One of the best experiences in life is traveling, but how far you can travel is determined by one little booklet called – a passport.
Are you planning an international trip and thinking of going to the United States of America? Then, you need to have a valid US passport.
Here in this article, I will explain everything you need to know about US passports, how much they cost, and how you can easily get yours. So keep reading!
READ NORE: Birth Tourism – Countries You Can Give Birth and Gain Their Passport
Why Do Passports Exist?
Table of Contents
Passports are created to control people’s access to different countries based on the relationship between their governments. It helps keep track of where citizens have been and when.
Types Of US Passports
Before I delve into the cost of US passports in Nigeria, let me brief you on the types of US passports. The U.S. introduced passports in 1775 and in July 2008, the U.S. State Department started producing two types of passports which include:
- Passport Book
This passport is valid for any type of international trip you want to go for and can be used as an official form of identification.
- Passport Card
This kind is not valid for international air trips but you can use it instead of the Passport Book for land and sea travels between the U.S., Canada, and other countries like Mexico, The Caribbean, and Bermuda.
How Much Is a US Passport In Nigeria 2024?
According to the U.S. Embassy and Consulate In Nigeria, in 2024 the fees are:
- The adult renewing a passport is $130 Minor passport (under age 16).
- A first-time adult passport (16 and older) is $165.
You have to pay the fee in dollars or the equivalent in Nigerian Naira in cash at the Embassy. Also, credit card payment is not allowed there.
You need to know those documents that require to have a clear photocopy. If you do not bring the photocopies of the required documents you will have to pay the sum of $1.00 for the photocopies.
Moreover, the State Department no longer issues supplemental passport pages to U.S. citizens. When your current passport is full, you will be required to obtain a new passport at full cost.
You will also need to take along the originals and photocopies of all supporting documents that are required.
READ MORE: New Zealand Skilled Migrant Visa
Easy Steps To Get Your US Passport
Working in the US is the good adventure of a lifetime that you will never regret! You will come with greater confidence that will expand your worldview.
You can also have an amazing experience when you travel there but you need the fishing first which is the passport! Are you ready to learn how to get your US passport? Let me walk you through the process of getting yours:
Step 1: Complete Your Application
You can easily complete the application form online or download the PDF version but make sure you do not sign it until you are instructed to do that at the passport acceptance facility, In some instances, it may be your local post office.
Step 2: Go Along With Your Required Documents
You will need to provide evidence that you are a U.S. citizen. Most people use a birth certificate. When you use this make sure that you meet the requirements. You can add it to the evidence of your citizenship, you must present another form of identification such as a driver’s license or any updated government identification.
Step 3: Have A Passport Photograph
Make sure you put on your best face and go have your picture taken! The requirements for passport photos are strict that’s why you shouldn’t take the pictures yourself.
There are various chains of pharmacies with photo departments that take passport photos as do copy shops and FedEx/UPS stores.
Step 4: Pay Your Fees
You are required to pay an application fee to the U.S. Department of State and an execution fee to the facility that was received from the application.
As a first-time applicant, it will cost you an amount from $135 and $165 if you use standard return shipping but the fees vary it is determined on age and shipping methods.
Step 5: Submit Your Application
When you have confirmed everything that has been listed above and double-checked the U.S. Department of State’s requirement, then you need to submit your application. As a first-time applicant, you must file your application in person at an authorized facility.
When To Apply For This Passport?
I recommend you start the process at least 2 to 3 months earlier of your trip, as the average time you will receive your passport in the mail is within six weeks.
If you need your passport as fast as possible, you have to pay an additional fee of $60 and will receive it within two weeks. You will just label the application as expedited.
If you need it soonest, you will have to pay an additional $18.32 for a passport book overnight delivery.
The best season that you can apply for this passport is between September and February because that is when travel season is not much.
READ MORE: How Do I Get An E-Passport?
Conclusion
Without a doubt, you should find the process of applying for a US passport easy now that you know the amount it costs to get it from Nigeria. So follow the process in this article for it to be easy for you.
