Travelling abroad might seem very difficult for the average Nigerian. The number of individuals who want to travel overseas for different reasons ranging from education, pleasure, and business makes it all the more confusing for individuals who plan to leave the country.
Obtaining a passport can be complicated or straightforward, depending on how you approach it. All citizens who plan to travel abroad must have their passports, no matter how old they are. Infants and children under sixteen must fulfill particular conditions to obtain this travel passport.
Documents Required to Apply for a New Passport
Before applying for a passport, you must ensure that all the documents you might need are in place. The documents needed include:
- Local Government letter of identification.
- Birth certificate / age declaration.
- Two recently taken colour passport photographs
- Guarantor’s form. This should be sworn before a commissioner of Oaths or High Court Judge
- Parent’s letter of consent for minors under 16 years
- Marriage certificate, where applicable
- Police report in case of lost Passport
- Apply with supporting documents to the passport office / Embassy / High Commission
How do I apply for an International Passport?
If you have the required documents, you can proceed to apply for your Passport.
Online Process
To begin with an application, you’d need to visit the official passport application website and sign up for a new account (or log in to an existing account if you have one).
Next, complete the application form online. Ensure to print out the application before proceeding to payment. This is very important and should not be overlooked. Once done, you can make a payment using your credit or debit card.
Upon completing the process, you would receive a reference ID which would also be emailed to you. Please keep all the information safe, as it will be needed at some point.
Setting up an appointment for a passport interview.
To set up an appointment for your passport interview, you must make the application online from the consulate website. You would be required to bring all the necessary documents in person to the physical interview, where you would answer some questions to complete your passport application process.
Making Amendments to your Application Details
If you feel you made some mistakes and need to correct them, you’d need to follow the same process as the first time applying for a passport. Depending on your reason for adjustment, all legal documents should be submitted alongside the previously submitted documents.
Frequently Asked Questions on Passport Process
How much does it cost to obtain a Passport in Nigeria?
The registration and issuance of the new foreign Passport would cost N70,000, according to a 2019 announcement from the Nigeria Immigration Service.
How much time does it take to get your Passport?
For first-time applicants, the average processing time for a passport is six weeks. On the other hand, it takes three weeks for renewals or reissues.
Conclusion
The passport application process would be more straightforward if you follow due procedures and ensure all your documents are up to date and legally bound. It is, however, advisable to start your passport application process at least six (6) months before you intend to travel. This would give you ample time to either correct mistakes or create time for delays. Good luck in your application process
