Diaspora Passport Renewal Goes Contactless

​Nigerians living abroad can now complete their passport renewals entirely online, eliminating the traditional requirement of visiting an embassy or high commission for biometric enrolment.

​The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) has rolled out a contactless passport application system designed to streamline the renewal and reissuance process for the diaspora. Under the new framework, applicants verify their identity remotely, submit digital biometrics through a dedicated mobile application, and manage the entire workflow from home.

​The Application Procedure

1. ​Portal Registration: Navigate to the official NIS passport portal, select “Apply from Outside Nigeria,” and choose “Apply for Renewal or Reissue.”
2. ​Identity Verification: Create an account and verify your identity using your National Identification Number (NIN) and date of birth.
3. ​Form Submission: Complete the application form, select your preferred processing embassy, and upload the required supporting documents.
4. ​Reference Retrieval: Pay the passport fee online. Upon completion, save your assigned application ID and reference number, as these are mandatory for all subsequent tracking.
5. ​Enrolment Selection: Choose between a traditional physical appointment or the new contactless appointment route.
6. ​Mobile Biometrics: For the contactless option, download the NRS mobile app, log in, and select “Passport Application Services” followed by “Passport Biometric Enrolment.” Input your application ID and reference number to check eligibility.
7. ​Digital Capture: If eligible, follow the in-app prompts to capture your facial image and fingerprints, then submit the data for review.

​Review and Fee Payment

​Once your submitted biometrics pass the digital review and your eligibility is confirmed, you will be prompted to pay the contactless service fee.

​Finalizing the Renewal

​After payment, print out your completed application form and gather your current national passport. Place both items inside a self-addressed return envelope and mail them directly to your selected processing embassy.

ADVERTISEMENT

​Applicants can monitor the progress of their documentation starting two weeks after submission by using either the online tracking portal or the NRS mobile app.

​Alternative Options

​While the contactless system aims to simplify the process for the majority of overseas Nigerians, those who do not meet the criteria for remote verification can return to the portal to schedule a physical appointment at their nearest embassy or high commission. The NIS advises all applicants to use exclusively official channels when navigating passport applications or renewals.