Nigerians living outside the country can now renew their passports without physically visiting a Nigerian embassy or high commission for biometric enrolment, following the introduction of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) contactless passport renewal system.
The new process allows eligible applicants to complete key stages of their passport renewal remotely, including biometric enrolment, while using their National Identification Number (NIN) and date of birth for identity verification.
How Nigerians Abroad Can Renew Their Passports Remotely
Applicants are required to begin the process through the official Nigerian Immigration Service passport portal by selecting “Apply from Outside Nigeria” and choosing “Apply for Renewal or Reissue.”
They will then create an account, verify their identity with their NIN and date of birth, complete the application form, select a preferred processing embassy and upload the required documents.
After payment of the applicable passport fee, the applicant will receive an Application ID and Reference Number, which should be kept for subsequent stages of the process.
At this point, applicants can choose between a physical appointment and the contactless option, where available.
Those eligible for contactless processing can select “Opt in for Contactless” from the application status or appointment section and follow the instructions provided.
Applicants will also need to download the NRS mobile app, sign in or create an account, and select “Passport Application Services” followed by “Passport Biometric Enrolment.”
The Application ID and Reference Number are then entered into the app to determine eligibility.
If approved for the contactless process, applicants will be guided through the capture of their facial image and fingerprints using the mobile application. The biometric information will subsequently be submitted for review.
Once the biometric submission has been successfully reviewed and the applicant confirmed eligible, the contactless service fee will be required.
What Happens If You Are Not Eligible?
Applicants who do not qualify for the contactless option can return to the passport portal and schedule a physical biometric appointment at their selected Nigerian embassy or high commission.
Following completion of the required payment, applicants should print their application form and retrieve their current passport.
Both documents should be placed in a self-addressed return envelope and sent to the selected processing mission as instructed.
Applicants can begin tracking their passport application approximately two weeks after submission through the official tracking portal or the NRS mobile application.
The contactless system is aimed at reducing the need for Nigerians abroad to travel to embassies solely for passport biometric enrolment, potentially saving applicants time and travel costs.
The NIS has advised applicants to rely only on official Nigerian Immigration Service platforms and channels for passport applications and renewals to avoid fraud.
