How Much Is International Passport in Nigeria: Official Fees and Extra Charges

When I tried to renew my international passport in Nigeria, I discovered a maze of official fees, additional expenses, and often inconsistent information. An international passport in Nigeria costs NGN 25,000 for a 32-page passport with 5 years validity and NGN 70,000 for a 64-page passport with 10 years validity. Understanding the associated expenditures is critical, especially if you’re planning a trip or want a passport for business. In this article, I’ll explain all I learned about the costs of obtaining an international passport in Nigeria, including some lesser-known fees and tips for avoiding excessive spending.

What is an International Passport?

The international passport is an important document for anyone who intends to go abroad. It serves as the main proof of identification issued by the government of one’s country and is globally recognized.

It not only serves as a form of identity, but it also proves that the holder is a legal citizen of their home country, granting them access to a variety of critical services such as medical and legal support.

An international passport also acts as proof of identity, which can help validate other documents required for international travel, such as visas and birth certificates.

An international passport provides crucial information about the person, such as their name, date of birth, photograph, and other identifying characteristics. It is necessary by almost every country in the globe to enter, exit, or transit their borders.

Without a valid International passport, an individual will be unable to leave or enter their home country or any foreign land. As a result, anyone planning to travel internationally must get and carry a valid international passport. It is critical to ensure that one’s international passport is current and valid before starting on any international journey.

How Much is an International Passport in Nigeria?

The cost of an international passport in Nigeria is determined by numerous factors, including the type of passport, the applicant’s age, and the processing speed. The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) has set official fees for several passport types.

Official fees for Nigerian international passports:

32-page Passport (5-year validity):
- Adults (18-60 years): NGN25,000.
- Minors (under 18 years): NGN 15,000.
- Seniors (60+ years): NGN 15,000.
64-page passport (10-year validity): NGN 70,000.

When I first applied for my passport, I chose the 32-page version with a five-year validity. The official amount was NGN 25,000, but I immediately realized that other charges could pile up. From “processing fees” to “logistics costs,” the total may be greater than anticipated.

Additional Charges to Expect

While the official fees are clearly stated, various unofficial expenditures frequently develop during the application procedure. These may include:

#1. Processing fees:

Some candidates are charged additional fees at various points of the application process. These can vary, but commonly range between NGN 5,000 and NGN 10,000.

#2. Logistics fees:

Depending on the location, logistical fees for transferring documents or passports can cost between NGN 2,000 and NGN 5,000.

#3. Expedited Service

If you require your passport immediately, accelerated service fees can be substantial, sometimes twice the usual amount.

#4. Agent Fees:

Using an agent to facilitate the process can cost between NGN 10,000 and NGN 20,000, depending on the agent and the services supplied.

Factors That Determine the Cost of a Nigerian International Passport

The cost of an international passport in Nigeria depends on the following factors:

Types of Booklets

There is a cost difference between a 32-page and a 64-page booklet.

Step-By-Step Instructions on How to Pay for International Passport Application Fees Online in Nigeria

Once you have clicked on the “Submit Application” button and viewed the “Applicant details page”, the next step is to proceed to payment.

There are two options for paying your application fees online. Pay with a bank transfer or a credit card. We went into greater detail about this later.

Here is a step-by-step approach for paying international passport application fees in Nigeria:

To pay the application fees, click the “Proceed to Online Payment” option.
Click to choose your payment currency. There are two (2) payment currency options: “Pay in Naira” and “Pay in Dollars”.
Click the ‘Continue’ button.
Select your preferred currency: naira or US dollars.
(If you wish to pay in Naira, you will be prompted to select your PayType – that is, payment method: “Bank”, “Credit, OR Debit card”

#1. Bank Payment Method

Follow the steps outlined below for the bank payment method:

Select “Bank” as your payment method in the PayType section and click Continue.
You will see a list of participating banks; click ‘Continue’ to proceed.
Click the “Print Acknowledgment” button to print your “Payment Acknowledgment Slip” along with the Transaction ID, Application ID, and Reference Number.
Proceed to a participating bank for payment with a copy of your “Payment acknowledgment slip”.

After making a payment at any of the partner banks, you will receive an “approved payment platform provider” receipt, which includes your “Validation Number”.

You will need this “Validation Number” to authenticate your payment through the NIS portal.

#2. Credit/Debit Card Payment Methods

For the credit or debit card payment option:

At the PayType payment method, select “Credit OR Debit card” and click Proceed.

Proceed to enter your login credentials.
To enter the payment portal, click the “Login” button. Then, click the “PAY” button to see your application details.
After reviewing your application details, click the “Continue” option.
You will be brought to the “Value Card” payment page; enter your card details and click the “OK” button.
After you’ve made your payment, you’ll be given a “Validation Number” that you should keep because you’ll need it to confirm your transaction.

You can also generate a receipt by clicking the “Print the Receipt” button.

How to Confirm Payment for Nigerian International Using Your Validation Number

To confirm your payment, copy the “Validation Number” that was generated after you paid through the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) webpage.
Follow the instructions listed below.

On the NIS portal, proceed to “Query your Application Payment Status” and input your International Passport Application ID and reference number.
Enter the receipt number from your “approved payment platform provider” receipt into the “Validation Number” column.
Click the “Search Record” button. You will be transported to the “Applicant’s Details” page, where your interview date has been produced.
To print your NIS receipt or acknowledgment slip, click on the corresponding icons.
Your NIS e-receipt or acknowledgment slip will appear in a new window.
Clicking the “Print” button will send a copy of the receipt or slip to the printer.

Requirements for Getting a Nigerian International Passport

To obtain a Nigerian International passport, you must show proof of Nigerian citizenship, such as a birth certificate or national identity card.

The Nigerian government issued four types of passports:

Standard International Passport
Official International Passport.
Seaman’s Book
Diplomatic International Passport.

#1. Standard International Passport

Nigerians are issued the Standard International Passport, which is green and is used for normal travel. The standard international passport has a ten-year validity period.

Documents Required to Get a Standard International Passport in Nigeria.

The Standard International Passport in Nigeria requires the following documents:

Identification letter from your Local Government Council of Origin.
A court-issued declaration of age or a birth certificate can serve as proof of age
Two current passport images with a white background
A guarantor’s form
A letter of consent from a parent (applicable to someone under the age of 16).
A marriage certificate (applicable to those who are married).
A police report (in the event of a lost or stolen international passport)

#2. Official International Passport

Government officials and Nigerian ambassadors receive the Official International Passport. Blue is the color of the Official International Passport. A five-year validity period applies to the Official International Passport.

Documents Required to Get an Official International Passport in Nigeria

Documents needed to obtain an official international passport in Nigeria include:

A letter of appointment from any relevant level of government at the federal or state level.
A marriage certificate, if necessary.
A police report (in the event of a lost or stolen international passport)
A letter of last promotion or appointment

The application must be sent to the passport office, Embassy, or High Commission, together with other documentation.

#3. Seaman’s Book

The Seaman’s Book is a passport provided to those who operate on ships and watercraft. The Seaman’s Book is maroon in color.

Documents Required to Get the Seaman’s Book in Nigeria

The documents needed to obtain the Seaman’s Book in Nigeria include:

Identification letter and evidence that the applicant is a seaman
A completed application form.
A Local Government letter of identity
Birth Certificate or Age Declaration
2 Current colored passport images (with white backgrounds).

The application must be sent to the passport office, Embassy, or High Commission, together with other documentation.

#4. Diplomatic International Passport

The Diplomatic International passport, which is red in color, is provided to government officials who travel outside the country on official business. It is provided free of charge to government officials on official trips outside the country.

Navigating the Application Process

To apply for a Nigerian international passport, complete these procedures.

Online Applications:
- Visit the NIS website and fill out the application form. Pay the official fee online to avoid inflated fees.
Biometric Capture:
- Make an appointment for biometric capture at your nearest passport office. Ensure that you have all necessary paperwork, including proof of payment.
Additional costs:
- Be prepared for probable additional fees at the passport office. Stay informed and query any unusual expenses.

Hidden Costs and How to Avoid Them

Bribes and unofficial payments:
Unfortunately, bribery is occasionally an issue. Applicants may be requested for unofficial payments to expedite or prevent delays in their applications. It is critical to remain informed about the official process and fees to prevent falling prey to such practices.
Travel costs:
If you need to travel to a major city or a specialized passport office, consider the expense of transportation and potentially lodging if you’re traveling from a long distance.
Rejection and reapplication fees:
If your application is refused owing to errors or missing documentation, you may be required to pay reapplication fees. Avoid this predicament by double-checking all of your paperwork and application details.

One important suggestion is to arrive at the passport office early to avoid large lines and potential “express service” fees. To avoid the inconvenience of reapplying, make sure all of your documentation is complete and up to date. Another effective method is to use the online application system as much as possible to reduce time spent in the passport office.

Important: Always check the NIS official website for the most recent pricing structure.
Online application process for Nigerian international passport.

How to Apply for a Nigerian International Passport

Online Registration: Go to the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) website and create an account. Once logged in, select the type of passport you’re looking for and fill out the online application form.
Payment and Scheduling: After submitting the application form, you must pay the passport application fee online. Once your payment has been received, you can make an appointment to visit a passport office for biometric data capture.
Biometric Data Capture: On the planned date, go to the selected passport office and deliver your biometric information, such as fingerprints and pictures. You must also send any relevant supporting papers, including a copy of your National Identification Number (NIN), birth certificate, and passport-style pictures.
Passport Collection: Once your biometric data has been taken and your supporting documents have been confirmed, you will be notified of the date when you can get your passport.

Role of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS)

The NIS is in charge of issuing international passports to Nigerian residents. They manage the full passport application process, from online registration to biometric data capture and passport issues. The NIS also plays an important role in preserving the security and integrity of Nigeria’s passports.

Passport Renewal & Replacement

If your Nigerian passport is about to expire or has been lost, destroyed, or stolen, you can apply for renewal or replacement. The process is identical to applying for a new passport, but you must provide additional paperwork, such as a copy of your expired passport or a police report (in the instance of a lost or stolen passport).

FAQs About International Passports in Nigeria

How long does it take to obtain an international passport in Nigeria?

The processing period might range from a few days to several weeks, depending on the service level (normal or expedited) and the passport office.

Can I apply for an international passport online in Nigeria?

Yes, you can begin the application process online using the NIS website, which allows you to complete forms and make payments before visiting a passport office.

Are there any age-related fees for international passports in Nigeria?

Yes, fees vary for youngsters, adults, and seniors. For more extensive information, see the official pricing structure.

How do I avoid additional fees while applying for an international passport?

Be prepared with all necessary paperwork, avoid making unofficial payments, use online services to decrease processing time, and inquire about all potential fees up front.

To Apply for an International Passport, Do I Need NIN?

Yes. Your international passport application must include a National Identification Number (NIN).

How many countries may Nigerian passport holders visit without a visa?

You can travel visa-free to 27 countries across the world.

Key Takeaways

Understanding official fees for various types of passports to avoid overspending.
Consider additional costs such as processing fees, passport photo fees, courier fees, and service charges.
Be knowledgeable to prevent bribes and unofficial payments, and make sure your application is accurate to avoid reapplication fees.
Use the NIS online portal to speed up your application and save time at passport offices.
Show up early at passport offices and double-check your documents to ensure a smooth application procedure.

Conclusion

Understanding the cost of obtaining an international passport in Nigeria entails more than simply understanding the official fees. You may manage the procedure more efficiently and prevent unexpected fees by being aware of any additional charges and adhering to best practices. Are you ready to apply for an international passport? Make sure you’re well-prepared and knowledgeable so that the procedure goes as smoothly as possible.

What obstacles did you face while acquiring an international passport in Nigeria, and how did you overcome them?

How Much Is International Passport in Nigeria: Official Fees and Extra Charges

What is an International Passport?

How Much is an International Passport in Nigeria?