Passport renewal in Nigeria
Renewing a Nigerian passport typically involves an online application, payment of fees, and then an in-person appointment for biometric data capture at a Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) office or embassy/high commission.
It is advisable to begin the passport renewal process several months before the passport's expiration date. This allows sufficient time for booking an appointment, processing the application, and receiving the new booklet, especially considering potential appointment backlogs and varying processing times.
Start 90 days ahead
This lead time accounts for potential delays in securing an appointment, especially at overseas missions, and for the processing and issuance of the new passport booklet.
The process
- 1Visit the official Nigeria Immigration Service portal and select the 'Passport' option.
- 2Choose 'e-Passport Application' and select 'Renewal'. Fill out the application form with accurate personal details.
- 3Make the required payment online through the integrated payment system. Print the payment confirmation slip and application form.
- 4Schedule an appointment for biometric data capture at a passport office or embassy/high commission convenient for the applicant.
- 5Attend the appointment with all required original documents and photocopies. Biometric data (fingerprints and photograph) will be captured.
- 6Track the application status online using the provided application ID and reference number.
- 7Collect the new passport when notified, typically from the same office where biometrics were captured. Some locations may offer courier services, which should be confirmed with the specific office.
What to bring
- Original expiring passport
- Copy of the data page of the expiring passport
- Birth Certificate or Declaration of Age (depending on specific office requirements)
- National Identity Number (NIN) slip
- Printed online application form
- Printed payment confirmation slip
- Passport-sized photographs (though often captured during biometrics, it's wise to confirm if physical copies are needed by the specific office)
- Letter of identification from a guarantor and a copy of their valid Nigerian passport (for minors or specific cases, confirm with NIS)
Who handles it
Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS)
https://portal.immigration.gov.ng/
Passport fees vary based on booklet type (e.g., 32-page, 64-page) and validity period (e.g., 5 years, 10 years). The current fees are displayed on the NIS portal during the application process and can change, so applicants should check the portal for the most up-to-date costs in Naira (NGN) or the equivalent local currency if applying abroad.
What commonly goes wrong
- Ensure all details on the online application form precisely match previous records and supporting documents, especially the National Identity Number (NIN). Discrepancies can lead to delays.
- Appointment slots, particularly at missions outside Nigeria, can be limited. Applicants should book well in advance.
- Processing times can vary significantly between different passport offices and missions. It is advisable to confirm current turnaround times with the specific location of application.
- Always apply through the official Nigeria Immigration Service portal to avoid fraudulent websites and ensure secure payment.
Sources
- Nigeria Immigration Service - Apply for Passport portal.immigration.gov.ng
- immigration.gov.ng
Other documents in Nigeria
Passport renewal in other countries
Often renewed together
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