Standard ePassport

  1. Consular Services
  2. Standard Passport

Nigeria ePassport Application

               



ePassport

The Nigerian Passport is afforded as a constitutional right to every adult Nigerian Citizen according to section (38) of the 1979 constitution which stipulates a citizen's right to freedom of movement within, into and out of Nigeria. Consequently, Most Nigerian Consular Missions have an immigration department that facilitates Standard ePassport application process either directly or in collaboration with other Nigeria Missions.

In 2019, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) launched a new "Enhanced e-Passport" by ICAO-standards and integrated with the National Identification Number (NIN) database. Among the new features are the long awaited 10-year validity 64-page booklet e-passport. In order to phase in the new e-Passport Regime, the existing passport application backlog was cleared in may 2021. 

Although the Nigeria Immigration Service issues other types of passports and travel documents for other purposes, this particular page is about the green Nigeria Standard ePassport which is the most common and one of only 2 types of passports issued by Nigeria Missions abroad. The other is the NTP launched in March 2021.

 

E-Passport Eligibility

Every citizen of Nigeria, whether born in Nigeria or abroad to Nigerian parents may be eligible to apply for a Standard ePassport. However, a minor younger than 18 years old can only obtain the ePassport through their legal Nigerian guardian and may not be eligible for the 10-year validity passport which is available only to Nigerians 18 years and above.

If applicant aleady has the older Standard ePassport, they can continue to use it until 6 months before expiry. In order to apply for the new Enhanced ePassport, current ePassport must be unintentionally lost, damaged, exhaust its pages or have less than 180 days validity remaining.  

 

Basic Requirements

Below are the common requirements for the ePassport Application abroad through Nigerian consular missions.

For Adults (18+)

 

  1. National Identification Number (NIN).
    (Only Mandatory for the New Enhanced ePassport)
  2. Application Letter to the Head of Mission.
    (Introduce applicant and consent to application)
  3. 2 Copies of Data pages of former Passport.
    (If applying for renewal / re-issue / replacement)
  4. Original Birth Certificate or Age Declaration.
    (Latter must be endorsed by Commissioner for Oaths)

  5. Acknowledgement slip and evidence of payment.
  6. 2 Recent Passport Photographs sized 35/40mm. 
    (Should be endorsed at the back by the Guarantor)
  7. Completed and duly signed Guarantors form.
    (Could be Family or Friend but must be an Adult)
  8. Copy of Guarantors Passport Data Page.
    (Some Nigerian missions may not require this item)

 

For Minors (-18)

 

  • Proof of Parents' Nigerian Citizenship.
    (ePassport or General MultiPurpose Card)
  • Consent Letter from one Parent.
    (Mother prefered for infant applicant)
  • Original Birth Certificate of Applicant.
    (Must be issued by NPC if born in Nigeria)

  • Completed Online Application Process.
    • Printout of completed Application from.
    • Printout of the Online Payment slip. 
  • One Passport Photographs (35/40mm). 
    (Signed at the back by consenting parent)

Important: Birth Certificate not Issued in Nigeria should be legalized in the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Nigeria or in the Nigeria Mission in the host country where the marriage certificate of parents was issued.

If the minor is a Nigerian adoptee, a Court Order and Letter of approval from State Ministry of Women and Child Development is required.

 

Extra Requirements

Additional requirements for situational application. Note, In most cases, a formal application letter addressed to the Comptroller General of Immigration is required. Address to: 

The Comptroller-General,

Nigeria Immigration Service

Airport Road, Abuja.

ATTENTION: ACG Passport.

 

Passport Renewal

Additional requirements for normal renewal while abroad. 

  • Current residence status.
    (Student / Worker / Business visa or residence permit)
  • 2 Copies of current Passport. 
  • Appointment Booking with the Nigerian Mission.
  • Any extra requirements by the Nigerian Mission.

 

Passport Re-issuance

Additional requirements for the following purpose of application.

Exhausted Pages

  • Application Letter to the CG of Immigration.
    (Should introduce applicant and explain request)
  • The Passport booklet with exhausted visa pages.
  • 2 Copies of the Passport Data Page
  • Copy of Residence Permit in host country if available.
  • Appointment Booking with the Nigerian Mission.
  • Any extra requirements by the Nigerian Mission.

 

Damaged Passport

  • Application Letter to the CG of Immigration.
    (Should introduce applicant and explain how the damage happened)
  • The Damaged Passport.
  • 2 Copies of the Passport Data Page when it was in good condition. 
  • Copy of Residence Permit in host country if available.
  • Appointment Booking with the Nigerian Mission.
  • Any extra requirements by the Nigerian Mission.

 

Lost/Stolen Passport

  • Application Letter to the CG of Immigration.
    (Should introduce applicant and explain losing the passport)
  • Police Report from the local police.
    (If not in English, attach Enlgish Translation)
  • 2 Copies of the Passport Data Page when it was available.
  • Copy of Residence Permit in host country if available.
  • Appointment Booking with the Nigerian Mission.
  • Any extra requirements by the Nigerian Mission.

 

Change of Data

Several reasons applicant may require changing of passport data:

Due to Marriage/Divorce

  • Application Letter to the CG of Immigration.
    (Should introduce applicant and explain the request)
  • Marriage Certificate
  • Publication for change of name
  • Sworn court affidavit for change of name
  • Data page of the husband's passport. 
  • Residence permit ( if applicable) 
  • Appointment Booking with the Nigerian Mission.
  • Any extra requirements by the Nigerian Mission.

 

Due to Family Resolution

  • Application Letter to the CG of Immigration.
    (Should introduce applicant and explain the request)
  • Passport Data page of the family members
  • Birth Certificate/Age Declaration
  • Deed poll due to family resolution obtained from the host country.
  • Residence permit ( if applicable)
  • Publication of the name change
  • Court affidavit reflecting the change
  • Appointment Booking with the Nigerian Mission.
  • Any extra requirements by the Nigerian Mission.

 

Due to Date of Birth Change

  • Application Letter to the CG of Immigration.
    (Should introduce applicant and explain request)
  • Birth certificate/Age Declaration
  • School Certificate/Result
  • National GMPCard/Driver’s license
  • Residence permit ( if applicable)
  • Appointment Booking with the Nigerian Mission.
  • Any extra requirements by the Nigerian Mission.

 

Special Situations

Unique cases in Passport Application:

Fingerprint ByPass

In cases where applicant has adermatoglyphia or other conditions cause no fingerprints. Other biometric data would be collected.

  • Application Letter to the CG of Immigration.
    (Should introduce applicant and explain the request)
  • Medical Report.
  • Residence permit ( if applicable) 
  • Appointment Booking with the Nigerian Mission.
  • Any extra requirements by the Nigerian Mission.

 

Photo Swap/Waiver

In case of a mistake or serious facial conditions.

  • Application Letter to the CG of Immigration.
    (Should introduce applicant and explain the request)
  • Medical Report (if facial condition).
  • Residence permit ( if applicable) 
  • Appointment Booking with the Nigerian Mission.
  • Any extra requirements by the Nigerian Mission.

 

Passport Procedure

These steps apply to Nigerians who apply for passport outside Nigeria. Before you start anything, find out from the nearest Nigerian Mission if they process passports. The preferred method of finding out is by calling the Embassy. See contact details of all Embassies on this link. If they accept passport applications, find out what categories of booklets are available (32 pages, 64 pages, 10-year validity passports, etc). Getting this information will help you decide what options are best for you. When you have obtained sufficient information, follow the steps below.

  • Step 1 : Gather Requirements - Prepare all the necessary requirements for the ePassport.
  • Step 2 : Apply Online - Complete the NIS Online Passport Application and print out the completed form. 
  • Step 3 : Pay Online in the same aforementioned online application process and print out payment receipt.
  • Step 4 : Affix 2 Passport Photographs (Size 35/40mm) with white background and no head / face covers.
  • Step 5 : Submit Application with the printed form and attached requirements to the Nigerian Mission or VAC. 
  • Step 6 : Book Appointment - Follow the Mission's Instruction to book appointment for Biometric processing.
  • Step 7 : Biometric Capture - Show up at the appointment venue for biometric capture and passport production.  
  • Step 8 : Collection - It can take between hours and weeks. Call the Mission to verify it's ready before going to collect.

 

Important Information

The final decision on passport is made in the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) Office in Abuja, not in the Embassy.

Whether adult or minor, applicant must be physically present in the Consular Mission to capture biometric data and receive passport.

Applicant's current passport will be digitally invalidated once the new one has been issued. If it has a valid visa in it, holder is only allowed to combine that old passport with the new one only for the duration of that valid visa, after which holder is expected to stop presenting it to any authority.

Section 10 of the Immigration Act 2015 prohibits holder from using more than one Nigerian Passport.


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