- Below is the online process
Renewing a Nigerian passport while living in the United Kingdom (UK) or the United States of America (USA) has now become easier than it previously was.
The process has slowly shifted from long queues at the embassy and submissions in person to a modern online system that lets you start and complete most of the steps from your phone/devices.
Below is a complete guide you can follow when you want to renew your passport.
- Understand the new system
In the past, Nigerians abroad had to apply in person at the Nigerian High Commission, Embassy, or Consulate for passport renewal.
Now, the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) is trying a contactless online passport renewal system, which lets you do most of the work from home – including uploading documents, filling forms, and capturing your biometrics remotely through your devices.
This new process is meant to save time, reduce long queues, and let you be anywhere in the UK or the USA and still apply.
- Check if you are eligible
You can use the online/contactless renewal system if you meet the following requirements:
- You already have a Nigerian passport that is expired, almost expired, or filled up
- You currently live in the UK or the USA.
- You are 18 years or older.
- Your National Identification Number (NIN) is valid and matches your passport details.
- Prepare your documents
Before you start any online application, online application, you’ll need:
- Your current Nigerian passport, even if it’s expired
- Your NIN (National Identification Number) slip or digital NIN record.
- Clear copies of your passport data page, NIN, and birth certificate or local government certificate.
- Payment card
For a seamless application process, your NIN details must match what is on your passport, and your passport must be clear with a good photo.
- The online application
Visit the official portal by going to the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) portal. Do well to look out for “.gov.ng” at the end of the address, to avoid fakes. You can log in using your Google account or by creating a new profile with your email.
Go further to select “Renewal” and choose the country where you are (UK or USA). You will then choose the specific “Processing Office.” Upload your documents.
- Biometric capture
One of the changes with the new system is the way biometric data is captured. There are two options.
- Online biometric capture
You can now use the app to capture your biometrics remotely
- Visit the Embassy or Consulate
In some cases, especially if you are not eligible for remote capture, the system will tell you to book an appointment and visit the Nigerian High Commission in London or the Nigerian Embassy or Consulate in the USA (Atlanta, Washington DC, or New York, depending on where you live).
That’s where your documents will be confirmed.
- Pay the application fees
Once your application is complete and biometric capture is done, you must pay the passport renewal fees either online with your card, on the portal or by money order/post order, especially for UK applications.
Make sure you pay the correct fee based on whether you want a 32-page passport or a 64-page passport. Also, keep your payment receipt safe. It’ll come in handy, moving on.
- Submit and wait
After payment is made and the application is complete, you’ll receive a confirmation email or SMS with details and the expected date of processing. The processing times differ, most times, between 6 and 12 weeks.
Above all else, the online passport renewal system is a big improvement for Nigerians abroad. It is more convenient and saves time.