How Students Can Apply for a Nigerian Passport (Easy Guide)

For Nigerian students planning to travel abroad for studies, internships, or other opportunities, obtaining an international passport is a crucial step. The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has streamlined the process, making it more accessible through an online application system. This guide provides a clear, step-by-step process tailored for students applying for a Nigerian passport in 2025, covering requirements, costs, and tips to ensure a smooth application. Whether you’re applying from Nigeria or the diaspora, this guide will help you navigate the process efficiently.

Table of Contents

Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for a Nigerian Passport

Step 1: Gather Required Documents

Before starting the application, students must prepare the necessary documents to avoid delays. The requirements vary slightly depending on whether the applicant is a minor (under 18) or an adult, and whether they are applying in Nigeria or abroad. Here’s what you’ll need:

National Identification Number (NIN): A valid NIN is mandatory. Ensure your NIN details match your other documents exactly (e.g., names, date of birth).
Birth Certificate or Age Declaration: For applicants born on or after December 1992, a birth certificate issued by the National Population Commission (NPC) is required. Otherwise, a sworn age declaration endorsed by a Commissioner for Oaths is acceptable.
Local Government Certificate of Indigeneship: This verifies your state of origin or residence.
Passport Photographs: Two recent passport-sized photographs (35mm x 45mm) with a white background, meeting International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards (600×800 pixels for online uploads).
Guarantor’s Form: A completed guarantor’s form signed by a Commissioner for Oaths, accompanied by a photocopy of the guarantor’s Nigerian e-Passport data page and one passport-sized photograph of the guarantor.
Parental Consent (for Minors): A consent letter signed by both parents, along with photocopies of their Nigerian passport data pages. If one parent is unavailable, a court order proving sole custody is required.
Additional Documents for Diaspora Applicants: Proof of address (e.g., utility bill), a letter from your academic institution confirming student status, and a self-addressed return envelope with appropriate postage.
For Lost/Damaged Passports: A police report (for lost passports) or a letter explaining the damage, along with the damaged passport’s data page.
For Dual Nationality: A photocopy of the non-Nigerian passport’s data page.

Step 2: Access the Online Application Portal

The NIS has digitized the passport application process. Follow these steps:

Visit the official NIS passport application portal.
Select “Standard e-Passport” from the passport menu.
Choose your processing country and office (e.g., Nigeria or a specific embassy/consulate abroad).
Log in using a Google or OpenID account. If you don’t have one, create an account.
Complete the online application form, ensuring all details (names, date of birth, etc.) match your NIN and birth certificate exactly. The order should be surname, first name, middle name, and date of birth in day/month/year format.
Upload your passport photograph and required documents.

Step 3: Make Payment

After submitting the form, you’ll receive an Application ID and Reference Number. Use these to make the payment online via bank transfer, credit/debit card, or money order (for diaspora applicants). The fees as of 2025 are:

32-page passport (5-year validity): ₦35,000 (in Nigeria) or approximately $30–$150 abroad, depending on the country.
64-page passport (10-year validity, adults only): ₦70,000 (in Nigeria) or approximately $70–$300 abroad.
Express Service (in Nigeria): Additional ₦20,000–₦110,000 for faster processing (1–7 days).
Administrative Fees (Diaspora): Varies by country, e.g., $30 in the USA, £20 in the UK, or €28 in Ireland.
Address Verification/Delivery (Nigeria only): Additional charges may apply.

Print the payment receipt and application form after payment.

Step 4: Book a Biometric Appointment

Schedule an appointment for biometric capture at your chosen NIS office or embassy/consulate. In Nigeria, appointments can be booked online via the NIS portal. For diaspora applicants, contact the embassy/consulate to confirm the appointment date. Bring all required documents, the printed application form, and payment receipt to the appointment.

Step 5: Attend Biometric Capture

Appear in person at the scheduled NIS office or embassy for photograph and fingerprint capture. Minors and first-time applicants must attend, while renewal applicants may be exempt if their current passport is less than six months old. Ensure you arrive on time and have all documents ready.

Step 6: Track and Collect Your Passport

Track your application status using the Application ID and Reference Number on the NIS portal. You’ll be notified when your passport is ready for collection. In Nigeria, passports are typically ready within 2–6 weeks (regular service) or 1–3 weeks (express service). Abroad, processing times vary by embassy. For diaspora applicants, passports are mailed back using the provided self-addressed envelope.

Tips for a Smooth Application

Verify NIN Details: Discrepancies between your NIN and passport application details will cause delays. Visit an approved NIN enrollment center if corrections are needed.
Use High-Quality Photographs: Ensure your passport photo meets ICAO standards to avoid rejection.
Apply Early: Start the process at least six months before your travel date to account for potential delays.
Avoid Touts: Deal directly with the NIS or official embassy channels to avoid scams.
Check Embassy Requirements: Diaspora applicants should confirm specific requirements with their local Nigerian mission, as additional documents or fees may apply.

FAQs

Do students need a NIN to apply for a passport?

Yes, a valid National Identification Number (NIN) is compulsory for all applicants, including students. Ensure your NIN matches your application details.

How much does a Nigerian passport cost for students in 2025?

A 32-page passport costs ₦35,000 (5 years) and a 64-page passport costs ₦70,000 (10 years, adults only) in Nigeria. Abroad, fees range from $30–$300, depending on the country and processing office.

How long does it take to process a Nigerian passport?

In Nigeria, regular processing takes 4–6 weeks, while express service takes 1–3 weeks. Abroad, processing times vary but typically range from 2–8 weeks.

Can students apply for a passport entirely online?

The application process is 99% online, but students must visit an NIS office or embassy for biometric capture.

What if a student’s passport is lost or damaged?

Provide a police report (for lost passports) or a letter explaining the damage, along with the damaged passport’s data page. Additional fees may apply for re-issuance.

Do minors need parental consent for a passport?

Yes, applicants under 18 require a consent letter signed by both parents or a court order proving sole custody if one parent is unavailable.

How Students Can Apply for a Nigerian Passport (Easy Guide)