Getting an international passport in Nigeria is a crucial and necessary process for individuals who wish to travel abroad for business, leisure, or other purposes. However, the timeline for obtaining an international passport in Nigeria can vary depending on various factors such as the type of passport being applied for, the efficiency of the passport office, and the completeness of the applicant’s documentation.
Generally, the process of getting an international passport in Nigeria can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months. The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) is responsible for issuing passports in the country, and they have offices located in various states and cities across Nigeria to help facilitate the passport application process.
To begin the process of obtaining an international passport in Nigeria, individuals must first visit the NIS website and complete the online application form. This form requires personal information such as full name, date of birth, place of birth, and contact information. The applicant must also provide details of their parents or guardians and details of two guarantors who must be Nigerian citizens.
After completing the online application form, the applicant must then pay the required fees at a designated bank and obtain a payment receipt. The payment receipt, along with the applicant’s completed application form, must then be submitted in person at the nearest passport office for further processing.
Once the application has been submitted, it undergoes various stages of verification and approval by the NIS. This includes a biometric capture of the applicant’s fingerprints and photograph, as well as a background check to ensure the applicant’s eligibility for an international passport.
The entire process of obtaining an international passport in Nigeria can be time-consuming, especially during peak periods when there is a high volume of applications. In some cases, delays may occur due to incomplete documentation, errors in the application form, or other administrative issues.
On average, it can take between four to eight weeks for an international passport to be processed and issued to the applicant. However, this timeline is only an estimate, and the actual processing time may vary depending on several factors.
In some cases, applicants may option for speedup processing of their passport which will cause them an additional fee. SpeedUp processing can reduce the processing time to as little as two weeks, making it a preferred option for individuals who need their passport urgently for travel purposes.
It is important for applicants to ensure that they have all the necessary documentation and information ready before starting the application process to avoid unnecessary delays. This includes valid identification documents, proof of payment, and any other supporting documents that may be required by the NIS.
Applicants are also advised to check the status of their passport application regularly on the NIS website or by contacting the passport office where the application was submitted. This can help applicants stay informed about the progress of their application and any additional steps that may be required to complete the process.
In conclusion, the timeline for obtaining an international passport in Nigeria can vary depending on different factors such as the type of passport being applied for, the efficiency of the passport office, and the completeness of the applicant’s documentation. While the process can be time-consuming, it is essential for individuals who wish to travel abroad should be approached with proper planning and diligence to ensure a smooth and timely application process.