No one prays for it and that’s because, it comes with unnecessary stress, if you have ever lost your passport in Nigeria, you will know how stressful it can be.
It is one of those experiences that you always hope never to have especially if you’re in a foreign country or have imminent travel plans.
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If you lost your international passport recently, this article will walk you through how to retrieve it.
How long does it take to retrieve a lost passport in Nigeria?
It takes between 3 to 6 weeks to retrieve a lost passport in Nigeria, retreiveing a lost passport in Nigeria follows the same procedure as getting a new one, once lost and it can’t be found, you’ll have to go through the application process again to get a replacement.
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How to retrieve a lost international passport in Nigeria
To retrieve your lost passport in Nigeria, you need to apply for a replacement.
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Step 1: Report the Loss
The number one thing you should do when you lose your international passport is to report the loss to the nearest Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) office.
It’s simple, just visit the nearest passport office or police station and file a report.
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Provide as much detail as possible. In your statement, include where and when the passport was lost, and any other relevant information.
Reporting to the police or passport office is just the beginning of the few steps you need to take to get your passport back.
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After filing the report, you need to apply for a new passport using the police report.
To do that, get all the required documents.
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Step 2: Gather your documents
Once you’ve reported the loss, you’ll need to gather the necessary documents for passport replacement.
You will need:
- The police report: Gte the police report confirming the loss of your passport.
- Completed passport application form: Obtain and fill out a new passport application form. You can download this form from the official website of the Nigerian Immigration Service or obtain it from the passport office.
- Photocopies of lost passport: If you have any photocopies of your lost passport, include them with your application.
- Identification documents: Bring along any other identification documents you have, such as a national identity card, driver’s license, or birth certificate.
Step 3: Visit the passport office
With all the necessary documents in hand, visit the nearest passport office or immigration office.
I’m not happy to say it but you need to be prepared to wait in line – the process will take some time.
Once called, submit your documents to the immigration officer handling passport replacement requests.
Step 4: Get your biometric data capture done
As part of the passport replacement process, you’ll need to undergo biometric data capture.
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Your photograph will be taken and your fingerprints scanned.
This step helps ensure the security of your new passport and prevents fraud.
Step 5: Pay the replacement fee
Yes, there is usually a fee associated with replacing a lost passport.
Even though your passport may have been lost painfully (maybe you were robbed), it won’t stop you from paying the replacement fee.
The fee varies depending on the type of passport you are now applying for and sometimes, the urgency of the replacement.
Step 6: Wait for your passport to be processed
After submitting your application and paying the required fee, you’ll need to wait for your new passport to be processed.
The processing time can be long – it takes a few weeks but can be longer if there are many applications received by the passport office at the time you applied.
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You can also get a tracking number to monitor the status of your application online.
Step 7: Pick up your new passport
Once your new passport is ready, you’ll be notified to collect it from the passport office.
Bring along the receipt for your payment and any other relevant documents for verification purposes.
Upon verification, you’ll be issued your new passport.
Tips for preventing future loss
While retrieving a lost passport is possible, it’s always best to take precautions to prevent such incidents in the future.
Here are some tips to help safeguard your passport:
- Keep it secure: Store your passport in a safe and secure location when not in use – you don’t have to move around with it if you are not travelling.
- Make copies of your passport: You should always keep photocopies of your passport in a separate location from the original document. This will facilitate the replacement process if your passport is lost or stolen.
- Be mindful when travelling: Pay attention to your belongings, especially in crowded or unfamiliar places. Always keep your passport close to you and avoid leaving it unattended.
- Consider using a travel wallet: Not a bad idea, you can buy a travel wallet or pouch that can securely hold your passport and other important documents whenever you are travelling.
How much does it cost to replace a lost passport in Nigeria?
The cost to replace a lost passport in Nigeria depends on the type of passport you are getting and the urgency of the replacement. Generally, it can range from around 20,000 to 70,000 Nigerian Naira.
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What to do if your international passport is lost?
If your international passport is lost, you should immediately report it to the nearest police station to obtain a police report. Then, contact your country’s embassy or consulate to report the loss and initiate the process of obtaining a replacement passport.
Additionally, you need to fill out a lost passport form and provide the necessary documents for the replacement process.
Conclusion
I get it, losing your passport is not a good experience at all, but not to worry, you can easily get a replacement.
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To retrieve your lost passport, you need to through the same application process as getting a new one and it can take between 3 to 6 weeks for the new one to be ready.