If you’re planning to get a Nigeria international passport, the biggest mistake is starting the application without having your documents ready. The process is online, but your application can still delay if your NIN cannot be verified, your photo does not meet the standard, or your supporting documents are incomplete.
This guide covers the requirements for international passport in Nigeria for fresh applicants, renewals, minors, and special cases like lost passports or change of name. You’ll also see the key international passport documents most applicants are asked to prepare.
Who Can Apply for a Nigerian International Passport
You can apply if you are a Nigerian citizen (by birth, registration, or naturalisation) and you can satisfy the documentation checks required for your category. The application is submitted online, but biometric enrolment is done in person at your selected passport office.
Core Requirements for International Passport in Nigeria for All Applicants
No matter your category, these are the basic things needed to apply. If you’re searching things i need to apply for international passport, start here:
- A verified National Identification Number (NIN)
- A passport photograph that meets the required standard (ICAO compliant)
- A valid email address and phone number
- Online application acknowledgement slip and payment receipt after submission
- Physical appearance for biometric capture (fingerprints and live photograph)
Requirements for Fresh International Passport in Nigeria (Adult)
If you are applying for the first time as an adult, these are the common documents needed to apply for inernational passport and the key international passport documents most applicants prepare.
1) Proof of age and identity
You will typically provide one of these as evidence of age:
- Birth certificate issued by the National Population Commission (NPC), or
- Declaration of age from a court (as accepted on the portal requirements)
2) Proof of origin
Many applicants are required to provide:
- State or Local Government certificate of origin or indigeneship (as required by the application checklist)
3) Guarantor documents (commonly required for first time adults)
First time adult applicants are commonly asked for:
- Completed guarantor form (generated from the passport portal)
- A passport photograph of the guarantor
- Photocopy of the guarantor’s Nigerian passport data page
- Guarantor form endorsed as required (often by a Commissioner for Oaths, depending on the instructions given)
Because this requirement can vary by applicant situation and office, always follow what your portal checklist requests.
4) Printed slips for biometrics
On biometric day, you usually need:
- Printed application form or acknowledgement slip
- Printed payment receipt
- Appointment slip (if issued)
Requirements for Passport Renewal in Nigeria
For renewal, the requirements are usually simpler than a fresh application.
Common requirements include:
- Verified NIN (your details must match your NIMC record)
- Your current or expired passport details (passport number and data page)
- ICAO compliant passport photograph upload
- Acknowledgement slip and payment receipt
- Biometric appointment and in-person capture
If you cannot present your old passport, it may be treated as lost, and you may be asked to meet lost passport requirements instead.
Requirements for International Passport for Minors (Under 18)
If you are applying for a child, the requirements to book a international flight are not the same as passport requirements. For passports, minors usually need extra parental documentation.
Common requirements include:
- Child’s birth certificate (showing parents’ details)
- Parents’ passport data pages (at least one Nigerian passport is commonly requested)
- Consent letter signed by parents (or legal proof of custody where applicable)
- Acknowledgement slip and payment receipt
- Child must appear for biometric capture when required by the center
Some passport offices and Nigerian missions list slightly different minor checklists, so use the portal instructions for your category and location.
Requirements for Change of Name or Passport Data Correction
If you need a passport amendment (for example change of name due to marriage, or correction of personal data), you are usually asked for documents like:
- Application letter stating the reason for the change
- Court affidavit
- Newspaper publication (often required for change of name)
- Marriage certificate (if the change is due to marriage)
- Birth certificate or other supporting documents for the correct data
- Current passport data page
These requirements can be strict, so it’s best to apply with exactly what your portal checklist requests.
Requirements for Replacement of Lost Passport
Lost passport replacement typically requires more documents because the passport office needs proof and clearance steps.
Common requirements include:
- Police extract or police report for loss of passport
- Sworn affidavit for loss of passport from a court
- Birth certificate or declaration of age
- Local Government certificate of origin or indigeneship
- Any available copy of the lost passport data page (if you have it)
- Online acknowledgement slip and payment receipt
Requirements for Nigerians Applying from Outside Nigeria
If you are applying from abroad, you still apply online, but biometric capture is done at a Nigerian embassy, high commission, or consulate.
Common requirements often include:
- Printed online application form
- Payment receipt and acknowledgement slip
- NIN that matches your details
- Supporting documents such as birth certificate and origin documentation
- Your current Nigerian passport for renewals, if applicable
- Additional host country documents where requested by the mission
Always follow the exact checklist published by the specific Nigerian mission where you will do biometrics.
Related: Requirements to Book a Flight in Nigeria 2026 (Local and International)
Quick Checklist: Things Needed to Apply for International Passport
Use this as a fast summary of requirements for international passport in Nigeria, especially if you want the key international passport documents in Nigeria in one place.
Fresh passport (adult)
- NIN
- Birth certificate or declaration of age
- Certificate of origin or indigeneship (if requested)
- Guarantor form and guarantor documents (if requested)
- ICAO compliant passport photo
- Acknowledgement slip, payment receipt, appointment slip
Renewal
- NIN
- Old passport data page and passport details
- ICAO compliant passport photo
- Acknowledgement slip, payment receipt, appointment slip
Minor
- NIN (if required for the minor’s application flow)
- Child’s birth certificate
- Parent(s) passport data page(s)
- Consent letter and custody proof where applicable
- Acknowledgement slip, payment receipt, appointment slip
Lost passport
- Police report
- Court affidavit for loss
- Proof of age and origin
- Acknowledgement slip, payment receipt, appointment slip
FAQs
Can I apply for international passport online?
Yes. You submit the application online, but you must still attend biometric capture in person before collection.
Can I apply without NIN?
No. A verified NIN is required before your application can proceed to biometric enrolment.
Is NIN the same as BVN and can I use BVN instead?
No. BVN is not a replacement for NIN for passport application.
What documents do I need to apply for international passport in Nigeria?
For most people: NIN, birth certificate or declaration of age, passport photo, acknowledgement slip, payment receipt, and supporting documents like certificate of origin and guarantor documents if requested.
Do I need a guarantor to get international passport?
Many first time adult applicants are asked to provide a guarantor form and guarantor documents. Follow the checklist shown on your application portal.
What if my name on NIN is different from my other documents?
That mismatch can delay your application. Your passport application relies heavily on your NIN record, so correct your NIN details first if needed.
What if I don’t have a birth certificate?
Some applicants use a declaration of age as accepted on the portal requirements. The exact acceptance depends on what your application checklist permits.
What is the difference between renewal and re-issue?
Renewal is commonly used for expired passports. Re-issue is often used for cases like lost passport, damaged passport, or other situations defined on the portal options.
How many days does it take after biometrics?
It varies by office workload and printing queue. The most accurate way is to track your application status after biometric enrolment.
Conclusion
The requirements for international passport in Nigeria are straightforward once you prepare the right documents for your category. Get your NIN verified, use a compliant passport photo, follow the portal checklist for fresh or renewal, then attend biometric capture with your printed slips and originals. When your documents are complete from day one, the process is faster and far less stressful.