Otherwise plan an impromptu trip back to visit your village ancestors
Every Nigerian dreams of travelling outside the country at least once. Whether for leisure or to say a permanent goodbye to the life they know, travel is big dream that few attain.
As a Nigerian preparing to leave the country, there are certain documents that you must have in order to ensure a smooth transition and avoid unnecessary hurdles.
Here are the the must-have documents every Nigerian should have before leaving Nigeria:
International Passport
Your international passport is the most important document you need to travel out of Nigeria. It is issued by the Nigerian Immigration Service and contains your personal information, photograph, and biometric data.
You can’t even step foot outside the airport without this document so this one goes without saying. If you can get the 10 year valid passport, please do. You’ll save time and money in renewals.
National Identification Number
Since the NIN became the acceptable identification number, equivalent to the United States, Social Security Number (SSN), the NIN had become a very important document.
Take it from someone that had to spend over $1000 on a trip to the nearest country to complete the biometrics for the NIN. Make sure you complete the process before you step foot outside Nigeria.
Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN)
I know that when I say this, many people will not know what I’m referring to. If you haven’t gotten your TIN yet, or if you don’t know what the number is, please ensure that you have one.
Every person past 18 years of age should be able to acquire this number. It will become important if you plan to work online and remotely. Marketplaces like Upwork and Freelancer will require this number to maintain their tax obligations in their respective business countries. If you also earn money via affiliate marketing, many affiliate partner companies will require your tax identification number.
If you don’t have one, you can apply for your TIN here.
Before you apply, check here to see if you were automatically issued a TIN at any point. You need to know your NIN or BVN and your date of birth to proceed.
Visa Documents
Your international passport allows you leave Nigeria. Your visa allows you pass through interconnecting flights and your destination country.
Some countries may not require a visa to enter. There are a few countries that we have visa free access or visa on arrival. Barbados for instance provides up to 6 months visa free travel for Nigerians.
Ensure that you have the necessary visas for both your final destination and all layover airports and countries.
Birth Certificate
This is a vital document that proves your identity and citizenship. You will need it for various purposes such as opening a bank account, applying for a job, or registering for school.
Each country has its own set of rules, and let’s face it. There’s nothing your birth certificate will achieve under your mother’s bed in Nigeria. Please ensure you have the original copy as well as some photocopies of your birth certificate on hand if you’re relocating anywhere for up to 6 months.
Educational Certificates
Your educational certificates such as WAEC, NECO, or GCE are important documents that prove your level of education and qualifications. They may be required when applying for a job or furthering your education abroad.
You never know what opportunities will arise while abroad. Always have your documents up to your highest educational qualifications. We also recommend storing clear scanned copies of each document to a folder in Google Drive or similar storage solutions.
Medical Records
Your medical records are crucial documents that provide information about your health status, immunization history, and any medical conditions you may have. You may need them for medical checks, insurance purposes, or to enroll in a school abroad.
Ensure you have your yellow fever card on hand. Many countries require yellow fever cards for people travelling from Africa.
Police Clearance Certificate
It is also known as a Police certificate of character.
This document proves that you have no criminal record in Nigeria. It may be required by some countries as part of their visa application process. If you plan to travel elsewhere from your first destination, you may be required to have Police clearance certificate.
Certified True Copies of Bank Statements
If you plan to open a bank abroad, the may sometimes ask for bank statements from your home country. As much as possible try to get certified true copies before you travel to avoid going through bank loops.
Banks tend to be very wary of foreigners and often exercise strict laws when handling bank account opening for foreigners.
Nigerian Driver’s License
If you have a Nigerian driver’s license, it may be useful to have it with you when you travel as it may be recognized in some countries. Additionally, it serves as a form of identification and saves your passport from being carried all around.
You may also be able to skip the the hassle of going through a driving test and obtaining a driving permit in the new country.
Marriage Certificates
If you’re married and you’re travelling with your partner or spouse, please endeavour to carry a legitimate proof of your marriage.
In conclusion, having these documents before leaving Nigeria can save you a lot of stress and ensure a smooth transition.
Make sure to keep them safe and secure throughout your journey.
