How Nigerians In Diaspora Can Renew Passports Without Visiting Embassy 

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has explained a seamless process for the Contactless Passport Application System, whereby Nigerians living abroad can now renew their passports without physically visiting an embassy or high commission for biometric enrolment.

The system enables eligible Nigerians in the diaspora to apply for passport renewal, complete biometric enrolment and track their applications remotely.

The NIS explained the process in a video shared on its official X account on Saturday, while urging Nigerians to use only its authorised channels when applying for passports.

Eligible Nigerians living abroad can complete the renewal process by following these steps:

1. Apply Online

Applicants are required to:

• Visit the official NIS passport portal at passport.immigration.gov.ng.
• Select “Apply from Outside Nigeria.”
• Click on “Apply for Renewal/Re-issue.”
• Create an account and verify their identity using their National Identification Number (NIN) and date of birth.
• Complete the passport application form.
• Select their preferred processing embassy or high commission.
• Upload all required supporting documents.

2. Pay The Passport Fee

After completing the application, applicants are required to pay the applicable passport fee based on the booklet they intend to obtain.

The NIS said applicants would subsequently receive an Application ID and Reference Number, which they would need throughout the application process.

3. Choose The Contactless Option

Applicants will be given the option of choosing between a physical appointment and a contactless appointment.

Those seeking to use the contactless service should:

• Go to the “Application Status” or “Book Appointment” section.
• Select “Opt-in for Contactless.”
• Read the step-by-step guide provided by the NIS.
• Select “I Understand” and proceed with the contactless option.

4. Complete Biometric Enrolment Through The NIS App

Applicants are required to download the NIS Mobile App and either log into an existing account or create a new profile.

They should then:

• Select “Passport Application Services.”
• Choose “Passport Biometrics Enrollment.”
• Enter their Application ID and Reference Number.
• Select “Check Eligibility.”

If eligible, the applicant will be guided through the biometric enrolment process, including:

• Capturing a facial image.
• Capturing fingerprints.
• Completing liveness verification.
• Submitting biometric information for review.

According to the NIS, applicants whose biometrics are successfully reviewed and whose eligibility is confirmed will then be directed to pay the contactless service fee.

What Happens If An Applicant Is Not Eligible?

Applicants who do not qualify for the contactless service will be required to complete the process physically.

The NIS said such applicants should:

• Return to the passport portal’s landing page.
• Book a physical appointment.
• Attend the selected embassy or high commission to complete the process.

5. Send Existing Passport To Embassy

Applicants who successfully complete the contactless process are required to print their application form and retrieve their current Nigerian passport.

The NIS said the two documents should be placed inside a self-addressed return envelope and sent to the selected processing embassy.

6. Track Passport Application

Applicants can begin tracking their passport applications two weeks after submission.

Tracking can be done through:

• The NIS passport tracking portal at track.immigration.gov.ng.
• The NIS Mobile App.

The Contactless Passport Application System is designed to make passport renewal faster and more convenient for eligible Nigerians living outside the country.

“There’s no need to visit an embassy for biometric enrolment. You can apply for and track your passport entirely online,” the NIS said.

The service added that the system provides a fast and secure verification process, allowing eligible Nigerians to complete the passport renewal process remotely.

The NIS, however, advised Nigerians to use only its official channels when applying for or renewing their passports to avoid fraudulent platforms and intermediaries.