How Nigerians Abroad Can Renew Passports Without Visiting an Embassy
Nigerians living abroad can now renew their passports without physically visiting an embassy for biometric enrolment through the Nigerian Immigration Service’s contactless passport application system. Eligible applicants can begin by visiting the official NIS passport portal and selecting “Apply from Outside Nigeria”, followed by “Apply for Renewal or Reissue.” Applicants are required to create an account, verify their identity using their National Identification Number and date of birth, complete the application form, select their preferred processing embassy and upload the required documents. After paying the passport fee, they will receive an application ID and reference number, which should be kept for tracking. Applicants can then choose between a physical or contactless appointment. Those eligible for the contactless option can select “Opt in for Contactless” under the application status or appointment section and download the NRS mobile app. On the app, they should select “Passport Application Services” and “Passport Biometric Enrolment,” then enter their application ID and reference number to confirm eligibility.
Eligible applicants will be guided through capturing their facial image and fingerprints using the mobile application before submitting the biometrics for review. Once the biometric information has been successfully reviewed and eligibility confirmed, the applicant will be required to pay the contactless service fee. Applicants who do not qualify for the contactless option can return to the portal and schedule a physical appointment at their selected embassy or high commission. After payment, applicants are required to print their application form and retrieve their current passport, placing both in a self-addressed return envelope for submission to the selected processing embassy. Application tracking can begin two weeks after submission through the tracking portal or the NRS mobile app. The contactless system is aimed at making passport renewal more convenient for eligible Nigerians in the diaspora while reducing the need for physical embassy visits. Applicants are advised to use only official Nigerian Immigration Service channels when applying for or renewing their passports.
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