How to Obtain an Infant Visa in Nigeria
Introduction
Traveling internationally with an infant is a major milestone for any family—but it also involves careful legal and immigration procedures, especially in a country like Nigeria where compliance with visa and passport rules is critical. One common misconception is that infants automatically fall under the protection of their parents’ travel documents. This is false. An infant is considered a distinct legal personality and requires their own passport and visa to travel internationally.
Whether you’re a Nigerian citizen planning to travel abroad with your baby, a foreigner giving birth in Nigeria, or a parent relocating with a newborn, this article outlines everything you need to know about obtaining an infant visa in Nigeria. We’ll explore the processes, requirements, common challenges, and also present a real-life case study that brings the process to life.
1. What is an Infant Visa?
An infant visa is a type of travel authorization granted to children aged between 0 and 24 months. It is required for international travel and serves as official permission for the child to enter another country. Despite their age, infants are treated as separate travelers under immigration law and must be documented accordingly. They must possess their own passports, and their visas must reflect the specific type of visit—whether it’s medical, tourism, relocation, or family reunification.
2. Legal Framework for Infant Travel from Nigeria
The legal basis for issuing visas and regulating infant travel from Nigeria is rooted in several statutory instruments and international standards. These include:
The Nigerian Immigration Act 2015, which governs the movement of persons in and out of Nigeria.
The Nigerian Immigration Regulations 2017, which provide administrative guidelines for visa issuance.
The Child Rights Act 2003, which emphasizes the legal protection of children, including during travel.
The ICAO Standards, which regulate how children are represented in travel documents.
The Visa Regulations of the Destination Country, which vary depending on where the infant is traveling to.
Understanding and complying with these frameworks is key to a successful visa application for your child.
3. Categories of Infant Visa Requests in Nigeria
Visa applications for infants in Nigeria fall under different categories, depending on the child’s origin and the purpose of travel. The most common scenarios include:
Infants born to Nigerian parents who are traveling abroad.
Infants born abroad to Nigerian citizens returning to Nigeria.
Infants born in Nigeria to expatriate or foreign parents.
Infants traveling with guardians or extended family members.
Infants needing transit visas or temporary travel clearance.
Each scenario requires specific documentation, and parents or guardians must determine the most applicable category before beginning the application.
4. Why an Infant Needs a Visa
Contrary to popular belief, a baby cannot travel internationally using only the mother’s or father’s passport. Each person, regardless of age, must be recorded in immigration systems independently. This ensures that:
The baby is officially recognized by both the home and destination countries.
Immigration authorities can track the child’s travel history.
The child has met health and legal entry conditions of the destination country.
The infant’s movement complies with both local and international child protection laws.
5. Key Authorities Involved in the Process
Several authorities collaborate during the infant visa process. They include:
The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), responsible for issuing the baby’s Nigerian passport.
The National Population Commission (NPC), which issues birth certificates.
The Ministry of Interior, especially in cases involving foreign parents.
The Embassy or High Commission of the country you’re applying to.
Authorized Visa Processing Centers such as VFS Global or TLS Contact, which handle application submissions and biometric captures.
Navigating each of these institutions may seem daunting, but they all serve to ensure your child’s legal safety during international travel.
6. Step-by-Step Process of Obtaining an Infant Visa in Nigeria
Step 1: Get the Infant’s Birth Certificate
Shortly after birth, you’ll need to register your baby with the National Population Commission. You will be required to submit the hospital’s birth record or confirmation letter. It’s essential to ensure names, dates, and spellings are accurate, as any discrepancies can delay the process.
Step 2: Apply for the Infant’s Passport
You’ll need to fill out the Nigerian Immigration Service’s e-passport form for minors. This is done online, and the form must be submitted along with a scanned copy of the baby’s birth certificate, passport-sized photographs, and valid identification of both parents. Once payment is made, a date will be scheduled for biometric data capture at the passport office.
Step 3: Begin the Visa Application
Visit the official website of the destination country’s embassy to start the visa process. You will need to create a new application for the infant using a separate profile or account. Choose the correct visa type, which could be tourist, dependent, medical, or immigration-related, depending on your needs.
Step 4: Gather Required Documents
Carefully gather all necessary documents. These include the baby’s passport, birth certificate, passport photos, parent(s)’ passports, visa pages, bank statements, travel insurance, flight itinerary, and a formal letter of consent if only one parent is traveling with the child. Some embassies may also require a legalized affidavit or court order in the absence of one parent.
Step 5: Schedule and Attend Your Visa Appointment
After submitting the form online, book an appointment at the designated visa application center. Bring all original documents and copies. You may be required to attend with your infant, depending on the embassy’s rules.
Step 6: Await the Visa Decision
Most embassies will provide you with a tracking number. You can use this to monitor the status of your infant’s visa application. Once approved, you’ll be notified to collect the passport or arrange delivery.
7. Special Requirements for Dual Nationals
If your baby has dual citizenship—for example, Nigerian and British—you must obtain both passports. For international travel, the child must present the relevant passport based on the country of departure and destination. In Nigeria, the infant must present a valid Nigerian passport when leaving the country, but may also use the foreign passport at the point of entry into another country. It’s important to clarify these procedures to avoid complications at immigration desks.
8. Important Documents Required
Several critical documents are needed to apply for an infant visa in Nigeria. These include:
The baby’s birth certificate from the NPC.
A valid Nigerian international passport for the child.
Two passport photographs taken to meet embassy specifications.
Both parents’ international passports, especially the one with the visa or residency permit.
A letter of consent from the parent who is not traveling with the child.
Proof of funds, such as a recent bank statement showing the ability to cater for the infant during the trip.
A travel itinerary, showing dates of travel and return.
Travel insurance, if required by the destination country.
An invitation letter, if the infant is visiting someone abroad.
Medical records or proof of vaccinations, especially during international medical travel or immigration-related requests.
9. Cost of Obtaining an Infant Visa
Applying for an infant visa involves several payments. While the birth certificate itself is often free or issued at a token fee, the Nigerian international passport may cost between ₦8,750 and ₦15,000 depending on the location and type of booklet. Visa application fees vary widely depending on the country—ranging from ₦30,000 to ₦150,000. You may also incur service charges from visa centers like VFS Global or TLS Contact. Additionally, travel insurance can cost anywhere between ₦10,000 and ₦30,000.
10. Processing Time
Timeframes vary depending on multiple factors. The NPC birth certificate may be issued within 1–3 days. The passport process could take 1–4 weeks based on processing speed and location. Visa application processing times range from five to thirty working days. Priority or express services may shorten this timeline but usually come at additional cost.
11. Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many infant visa applications are delayed or denied due to avoidable mistakes. These include:
Misspelled names or incorrect dates on official documents.
Poor-quality passport photographs that do not meet embassy standards.
Incomplete visa forms or missing signatures.
Failure to present a consent letter or court-approved custody document if one parent is absent.
Submitting expired documents or unverifiable financial records.
Parents must cross-check every document thoroughly before submission.
12. Challenges Parents Face and How to Overcome Them
Several challenges may arise during this process, including:
Delayed passport issuance: Always start early and follow up persistently.
Discrepancies in documents: Ensure consistency across all forms and IDs.
Lack of knowledge of embassy rules: Visit official websites or seek professional help.
Rejection of visa applications: Submit genuine documents and explain all inconsistencies clearly.
For more complex cases, seeking the assistance of immigration lawyers or visa professionals is strongly recommended.
13. Case Study: From Birth to Boarding – Infant Visa for a Nigerian Infant Traveling to the UK
The Scenario
Chidi and Amaka, a Nigerian couple based in Lagos, welcomed their daughter Zara in early 2024. Chidi had recently secured a Tier 4 student visa to study in the UK and needed Zara to accompany the family as a dependent.
Their Step-by-Step Journey
Birth Certificate: Issued by the NPC in Lagos within three working days.
Passport: Applied through the NIS website. They paid ₦15,000 and attended a biometric appointment at Ikeja passport office. The passport was ready in two weeks.
Visa Application: Zara’s application was completed on the UKVI website as a “Child Dependent.” Supporting documents included Chidi’s visa, proof of accommodation, proof of funds, and consent from both parents.
Submission: Done through TLS Contact in Lagos. Zara was only three months old, and her biometric data was not taken.
Visa Approval: Came in ten working days. The visa was stamped on Zara’s Nigerian passport.
The family relocated successfully to the UK, having carefully complied with all requirements.
14. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can a newborn travel without a passport?
No. All travelers, regardless of age, must have their own passport.
Do both parents need to be present at the visa appointment?
Not always, but a notarized consent letter from the absent parent is required.
Can I apply for a visa before my baby is born?
No. The baby must first have a birth certificate and passport.
What happens if one parent is not in Nigeria?
The absent parent must send a notarized consent letter or court order.
Is there a way to fast-track the visa?
Some embassies offer priority processing for an extra fee.
Conclusion
Acquiring an infant visa in Nigeria is a process that demands attention, patience, and accuracy. From ensuring correct documentation to understanding embassy rules, parents must remain thorough at each stage. Delays can be costly, and errors may lead to visa denials or travel bans. It is advisable to seek legal support when in doubt.
At Chaman Law Firm, we provide expert support on infant visas, travel documentation, and family immigration services. We simplify complex immigration procedures and guide parents every step of the way—from hospital registration to boarding the plane
Securing an infant visa for Nigeria requires careful attention to detail and adherence to the outlined procedures. By preparing the necessary documentation, following the application steps diligently, and allowing sufficient time for processing, parents and guardians can ensure a smooth visa acquisition process for their infants.
Planning to Travel with Your Baby? Let’s Handle the Visa Process Smoothly and Legally.
Whether you’re visiting Nigeria for family, business, or relocation—your infant deserves a stress-free entry. The visa process for minors requires precision, accurate documentation, and legal compliance to avoid unnecessary delays or denials.
At Chaman Law Firm, we specialize in helping families successfully secure infant visas, ensuring all immigration and consular requirements are professionally handled on your behalf.
We Offer:
✅ Full infant visa application support
✅ Birth certificate and parental consent documentation
✅ Legal advisory for international family travel
✅ Consular representation and visa appointment scheduling
✅ Fast-tracked services for urgent travels
📞Phone: 08065553671, 08096888818
✉ Email: chamanlawfirm@gmail.com
📍 Address: 115, Obafemi Awolowo Way, Allen Junction, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria
🌍Click here to learn more about Chaman Law Firm
💼 Chaman Law Firm — Legal Expertise You Can Trust for Every Member of the Family.