The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has released a step-by-step guide to help Nigerians living abroad renew their passports online through its Contactless Passport Application System.
In a post shared on its official X handle on Tuesday, the Service encouraged Nigerians in the diaspora to take advantage of the digital platform for passport renewal.
According to the NIS, applicants should:
- Visit the official NIS Passport Application portal.
- Select “Continue” from the pop-up window.
- Click “Apply for Renewal/Re-issue.”
- Create an account and verify their identity using their National Identification Number (NIN) and date of birth.
- Complete the application form and choose their preferred processing embassy or high commission.
- Upload all required documents.
- Pay the passport fee for the selected passport booklet.
- Obtain the Application ID and Reference Number.
- Select the “Contactless” option under the “Application Status/Book Appointment” section.
- Review the instructions and click “I Understand and Opt In.”
- Download the NIS Mobile App.
- Log in or create a profile on the app.
- Select “Passport Application Services.”
- Click “Passport Biometrics Enrolment,” enter the Application ID and Reference Number, and confirm eligibility.
- Capture a facial image and fingerprints.
- Complete the liveness verification.
- Pay the contactless service fee.
- Submit the biometric information.
The Service noted that not all applicants would be eligible for the contactless process.
“If the response is INELIGIBLE, then the applicant should return to the portal’s landing page to book a physical appointment at the selected embassy or high commission,” the NIS stated.
The Service also outlined the next steps for successful applicants after completing the contactless biometric enrolment.
Applicants are required to print their application form, passport booklet payment receipt, biometric payment receipt, and include their current passport. These documents should be enclosed in a self-addressed return envelope and sent to the processing embassy or high commission selected during the application.
The NIS added that applicants can track the progress of their passport renewal about two weeks after submission through its online tracking platform or via the NIS Mobile App.
