The new and enhanced Nigerian International e-Passport (electronic passport) with a 10 years validity period was recently launched by the Nigerian government. The new passport is said to have enhanced security management features and quality standards. It also has about 25 difference between the previously issued Nigerian e-passport
If you currently own the previously issued and valid (i.e. not expired) e-passport, you need not to worry. This because your e-passport can still be used until they are permanently phased out. In the meantime, the new and the old passports will work simultaneously.
As you may have already known, the e-passport with 5 years validity comes in two different types i.e. The 32-page and the 64-page. However, the New Nigerian International e-Passport with 10 Years Validity comes in only the 64-page type. .
Price of New Nigerian International e-Passport with 10 Years Validity
- the 32-page e-passport with 5 years validity is N25,000 (in Nigeria) and $130 (abroad)
- the 64-page e-passport with 5 years validity is N30,000 (in Nigeria) and $150 (abroad)
- the 64-page e-passport with 10 years validity is N70,000 (in Nigeria) and $230 (abroad)
The new and enhanced e-passport is compliant as the previously issued e-passport. However, this change will take some time to take effect amongst the international community. It is important to know that the new e-passport is compliant with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).
It was said that the Nigerians in diaspora demanded the 10-year validity passport. Which means the New Nigerian International e-Passport is mostly useful for saving Nigerians in the Diaspora time used for frequently visiting the Nigerian Embassy abroad.
How to Get the New Nigerian International e-Passport with 10 Years Validity
The new e-passport will be available to the public as from February 2019.
You will, however, need to apply so as to get the new e-passport. You can do this by going to the Nigeria Immigration Service website.
On the site, select the Passport Type, which is either Standard ePassport or Official ePassport. Choose ‘Standard ePassport’ which is for the general public or the ‘Official ePassport’ is for government officials.
Next, choose the Processing Country. This is the country where you currently reside and would like to apply from. You can choose the country (from the dropdown list) where you wish to attend the interview for your application processing.
Next, click on the ‘Start Application’ button. Then follow the easy on-screen process. If you face any difficulty, you can follow the e-passport application guidelines to be able to complete your application process correctly. The application process is simple and easy to use with the online application guidelines.
