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:
Applicants are required to:
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.
Applicants will be given the option of choosing between a physical appointment and a contactless appointment.
Those seeking to use the contactless service should:
Applicants are required to download the NIS Mobile App and either log into an existing account or create a new profile.
They should then:
If eligible, the applicant will be guided through the biometric enrolment process, including:
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:
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.
Applicants can begin tracking their passport applications two weeks after submission.
Tracking can be done through:
