How To Obtain ECOWAS Passport In Nigeria

ECOWAS passport is a traveling document unanimously adopted by Economic Community of West African States in their efforts to promote the interstate integration of member state.

This does not mean that ECOWAS as a body does issue passports; rather its member states do issue passports that share common features. This passport covers citizen of other West African nation freedom; to stay in the country for a period of ninety days without obtaining any other permits.

ECOWAS traveling passports is not limited to movement of people from Nigeria to other West African sub-region but also recognized as a valid traveling document internationally.

Before the introduction of computer technology in Nigeria, there were a lot of fraudulent activities in procuring ECOWAS international passport.

However, the practice has been enhanced with the introduction of computer technology and application of biometric capturing. For the purpose of clarity, the various kinds of passports in Nigeria are explained below.

1.     Diplomatic Passport (Red cover)

This is a kind of passport that is reserved solely for the highly placed in the society such as the government officials in Nigeria or those representing Nigeria in various capacities outside the country.

Requirements for Diplomatic Passport

·        Approval from the presidency

·        Local Government letter of identification.

·        Birth certificate / age declaration.

·        2 recent colour passport photographs

·        Guarantor's form sworn to before a Commissioner of Oaths / Magistrate / High Court Judge.

·        Marriage certificate where applicable

 

2.     Official Passport (Blue cover)

This is a standard e-passport issued to Nigerian citizens intending to travel to countries of the world. It is a valid means of identification anywhere in the world.

      Requirements for Official Passport

·        Letter of introduction from relevant government authority.

·        Marriage certificate where applicable

·        Police report in case of lost passport

·        Letter of appointment / last promotion.

 

3.     Standard Passport (Green cover)

This is the most common type of passport in Nigeria; it is a passport designed for international movement and also as a valid of identification anywhere.

Requirements for Standard Nigeria Passport

·        Local Government letter of identification.

·        Birth certificate / age declaration.

·        2 recent colour passport photographs

·        Guarantor's form sworn to before a Commissioner of Oaths / Magistrate /  High Court Judge

·        Parents' letter of consent for children under 16 years

·        Marriage certificate where applicable

 

4.     Pilgrims Passport (Color varies from year to year)

This is a kind of passport that is specially designed for those going for religious activities outside their country of origin.

 Requirements for Pilgrimage passport

·        2 recent passport photographs.

·        Print out copy of duly completed application form

·        Take printed and signed application forms to Immigration Office for further processing

·        A guarantor must attach the following documents

·        Photocopy of Data page of Nigerian standard Passport

·        Driving License or National Identity Card

 

5.     Seaman's Book (Certificate of Identity) (Maroon cover)

This is a very important document that is used to apply for crew transit visas.

Requirements for Seaman's Book Passport

·        Local Government letter of identification

·        Birth certificate / age declaration

·        2 recent colour passport photographs

 

Note that the requirements should be forwarded to the office of Nigeria Immigration service in your state except that of diplomatic visa that should be forwarded to the office of Comptroller General Nigeria Immigration Headquarters Abuja.

 

As passports vary, so also are requirements and the purpose, this means that a seaman’s book passport cannot serve the purpose of pilgrim’s passport. Nigerians should first ascertain the purpose of their traveling before going for a particular type of ECOWAS passport.