The New Cost of Nigerian International Passport

Traveling abroad requires a valid international passport, and for Nigerians, securing this essential document involves understanding the associated costs and application procedures. As of 2024, the Nigerian government has revised the fees for obtaining an international passport. This article provides an updated overview of the costs, renewal process, required documents, and steps to apply for a Nigerian passport.

Types of Nigerian International Passports

There are two main types of Nigerian passports:

1. 32-page passport: Suitable for individuals who do not travel frequently.
2. 64-page passport: Ideal for frequent travelers who may quickly exhaust a 32-page passport.

Current Costs of Nigerian International Passport (2024)

The cost of obtaining a Nigerian international passport varies based on the number of pages and the validity period:

1. 32-page passport (5-year validity):
   • Cost: ₦25,000
2. 64-page passport (5-year validity):
   • Cost: ₦35,000
3. 64-page passport (10-year validity):
   • Cost: ₦70,000

These costs apply as of July 2024 and are subject to periodic reviews by the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS).

Renewal of the Nigerian International Passport

Renewing a Nigerian passport involves the same costs as applying for a new one. Whether it’s for a 32-page or 64-page passport, the fees remain consistent. The renewal process is often advised to avoid the stress of potential delays and complications associated with renewing an old passport.

Documents Required to Apply for a Nigerian Passport

To apply for a Nigerian passport, you need to provide several documents at the Immigration Office:

• Passport Application Form
• Payment slip
• Local government state of origin certificate
• Birth certificate
• Driver’s license
• Two recent passport-sized photographs with a white background

Having these documents ready will streamline the application process, reducing the likelihood of delays or complications. It is crucial to ensure that all documents are current and accurately reflect your personal information.

Application Process for a Nigerian Passport

Follow these steps to apply for a Nigerian international passport:

1. Visit the Nigeria Immigration Service website.
2. Select the appropriate application form:
   • e-Passport Application Form
   • MRP – Passport Application Form (not applicable in all missions)
3. Choose the passport type (“Standard e-Passport” or “Official e-Passport”) and start the application.
4. Fill out the form carefully, accept full responsibility for the information provided, and print the filled form.
5. Submit the application and proceed to the payment page.
6. Select the payment currency (Naira or Dollars) and continue.
7. Choose the payment method (“Bank”, “Credit or Debit card”).
8. Print the Payment Acknowledgment Slip with the Transaction ID, Application ID, and Reference Number.
9. Proceed to a participating bank with the Payment Acknowledgment Slip for payment.
10. Obtain an approved payment platform provider receipt with a “Validation Number” after payment at the bank.

Following these steps ensures a smooth application process. Each step must be completed carefully to avoid errors that could delay the issuance of the passport.

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Advantages of the New e-Passport

The new enhanced e-passport offers several advantages:

• 10-year validity option: This reduces the frequency of renewals, saving time and money for frequent travelers.
• Self-tracking of application status: Applicants can track the progress of their application online, providing greater transparency and peace of mind.
• Express centers for urgent applications: These centers expedite the processing of urgent passport applications, making it easier for travelers with immediate needs.
• Compliance with the latest ICAO standards: This ensures that Nigerian passports meet international requirements, facilitating smoother travel across borders.
• Polycarbonate technology: This reduces the likelihood of damage and increases the durability of the passport, making it more resilient to wear and tear.

These enhancements make the new e-passport a valuable document for Nigerian travelers, providing greater convenience and security.

Costs for Nigerians Residing Abroad

For Nigerians living outside the country, the cost of obtaining or renewing an international passport is as follows:

1. 32-page passport:
   • Minor (A day old to 17 years): $77
   • Adult (18 to 59 years): $106
   • Elderly (60 years and above): $77
2. 64-page passport:
   • All categories: $137

These costs are slightly higher than those for residents within Nigeria, reflecting the additional logistical challenges involved in processing passports abroad.

Important Notes

1. Double Acquisition: If you applied for a passport abroad and it wasn’t issued before traveling to Nigeria, you cannot obtain another in Nigeria due to double acquisition rules. Your new payment will be forfeited.
2. Validity: The standard validity of a Nigerian passport is 5 years. You can reissue your passport only six months before expiration or after using all available pages.
3. National Identification Number (NIN): As of March 1, 2018, applicants must have a National Identification Number (NIN) from the National Identification Management Commission (NIMC) to apply for or renew a passport.

Ensuring compliance with these requirements is crucial to avoid complications during the application process. The NIN is especially important, as it links your passport application to your national identity, enhancing security and preventing fraud.

Passport Application Guidelines: How To Apply

Here’s a step-by-step guide to applying for a Nigerian passport:

1. Visit the Nigeria Immigration website: Start by accessing the official NIS portal.
2. Find and select the appropriate application form: Depending on your needs, choose either the e-Passport Application Form or the MRP – Passport Application Form (note that the latter is not applicable in all missions).
3. Select the passport type: Decide whether you need a Standard e-Passport or an Official e-Passport, then click the ‘Start Application’ button.
4. Complete the application form: Fill in all required fields accurately. Accept full responsibility for the information provided by checking the corresponding box, then print the filled form.
5. Submit the application: After filling the form, submit your application and proceed to the payment section.
6. Choose your payment currency: Select either “Pay in Naira” or “Pay in Dollars” and continue.
7. Select your payment method: Choose between paying at a bank or using a credit/debit card.
8. Print the Payment Acknowledgment Slip: This slip contains important details like your Transaction ID, Application ID, and Reference Number.
9. Make your payment: If paying at a bank, present your Payment Acknowledgment Slip and receive a validation number after completing the payment.
10. Confirm your payment: Use the validation number to confirm your payment on the NIS portal.

Following these guidelines meticulously will help ensure a smooth and efficient application process.

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Information for March 2024

As of March 2024, the Nigerian government has implemented several updates to the passport issuance process:

• Commencement of new passport issuance: The new e-passport system began in Abuja on March 4, 2024.
• New enhanced passport booklet: The updated booklet features a 10-year validity option, self-tracking capabilities, and compliance with ICAO standards.
• Approved fees for various categories: The fees for the different passport types have been standardized as follows:
  • 32-page five-year standard passport: ₦25,000
  • 64-page five-year standard passport: ₦35,000
  • 64-page 10-year standard passport: ₦70,000
  • 32-page five-year official passport: ₦15,000

These updates aim to streamline the passport issuance process, improve service delivery, and provide more durable and secure travel documents for Nigerian citizens.

Conclusion

Understanding the costs and processes involved in obtaining a Nigerian international passport in 2024 is important for smooth travel planning. The updated fees reflect the enhancements made to the passport system, ensuring better service delivery and more durable travel documents. By following the outlined steps and preparing the necessary documents, applicants can navigate the application process efficiently. Whether you are applying for the first time or renewing an existing passport, being well-informed will help you avoid common pitfalls and ensure a hassle-free experience.