Why & What You Need To Get A National Passport

If you have always wanted to travel abroad to explore the European countries, experience the glamour of Dubai, the cityscapes of the US, or even the romantic feeling of Paris, you will need a national passport. It’s your ticket to travel, whether it’s for business or pleasure.

What’s a Passport, and Why do you need one?

As a Nigerian, a national passport is required to verify your citizenship. It’s a travel document issued by the Nigerian government to its citizens to verify their nationalities and identities when travelling abroad. Even if you have no immediate plans to travel overseas, a passport is a valuable document for reasons other than gaining entry to other countries.

Your name, photo, birth date, gender, and physical characteristics are all included in your passport. Thus, it can be used as a legal photo ID if you require any in any situation. If an emergency arises and you need to travel out of the country quickly, you will be assured because you have a passport with you.

If you have just been recruited for a new job position, you must fill out employment verification forms and provide documentation. A passport is one of the best documents that can prove your identity and employment eligibility.

If you think you might need to visit a country that requires a visa, you have even more reason to get your passport. It’s easier and faster to obtain a visa or travel permit when you already have a passport. Getting a visa is a separate process and may sometimes take time. If you don’t have a passport, you will be going through many processes to get both your passport and a visa.  Thus, If you think you might need to leave the country in the next six months, you should start the passport application process right away.

Nigerian National Passport

You can apply for a Nigerian national passport at any immigration office in the country for travel purposes. You can travel outside of the continent with your national passport. It’s issued by the Nigerian Immigration Services (NIS).

Nigeria has two versions of this passport: one with a blue cover for Nigerian diplomats and government officials, and one with a green cover for everyone else.

What do you need to get a national passport?

If you’re wondering what you’ll need to get your Nigerian international passport, we’ve made it easier for you.

What are the Requirements?

To get your national passport, you need to visit an immigration office in the country with the following documents:

Adults (18 years and over):

– Completed passport application form

– Two recent passport-size photographs

– Proof of payment

– Completed Guarantor’s form (with a photocopy of the data page of Guarantor’s Nigerian e-passport and one passport-size photograph of the Guarantor)

– Letter of ID from local government/ state of origin (valid staff ID card attached)

– Birth certificate

– Name change affidavit (if applicable)

– Marriage certificate (if applicable)

Minors (below 18 years of age):

– Completed passport application form

– Evidence of Nigerian citizenship of parent/s

– Letter of consent from both parents (valid court order if one parent is unavailable)

– One passport-size photograph (signed on the reverse side by consenting parent/s)

– Proof of payment

– Birth certificate

Adopted Child:

– A Court Order.

– Letter of approval from the State Ministry of Women and Child Development is required.

How to Apply for your National Passport

You can process your Nigerian international passport application either online or offline.

Online Application:

– You should visit the official site of the Nigerian Immigration Services portal

– Locate and click on the appropriate application form to start the process:

– e-Passport Application Form

– MRP – Passport Application Form (Not Applicable In All Missions)

– You have to choose a passport type “Standard e-Passport” OR “Official e-Passport”, then click on the ‘Start Application’ button.

– Fill the Application form; check the ‘I ACCEPT FULL RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THIS FORM’ checkbox then click the “PRINT” Button to print the filled form.

– Click on the ‘Submit Application’ button to view the ‘Applicant details page’

– Click on “Proceed to Online Payment”

– Click to select Payment Currency “Pay in Naira” or “Pay in Dollars” option then Click on the ‘Continue’ button

– Choose the currency you want to use for payment (Naira or US Dollars):

– Complete application form

– Upload scanned copies of required documents

– Once payment is completed, click “Submit”

– You will be issued an Application ID and Reference number

– Print out Guarantor’s form and have it certified

– Submit completed application form with additional required documents in person at your selected passport office

How to Use the Validation Number

After payment, you receive the “Validation Number.” You should proceed to the NIS portal for confirmation of payment:

– Go to the “Query your Application Payment Status” and enter your Passport Application ID and Reference No.

– If a “Validation Number” field appears, you should enter the number from your ‘approved payment platform provider’ receipt. This Validation Number has been generated after payment through the Bank.

– Click the “Search Record” button and you will be sent to the “Applicant’s Details” page where a date for your interview has been generated.

– You can now print a Receipt or an Acknowledgement Slip by using the buttons on this page. (You will need them for your interview).

– You will be presented with your NIS e-receipt or Acknowledgement Slip in a new window. Click on the “Print” button to send a copy to the printer.

Offline Application:

If you do not want to use the online portal, you can use an agent to submit your passport application. If you use the wrong agent, this process may take a little longer or present you with difficulties. You can, however, complete this process by visiting an immigration office.