An international passport is an essential travel document that proves identity and nationality.
The international passport document enables a country’s citizens to travel abroad and serves as an official document for entry into foreign countries.
In Nigeria, the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) is responsible for issuing international passports to citizens.
Applying for an international passport in Nigeria involves following a series of steps. Ensuring that all required documents and information are provided accurately is essential to avoid delays or rejections.
In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide on how to apply for an international passport in Nigeria, from accessing the NIS website to collecting your passport.
Whether you are a first-time applicant or need to renew your passport, this article will provide all the information you need to make the application process as smooth as possible.
Table of contents
- How to Apply for International Passport in Nigeria
- 1. Determine the Type of Passport You Need
- 2. Gather the Required Documents
- 3. Visit the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) Website
- 4. Complete the Online Application Form
- 5. Pay the Passport Fee
- 6. Schedule an Appointment for Biometric Data Capture
- 7. Provide Your Biometric Data
- 8. Collect Your International Passport
- 9. Check Your Passport for Accuracy
- Problem With Passport Collection
- Conclusion
How to Apply for International Passport in Nigeria
Here is a step-by-step guide to applying for an international passport in Nigeria;
1. Determine the Type of Passport You Need
The first step is to determine the type of passport you need. Nigeria has two kinds of tickets:
- The 32-page standard passport
- The 64-page jumbo passport
The 32-page passport is suitable for individuals who occasionally travel, while the 64-page passport is recommended for frequent travelers.
2. Gather the Required Documents
Before you begin the application process, gather all the required documents. These include:
- Local Government letter of identification.
- Birth certificate/age declaration.
- Two recent colour passport photographs
- Guarantor’s form sworn to before a commissioner of Oaths / Magistrate / High Court Judge.
- Parent’s letter of consent for minors under 16 years
- Marriage certificate, where applicable
- Police report in case of lost passport
3. Visit the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) Website
The next step is to visit the NIS website at https://immigration.gov.ng/.
Click on the e-passport tab to begin the application process.
4. Complete the Online Application Form
Fill in your details, passport photograph, and other required information.
Make sure all information provided is accurate and up-to-date.
Once completed, submit the form and print out the confirmation page.
5. Pay the Passport Fee
After submitting the online application form, a Payment Reference Number (PRN) will be generated.
Take this number to any designated bank to pay the passport fee.
A standard 32-page passport is ₦15,000, while the 64-page jumbo passport costs ₦20,000.
6. Schedule an Appointment for Biometric Data Capture
Once you have paid the passport fee, return to the NIS website and click “passport office location” to schedule an appointment for biometric data capture.
Select the nearest passport office and choose a suitable date and time.
7. Provide Your Biometric Data
On the day of your appointment, go to the passport office with your confirmation page, payment receipt, and all other required documents.
These include your birth certificate or declaration of age, the local government of origin, and two referee forms.
Provide your biometric data (fingerprints and facial capture) at the passport office. This process takes about 10 minutes.
8. Collect Your International Passport
After your biometric data has been captured, you will be issued a collection slip with a specified date for collecting your passport.
On the collection date, return to the passport office with your collection slip and any other required documents to manage your international passport.
Suppose you are unable to collect your passport in person. In that case, you can authorize someone to collect it on your behalf by providing them with an authorization letter and a valid means of identification.
Note that the entire process usually takes 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the volume of applications.
Ensuring that all required documents and information are provided accurately is essential to avoid delays or rejections.
9. Check Your Passport for Accuracy
Once you receive your passport, check all its information to ensure accuracy. If you notice any errors or mistakes, report them immediately to the immigration officials for corrections.
Problem With Passport Collection
If you encounter any issues during the collection process, such as delays or rejection of your application, you can contact the Nigerian Immigration Service for assistance.
You can visit the nearest passport office or send an email to [email protected].
You can also call the NIS hotline at 07080607900 or 08119753844.
It is important to note that the entire process may take longer than expected due to the volume of applications.
Therefore, applying for your passport before your travel date is advisable.
Also, follow all the guidelines and requirements outlined by the Nigerian Immigration Service to avoid delays or rejection of your application.
Conclusion
In conclusion, applying for an international passport in Nigeria is a straightforward process that can be completed online or at a passport office.
Here is a recap of the critical steps involved in applying for an international passport in Nigeria:
- Determine the type of passport you need
- Gather the required documents
- Access the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) Website
- Complete the online application form
- Make payment
- Book an appointment for biometric data capture
- Attend the appointment and provide your biometric data
- Collect your international passport
- Check your passport for accuracy
An international passport is crucial for Nigerians who wish to travel abroad for business, education, or tourism.
It is a valid identification document and a requirement for obtaining visas to other countries. Moreover, it helps to facilitate entering and leaving foreign countries.
In conclusion, obtaining an international passport in Nigeria is essential for anyone looking to travel outside the country.
The application process may seem daunting, but by following the guidelines outlined by the Nigerian Immigration Service and being patient, you can obtain your international passport hassle-free.
Let me know if you have any questions or need further clarification. I would love to assist you.
You can watch my videos on the Studentship YouTube Channel by clicking here.
Join my Facebook Group, Like my Facebook Page or Follow Me on WhatsApp for more interactive discussions.
