.
• Valid National ID Card: You need to present your valid national identity card or voter’s card.
• Passport-sized Photographs: You also need recent passport-sized photographs with a white background.
• Marriage Certificate (if applicable): If you are married, include a copy of your marriage certificate.
• Letter of introduction: A letter of introduction from a local government official, traditional ruler, or senior public servant.
• Payment receipt: Proof of payment for the passport application fee.
• Proof of Name Change: If you have changed your name, you should provide legal documentation such as a marriage certificate or a court order indicating the name change.
• Police Report: In some cases, applicants may be required to provide a police report, especially if there have been previous legal issues.
• Parental consent: If you are under the age of 18, you will need written consent from your parents or legal guardians – a letter of consent.
• Affidavit: If you changed your name or need to make any legal declaration, you need an affidavit.

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Once you have all the required documents with you, it’s time to apply.

How to apply for an international passport in Nigeria

The application is done online while your biometric collection is offline at any passport office near you.

• Online application process

The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) recently implemented an online application system to make getting a passport easier for people.

Follow these steps to complete your online application:

1. Visit the NIS Official Portal: Go to the official website of the Nigerian Immigration Service at https://portal.immigration.gov.ng/.
2. Create an Account: If you don’t have an account, create one by providing the necessary details.
3. Login and Select Passport Type: Log in to your account and choose where you are applying from (inside or outside Nigeria) and the type of passport you wish to apply for (32 or 64 pages).
4. Fill out the Application Form: Complete the online application form with accurate information.
5. Upload your documents: Scan and upload the required documents, including your passport-sized photographs.
6. Pay the application Fee: Make the necessary payment online and obtain a payment receipt.

After completing the online application, print a copy of your completed application form and the payment receipt generated during the online application.

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In addition, you need to book an appointment for biometric appointment capturing.

• Biometric capture

On the day of your biometric appointment, you will need to visit a Nigerian Immigration Service office in person.

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There, they will capture your fingerprints and photographs. Make sure you have the following items during your visit:

1. Printed copy of your application form.
2. Payment receipt.
3. Original documents for verification.

At the passport office, approach the designated counter or officer responsible for scheduling biometric appointments.

Provide your printed application form and payment receipt.

The immigration officer will verify your documents, ensuring that all necessary information is accurate and complete.

Once your documents are verified, you will proceed to the biometric capture section. After successful biometric capture, you will be issued a confirmation slip.

Following the biometric capture, your application will undergo processing.

• Passport collection

Once your application is processed, you will be notified when your passport is ready for collection.

Visit the passport office with the following:

• Acknowledgement slips from biometric capture.
• Original documents submitted during the application.
• Payment receipt.

Verification and issuance

At the office, your documents will be verified, and upon successful verification, your international passport will be issued to you.

How much does an international passport cost in Nigeria?

The cost of getting an international passport in Nigeria depends on the type of passport (32 pages or 64 pages) and the applicant’s age.

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The fees change all the time so you need to check the check the official website of the Nigerian Immigration Service or contact their offices to confirm the current fee.

Currently, the prices are:

• 32-page Passport (for adults): The cost was approximately ₦25,000.
• 64-page Passport (for adults): The cost was approximately ₦75,000.
• 32-page Passport (for minors, 0-17 years): The cost was approximately ₦8,750.
• 64-page Passport (for minors, 0-17 years): The cost was approximately ₦20,000.

These fees include both the application and processing fees.

Conclusion

If you are in or outside Nigeria, you don’t need to go to the passport office in person to apply for your international passport anymore.

You can start the application process online, create your account, and fill out the application form and submit all the required documents.

Once you are done with the form part, you can then book an appointment for biometric capturing.

After your biometrics, your application will be processed and a fresh passport will be issued to you.