How to Get an International Passport in Nigeria 2024
Introduction
Knowing how to get an international passport in Nigeria is an essential step for those planning to travel abroad for business, education, tourism, work or other purposes. Navigating the process can seem daunting, but with the right guidance, it can be straightforward. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the steps for you to know how to get an international passport in Nigeria.
Types Of Passports
Enhance e-Passport (Standard Passport)
The Enhanced e-Passport is part of the new reforms approved by the Federal Government of Nigeria. It is a product of intensive review of the existing e-passport booklet which has been in circulation for over 10 years and has only 5-year validity.
Official Passport
Those that are eligible to have this Official Passport according to the Nigerian Immigration Service are as follows:
– Commissioners (members of the State Executive Council), Special Assistants and Special Advisors
– Senior Government Officials in the rank of Deputy Directors and above in the Federal Civil Service
– Senior Government Officials from the rank of Directors and above in the State Civil Service
– Deputy General Managers and above in Federal and State Parastatals
– Chairman, Deputy Chairman and Secretaries of Local Government Councils
– Staff from the rank of Deputy Director and above in CBN and their equivalent in Federal owned Banks and allied institutions
– Colonel and above in the Army and their equivalent in the Navy and Air force
– ACP and above (NPF), ACSIO in DSS
– AC and above in paramilitary Services
– Vice and Deputy Vice Chancellors of Federal and State Universities and their equivalents in the Polytechnics and Colleges of Education
– Immigration, Military and Police Officers on Peace keeping Missions
– 1st Class Traditional Rulers / Chiefs
– Senior Government Officials i.e., GL.08-14 on Official assignment abroad provided there is an SGF / SSG approval for such official trips.
Diplomatic Passport
This passport is meant for Nigerian Diplomats and other top Government Officials as may be approved by the President.
In this article I will focus on the Enhance e-Passport which is the passport the Nigerian masses are applying for.
Passport Application Requirement
There are two types of application types, these are Fresh Applications and Re-issue and their required documents are a little different.
Requirement For Fresh Application
Adult (18 years and above)
– Letter of identification from Local Government/State of origin or residence or National Identity Card OR Letter of introduction for employees of government as a Nigerian citizen stating Service Number, Length of Service and Designation/Rank. The letter must be accompanied with a valid staff identity card.
– Completed passport application form.
– Marriage certificate, where applicable.
– Birth Certificate (certificate issued by the National Population Commission shall be required from applicants whose date of birth is with effect from Dec 1992) or Age Declaration attached with one passport-sized photograph and duly endorsed by a Commissioner for Oaths.
– Acknowledgement Slip and Evidence of Payment.
Minor (under 18 years of age)
– Completed passport application form attached with 1 passport sized photograph of minor to be endorsed on the reverse side by the consenting parent(s).
– Evidence of Nigerian citizenship of parent(s).
– Birth certificate (certificate must be issued by the National Population Commission for minors born within Nigeria).
– Letter of consent from either parent.
– Acknowledgement Slip and Evidence of Payment.
Court Order and Letter of approval from State Ministry of Women and Child Development (This Requirement is strictly for adopted child).
– Note: The above requirement is for Nigerian citizens by birth. Nigerian citizens by Naturalization or Registration are to visit the NIS Headquarters Abuja with original copies of relevant documents to commence their application process.
– All applications for minor, based on adoption or surrogacy can only be processed at the NIS Headquarters Abuja.
Requirements For Re-issue
Expired Validity
– Application Letter.
– Passport Booklet.
– Photocopy of Data Page of Passport.
– Acknowledgement Slip and Evidence of Payment.
Unexpired Validity
– Application Letter.
– Passport Booklet.
– Evidence of Maiden Name.
– If Validity is more than Six (6) Months, Applicant should state reason(s).
– Photocopy of Data Page of Passport.
– Acknowledgement Slip and Evidence of Payment.
Before applying for an international passport in Nigeria, ensure you have the necessary documents ready.
How To Apply For International Passport in Nigeria Step By Step
Visit the official Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) website https://immigration.gov.ng to commence your application process.
Steps for fresh Passport application
1. From the application portal dashboard, click on “Apply for Fresh Passport”
2. Verify your NIN (enter your date of birth for second-level checks)
3. Select your processing center and booklet size (32 pages or 64 pages)
4. Upload your ICAO compliant picture
5. Review your personal details (these are your NIMC record). Ensure you provide a valid email address for further communication
6. Provide your contact address and next of kin information
7. Upload supporting documents (these are based on your application type)
8. Review and submit your application. Then proceed to make payment and book an appointment for biometric enrollment
– Note: Applicants are required to appear at chosen Immigration Office for biometric data capture.
Steps for Re-issue Passport Application
1. From the application portal dashboard, click on “Apply for Renewal/Reissue”
2. Verify your NIN (enter your date of birth for second-level checks)
3. Provide your current passport details and review data comparison against your NIN data
4. Select your processing center and booklet size (32 pages or 64 pages)
5. Upload your ICAO compliant picture
6. Review your personal details (these are your NIMC record). Ensure you provide a valid email address for further communication
7. Provide your contact address and next of kin information
8. Upload supporting documents (these are based on your application type)
9. Review and submit your application. Then proceed to make payment and book an appointment for biometric enrollment
– Note: There is no fixed prize or fee for the passport. Different states and regions collect different prizes for processing passport application. Applicants are required to appear at chosen Immigration Office for biometric data capture.
Ensure to follow the instructions carefully to avoid any delays.
Attend Biometric Capture
On the scheduled date, visit the passport office for biometric capture. Ensure to bring along all required documents, including the payment receipt and appointment confirmation. During this process, your biometric information will be recorded, contributing to the security features of your passport.
Passport Collection
After completing biometric capture, you’ll be contacted once your international passport is ready via SMS. Visit the passport office on the specified date with the necessary documents, including your old passport (if applicable) and the collection slip.
Conclusion
To get an international passport in Nigeria is a structured process that requires careful attention to detail. By following the steps outlined in this guide and ensuring you have all the necessary documents prepared, you can navigate the process smoothly. Remember to stay updated with any changes or requirements from the Nigeria Immigration Service to avoid delays or complications in obtaining your international passport.
References:
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