As global travel continues to grow in importance, understanding the types of passports available in Nigeria is essential for citizens who travel frequently or plan to travel abroad.
The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) issues three main types of passports, each serving a specific purpose and offering different privileges.
1. Standard Passport
The standard passport, in green colour, is the most commonly issued passport for ordinary Nigerians. It is typically used for tourism, business trips, and personal travel. Standard passports have a validity of five years and ten years with differing number of pages, providing enough space for visas and travel stamps. Citizens applying for this passport must submit personal identification documents, such as a National Identity Number (NIN) and proof of payment for passport processing.
2. Official Passport
The official passport, blue in colour, is designed for Nigerians traveling on government business or representing the country in an official capacity. Holders of this passport often include government employees on foreign assignments or delegates attending international conferences. This type of passport provides certain diplomatic privileges and facilitates smoother interactions with foreign authorities.
3. Diplomatic Passport
- Red in colour and reserved for Nigerian diplomats, senior government officials, and other high-ranking public servants, the diplomatic passport grants holders special privileges, including diplomatic immunities and access to diplomatic channels abroad. It is primarily issued to enhance Nigeria’s international representation and to provide security and convenience for officials conducting official state business overseas
