How to Apply for an International Passport in Nigeria 2023 and How Much it Costs
Do you have any plans to travel abroad soon? Do you wish to figure out opportunities and experiences in other countries? If so, you’ll require an international passport. An international passport is a document that confirms your identity and citizenship as a Nigerian. It is also required for entering and exiting any foreign country. You cannot travel to another country if you do not have an international passport.
But how much does it cost to obtain an international passport in Nigeria? How can you apply for one? What are the different types and durations of international passports in Nigeria? These are some of the questions that this post will address for you. This post will teach you all you need to know about obtaining an international passport in Nigeria.
The Cost of an International Passport in Nigeria
The cost of an international passport in Nigeria is determined by a number of factors. These are some examples:
- The type of passport you want to get
- The passport’s validity period
- The location where you wish to have your passport processed
- Your relationship with immigration officers or your influence with them
- The urgency or speed you want your passport to be ready
There are two types of passports in Nigeria, according to the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), which is in charge of processing and issuing international passports. These are standard e-passports and official e-passports. Ordinary citizens who want to travel abroad for personal or business purposes should use the standard e-passport. The official e-passport is only available to specific government officials and Nigerian diplomats.
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The NIS also announced in 2019 that international passports have two validity periods: 5 years and 10 years. The 5-year validity period applies to applicants who are under the age of 18 or over the age of 60. The 10-year validity period is for applicants who are between 18 and 60 years of age.
Based on these factors, the NIS has set the official costs for international passports in Nigeria as follows:
- 64-page passport with 10-year validity: ₦70,000 in Nigeria and $230 outside Nigeria
- 64-page passport with 5-year validity: ₦35,000 in Nigeria and $150 outside Nigeria
- 32-page passport with 5-year validity: ₦25,000 in Nigeria
However, these official costs are not always what Nigerians spend to get their international passports. Due to the high demand and limited availability of passports, as well as the corruption and inefficiency of some immigration authorities, many Nigerians end up paying much more than the stated costs to obtain their passports. Some of the unofficial prices that Nigerians pay to get their passports are:
- 64-page passport with 10-year validity: ₦150,000 – ₦250,000
- 64-page passport with 5-year validity: ₦80,000 – ₦150,000
- 32-page passport with 5-year validity: ₦60,000 – ₦100,000
These unofficial fees vary based on where you want to process your passport, how well you know immigration officials, and how fast you need your passport. For example, if you want to process your passport in Lagos or Abuja, you may pay more than if you wanted to process it in a less populated state. You may pay less if you have a friend or relative who works in the immigration office. If you need your passport in a week or less, you may have to pay more than if you can wait a month or more.
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The Requirements for International Passport in Nigeria
To apply for an international passport in Nigeria, you must have certain documents and make some payments. The documents and fees differ depending on the type of passport you want to get, standard or official.
If you want to get a standard passport, you need the following documents:
- Identification letter from the local government
- Birth certificate / age declaration
- 2 recent colour passport photographs
- Guarantor’s form sworn to before a commissioner of oaths, magistrate, or high court judge
- Letter of consent from parents for minors under the age of 16
- Marriage certificate where applicable
- Police report in case of missing passport
If you wish to obtain an official passport, you will require the following documents:
- A letter of introduction from the appropriate state or federal government ministry or organization
- Marriage certificate where applicable
- Police report in case of missing passport
- Letter of appointment or most recent promotion
To pay for your international passport online, you need to follow these steps:
- Visit the Nigeria Immigration Portal’s home page at https://portal.immigration.gov.ng/
- Locate and click on the appropriate application form to start the process: “Standard e-Passport” or “Official e-Passport“
- Select a passport type: “Fresh Passport” or “Renew/Re-issue Passport”
- Select an age group: “Adult (18+)” or “Minor (0-17)”
- Select a processing state and a processing center
- Select a booklet type and validity period: “32 Pages” or “64 Pages” with a validity period of “5 Years” or “10 Years.”
- Enter your personal information, contact information, next of kin information, and guarantor information
- Review your application and make corrections if necessary
- Click the “Submit Application” button
- Select the “Proceed to Online Payment” button
- Select your payment method: “Pay with Card” or “Pay at Bank”
- Complete your payment and print out your receipt
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The Benefits of International Passport in Nigeria
As a Nigerian citizen, having an international passport offers several benefits. Among these benefits are:
- You can travel to over 40 countries visa-free or with a visa on arrival with your international passport. Some of these countries include Benin Republic, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Cameroon, Chad, Cote d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Liberia, Madagascar, Maldives, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Niger Republic, Rwanda, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, and Zambia.
- You can gain access to a variety of opportunities and experiences abroad, such as education, tourism, business, employment, cultural exchange, and so on.
- You can benefit from the Nigerian government’s protection and assistance, as well as that of its diplomatic missions abroad, in the event of an emergency or crisis.
- You can prove your Nigerian citizenship and identity anywhere in the world.
- You can benefit from the NIS’s new upgraded e-passport, which was launched in 2019.
The following features are included in the new upgraded e-passport:
- Up to 10-year validity for adults
- Self-tracking of visa applications
- Weather-friendliness
- Connectivity to the National Identification Number (NIN) database.
Conclusion
In conclusion, an international passport is important for any Nigerian who wishes to travel abroad. It also serves as a form of identity and proof of citizenship as a Nigerian. The price of an international passport in Nigeria varies according to its type, validity, location, connection, and urgency. Documents and online payments are required for an international passport in Nigeria. Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 40 countries, opportunities and experiences abroad, protection and help from the Nigerian government and diplomatic missions, and the features of the new upgraded e-passport are all benefits of having an international passport in Nigeria.
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If you want to receive an international passport in Nigeria, you should start the application process as soon as possible. To start your application and make your payment online, go to the Nigeria Immigration Portal at https://portal.immigration.gov.ng/. You can also receive further information and support from your local Nigerian embassy or consulate.
Thank you for taking the time to read this article. I hope you find it interesting and useful. If you have any questions or comments, please share them in the comment section below.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the difference between a standard passport and an official passport?
A: A standard passport is for ordinary citizens who want to go abroad for personal or business purposes. An official passport is only issued to specific types of government officials and Nigerian diplomats.
Q: How long does it take to get an international passport in Nigeria?
A: The processing time for an international passport in Nigeria varies depending on the applicant’s location, connection, and urgency. In general, getting your passport ready can take anything from a few days to a few months.
Q: How can I renew or re-issue my international passport in Nigeria?
A: In Nigeria, you can renew or reissue your international passport by following the same processes as when you apply for a new passport. In the event of loss or damage, you must provide your old passport or a police report.
Q: How can I track my international passport application status?
A: To check the status of your international passport application, go to https://portal.immigration.gov.ng/passport/etrack and enter your application ID or reference number.
Q: How can I contact the Nigerian Immigration Service for more information?
A: You can get additional information from the Nigerian Immigration Service by visiting their website at https://www.immigration.gov.ng/ or calling their helpline at +234-708-0607-900 or +234-814-7199-908. Email them at nis.servicom@nigeriaimmigration.gov.ng or nis.helpdesk@nigeriaimmigration.gov.ng.
