Easy Process for Nigerians Living Overseas to Renew Passports Without Physical Interaction

The Nigeria Immigration Service has unveiled an updated, step-by-step guide to facilitate passport renewal for Nigerians residing abroad, utilizing its Contactless Passport Application System, as announced on its official X handle on Tuesday.

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This move is aimed at encouraging Nigerians in the diaspora to leverage the digital platform for a more streamlined experience.

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To initiate the application process, individuals must first visit the official NIS Passport Application portal, where they will be prompted to select "Continue" from a pop-up window.

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Next, they must click on "Apply for Renewal/Re-issue" and subsequently create an account, verifying their identity using their National Identification Number and date of birth.

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The application form must then be completed, and a preferred processing embassy or high commission chosen, after which the required documents are uploaded.

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Payment of the passport fee for the selected booklet is the next step, followed by obtaining the Application ID and Reference Number.

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Applicants must then select the Contactless option under the Application Status/Book Appointment section and review the contactless instructions before clicking "I Understand and Opt In".

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The NIS Mobile App must be downloaded, and applicants must log in or create a profile, selecting Passport Application Services and then clicking on Passport Biometrics Enrolment.

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Here, they will enter their Application ID and Reference Number to check their eligibility, capture their facial image and fingerprints, and complete the liveness verification.

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A contactless service fee must be paid, after which the biometrics can be submitted, although the Service notes that not all applicants will qualify for the contactless process.

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If an applicant's response is "INELIGIBLE", they will need to return to the portal's landing page to book a physical appointment at the Embassy/High Commission.

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For successful contactless biometric enrolment, additional documents, including the printed Application form, passport booklet payment, biometric payment, and current Passport, must be forwarded to the selected processing mission in a self-addressed return envelope.

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Applicants will be able to track the progress of their applications after submission, with the option to monitor their application status two weeks after submission via https://track.immigration.gov.ng or on the NIS Mobile App.