An international passport is one of the requirements for traveling abroad. It serves as the official travel document that lets you travel to different countries legally for fun, business, or education.
In Nigeria, the Nigerian Immigration Service is the body responsible for issuing international passports. But, do you know how much it costs to get an international passport in Nigeria? In this article, we will discuss the cost of an international passport in Nigeria, the different Nigerian passport types available, and the application process.
Types Of International Passport In Nigeria
Before discussing the cost of Nigeria’s international passports, it is important to know the different types of passports available.
There are three types of passports available in Nigeria:
-
Standard Nigerian Passport
This passport type is issued to Nigerian citizens who wish to travel abroad for tourism, education, or business purposes.
-
Official Nigerian Passport
This passport is issued only to government officials who travel abroad for official duties.
-
Diplomatic Nigerian Passport
This passport is issued to diplomats and top-ranking government officials who represent Nigeria in foreign countries.
Cost of International Passport in Nigeria
Standard Nigeria passports cost N25,000 for 32 pages and N35,000 for 64 pages. An official Nigerian passport costs N70,000 for 64 pages and a Diplomatic Nigerian passport costs N100,000 for 64 pages.
Standard Nigerian Passport
32 Pages: N25,000
64 Pages: N35,000
Official Nigerian Passport
64 Pages: N70,000
Diplomatic Nigerian Passport
64 Pages: N100,000
Note: The prices stated above are subject to change without prior notice. Plus, additional charges may apply for expedited processing, lost passports, correction or names, or other special services.
Application Process for International Passport in Nigeria
- To apply for an international passport in Nigeria, follow the steps below:
- Visit the Nigerian Immigration Service website at https://immigration.gov.ng/
- Tap on the “Passport” tab and select “Standard e-Passport”
- Fill out the online application form with your personal information
- Pay the applicable fees online
- Book an appointment for biometric data capture at any of the designated Passport Issuing Centers (PIC)
- Show up for your appointment with the required documents (e.g., birth certificate, passport photographs, etc.)
- Collect your passport at the designated PIC after processing
It is important to note that the processing time for international passports in Nigeria is usually between four to six weeks. Sometimes, taking up to 6 months. However, you can expedite your application for an additional fee.
Tips for Getting an International Passport in Nigeria
Here are some tips to help you get your international passport in Nigeria quickly and easily:
- Visit the immigration office and allow an officer to apply for you to save time and avoid long queues at the Passport Issuing Centers. They charge extra for this but it is the quickest.
- Once that is done, he or she will inform you of your capturing date.
- Ensure you have all the required documents at hand before applying to avoid delays.
- Be on time for your appointment at the Passport Issuing Centers
- Follow the instructions of the Immigration Officers at the PIC
If you have any questions or concerns, contact the Nigerian Immigration Service for assistance.
Requirements For International Passport In Nigeria
To apply for an international passport in Nigeria, you will need to fulfill the following requirements:
Completed application form: You will need to complete the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) e-passport application form online at https://portal.immigration.gov.ng/passport/epassport.
Payment: Using a debit or credit card, or through designated banks, You will be required to pay the appropriate fee for the type of passport you are applying for.
Two recent passport photographs: You will need two passport photographs with a white background.
Proof of payment and acknowledgment slip: After payment, you will be issued an acknowledgment slip and payment receipt which you will need to present at the passport office during your appointment.
Birth certificate or declaration of age: You will need to provide a birth certificate or declaration of age as proof of your age. This is very important.
National Identification Number (NIN): You will need to provide your NIN which can be obtained through the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).
This is what identifies you as a Nigerian.
Guarantor’s form and ID: You will need to provide a completed guarantor’s form and a valid form of identification of your guarantor.
Marriage certificate or deed poll (if applicable): You will need to provide a marriage certificate or deed poll if you have changed your name.
Other supporting documents: You may be required to provide other supporting documents such as proof of address, letter of consent for minors, etc.
Requirements For International Passport For Minor In Nigeria
To apply for an international passport for a minor in Nigeria, you will need to fulfill the following requirements:
- Completed application form: You will need to complete the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) e-passport application form online at https://portal.immigration.gov.ng/passport/epassport on behalf of the minor.
- Payment: You make payment for the minor depending on the type of passport in question.
You can use a credit, or debit card to pay online.
- Birth certificate or declaration of age: You will need to provide the child’s birth certificate or declaration of age as proof.
- National Identification Number (NIN): You will need to provide the child’s NIN which can access via the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).
- Letter of consent: You will need to provide a letter of consent from both parents or legal guardians of the child, giving permission for the child to obtain an international passport.
The letter should be accompanied by a copy of the parents’ or guardians’ valid identification documents.
- Two recent passport photographs: You will need two passport photographs of the child with a white background.
- Guarantor’s form and ID: You will need to provide a completed guarantor’s form and a valid form of identification of your guarantor.
- Other supporting documents: You may be required to provide other supporting documents such as proof of address, school identity card, etc.
Difference Between Standard Passport and Official Passport in Nigeria
The difference between standard passports and official passports in Nigeria is the purpose they serve. The standard passport is issued to Nigerian citizens who intend to travel outside the country for business or leisure, while the official passport is issued to government officials and diplomats who are traveling abroad for official duties.
The standard passport is usually valid for 10 years for adults and 5 years for minors, while the official passport is usually valid for 3 years and can be renewed.
An official passport typically costs more than a standard passport.
The processing time for an official passport is usually faster than that of a standard passport because it is prioritized for officials who are traveling on official duties.
The standard passport comes with 32 or 64 pages, while the official passport comes with 64 pages.
Holders of official passports may enjoy some diplomatic privileges such as diplomatic immunity, special clearance at airports, and access to diplomatic lounges, which are not available to holders of standard passports.
Nigerian Passport Renewal Fee
As of my knowledge, the cost of renewing a Nigerian passport in Nigeria is as follows:
- 32-page standard passport renewal for adults (age 18 and above) costs N25,750
- 64-page standard passport renewal for adults (age 18 and above) costs N35,750
- 5-year standard passport renewal for minors (below age 18) costs N8,750
- 10-year standard passport renewal for minors (below age 18) costs N20,000
- 32-page official passport renewal costs N40,000
- 64-page official passport renewal costs N55,000
How Much Does It Cost To Renew Nigerian Passport In USA?
- 32-page standard passport renewal for adults (age 18 and above) costs $94
- 64-page standard passport renewal for adults (age 18 and above) costs $137
- 5-year standard passport renewal for minors (below age 18) costs $77
- 32-page official passport renewal costs $238
- 64-page official passport renewal costs $298
Note: It is important to remember that these fees are subject to change, and it is advisable to check the Nigerian embassy or consulate website for the most up-to-date information, Please note that extra fees may be charged for express processing or other services.
Since the process of renewing a Nigerian passport in the USA involves submitting an online application, booking an appointment at the Nigerian embassy or consulate, and providing the required supporting documents, we typically advises that applicants should start the renewal process well in advance of their travel dates to avoid delays.
FAQs
Can I apply for an international passport in Nigeria if I am not a Nigerian citizen?
No, you cannot. Only Nigerian citizens are eligible to apply for an international passport in Nigeria.
Can I renew my international passport online in Nigeria?
Yes, you can but you will need to visit the immigration office to pick it up. Simply visit the Nigerian Immigration Service website and follow the instructions for passport renewal.
How long does it take to process an expedited international passport application in Nigeria?
The processing time for an expedited international passport application in Nigeria is usually between 48 to 72 hours.
Can I pay for my international passport application in cash at the Passport Issuing Centers?
No, you cannot pay for your international passport application in cash at the Passport Issuing Centers. All payments must be made online.
What should I do if I lose my international passport while abroad?
If you lose your international passport while abroad, you should immediately report it to the nearest Nigerian Embassy or Consulate. They will provide you with a temporary travel document to enable you to return to Nigeria.
Conclusion
As you now know, getting an international passport in Nigeria is an essential step for anyone who wishes to travel abroad. As discussed in this article, the cost of an international passport in Nigeria differs based on the type of passport you need and the duration of validity.
However, by following the application process and tips provided in this article, you can obtain your international passport quickly and with ease too.