File: Nigerian passport
Nigerians living abroad can now renew their passports without physically visiting an embassy or high commission for biometric enrolment, provided they meet the eligibility requirements for the Nigeria Immigration Service’s Contactless Passport Application System.
The system allows eligible Nigerians in the diaspora to apply for passport renewal, complete their biometric enrolment and track their applications remotely.
The Nigeria Immigration Service explained how the system works in a video shared on its official X account on Saturday, urging Nigerians to use only its official channels for passport applications.
Here is how eligible Nigerians abroad can renew their passports through the contactless system:
Apply online
Applicants are required to visit the official NIS passport portal (passport.immigration.gov.ng) and select “Apply from Outside Nigeria”, before clicking on “Apply for Renewal/Re-issue” to begin the process.
They will then need to create an account and verify their identity using their National Identification Number and date of birth.
Applicants are also required to complete the application form, select their processing embassy and upload the required supporting documents.
Pay passport fee
After completing the application, applicants are required to pay the passport fee for their preferred booklet.
The NIS said applicants would then receive an Application ID and Reference Number, which they would need throughout the process.
Opt for contactless service
After completing the application, applicants will be given the option of choosing between a physical appointment and a contactless appointment.
Those who want to use the contactless service are required to select “Opt-in for Contactless” under the “Application Status” or “Book Appointment” section.
The NIS said applicants would then be shown a step-by-step guide to the contactless process, which they should read before selecting “I Understand” and opting in.
Complete biometric enrolment
Applicants are required to download the NIS Mobile App and either log into an existing account or create a new profile.
From the app, they should select “Passport Application Services” and then “Passport Biometrics Enrollment”.
The applicant will be required to enter their Application ID and Reference Number and select “Check Eligibility”.
If eligible, the applicant will be guided through the process of capturing their facial image and fingerprints, completing liveness verification and submitting their biometrics for review.
The NIS said successful applicants would be directed to pay the contactless service fee after their biometrics had been reviewed and their eligibility confirmed.
What happens if you are not eligible?
Applicants who are found ineligible for the contactless service will have to complete the process physically.
The NIS said such applicants should return to the portal’s landing page and book a physical appointment at their selected embassy or high commission.
Send passport to embassy
Applicants who complete the contactless process are required to print their application form and retrieve their current national passport.
The NIS said both should be placed inside a self-addressed return envelope and sent to the selected processing embassy.
Track the application
Applicants can begin tracking their passport applications two weeks after submission through the NIS tracking portal (track.immigration.gov.ng) or the NIS Mobile App.
The NIS said the Contactless Passport Application System was designed to make passport renewal “faster, easier, and more convenient” for eligible Nigerians in the diaspora.
“There’s no need to visit an embassy for biometric enrolment. You can apply for and track your passport entirely online,” the service said.
It added that the system offered a “fast and secure verification process” and allowed eligible applicants to complete their applications from wherever they are.
The immigration service advised Nigerians to apply only through its official channels.
