Did you know that there are several types of Nigerian passports that are differentiated based on the status and needs of the individual? In this article, we’ll discuss the different kinds of Nigerian passports and the requirements to get one. 

Let’s delve right in:

Standard Passport

This Nigerian passport is the regular one, commonly known as the international passport. It is easily recognisable by its green cover and is specifically issued to the general public and everyday citizens. 

The standard Nigerian passport is also a means of identification for Nigerians travelling abroad, with a total validity period of 10 years.

The requirements for applying for a standard passport vary depending on whether you’re a first-time applicant or requesting a re-issuance of a new one. For first-time applicants, the following documents are needed:

• A completed passport application form
• National Identity Number (NIN)
• A copy of your birth certificate or age declaration
• Local government letter of identification
• A passport photograph
• Letter of consent from parents (for applicants under 16 years)
• A guarantor’s form is signed by a commissioner of oaths.
• Marriage certificate (if applicable)
• Receipt of payment of passport fee

The requirements for a passport renewal include the following:

• A completed passport application form
• A recent photograph
• A copy of the old passport
• A Police Report that says the passport was stolen or lost
• Receipt of payment of passport fee.

Official Passport

The official passport is distinguished by its blue colour. As the name suggests, this kind of passport is issued to government officials such as ministers, governors, permanent secretaries, top military and police officers, and heads of government parastatals. 

The requirements for an official passport are:

• A letter of introduction from the applicant’s ministry or parastatal duly signed by an official not below the rank of a director or secretary to the state government
• A passport photograph
• Receipt of passport fee

Diplomatic Passport

This passport has a distinctive red colour, and it’s issued to ambassadors, consulates, diplomats, and top-ranking government officials like the president, vice-president, senate president, and governors. 

The immediate family members of diplomatic passport holders are also eligible to apply for a diplomatic passport themselves. 

Unlike other Nigerian passports, the diplomatic passport comes with special privileges. Some of these privileges include:

• Exemption from certain airport routines like bag searches and identity checks
• Visa-free access to 69 countries 
• Exemption from paying tax on earnings that result from travelling by air or land
• Permission to use diplomatic licence plates while driving in a foreign country. 

The requirements for a diplomatic passport are:

• Written application request
• The return certificate from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for political office holders
• Proof of age
• A valid identity card
• Application or introduction letter from their organisation
• Recent appointment/promotion letter
• Two passport photographs

Pilgrim Passport

The pilgrim passport has no specific colour as it changes yearly, and it is typically issued to people who want to embark on religious pilgrimages, for instance, to Mecca and Jerusalem. And unlike other Nigerian passports, the validity period of the pilgrim passport is 6 months. 

Seaman Passport

The seaman passport can be identified by its maroon cover; it is issued to sailors and other maritime personnel.

It allows these sailors access to other countries by sea and shows their qualifications. 

The requirements for applying for a seaman’s passport are as follows:

• Local government letter of identification
• Completed passport application form
• Birth certificate
• A passport photograph
• The data page of a guarantor’s standard Nigerian passport
• Guarantor’s driving licence or national identity card

Also read: Can Your Nigerian Passport Support Your Japa Plans?