Before you can travel out of Nigeria to any othercountry of your choice, you must have a valid international passport. Applying for a Nigeria international passport is now mostly online, but you still have to do biometric enrolment before you can collect the booklet.
If you’re asking how to apply for international passport in Nigeria, this guide walks you through the full process, from the types of passport you can get to the official appication portal, to even tracking and collection. So, stay with me as we start with the basics first.
Types of International Passports in Nigeria
Before you apply for international passport in Nigeria, you must first know and decidethe type you want. The Nigeria Immigration Service issues fingerprint enhanced e-passports in these main categories:
Standard Passport (Normal Passport)
This is the regular green passport issued to Nigerian citizens for personal travel. It is the one most people mean when they say “international passport.”
| Booklet type (pages) | Validity | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 32 pages | 5 years | Light travelers, first-time applicants, people who don’t travel often |
| 64 pages | 5 years | Frequent travel, more visa pages and stamps without choosing 10-year validity |
| 64 pages | 10 years | Frequent travelers who want fewer renewals and long-term convenience |
Official Passport
This is issued to government officials traveling for official assignments. It is not for private personal travel.
Diplomatic Passport
This is issued to diplomats and eligible government representatives based on their role and assignment.
Step by Step Process to Apply for International Passport in Nigeria
Now, I believe most people looking to get an international passport in Nigeria are usually in the quest for a normal standard one. So this section is intentionally detailed so you can follow it without guessing.
Step 1: Prepare your NIN and personal details
Before you open the application portal, make sure your NIN details are correct and consistent. Your name and date of birth must match your NIMC record because the passport application checks those details.
If your NIN record has errors, fix that first. A mismatch is one of the most common reasons applications delay.
Step 2: Go to the official NIS passport application portal
Create an account or sign in on the NIS Passport portal, then choose the correct option:
- Fresh passport (first time applicants)
- Renewal or re-issue (expired, filled pages, lost, or damaged depending on what the portal offers)
If you are searching how to apply for international passport online, this is exactly what it means. The application begins online.
Step 3: Verify your NIN
Enter your NIN and complete the verification checks. Some applicants are asked to confirm date of birth as part of verification.
Once verification passes, you can proceed to the application form.
Step 4: Choose your processing state and passport office
Select where you want to do your biometric capture and collection. Pick a center you can realistically attend.
If you are applying in Lagos, choose Lagos as your processing state and select your preferred Lagos passport office from the list.
Step 5: Choose booklet type and validity option
You will typically be asked to choose booklet options offered on the portal. Select based on your travel frequency. There is option for 32 pages, and also 64 pages (Recommended for frequent travellers)
Do not overthink it. If you travel often, more pages and longer validity is usually more convenient. If you travel rarely, the basic option is often enough.
Step 6: Upload your passport photo the right way
Upload an ICAO compliant passport photo. Many rejections start here, so do it carefully.
Tips that reduce issues:
- Use a clear white background
- Avoid heavy filters or edited photos
- Use a properly cropped head-and-shoulders photo
- Follow the size and resolution limits stated on the portal
If the portal provides a photo compliance test tool, use it before final upload.
Step 7: Complete the application form carefully
Fill in the remaining sections, which usually include:
- Personal information pulled from NIMC
- Contact address
- Phone number and email address
- Next of kin details
- Occupation and other identity fields the portal requests
Use a working email you check often. This is where updates and confirmations usually go.
Step 8: Pay and submit your application
Make payment through the portal and submit the application.
Immediately after submission:
- Save your application number and reference number
- Download or print the acknowledgement slip
- Download or print the payment receipt
These documents are important for biometrics and for tracking.
Step 9: Book your biometric appointment
After submission, book an appointment for biometric enrolment. If appointments are tight in your area, book the earliest date you can attend.
If you miss your appointment day, your process can drag longer than expected.
Step 10: Attend biometric capture
On your appointment day, go to your selected passport office for biometric capture.
Go with:
- Your acknowledgement slip
- Your payment receipt
- Your supporting documents based on your citizenship category
- Any additional document the portal asks you to bring
At biometrics, your fingerprints and photograph are captured. After this, your application moves into processing.
Step 11: Track your passport application
Use the official tracking system to check your status using your reference or application details. Tracking saves you unnecessary trips and helps you know when it moves to printing or ready for collection.
Step 12: Collection
This is the final step on how to apply for international passport in Nigeria. When your status shows ready, follow the collection instructions for your processing center. Collection rules can differ by office, so use what your center provides and what your application status indicates.
Things You Need to Apply for International Passport in Nigeria
Here’s the simple version of what most applicants should expect:
- You must be Nigerian and have a valid NIN
- A compliant passport photograph is required
- Supporting documents depend on your category, such as citizen by birth, minor, naturalisation, or registration
Check Here for All the Needed Requirements to Get International Passprt in Nigeria
How Much Is International Passport in Nigeria
Fees vary based on the booklet option and validity available on the portal at the time you apply. The safest rule is to rely on what the official portal shows during payment, since updates can happen.
Check Complete Breakdown of the Cost of International Passport in Nigeria Here
How Long Does It Take to Get an International Passport in Nigeria
Processing time varies by:
- fresh application vs renewal
- your chosen passport office workload
- NIN verification issues
- photo or document issues
- printing backlog at the time
Your most accurate timeline is your application status updates after biometrics.
FAQs
Can I apply for international passport online?
Yes. You submit your application online, then you still attend biometric enrolment before collection.
How do I apply for international passport in Lagos?
Apply online, choose Lagos as your processing state, select a Lagos passport office, book an appointment, then attend biometrics.
How much is international passport?
The amount depends on the booklet type and validity option you select and what the portal currently displays at payment.
How long does it take to get an international passport in Nigeria?
It varies by office and application type. After biometrics, tracking updates are the best way to know how your own application is moving.
Which passport should I choose, 32 pages or 64 pages?
Choose 32 pages if you rarely travel and want the basic option. Choose 64 pages if you travel often or apply for visas frequently, because it gives you more space for stamps and visa pages.
What happens if my NIN details do not match my application?
Your application can delay or fail verification. The best fix is to correct your NIMC details first, then reattempt the passport application.
Can someone apply for me if I’m busy?
Someone can help you fill the online form, but the applicant must attend biometric capture because fingerprints and a live photo are required.
Can I track my passport application after biometrics?
Yes. Use the official tracking option and your application details to monitor your status.
What is the contactless passport application option?
It is a system Nigeria Immigration Service has been rolling out for eligible applicants that supports more of the process remotely. Availability can depend on location and the specific process updates at the time you apply.
Conclusion
Getting for an international passport in Nigeria is straightforward once you follow the official steps. Submit your application online, choose the right booklet option for your travel needs, attend biometric capture on your appointment date, then track your status until it’s ready for collection.
If you keep your NIN details accurate and your documents complete, you’ll avoid the delays that frustrate most applicants.