Titansloaded reports that the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has introduced a streamlined contactless passport renewal system, allowing eligible Nigerians living abroad to renew their international passports online without making multiple visits to Nigerian embassies or passport offices.
The initiative is part of the Federal Government’s efforts to modernise passport services, reduce waiting times, and make the renewal process more convenient for citizens residing outside Nigeria.
Under the new arrangement, Nigerians in eligible countries can complete most of the passport renewal process online using the official NIS portal and the contactless passport application system.
Who Is Eligible?
According to the NIS, the online renewal option is available to Nigerians abroad who already possess a Nigerian passport that is expired, close to expiration, or has exhausted its visa pages.
Applicants must also have a valid National Identification Number (NIN) that matches the information on their existing passport. The service is currently available in selected countries, including the United Kingdom and the United States, with plans for wider expansion.
Documents Required
Before beginning the application, eligible applicants are advised to have the following documents ready:
- Current Nigerian passport.
- Valid National Identification Number (NIN).
- Passport data page.
- Birth certificate or Local Government certificate of origin where applicable.
- A valid debit or credit card for online payment.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Applicants are required to visit the official Nigeria Immigration Service passport portal and either create an account or sign in with their existing credentials.
After logging in, they should select the passport renewal option, choose their country of residence and preferred processing centre, then complete the online application form with accurate personal information.
Applicants will also be required to upload the necessary supporting documents before proceeding to payment through the approved online payment platform.
For eligible applicants, biometric enrolment can be completed remotely using the official NIS contactless passport application. Those who do not qualify for remote biometric capture will receive instructions to book an appointment at the nearest Nigerian Embassy or High Commission.
Once all the required information has been submitted successfully, applicants will receive confirmation through email or SMS and can monitor the progress of their applications online.
Processing Period
The Nigeria Immigration Service stated that passport renewal applications generally take between six and twelve weeks to process, although timelines may vary depending on the applicant’s country of residence and the verification process.
Benefits of the Contactless System
The introduction of the online renewal platform is expected to significantly improve passport services for Nigerians in the diaspora.
The system reduces unnecessary travel to embassies, cuts down long waiting queues, simplifies documentation, and enables eligible applicants to complete most stages of the renewal process from the comfort of their homes.
The NIS said the initiative forms part of its ongoing digital transformation programme aimed at improving service delivery and providing more efficient access to passport services for Nigerians across the world.
