An international passport in Nigeria serves not only as a travel document but as a means of identification in financial transactions and official documentation. If you are looking to obtain an international passport in Nigeria, it's essential to understand the application process and the estimated time it takes to complete the procedure. 
 

In this article, we will give a step-by-step guide to applying for a Nigerian international passport and explore the typical timeframe involved.

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How To Apply For A Nigerian International Passport

Follow the steps below to apply for a Nigerian international passport: 

Step 1: Visit the Nigerian Immigration Portal:

Access the home page of the Nigerian Immigration Portal to begin the application process.

Step 2: Select the Application Form:

Choose the appropriate application form: E-passport Application Form or MRP-passport application form.

Step 3: Choose Passport Type:

Select either "standard e-passport" or "official e-passport" and click the "Start application" button.

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Step 4: Fill out the Application Form:

Provide the required info in the application form.

Step 5: Submit the Application:

Click the "submit application" button to view the "applicant details page."

Step 6: Proceed to Online Payment:

Click on "Proceed to online payment."

Step 7: Select Payment Currency:

Choose to pay in Nigerian Naira or US Dollars.

Step 8: Payment Method:

a) Paying at a Bank:

• Select "Bank" and continue.
• View the list of participating banks and click on "Continue."
• Print the "Payment Acknowledgment Slip" with the Transaction ID, Application ID & Reference Number.
• Make the payment at the bank and obtain an "approved payment platform provider" receipt with a Validation Number.
   

b) Paying through Credit/Debit Card:

• Select "Credit/Debit card" and continue.
• Fill in your login credentials, proceed to the payment portal, and make the payment.
• Save the generated Validation Number.

Step 9: Confirmation of Payment:

• Use the Validation Number to confirm the payment on the NIS portal.
• Enter the Passport Application ID and Reference Number.
• Retrieve the Applicant's Details page and note the interview date.
• Print the Receipt or Acknowledgement Slip for the interview.

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How Long Does It Take to Get a Nigerian International Passport in 2026?

Processing times for Nigerian international passports depend on whether you are applying for the first time or renewing, the passport office handling your application, and the current volume of applications being processed.

New Application Processing Time

A fresh Nigerian international passport application typically takes 4 to 6 weeks from the date of your biometric capture appointment at the passport office. During this time, your documents are verified, your biometric data is processed, and your passport booklet is printed and dispatched to the passport office.

Renewal Processing Time for International Passport in Nigeria

Passport renewal is faster than a fresh application and typically takes 3 to 4 weeks from your biometric appointment date. Because your biometric data is already on file from your previous passport, the verification step is shorter.

How Long Does It Take to Collect Your Passport?

Once your passport is ready, NIS will send an SMS notification to the phone number registered on your application. After receiving this SMS, allow 1 to 5 working days before visiting the passport office for collection. You must collect your passport in person — no third party is permitted to collect on your behalf. Bring your acknowledgement slip and a valid ID to your collection appointment.

Factors That Can Delay Your Passport Processing
 

The following can extend processing beyond the standard timeline:

• Peak travel periods (June–September and December) when application volumes surge significantly
• Incomplete or incorrectly submitted documents requiring correction
• Discrepancies between your application details and your NIN records
• High demand at specific passport offices, particularly in Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt
• Administrative backlogs at the NIS printing facility

If your passport has exceeded the standard processing time and you have not received an SMS, contact the NIS customer care line directly or visit the passport office with your acknowledgement slip and reference number to request a status update.

How to Print Your Receipt and Passport Guarantor's Form During Nigerian International Passport Application

Follow the steps below to print your receipt and passport guarantors form for your Nigerian international passport application:

• To print the NIS e-Receipt:
• Visit the portal home page and click on the "Query your application payment status" link.
• Select "Passport" as the application type.
• Enter the Application ID, Reference Number, and Validation Number (if applicable).
• Submit the details and click on "Print receipt" to obtain a copy.
• To generate the Passport Guarantor's Form:
• Visit the Nigeria Immigration Service's home page.
• Enter the reference and ID number from the acknowledgement slip.
• Print out the first and second pages of the form.

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Bottom Line

Obtaining an international passport in Nigeria is a process that involves several steps, including application submission, payment, and verification. The estimated processing time for an international passport is typically three to six weeks, although this may vary based on various factors. It is advisable to keep informed about the current requirements for international passport in Nigeria and procedures by contacting the Nigerian Immigration Service or the passport office directly.

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