How Much Is Nigerian International Passport in 2026? Current Fees, Requirements and Application Guide

📌 Quick answer (checked 13 October 2026): A Nigerian international passport costs ₦100,000 for the 32-page booklet (valid 5 years) and ₦200,000 for the 64-page booklet (valid 10 years) when you apply in Nigeria. Nigerians abroad pay $150 and $230. These fees took effect on 1 September 2025 and have not changed since. You apply and pay only on the official NIS portal, immigration.gov.ng.

The cost of obtaining a Nigerian international passport changed significantly in 2025 — and in 2026, many Nigerians are still surprised by how much the fee has increased compared to just two years ago. The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) announced an upward review of passport fees effective September 1, 2025, effectively doubling the price from the August 2024 levels. As of 2026, a Nigerian standard passport costs ₦100,000 for the 32-page (5-year) booklet and ₦200,000 for the 64-page (10-year) booklet for applications made within Nigeria. This guide explains every detail: exactly what you pay, why the fee increased, how to apply correctly, what documents you need, the full step-by-step application process, and answers to every common question about Nigerian passport applications in 2026.

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Nigerian Passport Fees 2026 — Official Rates

These are the fees in the Nigeria Immigration Service’s official announcement of 28 August 2025, signed by the Service Public Relations Officer, ACI AS Akinlabi. We checked again in October 2026 and no newer fee review has been announced:

Passport Type	Pages	Validity	Fee (In Nigeria)	Fee (Diaspora)
Standard Passport (Type A)	32 pages	5 years	₦100,000	$150
Standard Passport (Type B)	64 pages	10 years (adults 18+ only)	₦200,000	$230

The NIS official statement confirmed: “The review which only affect Passport Application fees made in Nigeria, now set a new fee threshold for 32-page with 5-year validity at N100,000 and 64-page with 10-year validity at N200,000. Meanwhile, Nigerian Passport Application fees made by Nigerians in diaspora remain unchanged at $150 for 32-page with 5-year validity and $230 for 64-page with 10-year validity.”

Passport Fee History — How Did We Get to ₦100,000?

Period	32-Page Fee	64-Page Fee	Change
Before August 2024	₦35,000	₦70,000	Previous rate
August 2024 – August 2025	₦50,000	₦100,000	First increase: +43%
September 2025 – present (2026)	₦100,000	₦200,000	Second increase: +100%

The fee for a 32-page passport has risen from ₦35,000 in 2023 to ₦100,000 in 2026 — a 186% increase in two years. The NIS said the 2025 review was to maintain the quality and integrity of the Nigerian passport. The increases also came as the naira lost much of its value against the dollar.

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32-Page vs 64-Page Passport: Which Should You Choose?

One of the most common questions from applicants is whether to pay ₦100,000 for a 32-page passport or ₦200,000 for the 64-page version. Here is a clear decision framework:

Factor	32-Page (₦100,000)	64-Page (₦200,000)
Validity period	5 years	10 years
Number of visa pages	~24 usable visa pages	~52 usable visa pages
Cost per year of validity	₦20,000/year	₦20,000/year (same)
Best for	Occasional travellers; first passport; those who travel 1–3 times per year	Frequent travellers; business travellers; those who may fill pages with visas and stamps quickly
Risk	May run out of visa pages before 5 years if you travel frequently	Higher upfront cost; may renew before 10 years if details change
Renewal convenience	Renew every 5 years	Renew every 10 years — less administrative burden over time

Recommendation: For most Nigerians who travel 1–4 times per year for work, tourism, or family visits, the 32-page at ₦100,000 is the practical choice. The cost per year of validity is identical between the two options (₦20,000/year each), and the 5-year renewal cycle is manageable. Frequent business travellers — diplomats, international traders, those who apply for multiple visas per year — benefit from the 64-page format to avoid running out of visa pages mid-validity and needing emergency renewal.

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Requirements for Nigerian Passport Application 2026

To successfully apply for or renew a Nigerian international passport in 2026, you will usually need the following documents. Requirements can vary slightly between passport offices, so check the checklist on the official NIS portal before your appointment:

For New Applications (Fresh Passport)

• Valid NIN (National Identification Number): Compulsory — your NIN must be valid, and your name and date of birth on your NIN must match your other documents exactly. Applications with NIN name mismatches are rejected.
• Birth Certificate: National Population Commission (NPC) birth certificate or Age Declaration Affidavit from a Federal High Court (if birth certificate is unavailable)
• Letter of Identification from Local Government: Signed by the Chairman or Secretary of your LGA
• Valid means of ID: National ID card, driver’s licence, or voter’s card
• Two recent passport photographs: White background, no glasses, ears visible, neutral expression
• Completed online application: Submitted at immigration.gov.ng before your appointment
• Payment receipt: Proof of online payment for the correct fee amount

For Minors (Under 18)

• All of the above documents
• Parent/Guardian’s Affidavit: Sworn at a court of competent jurisdiction confirming parental/guardian consent
• Parent’s valid passport copy: Or other identity documents
• The minor’s NIN (now required for all ages) or their parent’s NIN linked to the application

For Renewal Applications

• All of the above required for fresh applications
• Your current / expired passport: Original — it must be presented at the biometric appointment and will be cancelled/invalidated when your new passport is issued
• If changing personal details (name change after marriage, etc.): Additional supporting documentation (marriage certificate, court affidavit of change of name)

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How to Apply for Nigerian Passport Online 2026 — Full Step-by-Step Guide

All Nigerian passport applications are now initiated online. Cash payments at NIS offices are not accepted — the entire payment process is digital. Here is the step-by-step process on the official NIS portal:

1. Visit the NIS online portal: Go to immigration.gov.ng and click on “Apply for Passport” or “Apply for Fresh/Renewal Passport.”
2. Create an account or log in: Create an OpenID account using your email address, or sign in with your Google account if you have used the portal previously.
3. Enter your NIN: The system retrieves your details from the NIMC database automatically based on your NIN. Verify that all pre-populated details (name, date of birth, gender) are exactly correct before proceeding.
4. Fill in your application: Complete all required fields — address, contact details, next of kin, travel history. Be accurate and consistent with your supporting documents.
5. Select your passport type: Choose 32-page (5 years) or 64-page (10 years). The fee shown will update accordingly.
6. Select your processing NIS office: Choose the NIS passport office where you will attend your biometric capture appointment — typically the office serving your state of residence or the one most convenient to you.
7. Make payment online: Pay the fee (₦100,000 or ₦200,000) through the NIS portal using your debit card, Remita, or interbank transfer. Keep your payment receipt — you will need it at your appointment.
8. Print your acknowledgment slip: After completing and submitting the application, print the acknowledgment slip which contains your application reference number and appointment details.
9. Attend your biometric capture appointment: Visit the selected NIS office on your scheduled date with all original documents. Dress appropriately — remove caps or head coverings (religious coverings are accommodated). Your photograph and fingerprints will be captured digitally.
10. Await processing: The NIS says it aims to issue passports three to six weeks after biometric capture, if there are no problems with the application or your NIN details. Check your application status using your reference number on the NIS portal.
11. Collect your passport: You will be notified when your passport is ready for collection at the NIS office you selected. Bring your acknowledgment slip and a valid ID for collection.

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Common Mistakes That Get Nigerian Passport Applications Rejected

A significant number of Nigerian passport applications are delayed or rejected each year due to preventable errors. Understanding the most common rejection reasons allows you to avoid them entirely:

1. Name Mismatch Between NIN and Other Documents

This is the single most common reason for passport application delays in 2026. Your name as it appears on your NIN must match exactly with your birth certificate, local government letter, and any other submitted documents — including spelling, order of first/middle/surname, and spacing. If your NIN has “OLUWASEUN” but your birth certificate has “OLUWASEUN-JOHNSON” (hyphenated), or your NIN has your names in a different order than your birth certificate, your application will be flagged for correction. Resolve any NIN name discrepancy through NIMC modification before applying for your passport — not during or after submission.

2. Invalid or Expired NIN

NIN is compulsory for all passport applications. An unlinked, invalid, or unverifiable NIN causes immediate rejection. Verify your NIN is active and correctly registered at nimc.gov.ng or by dialling *346# before applying.

3. Paying the Wrong Amount

With the fee having changed multiple times in recent years, some applicants pay the old amount (₦50,000 for 32-page) rather than the current ₦100,000. Applications with underpayment are rejected at the office stage. Always verify the current fee directly on immigration.gov.ng before making payment.

4. Using Unofficial Payment Channels

Some applicants pay through unofficial agents who claim to have “special” payment channels. All valid passport payments must be made through the official NIS portal — any other payment is fraudulent and will result in rejection at the NIS office. You will lose both the application and the money paid to the unofficial channel.

5. Incomplete or Poor-Quality Photographs

Passport photographs must be taken against a plain white background, within the last 3 months, with neutral expression, ears visible, no glasses, and no head coverings (except for documented religious reasons). Photographs that don’t meet these specifications are rejected at the biometric appointment, requiring a return visit.

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Nigerian Passport Fees in the Diaspora 2026

Nigerians living abroad apply for and renew passports through Nigerian High Commissions and Consulates in their country of residence. Diaspora fees are charged in US dollars and have not changed with the September 2025 domestic fee increase:

Passport Type	Diaspora Fee (USD)	Notes
32-page, 5-year validity	$150	Unchanged from previous rate; NIS confirmed
64-page, 10-year validity	$230	Unchanged from previous rate; NIS confirmed

Diaspora applicants apply through the NIS portal (immigration.gov.ng) and choose the Nigerian embassy, high commission or consulate where they will do biometric capture. In many countries, eligible applicants can now renew without visiting a mission at all, using the NIS Contactless Passport Application System in the NIS Mobile app. The NIS says it had issued more than 15,000 passports this way by September 2025, and it sent a passport intervention team to the UK in August 2026 to clear a backlog there. Check the NIS website or your nearest mission to see whether contactless renewal covers your country before you pay.

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Nigerian Passport Agents — Risks and What to Know

The Nigerian passport application process has historically been plagued by unofficial agents (sometimes called “runners” or “helpers”) who charge fees above the official rate to allegedly expedite applications. In 2026, with the fully online application process, the role of these agents has been significantly reduced — but they continue to operate at NIS offices, targeting applicants who are unfamiliar with the online process.

Be wary of anyone who approaches you at an immigration office offering to fast-track your application for a fee. The NIS has repeatedly stated that there is no legitimate “fast-track” process available through agents — the only officially recognised expedited process is the express service available through the NIS portal itself, which requires paying the standard fee through the portal. Paying an agent for passport processing means paying twice (once to the agent and once the official fee) and typically receiving no better service than the standard process — often worse, because improperly submitted applications return for corrections, creating further delays.

The only legitimate assistance with passport applications is: (1) official NIS customer service; (2) licenced legal practitioners assisting with document preparation (not payment or submission); and (3) the NIS contact centre (09121900655, 09121556359 or 09121477092, Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm) or support@immigration.gov.ng for genuine queries about the status of applications.

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Frequently Asked Questions — Nigerian Passport 2026

How much is Nigerian passport in 2026?

The current Nigerian passport fee in 2026 is ₦100,000 for a 32-page passport (5-year validity) and ₦200,000 for a 64-page passport (10-year validity). These rates apply to applications made within Nigeria and took effect on September 1, 2025, as announced by the Nigeria Immigration Service. Diaspora fees remain $150 (32-page) and $230 (64-page).

How long does a Nigerian passport take in 2026?

The NIS says it aims to issue passports three to six weeks after biometric capture, provided your NIN details match and there are no problems with the application. Express service (where available at your NIS office) may be shorter — confirm express availability and any additional charges at your specific office. Processing times can vary depending on application volume and NIS office capacity at any given period.

Can I apply for a Nigerian passport online in 2026?

Yes — the application begins online at immigration.gov.ng. If you live in Nigeria, the biometric capture (photograph and fingerprints) must still be done in person at an NIS passport office. Nigerians in some countries abroad can renew fully online through the NIS contactless system.

Is NIN compulsory for Nigerian passport in 2026?

Yes — NIN is compulsory for all Nigerian passport applications and renewals. You cannot submit a passport application without a valid NIN. If your NIN details don’t match your other documents, the application will be rejected. Resolve any NIN issues at a NIMC enrolment centre before applying.

Can I renew my Nigerian passport before it expires?

Yes — you can apply to renew before your passport expires, and you can also renew after expiry (an expired passport is invalid for travel until renewed). Most countries require at least 6 months of remaining passport validity for entry — so renewing 3–6 months before expiry is advisable for frequent travellers.

What happens if my Nigerian passport gets lost?

Report the loss to the nearest police station and obtain a police extract/report. Then apply for a replacement at immigration.gov.ng — selecting “Re-issuance (Lost/Stolen)” as the application type. You will need the police report and all standard documents. Additional charges apply for lost passport replacement — check the current amount on the NIS portal, as it is separate from and in addition to the standard passport fee.

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Also read: How to Apply for NIN Modification Nigeria 2026 | How to Check BVN on Phone Nigeria 2026

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Nigerian Passport vs National ID Card: Key Differences

Many Nigerians are unclear about whether they need a passport or a National ID card for different purposes, and whether one substitutes for the other. Here is a clear distinction between the two documents in 2026:

Feature	International Passport	National Identity Card (NIN Card)
Issuing authority	Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS)	National Identity Management Commission (NIMC)
Primary purpose	International travel; proof of citizenship	National identity verification within Nigeria
Validity	5 years (32-page) or 10 years (64-page)	10 years (current NIN card cycle)
Cost in 2026	₦100,000 (32-page) / ₦200,000 (64-page)	NIN enrolment is free; check NIMC for any card fee
Required for international travel	✅ Yes — passports are the required travel document	❌ No — National ID alone is not accepted for international air travel
Accepted as ID in Nigeria	✅ Yes — widely accepted as the strongest proof of identity	✅ Yes — accepted as government-issued ID in Nigeria
Required for visa applications	✅ Yes — embassies require passport for all visa applications	❌ No — does not substitute for passport in visa processing

The practical takeaway: if you plan to travel internationally or apply for any foreign visa, you must have a valid Nigerian passport — the National ID card does not serve this purpose regardless of how recently it was issued. If your need is purely domestic identity verification (opening a local bank account, signing documents, registering for services within Nigeria), the National ID card or any other government-issued ID (voter’s card, driver’s licence) is sufficient without a passport.

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Nigerian Passport for Children and Minors in 2026

Children travelling internationally need their own Nigerian passport — they cannot be listed on a parent’s passport in Nigeria’s current passport system. The process for obtaining a child’s passport in 2026 follows the same online application route at immigration.gov.ng, with the additional requirement of parental/guardian documentation.

For children under 18, the application must be submitted by a parent or legal guardian. Required additional documents: a sworn affidavit of parental responsibility from a court of competent jurisdiction; a copy of the parent’s valid passport or ID; the child’s birth certificate (original); and the child’s NIN (now required even for minors — parents can obtain a child NIN at any NIMC enrolment centre). The child must be physically present for biometric capture at the NIS office — no application can be completed remotely for biometric requirements.

The fees are the same as for adult passports: ₦100,000 for a 32-page (5-year) child’s passport. A child’s 5-year passport validity means the passport will likely need renewal once before the child turns 18 — factor this into planning for families with young children who travel regularly. Some embassies have specific requirements for child travel (such as letters from both parents when a child travels with only one parent) — check the specific embassy requirements for each international journey.

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Emergency Passport: What to Do If You Need a Passport Urgently

The NIS aims to issue passports three to six weeks after biometric capture — a timeline that may be impossible if you have an urgent travel need (medical emergency abroad, family bereavement, unexpected business requirement). Here are the options available for urgent passport needs in 2026:

• Standard processing: three to six weeks after biometric capture (NIS target) — no additional cost beyond the standard fee
• Express/urgent service: Some NIS offices offer faster processing for documented urgent needs. Visit the NIS office in person after completing your online application and explain the urgency with supporting documentation (hospital letter, death certificate of relative abroad, employer letter). The availability and timelines of express service vary by office and current application volume — call your chosen NIS office before visiting to confirm current express availability.
• Travel document at Nigerian embassy abroad: For Nigerians stranded abroad with a lost or expired passport, the nearest Nigerian embassy or consulate can issue emergency travel documents. Call ahead to confirm appointment availability — most missions are heavily subscribed and walk-in service is rarely available.

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The ₦100,000 Question: Is the Nigerian Passport Fee Justified?

The September 2025 passport fee increase — from ₦50,000 to ₦100,000 for the 32-page booklet — sparked significant public debate in Nigeria. Critics argued the fee is unaffordable for the average Nigerian worker on the ₦70,000 monthly national minimum wage set in 2024, effectively making international travel a privilege of the wealthy. Defenders of the increase argued it was necessary to fund the ongoing modernisation of Nigeria’s passport infrastructure, reduce processing delays by generating revenue for equipment upgrades, and align the fee with the economic reality of producing a secure, biometric, ICAO-compliant document under current cost conditions.

For context: ₦100,000 is about $75 at the official exchange rate in October 2026 (about ₦1,332 to the dollar), and more than a month’s pay for a worker on the minimum wage. Whether the fee is fair is a question Nigerians and policymakers continue to debate; in practice, ₦100,000 is the price of one of the most important documents a Nigerian citizen can hold.

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How to Track Your Nigerian Passport Application Status

After submitting your passport application and completing biometric capture at an NIS office, the most common anxiety is not knowing when your passport will be ready. Here is how to track your application status without visiting the office:

• NIS online portal (immigration.gov.ng): Log into your account and check the application status dashboard — it shows the current stage of processing (submitted, biometrics captured, printing, ready for collection).
• SMS notification: The NIS sends SMS notifications to your registered phone number when your passport has been printed and is ready for collection. Ensure your registered phone number is active and receiving SMSes throughout the processing period.
• NIS Contact Centre: Call 09121900655, 09121556359 or 09121477092 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm), or email support@immigration.gov.ng, with your application reference number.
• NIS office inquiry in person: If you have not received any update after 6 weeks, visit the NIS office where you did your biometrics with your acknowledgment slip and request a status update from the customer service desk.

Do not send your original acknowledgment slip to anyone for “tracking assistance” — this is a common scam where fraudsters request your slip under the pretence of helping track your application, then charge additional fees or misuse your application details. Track exclusively through the official NIS channels listed above.

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Countries Nigerians Can Visit Without a Visa in 2026

Your Nigerian passport gives visa-free entry to a limited number of countries, mostly in West Africa. Rules change often, so always check before you book.

As an ECOWAS citizen you can travel to the other ECOWAS member states without a visa, including Benin Republic, Togo, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, The Gambia, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau and Cape Verde. Outside ECOWAS, some countries offer visa-free entry, visa on arrival or an online travel authorisation to Nigerians, but these lists change frequently. Check the destination country’s embassy or official immigration website before you travel; the Henley Passport Index is a useful starting point.

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How Long Is a Nigerian Passport Valid? Renewal Timeline Guide

Planning when to renew your Nigerian passport is important — particularly for frequent travellers who use it for visa applications. Most countries require at least 6 months of remaining validity on your passport for entry, meaning a passport that expires in 4 months is effectively unusable for international travel to most destinations even though it has not technically expired yet. For visa applications, embassies typically require the passport to be valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended travel date plus have at least two blank pages for visa stamps.

The optimal renewal timeline in Nigeria is to begin your application 3–4 months before your passport expires. This allows enough time for the NIS’s three-to-six-week processing target plus a buffer for any unexpected delays, while still leaving several months of validity on your current passport for any urgent travel that arises during processing. Do not wait until your passport has expired — renewing an expired passport follows the same process but leaves you without a valid travel document for the entire processing period. If you have any international travel planned in the next 6 months, check your passport expiry date today and begin renewal if it falls within the 6-month window.

Plan your passport renewal calendar carefully — a passport that is valid and current is one of the most valuable documents a Nigerian citizen can hold in 2026 and beyond.

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Sources

1. Nigeria Immigration Service, “Nigeria Immigration Service announces upward review of Nigerian standard passport fees”, 28 August 2025.
2. Nigeria Immigration Service, “NIS addresses technical challenges on contactless passport application system”, 29 September 2025 (contact centre numbers).
3. Voice of Nigeria, “Immigration Service recommits to issuing passports in three weeks” (three-to-six-week target).
4. Nairametrics, “NIS deploys passport intervention team to UK to clear application backlog”, 10 August 2026.
5. Central Bank of Nigeria official exchange rate, 9 October 2026 (NaijaSabi Price Index).

Last updated: 13 October 2026 · NaijaSabi. Fees checked against the Nigeria Immigration Service’s latest announcements.