Niger officially launched enrollment for the new biometric passport of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) on July 24, 2024, during a ceremony presided over by M. Abdoul Kader Garba Moussa, Deputy Secretary General of the Ministry of Interior, Public Security and Territorial Administration. The ceremony of official launch of enrollment for the new biometric passport of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) took place on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at the premises of the Direction de la Surveillance du Territoire (DST). The initiative shows Niger's commitment to the AES dynamic and community texts, according to M. Abdoul Kader Garba Moussa. He stated the enrollment devices are installed at the DST for the Niamey region, in each region, and for the diaspora. M. Garba Moussa noted the launch was driven by the President of the Transition of Mali and that President Abdourahamane Tiani and Prime Minister Ali Mahamane Lamine Zeine were enrolled on July 16 and July 23, 2026, respectively.
Passport's Purpose and Features
The new passport for the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) aims to modernize official documents, strengthening sovereignty, security, and mobility for citizens. This unique travel document for the AES was officially launched on January 29, 2025. The passport incorporates both biographical and biometric data, utilizing various technical devices designed to enhance its authenticity, reliability, and overall security. The characteristics of the new passport comply with international standards for travel documents, including those of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), ensuring global recognition and adherence to established security protocols.
Several categories of passports are available under this new system. These include ordinary passports, service passports, diplomatic passports, refugee travel documents, and a specialized Hadj passport for pilgrims. The special Hadj passport is specifically designed for travel to Saudi Arabia for the pilgrimages of Hadj and Oumrah. This particular passport is issued with a validity period of two years, catering to the specific needs of pilgrims.
Enrollment Process and Fees
The official launch ceremony took place at the premises of the Direction de la Surveillance du Territoire (DST). Citizens can initiate the enrollment process through an online pre-enrollment system, which supports payments via Amana, Nita, and Airtel money. This digital payment integration aims to streamline the application process and enhance accessibility for applicants. General of the Army Abdourahamane Tiani, President of the Republic and Head of State, completed his enrollment for the AES biometric passport on July 16, 2026, demonstrating high-level endorsement of the new system. Prime Minister Ali Mahamane Lamine Zeine followed, enrolling for his AES biometric passport on July 23, 2026, further noting the commitment of the nation's leadership.
The cost for an ordinary passport and the special Hadj passport is set at 45,000f. A reduced price of 29,750f applies to minors and students for both the ordinary passport and the special Hadj passport, making it more affordable for these specific groups. For individuals seeking voluntary renewal of an old passport within a 48-hour timeframe, a double tariff of 90,000f is required, reflecting an expedited service option.
Broader Context and Security
The ceremony for the passport launch took place on Tuesday, September 15, 2026. The initiative to introduce the AES passport was primarily driven by the President of the Transition of Mali, who also serves as the Head of State and President of the College of Heads of State of the Alliance of Sahel States. This leadership from Mali's President shows the collaborative effort among AES member states to enhance regional integration and security through standardized travel documents.
The characteristics of the new passport align with international standards for travel documents. This includes compliance with the specifications set forth by the International Civil Aviation Organization, ensuring global recognition and security. A specialized Hadj passport has been created specifically for travel to Saudi Arabia for the pilgrimages of Hadj and Oumrah. This particular passport is designed with a validity period of two years, offering a dedicated and secure document for religious travel. The integration of biographical and biometric data, along with various technical devices, is central to enhancing the authenticity, reliability, and overall security of the new AES passport.
