Requirements For International Passport

If you ever consider traveling out of Nigeria, either for relaxation, studies or migration, then you will need an international passport. In this article, you will learn the requirements for obtaining an international passport in Nigeria, because of how important it is, it is necessary to have all required documents to get yours. So, lets get started.

Nigerian International Passport

The Nigerian international passport is a national identity that shows that you are a citizen of Nigeria and, this document is not just for identification purpose alone, but, it is a very important document for international travels.

So, all Nigerians must apply for an international passport if they intend to travel abroad for work, pleasure, study, or vacation. One may submit an application online or in person at the Nigeria Immigration Services location to obtain the paperwork. Also, Nigerians abroad can apply for passports online or at the embassy or consulate that is most convenient for them.

How Important Is The Nigerian International Passport?

Many persons tend to wonder if the Nigerian international passport is important, if you’re one of such persons, worry no more, because, I have the answer right here for you. The international passport is a very important document for an international travel, one of the documents needed to migrate to most countries, is your international passport; so, this shows how important it is to have your international passport. As a matter of fact, you cannot gain access into most countries without your international passport.

Also, the Nigerian International Passport has been rated as the 91^st most valuable passport in the world by the passport index.

Types Of International Passport In Nigeria

There are basically five (5) types of international passport available in Nigeria and they are;

1. Standard Passport

A standard passport is one that every Nigerian is entitled to have; it is required for international travels. Also, a very easy way to know it is that, it has a green cover and usually has 32 or 64 pages. This type of passport usually lasts for 5 or 1 years. You can get the passport from the Nigerian Immigration office near you.

2. Official Passport

An official passport is a type of Nigerian international passport that is only available to Nigeria’s bureaucrats (i.e. government officials such as ministers, governors, permanent secretaries, and secretary-general of the federation). This passport has a blue cover and it usually lasts for 10 years.

3. Diplomatic Passport
   
   

The diplomatic passport is one that is accessible to high level government officials, such as the president, vice president, governors, senators, as well as government ambassadors. It has a red cover.

4. Seaman’s Passport

Seaman’s passport is one that is available to seafarers who carry out sea travels and sea operations. It has a maroon cover and is usually for sailors.

5. Pilgrim International Passport

This is a type of passport issued by the Nigerian immigration service to pilgrims i.e. it is given to Nigerian citizens embarking on pilgrimages to holy lands such as Jerusalem and Mecca. The Pilgrim passport has no specific cover color for security reasons and it also has no expiry date.

General Documents requirements for International Passport’s interview:

For A Standard Passport

As stated earlier, the standard passport is the most common, so, lets look at the requirements for it. So, to obtain a standard international passport, the following documents are required;

1. Local Government letter of identification.
2. Birth certificate / age declaration.
3. 2 recent color passport photographs is also a required document.
4. Guarantor’s form sworn to before a commissioner of Oaths / Magistrate /  High Court Judge
5. Parents’ letter of consent for minors under 16 years
6. Marriage certificate where applicable
7. Police report in case of lost passport is also needed.
8. Submit application with supporting documents to passport office / Embassy / High commission

Requirements For International Passport: Application Fees by Age and Booklet type.

Now, lets also look at the monetary requirement for an international passport.

NIS PASSPORT FEE – APPLYING IN NIGERIA (NAIRA)
Booklet Type	AGE 0 – 17		AGE 18 – 59		AGE 60+
32 Pages	8,750		15,000		8,750
Also, for 64 Pages	20,000		20,000		20,000
ALL EMBASSIES, CONSULATES & HIGH COMMISSIONS (US DOLLAR) –NIS PASSPORT FEE
Booklet Type		AGE 0 – 17		AGE 18 – 59		AGE 60+
For 32 Pages		65		94		65
64 Pages		125		125		125

please note that the amount stated above may change from time to time, because of changes in policies.

Official International Passport Requirements

The following documents are the requirements for international passport;

1. Letter of introduction from appropriate State Government, Federal Government Ministry / Organization.
2. Marriage certificate where applicable
3. Police report in case of lost passport
4. You will also need a letter of appointment / last promotion.
5. Submit application with supporting documents to passport office / Embassy / High commission

Seaman’s International Passport Requirement

To obtain a pilgrim passport, the following documents are required ;

1. Local Government letter of identification
2. Birth certificate / age declaration
3. 2 recent color passport photographs
4. You will also need to submit application with supporting documents to passport office / Embassy / High commission

Note:

• Acknowledgment slip & payment receipt plus 2 recent photographs are also applicable in all cases
• A print out copy of duly completed application form
• Printed and signed application forms are to be taken to the Passport office / Embassy / High Commission for further processing
• Also, a guarantor is required to attach the following documents

1. Photocopy of Data page of Nigerian standard Passport is also a required document.
2. Driving License or National Identity Card also needed.

How To Get International Passport In Nigeria

Also, let us look at how we can get a Nigerian international passport. There are two basic procedures through which you can acquire the international passport; you can apply at the physical location of the Nigeria Immigration Service and also, by making a submission through its website. It is advisable for applicants to apply six months before the expiration of their passport.

Online Application For International Passport Through The Immigration Website

Below is the summary of the steps, and also the guide to follow to complete your international passport application.

1. Go to the home page of the Nigeria Immigration portal. To do that click here
2. Locate and then select the right application form to start the process.
3. Choose a passport type (standard e-passport or official e-passport), and, then click on the ‘Start Application’ button.
4. Fill out the application form and then you will need to print out the filled form.
5. Also, you will be required to click on submit application button to view the applicant details page.
6. And then, you will need to click on proceed to online payment.
7. Then, click to select the payment currency (Pay in Naira or Pay in Dollars) option and, then click on the continue button.
8. Identification number: You will be issued an application ID and also a reference number as well.
9. Once you’ve made a payment and gotten a “Validation Number,” you can verify it on the NIS website. You will also be required to print your NIS e-receipt on the portal home page and generate your passport guarantor’s form.

After submitting your online application form you will also, have to visit the immigration office near you for your biometrics and photograph.

 

Please Note: If you are applying for a new passport, and you have never previously owned one, you need to fill out the form for a Fresh Passport and then click on ‘Fresh Passport’ on the menu bar. Select the appropriate passport type you are applying for and then you can click on the ‘Start Application’ button.

 

Passport Renewal

As soon as your passport reaches its expiry date, you can apply for renewal but, it is actually advisable to apply for renewal 6 months before it expires. Because, the pilgrim international passport has no expiry date it therefore does not need to be renewed.

So, listed below are the documents needed for passport renewal;

1. Completed passport renewal form.
2. Acknowledgement slip and passport payment slip is also needed for the process.
3. Two (2) recent passport size photographs is also an important required document.
4. Also needed is the original and photocopy of the current e-passport.
5. You will also need National Identification Number (NIN) slip or evidence of enrollment.

 

Conclusion

So, as we have seen, the Nigerian international passport is a very important document and, it is especially important for international travels and you can easily apply for and get your international passport using the steps above. For more information on the requirement for international passport, you can also, visit the Nigerian immigration official website here and be sure to get all the answers you need.