If you are looking to travel out of Nigeria, you need an international passport, It’s your travel ID that lets you cross borders and visit other places around the world.
Just like you need a ticket to get on a bus or a plane – Once you’ve completed the application process, you have to wait for it to be processed before you can go pick it up.
Normally, the processing of an international passport doesn’t take much time but things work differently in Nigeria.
It can take a lot of time – it can take months and if you are unlucky, we may be looking at a year.
Unless you are ready to pay to speed up the process, you may have to wait for over eight months to get your passport.
There are pieces of evidence of that everywhere you turn to.
If you have completed the application process and currently waiting for your passport to be ready, here is how you can check if your international passport is ready in Nigeria.
If you follow the steps here, you will know exactly when yours is ready for collection.
The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) is responsible for processing and issuing passports.
And the processing time varies depending on the type of passport, urgency, and the workload at the passport office – and sometimes, who you can call, sorry to say that but yeah, it happens.
How to check if your international passport is ready in Nigeria
If you want to know if your international passport is ready in Nigeria, you can check online through the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) portal.
If you want to know if your international passport is ready in Nigeria, you can check online through the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) portal.
The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) has a special webpage where you can see the status of your passport.
So, instead of going somewhere in person, you can just use the internet to see if your passport is all set for your travels.
Below is how to check if your passport is ready online.
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How to check your passport status
The most convenient way to check the status of your international passport is through the official website of the Nigerian Immigration Service.
Follow these steps:
a. Visit the NIS official portal: https://portal.immigration.gov.ng
b. On the website, go to the ‘ Application Status’ section.
c. Click on the ‘Check Application Status‘ option.
d. Enter your Application ID and Reference Number.
e. Click on the ‘Search Record’ button.
Once you click on it, the system will check your application and provide you with real-time information on the status of your international passport application.
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Using Short Message Service (SMS)
The Nigerian Immigration Service also offers an SMS service for checking passport status but you have to subscribe before you can use it.
Here’s how you can use it:
a. Compose a new SMS on your mobile phone.
b. Type ‘Status,’ followed by a space, and then your 10-digit Application ID.
c. Send the SMS to 4343.
You will receive an automated response containing the current status of your passport application.
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Not satisfied yet? You can contact the passport office
If you prefer direct communication, you can contact the passport office where you submitted your application.
Before you call them, make sure you have your Application ID and any other relevant details with you.
You can find the contact information for the passport offices on the official immigration services website here.
But, you don’t have to go there, the details are below.
Address: Nnamdi Azikiwe Int’l Airport Road, Sauka, Abuja.
P.M.B. 38, Garki, Abuja.
Phone:+2348119753844
Email: info@immigration.gov.ng
When you call, they will request your details as a means of confirmation and once you are confirmed, they will run a check on their system and let you know the status of your application.
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Visit the Passport Office in Person
If you are among those who prefer a face-to-face approach, visiting the passport office in person is an option.
Take along your application reference number and any other supporting documents.
On getting to the office, the officials at the passport office will check their system and provide you with the current status of your passport.
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Checking through passport express services
If you used a passport express service, such as a courier or third-party agency when you applied, you can contact them for updates on your passport status.
Many of these services offer tracking options for passport applications therefore, they will be able to provide you with accurate information about the status of your application.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I check my passport status?
You can check your passport status on the official website of the Nigerian Immigration Service at https://portal.immigration.gov.ng, by navigating to the ‘application status’ section and clicking on ‘Check Application Status.’
How many days does it take to get an international passport in Nigeria?
It takes a few weeks to a few months, depending on the type of passport, urgency, and the workload at the passport office.
Can someone else check the status of my passport on my behalf?
Yes, someone else can check the status of your passport application if they have access to the application details.
Generally, only the passport applicant can check the status using the official online portal or SMS service.
However, if a third party is assisting you with the application, they will have access to the necessary information and can check on your behalf.
Can I check the status of my international passport online?
Yes, with your Application ID and Reference Number, you can check the status of your international passport online through the official website of the Nigerian Immigration Service.
Conclusion
If you applied for an international passport, you can check the status of your application online through the Nigerian Immigration Service website.
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Aside from online, you can also check the status of your application through SMS if you subscribed to it, in-person visiting or calling the passport office is also another option that you can use to check the status of your international passport in Nigeria.