Documents Needed for International Passport in Nigeria (2025)

If you want to apply for an international passport in Nigeria, this guide will help you. It explains the documents needed for international passport, how much it costs in 2025, and where to go. You will also learn how to apply online and choose the passport office that is closest to you.

Many people in Nigeria want to travel abroad for school, work, business, or to visit family. To travel out of the country, you need an international passport. This passport is the main document that shows you are a Nigerian citizen. It is also what foreign embassies ask for when you want to apply for a visa.

This guide will show you everything you need to know about the documents required to apply for an international passport in Nigeria. Whether you are applying for the first time, renewing, or replacing a lost passport, this guide is for you.

We wrote this article so that you can understand and follow the process.

What Is an International Passport?

An international passport is a small book that the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) gives you. It has your photo, your full name, date of birth, where you were born, and other personal details. It also shows where you have travelled to.

Before you can get this passport, you must bring the correct documents needed for international passport. Without it, you cannot travel out of Nigeria, even if you have a visa.

There are two main types of Nigerian international passports:

Passport Type	Who It Is For
Standard Passport (Green Cover)	For everyday Nigerians like students, workers, and business travellers.
Official Passport (Blue Cover)	For government staff, civil servants, and public officials on duty travel.

Most Nigerians apply for the green one.

Why You Need the Right Documents

If your documents are not complete or correct, you will not get your passport. The Nigeria Immigration Service checks all applications carefully. This is to stop fake people from getting a passport. They want to make sure the passport is only given to true citizens.

So, having the right documents will save you time, stress, and money.

List of Documents Required for International Passport in Nigeria

There are different reasons people apply for passports. Some are doing it for the first time. Others are renewing. Some people lost theirs and want to get a new one. The documents needed may change slightly depending on your situation.

Let’s now break down the documents you need based on your situation.

For New Passport Applications

If this is your first time applying for a passport in Nigeria, you need the following:

1. Completed Online Application Form
   Go to the official website of the Nigeria Immigration Service. Fill the online form for a new passport. After that, print the filled form. Also print the payment receipt.

2. Local Government Certificate of Origin
   You must bring a certificate from your local government area. This paper shows where you come from in Nigeria.

3. Birth Certificate or Age Declaration
   If you were born after 1992, bring a birth certificate from the National Population Commission. If you were born before 1992 and don’t have a birth certificate, bring an age declaration. You can get it from any High Court in Nigeria.

4. Two Passport Photos
   Bring two clear photos of yourself. Make sure the background is white. Do not wear sunglasses, and your ears and face must be clearly shown.

5. National Identity Number (NIN)
   You must bring a paper that shows your NIN. This is now required for every Nigerian who wants to get a passport.

6. State of Origin Certificate or Letter
   This is different from the local government certificate. Some offices may ask for both. It must be from your state office.

7. Guarantor’s Form
   You need someone who will sign for you. This person must be a Nigerian with a valid passport. They must bring their own passport copy, ID card or driver’s license, two photos, and a letter from their office if they are working.

8. Sworn Affidavit (if needed)
   If your name is different on any of your documents, bring a sworn affidavit. If you changed your name after marriage or for another reason, show a legal document that proves it.

9. Proof of Payment
   After paying online, print the payment confirmation. Bring it to the office with your form.

10. Marriage Certificate (if needed)
    If you are a woman and you changed your name after marriage, bring your marriage certificate to support your new name.

For Passport Renewal

If your old passport has expired or is about to expire, you need the following:

• The old passport (bring both the original and a photocopy)

• NIN

• Two passport photographs

• Printed application form

• Printed payment receipt

You do not need a birth certificate or certificate of origin again unless the officer asks for it.

For Lost Passport

If you lost your passport, here is what you must bring:

• Police report to prove the passport was lost

• Sworn affidavit from a High Court

• Your NIN

• Your old passport number (if you have it)

• Application form and payment receipt

• Two passport photographs

The immigration office will confirm your details and may ask you more questions before they issue another one.

How to Apply for Nigerian International Passport Online

The Nigeria Immigration Service has an official website where you can start the application. The steps are easy:

1. Go to the passport website: https://passport.immigration.gov.ng for 

2. Click on “Apply for Passport”

3. Choose the type of passport you want (standard for most people)

4. Fill in your details carefully

5. Submit the form

6. Make payment online

7. Print your application and payment slip

8. Book an appointment for capturing (this is when they take your photo and fingerprints)

9. Go to the passport office with all your documents on your appointment day

How Much Does It Cost?

The price depends on your age and the number of pages in the passport. There are two main sizes: 32 pages and 64 pages. If you travel a lot, you can choose the 64-page type.

Category	Passport Fee (₦)
Children (0–17 years) – 32 pages	₦8,750
Children (0–17 years) – 64 pages	₦20,000
Adults (18–59 years) – 32 pages	₦15,000
Adults (18–59 years) – 64 pages	₦20,000
Elderly (60+ years) – 32 pages	₦8,750
Elderly (60+ years) – 64 pages	₦20,000

You may also pay extra fees at the passport office for processing and capturing. So, come with some extra money just in case.

Where to Apply in Nigeria

How Long Will It Take to Get My Passport?

Many people ask this question. The answer depends on how complete your documents are and how fast the office works. In general:

Processing Type	Estimated Time
Regular Processing	2 to 6 weeks
Express Service (if available)	1 to 2 weeks

If your NIN has problems or your documents have errors, it may take longer. Make sure everything is correct before you go.

Common Problems People Face

These are some issues that cause delays:

• Wrong or incomplete NIN documents needed for international passport in Nigeria.

• Using a fake document

• Applying with someone else’s details

• Not booking an appointment online

• Missing the appointment date

• Not printing the payment receipt

To avoid problems, fill your form correctly and carry every document asked for.

Can I Apply Without NIN?

No. NIN is now compulsory. You must register for NIN first before applying for a passport. Without NIN, you cannot move forward with your application.

Is Guarantor’s Form Compulsory?

Yes, especially for first-time applicants. Your guarantor must be someone with a valid Nigerian passport. They must also be responsible and known to you. The guarantor will fill a form and sign.

Do I Need to Go in Person?

Yes. You must appear in person for capturing. This is when they take your fingerprints and photo. Nobody can go for you.

How to Track Your Passport

After your capturing, the passport office will tell you when to come back. Sometimes, they will send you an SMS or email. You can also track your status on the passport website using your reference number.

What Happens If I Made a Mistake on the Form?

If you made a mistake, go to the office early and tell them. They may ask you to refill the form or write a letter. It depends on the kind of mistake. Always review your form before printing.

Can I Pay at the Office?

No. You must pay online through the passport portal. Do not give cash to anyone. Paying online keeps you safe and gives you proof of payment.

Last Words About Documents Needed for International Passport

Applying for a passport is easy if you have the right documents. Fill your form online, pay through the official website, and go to the office on your appointment date. Carry all your papers and stay calm. If you are not sure about something, ask the officers directly.

Never use fake documents or agents who promise you shortcuts. They may scam you or put you in trouble.