On Monday, January 8, 2024, the Honorable Minister of Interior of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Mr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced the launch of the automated passport application system to expedite passport acquisition for Nigerians, with an emphasis on convenience, reducing processing time, and providing an overall seamless experience for Nigerians.
Nigerians at home and abroad can now apply for international passports from the comfort of their homes without interacting with personnel of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS). A passport is a document that is issued by the government to an individual citizen that allows the citizen to travel. It is also a document that permits the bearer to be accepted by immigration for entry into another country and is an essential document of identification for international travel.
The automated online portal for passport application in Nigeria, the first of its kind for Nigerians, will help speed up the process and eliminate the bottlenecks involved in the process.
Here are steps to apply for an automated passport in Nigeria
Applicants can enrol for their international passports in just the five (5) simple steps below.
- Launch the immigration portal from your phone or computer by visiting the Nigeria Immigration Service website at https://passport.immigration.gov.ng/ and entering your National Identification Number (NIN) to auto-fill your data from the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).
- To apply from Nigeria, click “continue,” and for applicants in the diaspora, click “Apply from outside Nigeria.”
- Complete other data fields as required
- Upload your passport photograph and other supporting documents
- Walk into any Nigerian immigration office for your biometric capture.
- Your passport is ready for collection within two (2) weeks.
How to apply for a Nigerian passport from outside Nigeria:
- Visit https://passportintl.immigration.gov.ng/
- Login or authenticate to continue your application
- Fill out the application form with a brief description of your personal, passport, and travel information.
- Make Payment
Automated Passport Application System Requirements for Fresh Applicants
- The applicant must be a Nigerian
- National Identification Number (NIN)
- Passport photograph that meets the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards.
- The image size should be less than 2MB.
- The image resolution should be 600×800 pixels.
- Must have a white background.
- Hair should not cover the face or ears.
- Do not use any apparel-headphone, masks, etc.
- Should have proper lighting—neither too dark nor too bright.
- Supporting documents, e.g., birth certificate and local government certificate of indigeneship, etc.
Automated Passport Application System Requirements for Renewal
- National Identification Number (NIN)
- Old passport number
- Passport photograph that meets the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards
- The image size should be less than 2MB.
- The image resolution should be 600×800 pixels.
- Must have a white background.
- Hair should not cover the face or ears.
- Do not use any apparel-headphone, masks, etc.
- Should have proper lighting—neither too dark nor too bright.
- Supporting documents, e.g., birth certificate and local government certificate of indigeneship, etc.
Fully Automated Passport: Category, Price and Validity
- 5 years in Nigeria with 32 pages: 35,000 naira
- 10 years in Nigeria with 64 pages: 70,000 naira
- 5 years in diaspora with 32 pages: $142
- 10 years in diaspora with 64 pages: $242
Frequently Asked Questions about the Nigeria Automated Passport Application System
Q1:Â How much is passport renewal in Nigeria in 2024?Â
As of January 8th, 2024, this is the price for passport renewal for Nigerians and those in the diaspora.
- 5 years in Nigeria with 32 pages: 35,000 naira
- 10 years in Nigeria with 64 pages: 70,000 naira
- 5 years in the diaspora with 32 pages: $142
- 10 years in diaspora with 64 pages: $242
Q2: Can I change the data on my Nigerian passport?
In the new Automated Passport Application System, applicants do not need to travel to Nigeria Immigration headquarters in Abuja to solve the issue of data correction; it can be done from the comfort of their homes. Applicants can apply for the correction of data in their current passport by visiting the Nigeria Immigration portal, https://passport.immigration.gov.ng/
Q3: How can I check my passport application status?
Visit https://track.immigration.gov.ng/ to track your Nigerian passport application by entering the application number and reference number.
Q4: What is a passport application automation system?
Under the new passport automation system, Nigerians at home and abroad will only need to visit immigration centers for biometric capture, which includes fingerprint and facial biometrics. This new system simplifies the passport application process by reducing human contact, boosting efficiency, making it more convenient for applicants, enhancing their experience, and streamlining security.
Q5: What is the difference between a 32-page and a 64-page passport?Â
