Nigerian passport

A Quick Guide on How to Apply for Your Nigerian Passport Online
The Nigerian government, via the Ministry of Interior, officially launched an online passport application portal on Monday, January 8, 2024. Applicants can now complete 99% of the process online, and they only have to show up at the immigration office for biometric capture. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to apply for your Nigerian passport online.

Step 1

Visit the online application portal on your mobile device or computer.

Step 2

Step 3

Input your National Identification Number (NIN) and date of birth. This automatically pulls your data from the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).

Step 4

Select a processing state from the list of states, and a processing office in your chosen state. The selected location is where you’ll go for your biometric capture.

Step 5

Select a booklet type. You can choose between a 32 or 64-page passport booklet.

Step 6

Upload a passport photograph that meets the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards.

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Step 7

Fill in personal details such as address, occupation, mobile number, next of kin, marital status, etc. Note that data such as name, gender, place and country of birth, which have been pulled from your NIN, cannot be changed. If you need to, you’ll have to visit the NIMC office.

Step 8

Upload the following required supporting documents:
- Local government letter of identification
- Birth certificate/age declaration
- Guarantor’s form sworn to before a commissioner of oaths/magistrate/high court judge
- Parents’ letter of consent for minors under 16 years
- Marriage certificate where applicable
- Police report, in case of lost passport
Verification of documents can take up to seven days.

Step 9

Confirm your details and make payment for your passport. A 32-page passport with a five-year validity costs ₦35,000, while a 64-page passport with a 10-year validity costs ₦70,000.

Step 10

Go for your biometric capture at the NIS office, and your passport should be ready for collection within two weeks.

Passport renewal

The renewal process is similar. It’s important to have the following:
- NIN number
- Old passport booklet number
- A passport photograph that meets ICAO standards
- The supporting documents outlined in Step 8 above
Adeyinka Odutuyo

January 10, 2024

Citizen

International passport, Nigeria, Nigerian passport, Nigerians
All You Need to Know About the Seychelles Visa Ban

Nigerian passport holders seeking short-term holiday in the island country of Seychelles may have to hold back on that for a while, following an alleged visa ban imposed by the Seychelles government.

The alleged ban has caused concern and raised questions about the reasons behind this decision. Here’s some clarity on the situation.

How it started

The Seychelles visa ban conversation started on Saturday, July 8, after a travel content creator, @munachimsooo, tweeted about it after applying for travel authorization. @munachimsooo shared a screenshot from the immigration website which read in part:

“We regret to inform you that your application has been declined, as per immigration regulation, for now we are not accepting any NIGERIAN passport holder for holiday purposes.”

It seems Seychelles just placed a ban on Nigerian passport holders. The thing with having a Nigerian passport is you can be postponing travel plans until you become Bill Gates and immigration policies will be like “ Dey play” pic.twitter.com/UroivUEjGM
— MunafromTravelletters (@Munachimsoooo) July 8, 2023

Is Seychelles not visa-free?

According to information on the Seychelles immigration website, a visa is not required regardless of the nationality of intending visitors. Instead, a visitor’s permit is issued on arrival to anyone who comes for the purpose of holiday, business, or to visit family and friends.

However, visitors must apply for a Seychelles travel authorization that costs about €10 before embarking on a trip.

Has the Seychelles government addressed the allegations?

There has been no official confirmation from the government of Seychelles regarding the alleged visa ban on Nigerian passport holders. However, a border security official who briefly spoke with the media corroborated @munachimsooo’s claim. The official, without giving any reasons for the ban, was quoted to have said: “Yes, but no further information is available at this time.”

Who is not affected by the Seychelles ban?

At the moment, the alleged visa ban specifies visitors seeking short-term visas or those visiting for holiday purposes and doesn’t say much about other travellers. A Nigerian filmmaker, Steven Ndukwu, is currently in Seychelles and hasn’t been asked to leave the country.

According to Ndukwu, the visa ban is still a rumour and hasn’t been made official yet.

Been getting so many messages about the Seychelles ban on Nigerian passport holders..

It has not been made official yet so it remains a rumor. pic.twitter.com/AqT0s6tXkv
— Steven Ndukwu (@SteveNdukwu) July 10, 2023

Has the Nigerian government reacted?

At the time of compiling this report, there has been no official statement from the Nigerian government addressing the alleged Seychelles visa ban. It would be recalled that in December, Nigeria signed a pact that would enable direct flights between the two countries.

Former minister of aviation, Hadi Sirika, and Seychelles’ minister of transport, Anthony Derjacques, reached a mutual agreement that would further advance the African Union (AU)’s agenda 2063, drive business growth and boost tourism.

What visa arrangement did Nigeria have with Seychelles before?

Until the alleged visa ban, Nigeria had a long-standing visa-free agreement with Seychelles. Nigerian passport holders/citizens could enter the country visa-free for 30 days, after taking the necessary steps.

Which other visa-free countries can Nigerian passport holders visit?

There are still countries that admit Nigerians without a visa, you just need to research and get information on the documents you might need. Some of the visa-free countries include Rwanda, Barbados, Benin Republic, Ghana, Cape Verde, Senegal, etc.

Adeyinka Odutuyo

July 11, 2023

Inside Life

Nigerian passport, Nigerians, seychelles, Seychelles visa ban
Seychelles Visa Ban: Seven Types of Nigerians Right Now

The recent Seychelles visa ban has some Nigerian passport holders worked up, with many dreaming about Canadian and American passports yet again.

While some are already bashing both governments, there are others who give zero fucks. Between these two types, here are seven other types of Nigerians you’ll find in the conversation right now.

The honeymooners

Someone should check on the newlyweds o. They’ve probably planned their honeymoon in Seychelles and now have to make last-minute changes that will choke their pocket. Sorry for the laugh dears.

The Ajala travellers

They’re always catching flights and couldn’t care less about the Seychelles visa ban. If anything, they’ve probably already visited.

Been there, done that

These ones have made several trips to Seychelles so it’s not a novelty to them. If they’re feeling any sort of way, it’s because of their children and grandkids who haven’t experienced the country yet.

Travel influencers

They shared the news right after it broke, but it’s not because they are nice like that. They’re probably already compiling a list of other African countries that people can visit.

The Nigerian passport advocates

You’ll find them calling out the Nigerian and Seychelles government. Everybody must collect.

The “God, abeg” people

People in this group cannot relate. Not by choice but by the reality of their bank accounts. They don’t even have international passports.

Sugar daddies

Sugar daddies are probably silently giving thanks for another form of billing they can avoid. The sugar babies will likely go to Ghana for summer.

Adeyinka Odutuyo

July 10, 2023

Inside Life

Nigerian passport, Nigerians, seychelles
What Are the Different Types of Nigerian International Passports?
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
Download the Citizen Election Report: Navigating Nigeria’s Political Journey

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?
Tolu Omotesho

June 23, 2023

Citizen

International passport, Japa, Nigerian passport
Can Your Nigerian Passport Support Your Japa Plans?

Everyone loves the good life. This explains why many Nigerians are very eager to japa to get it. There’s just one developing problem — Nigeria’s passport index is really low.

So while you may be on the verge of escaping, it’s worth pondering: is Nigeria really done with you?

What’s the passport index?

You know how there is a rule of law index which measures how countries uphold the rule of law? Or a corruption perception index that measures the perceived level of public corruption? There’s a passport index too. It measures the strength of a passport based on how many countries will issue it a visa on arrival.

The Henley Passport Index for 2023 was recently released and it ranks Nigeria 97. If you’re wondering whether that’s a good or bad thing, let’s just say the last country on the index is Afghanistan and it’s ranked 109.

Nigeria is dragging with Ethiopia (a country that was at war in 2022) with a score of 97. The 46 you see beside our name represents the number of countries that will grant a visa on arrival. 25 countries will grant Nigerian passport holders visa-free access. That means that Nigerians cannot access over 181 travel destinations without a visa, visa-on-arrival or e-visa arrangement.

The data for this ranking comes from the International Air Transport Authority (IATA). It is also updated using extensive in-house research and open-source online data.

Now compare Nigeria with the world’s most valuable passports.

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How does Nigeria compare with other West African countries?

As far as West Africa is concerned, we’ve carried last. Gambia and our jollof rivals, Ghana, have found new reasons to raise their shoulders at us. Our low index means that even if you want to japa, your visa options are pretty limited. These are the only countries your Nigerian passport can give you visa-free access to outside Africa.

Look at that list again and tell me it doesn’t make you shake your head.

How can Nigeria improve on the passport index?

Most passport indices focus on global mobility which is how well you can travel from one country to another. There are other factors that influence this. One of them is the quality of living. The countries that tend to rank high are the ones with higher qualities of living standards. So if your country is doing fine, more countries will grant your citizens visa-free access.

There’s also the investment ranking. How easy is it for one to invest in a country and get their earnings without any government wahala? How dynamic is the economy and its purchasing power? Nigerians already know the answer to that. If we can improve on these things there’s a good chance the Nigerian passport will gain more acceptance. One way to do this is by ensuring we have the right leaders. And the only way to get the right leaders is by voting them in.

So if you want the disrespect to end, vote right on February 25, 2023.

Stephen Agwaibor

January 11, 2023

Citizen

Japa, Nigerian passport
I Wanted a Passport That Works, So I Had to Japa

Whenever I hear of someone who has japa, I think, “we’ve lost another one.” And until I stumbled across this tweet about the different categories of people who japa, I didn’t realise some people only left for a better passport. So I reached out to Lanre, the 24-year-old, to tell me about his reason for moving.

Image source: Unsplash

As told to Memi

When I got admission to study Chemical Engineering at the University of Minna, I didn’t have any plans to leave Nigeria. Things were going fine. We had one strike, but it only lasted two months, so I thought I could manage.

And even when things started deteriorating— fuel prices rising, insecurity increasing, economy going down — I still had no plans to leave because I expected things to get better. But my dad called me one day in 2018 and told me I had to travel, to save myself and my future kids and provide them with better options.

I started working towards the new goal in the two years that followed. I worked harder at school to push my grades over the 3.0-grade point average I needed to qualify for a Masters in the United States. After graduation, I got my transcript and recommendation letters. By 2019, I had started applying to schools abroad. From the three I applied to, I got admission to one in Cleveland. But it wasn’t until September 2021 that I got my visa and left in December.

I think I was the only Nigerian on my flight, and because it was a layover flight, we stopped at Qatar, and I’m sure they didn’t have to scrutinise my passport the way they did others. Even when we got to the US border, they grouped us into two lines; citizens/residents and visitors. Trust our queue to move slower and for me to be bombarded with questions about where I’d stay, why I was there and all that stuff.

Things like this make you realise people see the Nigerian passport and start doubting you. So even though I still can’t stand the cold — I don’t think I’ll ever get used to it — I miss my friends, and I’m miles away from home, I’m here until I get a more respectable passport.

Ultimately, I plan to travel the world. I also have plans for a developmental project in Nigeria, preferably in the education technology industry. Maybe it’d be for profit or not, I can’t say yet. But I’ll go back to Nigeria if things improve in a few years.

With all the news I’ve been hearing and the number of people leaving daily, I hope the country still exists by then. Between January to May 2021 after I left, every call from my family and friends in Nigeria was saddening. When the national grid wasn’t falling, they were kidnapping people on the road. And it’s continued to go downhill since then.

Sometimes I wish I didn’t have to travel, but that would mean things were working and the country provided opportunities to build great futures, but that’s not the case. I pray Nigerians do the right thing this election, but since people already voted Buhari twice, I’m not so confident.

*This interview has been edited for structure and clarity.

YOUR NEXT READ: 7 Things You Need to Know Before You Japa

Meyimi O.

October 18, 2022

Inside Life

Japa, Nigerian passport
13 Struggles Every Nigerian Who Only Has A Green Passport Will Get

1. You, the night before you go to apply for a visa.

Baba God, do it for your child.

2. You and Visa forms.

The stress.

3. When you get rejected by some countries and you’re just there thinking about your life.

Is this my life? Even this skreppy country is rejecting me?

4. The moment you realize your passport is lowkey just a wallet for visas.

When will it get better, ehn?

5. You, praying that the immigration officer suddenly becomes colour blind.

He shall see blue in Jesus’ name.

6. What the line for foreign passports looks like in a new country:

What is all this?

7. How immigration officers look at you when you bring out your green passport:

Oh God!

8. Your face, whenever they detain you at a foreign airport.

Why always me?

9. You, looking at the countries that you don’t need a visa to enter.

Is this a joke?

10. When countries in the same Africa as you are still asking for a visa too.

In my own continent again?

11. You, watching your friends with blue and red passports plan summer holidays.

Chai!

12. Whenever citizens start misbehaving around you.

Abeg oh! I know the colour of my passport.

13. When you want to enter your own country and they are answering people with blue and red passports first.

What the hell?

Daniel Orubo

May 26, 2016

Oldies

Africa, Green Passport, immigrant, Nigeria, Nigerian passport, uk, USA, visa

A Quick Guide on How to Apply for Your Nigerian Passport Online

All You Need to Know About the Seychelles Visa Ban

Seychelles Visa Ban: Seven Types of Nigerians Right Now

What Are the Different Types of Nigerian International Passports?

Let’s delve right in:

Standard Passport

Official Passport

Diplomatic Passport

Pilgrim Passport

Seaman Passport

Can Your Nigerian Passport Support Your Japa Plans?

What’s the passport index?

How does Nigeria compare with other West African countries?

How can Nigeria improve on the passport index?

I Wanted a Passport That Works, So I Had to Japa

13 Struggles Every Nigerian Who Only Has A Green Passport Will Get

1. You, the night before you go to apply for a visa.

2. You and Visa forms.

3. When you get rejected by some countries and you’re just there thinking about your life.

4. The moment you realize your passport is lowkey just a wallet for visas.

5. You, praying that the immigration officer suddenly becomes colour blind.

6. What the line for foreign passports looks like in a new country:

7. How immigration officers look at you when you bring out your green passport:

8. Your face, whenever they detain you at a foreign airport.

9. You, looking at the countries that you don’t need a visa to enter.

10. When countries in the same Africa as you are still asking for a visa too.

11. You, watching your friends with blue and red passports plan summer holidays.

12. Whenever citizens start misbehaving around you.

13. When you want to enter your own country and they are answering people with blue and red passports first.