How to get a Nigerian passport in 2024
An international passport is the most important document for any traveller. It’s the only valid form of identification other countries recognize. If you’re looking to apply, renew, or get the right type of Nigerian passport for your travels, you’re in the right place. Let’s break it down, step by step.
Types of Nigerian passports
Standard Passport: This is the most common type of passport issued to everyday Nigerian citizens.
Official Passport: Reserved for government officials on official assignments.
Diplomatic Passport: Issued to high-ranking government officials and diplomats.
ECOWAS Travel Certificate: This is available to all Nigerians and can be issued for travel within ECOWAS countries. However, it’s not the same as an international passport.
ePassport vs. Traditional Passport: All Nigerian passports are now issued as ePassports. They come with an electronic chip that holds your biometric data.
Things to know about your Nigerian passport
Validity period
Nigerian Standard passports have two main validity durations. Standard passports are typically valid for 5 years, but you can get a 10-year passport if you are 18 years or older.
Booklet size
32 and 64-page booklets are available for both validity periods. The latter is best if you are a frequent traveller.
Passport pages
Data page
This is the first page of your passport. It features your photograph, personal information, and passport number.
Blank pages
This is where your travel stamps and visas go. Many countries require at least one or two blank visa pages in your passport for entry. So you need to monitor your remaining pages and renew your passport when they start running low.
ECOWAS travel privileges
With a valid Nigerian passport, you can enjoy visa-free travel within ECOWAS member countries.
Expiry rules for travel
Many countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates. Always double-check this before you book any international trip.
RELATED: 25 Visa-free countries Nigerians can travel to in 2024
Requirements for applying for a Nigerian passport in 2024
For first-time applicants:
- Birth certificate or declaration of age.
- Guarantor’s form. They must be a Nigerian citizen with a valid passport.
- National Identification Number (NIN). If you don’t have one, you’ll need to register first.
- Passport-sized photographs.
- Parental consent forms for minors under 18.
For renewal applicants:
- Your old passport.
- NIN
- Additional supporting documents if data, such as name, has changed.
Cost of Standard Nigerian international passport 2024
A Standard ePassport with 5-year validity costs ₦50,000.
A Standard ePassport with 10-year validity costs ₦100,000.
How to apply for a Nigerian passport online
Getting a Nigerian passport is mostly done online these days. Here’s how to do it:
Go to the official Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) portal
Fill out the application form. Make sure all details provided are correct, no typos.
Make payment via the provided options
Schedule and attend your appointment
Select your preferred location for biometric capture.
Bring all necessary documents, including payment receipts.
Biometrics will include capturing fingerprints, photos, and other details.
Track your application via the NIS portal
RELATED: How to boost your Nigerian passport strength
Nigerian passport renewal process
If you’re looking to renew your passport instead, here’s how:
- Visit the NIS portal and fill out the renewal form.
- Submit supporting documents.
- Make payment and schedule an appointment.
- Attend biometrics capture at a passport office.
How long does it take to receive your Nigerian passport
It can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks. However, renewals are processed faster than first-time applications.
You’ll be able to track the status via the NIS platform. If you need it urgently, you can pay for an expedited process. But we advise applying for your passport months before you need it.
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