By Isaac Atunlute
For Nigerians abroad, renewing their international passport has long proven to be a hassle. In frustration, many have turned to X to express their torturous experiences. Recently, the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) introduced a variety of measures to streamline the procedures for renewing your passport. This guide walks you through a hitch-free process of getting your passport overseas.
Step 1: Online Application
The first process in renewing the Nigerian passport abroad is filling out an online application form. You are required to visit the official NIS website at https://immigration.gov.ng and then click on the passport application page. Next, select “Renewal” under the application type. It is essential that all given information correspond with what is on the current passport and National Identification Number (NIN) to avoid a delay in processing.
Step 2: Payment of Fees
Next is to proceed to payment. The Nigerian passport renewal fee varies with age, country and validity period; it usually ranges between $130 for an adult and $77 for a child. It is payable through a credit card or a money order, preferably a post-office money order. Note that there are no cash payments in any embassy or consulate.
Step 3: Document Preparation
After payment, ensure to print a copy of the documents to be presented at the appointment time at the embassy.
These are:
- A printed copy of the online completed application form
- Payment receipt
- Expired or expiring Nigerian passport
- One recent passport photograph ICAO standard (2×2 inches white background)
- Self-addressed return envelope with postage.
- Photocopy of the National Identification Number (NIN).
Step 4: Book an Appointment
With the documents ready, proceed to book an appointment for biometric capturing at their nearest Nigerian embassy or consulate. You can book the appointment on the NIS appointment portal via https://appointments.immigration.gov.ng. The appointment must be booked in advance, as appointments can be booked up.
Step 5: Attend Your Appointment
Candidates will need to present themselves personally at the embassy or consulate on the scheduled day with their documents prepared. During the visit, biometric data such as fingerprints and photographs will be collected as part of the process for renewal. It is advisable to arrive before schedule.
Processing Time
You should receive their new passports within a three-week’ time frame, after the day of appointment. It is advisable, though, to apply well ahead of when they have planned to travel to avoid any disruption.
Renewal of the Nigerian passport abroad entails following the necessary steps as indicated by the NIS. Having adhered to such indicated steps, online application, payment, document preparation, appointment scheduling, and visiting them, Nigerians abroad can renew their passports without undue stress.
Renewing a Nigerian passport for citizens abroad has been challenging, but the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) has introduced steps to streamline the process. It involves five key steps:
1. **Online Application**: Start by completing an online application form on the NIS website, ensuring all personal information matches existing documents to avoid delays.
2. **Payment of Fees**: Pay the renewal fee, which varies based on age, country, and validity period, typically $130 for adults and $77 for children, using a credit card or money order, as cash is not accepted.
3. **Document Preparation**: Print required documents including the application form, payment receipt, existing passport, a recent passport photo, self-addressed envelope, and NIN photocopy.
4. **Book an Appointment**: Book an appointment for biometric capturing at a Nigerian embassy or consulate through the NIS appointment portal.
5. **Attend Appointment**: Attend the scheduled appointment personally for biometric data collection, ensuring timely arrival.
The processing time is typically three weeks post-appointment. Applicants are advised to initiate the renewal process in advance of travel plans to avoid disruptions. Following these streamlined steps can ease the passport renewal process for Nigerians living abroad.
