The process of obtaining your Nigerian international passport can seem daunting. However, with the right information and preparation, it is a straightforward procedure. This complete guide provides expert tips and a clear, step-by-step breakdown of the official application process.
We will cover everything from the required documents and updated fee structure to booking your appointment and tracking your application. Whether you’re a first-time applicant or renewing an expired passport, this guide is designed for the Nigerian applicant, using local examples and platforms.
Requirements / What You Need
Before you start your online application, gather all necessary items. Missing one document can lead to immediate rejection at your appointment. Ensure you have:
- Original & Photocopies of Supporting Documents: Your original **Birth Certificate** or **Age Declaration** from a Nigerian court, and your **Local Government Certificate of Origin**. Photocopies of each are mandatory.
- Valid Identification: Your original **National Identity Number (NIN) slip** and a valid **Driver’s License** or **Voter’s Card**. The NIN is now compulsory for all applicants.
- Guarantor’s Form: A completed **Passport Application Guarantor Form**, signed by a reputable Nigerian citizen (e.g., a civil servant, lawyer, or police officer not below the rank of Assistant Superintendent).
- Payment Proof: The **application fee payment receipt** from the official portal. Do not pay cash to any individual.
- For Renewals: Your **most recent expired Nigerian passport**.
Pro Tip: Many applicants are turned away for using a baptismal card or hospital birth notification instead of the official Birth Certificate or Age Declaration. Only the court-sworn Age Declaration is acceptable if you lack a standard birth certificate. Have all documents photocopied at a business centre before your appointment to avoid high charges at the immigration office.
Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Online Application & Payment Visit the official Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) portal at portal.immigration.gov.ng. Click “Apply for Passport” and fill the form meticulously. Ensure all details match your supporting documents (NIN, Birth Certificate) exactly. Choose your **passport type** (32-page or 64-page) and **processing timeline** (Standard or Express). You will generate an **Application ID and Reference Number**. Use this to pay the official fee online via the provided payment platform. Critical: Save your payment receipt and reference number; you cannot book an appointment without them.
Step 2: Book Your Appointment After payment confirmation (which can take a few hours), log back into the portal to schedule your biometric capture appointment. You must select your **preferred passport office** (e.g., Alausa, Ikoyi, Festac in Lagos; or FCT Command, etc.). Dates fill quickly, so be flexible. Print your **application confirmation slip** and **appointment slip**. Do not go to the office without these printouts.
Step 3: Biometric Capture & Document Submission Arrive at the passport office **30 minutes before** your appointment time. Bring all original documents, photocopies, and your printed slips. You will submit your documents for verification, have your photograph taken, and your fingerprints captured. Watch out: Officials will check that your physical appearance matches your documents and that all forms are correctly filled. Any discrepancy leads to instant rejection and you will have to restart the process.
Step 4: Interview & Approval After biometrics, you will have a brief interview with an immigration officer. Answer questions about your application truthfully and concisely. If successful, your application will be approved on the system, and you will receive a **passport production slip** with a tentative collection date. Do not lose this slip.
Step 5: Collection Do not return to the office before the date on your slip. Check your application status online using your reference number. When it shows “Ready for Collection,” go to the office with your **production slip** and a **valid ID**. You will sign the collection register and receive your new passport. Verify all personal details in the passport booklet before leaving the premises.
Alternative Methods
While the standard online-to-office process is the primary route, there are specific alternative channels designed for particular groups and situations.
For students in federal universities, many institutions like the University of Lagos (UNILAG) or Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) have dedicated passport application centres on campus. This method is better for students as it eliminates travel to the state command and often has streamlined scheduling. Similarly, some corporate organizations with large staff numbers can arrange special biometric capture exercises with the NIS for their employees, saving significant time.
In cases of lost or damaged passports, the process is not alternative but mandatory: you must first obtain a police report from your local station before you can initiate a fresh application. For Nigerians in the Diaspora, the process is managed entirely through the Nigerian Embassy or Consulate in your country of residence, following their specific appointment and fee payment systems, which are often in foreign currency.
Common Problems and Solutions
Problem: The NIS Portal is Down or Extremely Slow
Solution: This is a frequent issue, especially on Mondays or month-ends. The best approach is to attempt your application very early in the morning (6 AM – 9 AM) or late at night. Avoid weekends. If the portal is completely inaccessible for days, you can visit a licensed and accredited cyber café familiar with the process, as they often have more stable connections and experience. Do not use an uncertified café to avoid data theft.
Problem: Mistake in Online Application Details (Name, Date of Birth)
Solution: Do not proceed to your appointment hoping to correct it there. You must cancel the application on the portal and start a fresh one with the correct details that match your NIN and birth certificate. Immigration officers at the capture centre cannot alter the core data you submitted online, and proceeding will lead to automatic rejection and loss of your application fee.
Problem: “No Available Date” for Appointment at Your Preferred Centre
Solution: Appointment slots in popular centres like Ikoyi or Alausa in Lagos get booked fast. Be flexible and check for availability at other offices within your state, such as the Festac or Ikeja centres. Alternatively, check the portal daily, as new slots are sometimes released. Persistence is key.
Problem: Long Delay After Biometric Capture
Solution: If your passport is not ready long after the promised collection date, first track your status online. If it remains stagnant, you can visit the NIS State Command for a physical enquiry. For persistent delays, a formal complaint can be lodged via the NIS SERVICOM unit at the command or through their official social media channels, providing your application reference number.
Fees, Costs and Timeline
The official passport fees are set by the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS). As of 2024, the standard 32-page 5-year validity passport costs ₦35,000 for the Standard processing (about 6 weeks) and ₦65,000 for the Express processing (about 3 weeks). The 64-page 10-year validity passport is ₦70,000 (Standard) and ₦100,000 (Express). These are the only mandatory fees payable on the official portal.
Be wary of agents or touts at passport offices who claim you need to pay extra for “fast-tracking” or “guaranteed approval.” This is an unofficial fee. The only legitimate extra cost is for services like photocopying or passport photographs at business centres near the office. The timeline can vary by state; offices in Lagos and Abuja often have higher demand, potentially causing slight delays even for express service. Always insist on receiving the official payment receipt from the government portal.
Warnings and Scams to Avoid
- Fake Portals and Agents: Only use the official NIS portal (portal.immigration.gov.ng). Beware of individuals or cyber cafés offering to “help” you apply for an extra fee. They often create duplicate profiles that cause system conflicts and permanent application blocks.
- WhatsApp/Facebook “Connection” Scams: Ignore social media messages from people claiming to be immigration officers who can “expedite” your process for a fee. Genuine NIS officials will not conduct transactions via WhatsApp.
- Demand for Cash at the Office: No immigration officer should request cash from you at the capture centre for any service. All payments are online. Report anyone asking for “processing” or “file” money.
- Guarantor Form Fraud: Do not buy pre-signed guarantor forms from touts. If discovered, it leads to criminal prosecution for forgery. Your guarantor must be someone who genuinely knows you.
Acceptance, Use and Next Steps
Your Nigerian international passport is a globally recognized travel document. Within Nigeria, it is primarily used for international travel through all airports and land borders. It also serves as a valid form of photo identification for high-level financial transactions, such as opening certain bank accounts or registering with investment platforms like the Nigerian Exchange (NGX).
Upon collection, your immediate next step should be to carefully verify all printed details—your name, date of birth, passport number, and photograph—for any errors. Report discrepancies to the NIS officer immediately before leaving the premises.
Remember, a passport is a travel permit, not a visa. You must still apply for and obtain the required visa for your destination country. For frequent travelers, consider signing up for the Nigeria Immigration Service e-Passport Alert System to receive renewal reminders and security updates directly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my voter’s card as a birth certificate for my passport application?
No, you cannot. The Nigeria Immigration Service requires a primary proof of age. Your valid options are an original Birth Certificate from the National Population Commission (NPC) or a sworn Age Declaration affidavit from a Nigerian High Court. Your voter’s card is only accepted as a secondary form of photo identification, alongside your NIN slip.
How long does it really take to get the passport after biometrics?
The timeline depends on the service you paid for. For Express processing, expect 2-3 weeks. For Standard processing, expect 4-6 weeks. However, these are estimates. High application volumes in states like Lagos or Abuja can cause delays. Always track your status using your reference number on the NIS portal.
What if I miss my scheduled appointment date?
If you miss your appointment, you will need to log back into the NIS portal to reschedule. You may not be able to immediately get a new date at your preferred centre, and repeated missed appointments can lead to your application being flagged or cancelled, requiring a fresh start and new payment.
Is the NIN compulsory for a passport application now?
Yes, the National Identity Number (NIN) is mandatory for all new passport applications and renewals. Your biodata on the NIS portal must match the information linked to your NIN. Any discrepancy will cause your application to be rejected at the biometric capture stage.
Can I apply for my child’s passport online?
Yes. The process is similar but requires additional documents. You will need the child’s birth certificate, both parents’ passports or valid IDs, and a letter of consent signed by both parents. The child must be present at the appointment for biometric capture (photograph).
My passport is still valid but has no blank pages. Can I get extra pages added?
No. Nigerian passports cannot have pages added. You must apply for a renewal to get a new passport booklet. Choose the 64-page option if you are a frequent traveler to avoid quickly running out of space again.
Disclaimer
This guide is for informational purposes only and is based on publicly available procedures from the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS). Passport regulations and fees are subject to change. Always confirm the latest requirements directly via the official NIS portal or by contacting an NIS office. This content is independently created and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Nigerian government or the NIS.