News

Nigerian Passport: Types, Differences and Requirements

Published

1 year ago

2023/02/04

By Balogun Kamilu Lekan

There are several types of Nigerian Passports, and many are unaware of this. There are five different passports, and they are available to citizens depending on the factors warranting their needs.

A government official’s passport is different from that of an ordinary citizen. Similarly, a diplomat’s passport is different from a pilgrim’s passport. To know how to get a passport online, click here

Below are the different types of Nigerian passports and their requirements

1. Diplomatic Passport

This type of passport is given to diplomats such as ambassadors, consulates, public officers, Nigerian Diplomats and other top Government Officials in Nigeria as may be approved by the President. The Nigerian diplomatic passport grants its holder the privilege of travelling to 69 countries or territories without the requirement of obtaining a visa beforehand.

It is distinct with its red cover. To get the diplomatic passport, the applicant must visit the Comptroller General’s office in Nigeria Immigration Service Headquarters.

The Requirements for a Diplomatic Passport are:

A Written Application request
An application/Introduction letter from his/her organization, Ministry, Parastatal or Extra – Ministerial department
A Passport photographs
A recent promotion or Appointment letter
A Valid Identity card
Proof of age
Return Certificate from the Independent National Electoral Commission for political office holders

2. Official Passport

The Official Passport is a type of passport designated for use by government officials who hold prominent positions, such as ministers, governors, permanent secretaries, the Secretary-General of the Federation, the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, military officers, top police officials, and representatives of various government agencies. This type of passport is distinctive due to its blue cover.

Requirements for an Official Passport are:

A letter of introduction from applicant’s Ministry, Parastatal or Extra – Ministerial Department A duly signed by an officer not below the rank of a Director or Secretary to State Government in case of an employee of state government
Police report and court affidavit in case of lost passport
One (1) passport photograph.
Acknowledgement slip and receipt of payment

3. Standard Passport

The standard passport, also known as the International Passport, is available to the general public and not restricted to government officials, military personnel, or those working in government agencies or entities. This passport type is specifically intended for everyday citizens, not those in top government positions.

The requirement for the Standard passport are:

A Guarantor’s form duly signed by a commissioner of oaths, along with photocopies of:
The data page of the guarantor’s passport
National identity card (NIN)
Driver’s license
A letter of consent from the father for minors under 16 years of age (or a letter of consent from the mother if the father is deceased)
A marriage certificate if applicable
A consent letter from the husband or a letter of introduction from an employee of a government or corporate organization
A court affidavit and police report in the case of a lost passport
A birth certificate or age declaration
A letter of identification from the local government of origin or residence
One passport photograph
An acknowledgement slip and receipt of payment.

Note: It is not permitted for any Nigerian to hold multiple standard passports. All standard passports have a validity of 10 years, with an initial validity of five years.

4. Pilgrim Passport

This special passport is available for Nigerian citizens willing to embark on their pilgrimage to holy places like Mecca and Jerusalem. It doesn’t have a particular colour as it varies yearly. The passport has a validity of six months only.

5. Seaman’s Passport

This kind of passport has a maroon cover. Citizens who work as seamen or work on shipping vessels and watercraft are entitled to this kind of passport

Requirements for Seaman’s Passport are as follows: