If you don’t, no crossing the border for you especially by the air.
Previously, renewing your passport used to be such a struggle but things are changing (we hope it continues), you can easily renew your passport now.
The process is still not in its best shape but, it has gotten better – you can now complete 50% of the process online and the rest offline
This is unlike before when everything had to be done offline and involved many steps.
If yours has expired or is about to expire, follow the steps below to renew your international passport in Nigeria
Whether your passport is about to expire or has already expired, you need to follow the proper procedures to make it easier for yourself.
Passport renewal is only for people with expired or expiring passports. If you are not in this category, don’t bother trying.
How to renew an international passport in Nigeria
To renew your passport, you need the necessary documents. Just like any other country’s passport, there are documents you have to submit with your application form before the immigration service will start processing your application.
Nigeria is no different, you need the following documents:
Expired Validity
- You need an application Letter.
- Passport Booklet.
- Photocopy of Data Page of Passport.
- Acknowledgement Slip and Evidence of Payment.
Unexpired Validity
- Application Letter.
- Passport Booklet.
- Evidence of Maiden Name.
- If Validity is more than Six (6) Months, Applicant should state reason(s).
- Photocopy of Data Page of Passport.
- Acknowledgement Slip and Evidence of Payment.
You need to upload these documents with your application form on the NIS portal.
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Fill out the application form
With your documents, head to the Nigerian Immigration Service website and obtain a copy of the passport application form
You can also get the form in any passport office around you.
Once you get the form, fill in the required information accurately and legibly.
Make sure that all details match the information on your expiring passport.
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Pay the Passport renewal fee
Once you are done with your form, you need to pay the renewal fee. The amount changes so you need to check the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) website once again to know the latest figure.
Make sure to pay the required amount through approved payment channels. Payment can be made at designated banks or online through the official NIS portal.
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Book an appointment
One of the changes made to the system is that NIS has transitioned to an (online) appointment system for passport renewal services.
Visit the official NIS portal to schedule an appointment at the passport office nearest to you. Select a date and time that is convenient for you.
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Go to the Passport Office close to you on your scheduled appointment
On the day of your appointment, ensure you arrive at the passport office on time.
Bring along all the required documents, including the application form, passport photographs, and proof of payment.
Be prepared for biometric capture, which is a standard part of the passport renewal process.
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Do your biometric capture
During your visit to the passport office, your biometric information, including fingerprints and a passport photograph, will be captured.
This information is crucial for the production of your new international passport.
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Passport processing
After completing the biometric capture, your passport renewal application will undergo processing.
The processing time varies, but you can track the status of your application on the NIS portal.
Once processed, you will be notified to collect your new passport.
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Collect your new International Passport
Once your passport is ready and you get notified, visit the passport office on the specified date to collect your renewed international passport.
Bring along the necessary documents, including the acknowledgement slip and old passport.
Verify the details on your new passport to ensure accuracy.
FAQs
How much is the renewal of an international passport in Nigeria?
The amount you will pay for your passport renewal depends on the category (number of pages – 32 or 64 pages) of the passport you want. As of 2023, the fees range from N25,000 to N75,000.
How many days does it take to renew an international passport in Nigeria?
It takes a few weeks to renew a passport in Nigeria, but the exact duration depends on the efficiency of the immigration office and if you paid for any expedited processing options.
What documents do I need to renew my Nigerian passport?
The required documents for passport renewal include:
For expired passports:
- Submit an application letter.
- Provide the expired passport booklet.
- Include a photocopy of the data page of the expired passport.
- Present the acknowledgement slip and proof of payment.
For passports with unexpired validity:
- Submit an application letter.
- Provide the valid passport booklet.
- Include evidence of the maiden name if applicable.
- If the validity is more than six (6) months, the applicant should state the reason(s).
- Include a photocopy of the data page of the valid passport.
- Present the acknowledgement slip and proof of payment.
What is the Nigeria immigration portal?
You can click here to visit the Nigerian Immigration Service portal.
Can I renew my passport online?
Yes, the Nigeria Immigration Service has an online platform for passport renewal. You can fill out the application form, pay the renewal fee, and schedule an appointment through their official website.
What if my passport has already expired?
If your passport has expired, you will follow the same renewal process. If yours hasn’t expired, don’t wait till it expires before you start renewing it.
Can I track the status of my passport renewal application?
Yes, you can track the status of your passport online after completing your application process.
The Nigeria Immigration Service has an online tracking system. Once you’ve submitted your application, you can check the status of your passport renewal on their official website using your application ID or passport number.
Can I change the information on my passport during the renewal process?
Yes, you can make minor changes, such as updating a change of address, however, major changes will require a separate application process.
Conclusion
The Nigerian international passport renewal process is easier now, you can start and complete the bulk part of the process online.
Read also:
- How to check my green card application status
- How to renew a student visa in Australia
- How to convert a Canada visitor visa to a work permit
- How to check if your international passport is ready in Nigeria
- How to study for exams in one night
- What happens after 801 visa is granted?
Your offline activities will be to go for your biometrics capturing which doesn’t take much time to complete.