Requirements for International Passport in Nigeria- Documents, Fees & Steps

Quick Answers: Nigerian International Passport Requirements at a Glance

What documents do I need for a first-time Nigerian international passport?
Completed passport application form, recent passport photograph, National Identification Number (NIN), birth certificate (or affidavit in lieu), letter of consent from parent/guardian if under 18, and payment of the application fee.

What documents do I need for passport renewal?
Completed application form, recent passport photograph, your old/expired passport, and payment of the renewal fee.

Can I use my NIN for an international passport?
Yes, your NIN is a mandatory requirement for all Nigerian international passport applications, both first-time and renewal. You cannot apply without it.

How much does a Nigerian international passport cost in 2026?
Fees vary by booklet type (32-page or 64-page) and applicant age. Current fees are published on the official Nigeria Immigration Service website at immigration.gov.ng. Payment is made online in Naira or US dollars.

How long does it take to get a Nigerian international passport?
Renewal: approximately 3 weeks. Fresh application: approximately 6 weeks. Processing may be longer during peak travel periods.

How do I apply for an international passport online in Nigeria?
Visit the NIS portal at immigration.gov.ng, download and complete the application form, attach your documents, pay the fee online, and submit. You will receive an application ID, reference number, and validation number to confirm payment and book your interview date.

Do you dream of travelling the world? Whether you're planning a trip to Europe, Asia, or the America, you'll need a valid passport to get there. If you're a Nigerian citizen, you'll need to apply for an international passport from the Nigerian Immigration Service.

Getting a passport: the requirements for an international passport in Nigeria may vary depending on your age and whether you're applying for a first-time passport or a renewal. In this article, we'll walk you through the steps involved in applying and the requirements for an international passport in Nigeria. We'll also provide a list of the required passport documents and information. In some cases, an affidavit letter for immigration may be requested as part of the supporting passport documents.

So, whether you're a first-time applicant or a renewal applicant, read on to learn everything you need to know about the passport requirements for international passports in Nigeria.
 

What are the Different Types of Nigerian Passports?

Before choosing a passport type, applicants should review the Nigeria passport application guidelines on the Nigeria Immigration portal to ensure they meet all requirements for international passport issuance.

In Nigeria, there exist five distinct types of passports that cater to various categories of individuals. It is crucial to identify the appropriate passport category you belong to before applying for one. Here are the different types of Nigerian passports:
 

1. Standard Passport:

The standard Nigerian passport, recognizable by its green cover, is an essential travel passport document available to all Nigerian nationals. It serves as a means of identification for Nigerians travelling abroad. Many standard passports are now issued as biometric passports to enhance security features. See how to apply for a standard passport in Nigeria.

2. Diplomatic Passport:

The diplomatic passport is exclusively reserved for high-ranking government officials, government ambassadors, and other key personnel. Individuals eligible for this type of passport include the president, vice president, governors, senators, and other officials of significant stature. The diplomatic passport is easily identifiable by its distinct red cover.
 

3. Official Passport:

The official passport is designated for government officials such as Ministers, Governors, Permanent Secretaries, and the Secretary-General of the Federation. It is a document that facilitates official travel and represents the bearer's affiliation with the Nigerian government. The official passport stands out with its distinctive blue cover.
 

4. Seaman's Passport:

The seaman's passport caters to individuals employed in maritime occupations, specifically those who work at sea. This type of passport is primarily issued to sailors and other maritime personnel. It is easily recognizable by its maroon cover.
 

5. Pilgrim Passport:

The Nigerian Immigration Services issues the pilgrim passport to Nigerian citizens embarking on religious pilgrimages to sacred destinations such as Jerusalem and Mecca. Due to security considerations, the pilgrim passport does not have a fixed cover colour. Instead, it may vary to ensure the document's integrity and safety.

Read Also - How Much is International Passport in Nigeria?
 

Requirements for International Passports in Nigeria

Citizenship By Birth

For Adult (18 years and above), the requirements for international passports in Nigeria are: 

• 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 and 2 passport sized photographs (passport photographs endorsed at the back by the Guarantor).
• Completed Guarantors’ form duly signed by a Commissioner for Oaths attached with Photocopy of Data page of Guarantor’s Nigerian e-Passport and one passport sized photograph of the Guarantor.
• 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.

For Minor (under 18 years of age), the requirement for international passport in Nigeria are: 

• 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).

Requirements for International Passport in Nigeria for Naturalisation

• Certificate of Naturalization duly issued by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
• Completed passport application form and 2 passport sized photographs (passport photographs endorsed at the back by the Guarantor).
• Completed Guarantors’ form duly signed by a Commissioner for Oaths attached with Photocopy of Data page of Guarantor’s Nigerian ePassport and one passport sized photograph of the Guarantor.
• Marriage certificate where applicable.
• Birth Certificate or data page of previous passport as evidence of age.
• Acknowledgement Slip and evidence of payment.

What are the General Requirements For an International Passport in Nigeria?

These requirements for international passport processing also guide applicants on how to apply for an international passport in Nigeria using the official Nigeria Immigration portal.

The international passport serves as an official travel passport document and provides identification and proof of citizenship. To acquire an international passport in Nigeria, there are certain requirements that applicants must fulfill, and these requirements vary, depending on whether it is a first-time passport or a renewal.
 

First-Time Passport Applicants

Reviewing the data page of international passport samples can help first-time applicants understand how personal information will appear once their passport application is completed

What document do I need to get a passport? The requirements for first-time passport applicants are as follows:

• A completed passport application form
• A recent passport-style photograph
• A copy of your National Identification Number (NIN)
• A copy of your birth certificate
• A letter of consent from your parents or guardian (if you are under 18 years old. This is in line with legal guidelines, including considerations such as the age of consent in Nigeria)
• Payment of N5,000 for the passport application feeI
•  

If original documents are unavailable, an affidavit in lieu of originals may be accepted for items like your birth certificate. In certain cases, an affidavit letter for immigration may also be required to further support your application, but if you don't have these passport documents, a new passport or passport book would not be issued. You won't even be able to apply for passport online.

Requirements for International Passport for Minors (Children) in Nigeria

Children and babies require a separate set of documents in addition to the standard requirements. Here is what you need:

For children under 18 applying for a first-time passport:

• Completed passport application form
• Recent passport-style photograph of the child
• Child's birth certificate (original or certified copy)
• Child's NIN — children can now obtain NIN from birth; enrollment is done at any NIMC office
• Letter of consent signed by both parents or legal guardian
• Valid ID of both parents (national passport, NIN slip, or driver's license)
• Payment of the applicable passport fee

For babies (under 1 year):
All of the above apply. For newborns who do not yet have a NIN, visit the nearest NIMC enrollment centre with the hospital birth record to obtain the NIN before applying for the passport.

Important notes for minors:
Both parents must be present at the passport office during application, or a court order authorising a single parent to apply must be provided. If either parent is deceased, a death certificate must be attached. Passports issued to children under 18 are valid for 5 years rather than the standard 10 years.

Requirements to Register for International Passport in Nigeria

• Certificate of Registration duly issued by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
• Completed passport application form and 2 passport sized photographs (passport photographs endorsed at the back by the Guarantor).
• Completed Guarantors’ form duly signed by a Commissioner for Oaths attached with Photocopy of Data page of Guarantor’s Nigerian ePassport and one passport sized photograph of the Guarantor.
• Marriage certificate where applicable.
• Birth Certificate or data page of previous passport as evidence of age.
• Acknowledgement Slip and evidence of payment.

Requirements for International Passport for Married Women in Nigeria

If you are applying for a passport after marriage and your name has changed, you will need the following additional documents alongside the standard first-time or renewal requirements:

• Your marriage certificate (original or certified copy)
• A sworn affidavit of name change if your marriage certificate alone does not reflect your new name
• Your old passport (if renewing) showing your previous name
• Your NIN — if your NIN still reflects your maiden name, update it at any NIMC office before applying to avoid discrepancies

Note: Your passport will be issued in your new married name only if your NIN has been updated to reflect it. Ensure both documents match before submitting your application.

Renewal Passport Applicants

The passport requirements for renewal passport applicants are as follows:

• A completed passport application form
• A recent passport-style photograph
• A copy of your old passport
• Payment of N2,000 for the passport application fee
   

How to Apply for an International Passport Online in Nigeria

Step 1: Visit the Nigeria Immigration Service portal at immigration.gov.ng
Step 2: Create an account or log in if you already have one
Step 3: Select "Apply for Passport" and choose your passport type (standard, renewal, or minor)
Step 4: Complete the online application form with accurate personal details, ensure your name matches your NIN exactly
Step 5: Upload a recent passport photograph meeting NIS specifications
Step 6: Upload your required supporting documents (birth certificate, NIN, old passport for renewals)
Step 7: Pay the application fee online in Naira or US dollars, you will receive an application ID, reference number, and validation number
Step 8: Use your validation number to confirm payment and book your interview/biometric capture appointment date at your preferred NIS passport office
Step 9: Attend your appointment with all original documents for biometric capture

Note: You cannot complete the process entirely online, biometric capture (fingerprints and photograph) must be done in person at a passport office
 

How Much Does an International Passport Cost in Nigeria (2026)?

Nigerian international passport fees are set by the Nigeria Immigration Service and are subject to periodic review. Fees differ based on booklet type and applicant age. The two booklet options are the 32-page booklet and the 64-page booklet, with the 64-page booklet attracting a higher fee.

As of the last official update, first-time applicants pay more than renewal applicants, and adult fees differ from child fees. For the exact current figures in both Naira and US dollars, check the official NIS fee schedule at immigration.gov.ng before starting your application, fees change without much public notice and applying with the wrong payment amount delays processing.

Payment is made entirely online. You will receive a validation number after payment, which is used to confirm your payment and schedule your interview date.

The price of obtaining an international passport in Nigeria is subject to several factors, including the applicant's age and the type of passport booklet required. There’s the 32 paged booklet and the 64 paged booklet.

To streamline the application process for an international passport, payment is conducted online, with the option to pay in either Nigerian Naira or US dollars.

The specific cost of a new international passport in Nigeria can be found on the passport guideline page of the official website of the Nigeria Immigration Services. This reliable source provides up-to-date information regarding the applicable fees. It is crucial to review this page to ascertain the current cost before initiating the application process.
 

Read Also: How to Apply for a South African Passport

What is the Processing Time for International Passports in Nigeria?

The processing time for an international passport in Nigeria is typically 3 weeks for a renewal of the passport and 6 weeks for a fresh application; this is how long it takes to get a passport. However, the processing time may be longer during peak periods, such as the summer travel season.
 

Where Can I Apply for an International Passport?

getting a passport, you can apply for an international passport at any of the following locations:

• The Nigerian Immigration Service Headquarters in Abuja
• Any of the State Command Headquarters of the Nigerian Immigration Service
• Any of the Passport Offices of the Nigerian Immigration Service
   

Conclusion

In conclusion, obtaining an international passport in Nigeria requires adherence to specific requirements set by the Nigeria Immigration Services. This crucial travel document allows Nigerian citizens to explore the world and engage in international endeavours. 

To successfully obtain an international passport, applicants must meet the stipulated criteria, which may include providing necessary documents such as a birth certificate, proof of Nigerian citizenship, and a valid identification card. Additionally, applicants are required to complete the application form accurately and pay the prescribed fee. 

It is important to note that the specific requirements may evolve over time, so it is advisable to consult the official website of the Nigeria Immigration Services for the most up-to-date information.

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Updated July 4, 2013 by Temitope Lawal