Step-by-step Guide for Contactless Passport Renewal for Nigerians Abroad

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has released a revised guide to help Nigerians living abroad renew their passports through its Contactless Passport Application System.

The Service announced the update on its official X account, urging citizens in the diaspora to use the online platform to complete their passport renewal without visiting an embassy or high commission for biometric capture, where eligible.

According to the NIS, applicants are expected to begin the process by visiting the official passport application portal and selecting the renewal or re-issue option. They must then create an account and verify their identity using their National Identification Number (NIN) and date of birth.

After verification, applicants are required to fill in the application form, choose the embassy or high commission where their passport will be processed, upload all required documents and pay the applicable passport fee for their preferred booklet.

Once payment is completed, the system generates an Application ID and Reference Number. Applicants should then proceed to the Application Status or Book Appointment section and choose the contactless option.

The NIS said users must read the contactless guidelines before confirming their decision to continue with the process. They are also required to download the NIS Mobile App, create or log into their profile and select the passport application service.

Using the app, applicants must choose the passport biometrics enrolment option, enter their Application ID and Reference Number and confirm whether they qualify for contactless processing.

Eligible applicants will then capture their facial image and fingerprints, complete the required liveness verification, pay the contactless service charge and submit their biometric details through the application.

The Service explained that not every applicant would qualify for the contactless option. Those found ineligible will have to return to the application portal and schedule a physical appointment at their selected Nigerian embassy or high commission.

For applicants who successfully complete the contactless biometric stage, the NIS said they must print their application form, evidence of passport payment, biometric payment receipt and include their current passport. These documents should be placed in a self-addressed return envelope and sent to the embassy or high commission selected during the application.

The Immigration Service also advised applicants to monitor the progress of their passport renewal after submission. It said application status can be checked about two weeks after submission through the NIS Mobile App or the online passport tracking portal.

The updated process is part of the Service’s effort to make passport renewal easier and more convenient for Nigerians living outside the country.