A valid Nigerian passport is the starting point for every visa application. This guide explains the booklet types and current fees, the steps on the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) portal, the documents needed for new, expired, damaged and lost passports, and how to avoid the delays that catch applicants out. Portal screens change from time to time, so follow the on-screen instructions if they differ from the steps below.
Booklet Types and Fees
The NIS issues three kinds of passport: the Standard e-Passport for ordinary citizens, the Official e-Passport for government officials and the Diplomatic e-Passport for diplomats. Most people apply for the Standard e-Passport, which comes in two sizes. Since 1 September 2025, fees for applications made in Nigeria are:
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| Booklet | Validity | Fee in Nigeria | Fee for Nigerians abroad |
|---|---|---|---|
| 32 pages | 5 years | ₦100,000 | US$150 |
| 64 pages | 10 years | ₦200,000 | US$230 |
The previous fees were ₦50,000 and ₦100,000. Check the portal for the amount shown on the day you apply, and pay only through the payment page on the official portal.
Which Booklet Should You Choose?
If you travel often, the 64-page booklet gives you more room for visas and stamps and lasts 10 years. Remember that many visas require a passport with several months of remaining validity. A Schengen visa, for instance, requires a passport that expires at least 3 months after you leave the Schengen area and was issued within the last 10 years. A passport close to expiry can therefore stop a visa application before it begins.
Step by Step on the Portal
- Get your National Identification Number (NIN) in order. The portal checks your details against your NIN record, so any mismatch in name or date of birth should be corrected first.
- Create an account and sign in on the NIS passport portal at passportintl.immigration.gov.ng.
- Choose the type of application: new, or renewal or reissue.
- Enter your details. For renewals, enter your current passport details. Choose your processing centre and booklet size.
- Upload an ICAO-compliant photo and your contact and next-of-kin information.
- Upload the supporting documents for your case (see the table below).
- Submit, pay the fee and book your biometrics appointment at the immigration office you selected.
- Attend the appointment for your fingerprints and photo. You must appear in person.
- Track the application at track.immigration.gov.ng using your application number and reference number.
- Collect the passport from the office you selected when it is ready, and check every detail before you leave.
Documents for Each Situation
| Situation | Documents the NIS has listed |
|---|---|
| First-time application | Proof of identity and citizenship, such as your NIN record and a birth certificate or declaration of age. The portal shows the exact list for your case |
| Expired passport | Application letter, the expired passport, a photocopy of its data page, the acknowledgement slip and proof of payment |
| Unexpired passport | The same, plus evidence of your maiden name if it applies. If the passport still has more than six months’ validity, you must give your reason |
| Visa pages used up | Application letter, the passport, a photocopy of the data page, the acknowledgement slip and proof of payment |
| Damaged passport | A letter explaining the damage, the damaged passport, photocopies of the data page, a court affidavit, the acknowledgement slip and proof of payment |
| Lost passport | A letter describing how and where it was lost, an extract of the police report, a Fire Service report if fire caused the loss, the acknowledgement slip and proof of payment |
If you recover a passport that you declared lost, tell the NIS and hand it in for cancellation. For other steps after a loss, read our guide on lost or stolen passports and visas.
A Hypothetical Example
This is an illustration, not a real case. A traveller in Abuja has a 5-year passport that expires in four months, and a Schengen trip in six months. A Schengen visa needs a passport valid for at least 3 months beyond the trip, so she renews first. She chooses the 64-page booklet at ₦200,000, uploads her current passport details and a photo, books a biometrics slot, and only then books her visa appointment. The new passport number goes on the visa application.
Tips to Avoid Delays
- Match your name and date of birth exactly across your NIN, birth certificate and the form.
- Use a clear photo that meets ICAO rules.
- Start well before any visa window opens. Our application timeline shows how far ahead to plan.
- Keep the acknowledgement slip, payment proof and reference numbers until you have the passport in hand.
- Do not pay anyone who promises to skip the biometrics appointment. You must appear in person.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a Nigerian passport take?
Times vary by centre and demand. Check the portal and your tracking page, and do not book a visa appointment or flight until you have the passport.
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Can I renew while abroad?
Yes, through the Nigerian embassy or high commission that serves your country. The fee for applicants abroad is US$150 for the 32-page booklet and US$230 for the 64-page booklet.
Do I need my NIN?
Yes. The portal compares your passport details with your NIN record, so make sure the records agree.
Do I need an agent?
No. The process is designed for individuals. See do you need a travel agent if you want help, and check anyone’s credentials first.
For official information, visit the Nigeria Immigration Service website.
If you would like help with passport booking or document preparation, chat with us on WhatsApp.
✍️ Ebere ANNA
Consultant, KP Visa & Travels
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