Updated 28 September 2026 · Travo.ng
Quick answer
For Nigerians, the “ECOWAS passport” and the “international passport” are the same document. The green Nigerian passport follows the common ECOWAS passport design introduced in December 2000 and is valid for travel worldwide. The document that is limited to West Africa is the ECOWAS Travel Certificate. The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) issues it for travel within the ECOWAS sub-region only, and it is valid for two years at a time.
Many people search for the difference between an ECOWAS passport and an international passport because they assume Nigeria issues two separate passports: one for West Africa and one for the rest of the world. It doesn’t. This guide explains what the ECOWAS passport really is and which document is actually restricted to West Africa. It also sets out the current NIS passport fees and what the 2025 departure of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger from ECOWAS means for travellers.
What is the ECOWAS passport?
The ECOWAS passport is not a separate passport. It is the name for the common design that ECOWAS member states use for their national passports. It was introduced in December 2000 as a common passport that works as an international travel document. Passports that follow this design have:
- a green cover for ordinary passports, blue for service (official) passports and burgundy for diplomatic passports
- common security features and biometrics
- recognition for travel within the sub-region and internationally
So when a Nigerian applies for an “international passport” at an NIS office or online, the passport they receive is the ECOWAS-format Nigerian passport. The same booklet gets you into Ghana visa-free and, with the right visa, into the UK, Canada or anywhere else.
What is the “international passport”?
“International passport” is the everyday Nigerian name for the Nigerian standard passport, as opposed to the national ID card or other documents. NIS now issues it as an electronic (e-)passport in two versions:
| Passport | Validity | Fee in Nigeria | Fee abroad (diaspora) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 32-page standard e-passport | 5 years | ₦100,000 | US$150 |
| 64-page standard e-passport | 10 years | ₦200,000 | US$230 |
Source: Nigeria Immigration Service press release of 28 August 2025. Fees effective from 1 September 2025; we found no later official revision as at 28 September 2026. Pay only through the official NIS portal.
The document that is limited to West Africa: the ECOWAS Travel Certificate
The ECOWAS Travel Certificate (ETC) is the document that many older articles confuse with the “ECOWAS passport”. According to NIS:
- It is “a recognized travel document valid for travels within” the ECOWAS countries, and it proves that the holder is a community citizen.
- It is valid for two years and can be renewed for further two-year periods, up to a maximum of ten years.
- Nationals of ECOWAS Treaty signatory countries can apply.
- Requirements include a completed form, three 4×4 cm colour passport photographs, proof of age, an employment letter where applicable, confirmation of citizenship from your local government chairman, and an institution letter for students.
- It is issued at NIS headquarters, the 36 state commands, the FCT office and NIS offices in local government areas.
The NIS page does not list a fee for the ETC. Ask at the issuing office and pay only official charges.
ECOWAS passport vs international passport vs ECOWAS Travel Certificate
| Feature | Nigerian passport (ECOWAS design, “international passport”) | ECOWAS Travel Certificate |
|---|---|---|
| Where you can travel | Worldwide (with visas where required) | ECOWAS sub-region only |
| Format | Biometric e-passport booklet | Travel certificate |
| Cover colour | Green (ordinary), blue (official), burgundy (diplomatic) | Not a passport booklet |
| Validity | 5 or 10 years (adults) | 2 years, renewable up to 10 years in total |
| Cost (Nigeria) | ₦100,000 or ₦200,000 | Not published on the NIS page |
| Visa-free in ECOWAS | Yes, for stays up to 90 days | Yes, within the sub-region |
| Best for | Anyone who may travel outside West Africa | Traders and travellers who only cross West African borders |
Sources: NIS ECOWAS Travel Certificate page; NIS fee notice (Aug 2025); ECOWAS free movement protocol summary on Wikipedia.
Visa-free travel within ECOWAS
Under the 1979 ECOWAS Free Movement Protocol, citizens of member states do not need visas for stays of up to 90 days within the community. With a valid Nigerian passport (or an ETC) you can travel by road to Benin, Togo, Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire without a visa. Expect immigration checks at each border, and carry any health documents the border posts ask for.
Planning the road trip? See our guides to the bus to Ghana from Lagos, how much Nigeria to Ghana by road costs and Nigeria to Ivory Coast by road.
What changed in 2025: Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger
On 29 January 2025, Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger formally left ECOWAS, which now has 12 member states. The three countries now form the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) and introduced a joint AES biometric passport in January 2025. ECOWAS has said it will continue to recognise passports and ID cards bearing the ECOWAS logo held by citizens of those countries. It has also said that AES citizens continue to enjoy visa-free movement, residence and establishment under ECOWAS protocols “until further notice”. These are interim arrangements. If you plan to travel to or through Niger, Mali or Burkina Faso, check the latest entry rules with NIS or the relevant embassy before you go.
Note that the NIS page still describes the ETC as valid in “sixteen” ECOWAS countries. That wording predates the 2025 withdrawals.
Which one should you get?
- Get the standard passport if there is any chance you will travel outside West Africa, apply for a foreign visa, or need a globally accepted ID. For most people, the 64-page, 10-year version costs less per year.
- Consider the ETC only if you cross West African borders often, for example as a cross-border trader, and do not need a passport for other destinations.
Need help with your application? Travo’s passport assist page explains the process. For destinations outside ECOWAS, see the visa guide. Travo is not part of NIS, and all applications and payments go through official NIS channels.
Travelling to Ghana, Togo or Benin?
Book your cross-border bus or ride on Travo.ng, or ask us on WhatsApp which documents to carry.
Frequently asked questions
Is the ECOWAS passport the same as the international passport?
For Nigerians, yes. The Nigerian passport follows the common ECOWAS passport design and is valid for international travel.
Can I travel to the UK or US with an ECOWAS passport?
Yes, with the right visa. Your green Nigerian passport is your ECOWAS passport. Only the ECOWAS Travel Certificate is limited to West Africa.
How much is a Nigerian passport in 2026?
NIS set the fee at ₦100,000 for the 32-page 5-year passport and ₦200,000 for the 64-page 10-year passport from 1 September 2025. Abroad, the fees are US$150 and US$230.
How long can I stay in another ECOWAS country without a visa?
Up to 90 days under the ECOWAS Free Movement Protocol. Longer stays need residence permits under the host country’s rules.
How long is the ECOWAS Travel Certificate valid?
Two years, renewable for further two-year periods, up to a maximum of ten years.
Can I still travel to Niger, Mali or Burkina Faso visa-free?
They left ECOWAS in January 2025, but interim arrangements keep visa-free movement “until further notice”. Confirm the current position with NIS or the embassy before you travel.
Related guides
- Lagos to Ghana by road: complete guide
- UK visa fees in Nigeria
- Canada visa fee in Nigeria
- Transport costs from Nigeria to Ghana
Sources: Nigeria Immigration Service: ECOWAS Travel Certificate; NIS passport fee notice (28 Aug 2025); Wikipedia: ECOWAS passport, ECOWAS, Alliance of Sahel States (accessed 28 Sep 2026). Fares and prices change often — confirm before you travel or pay.
