NIS Releases Step-by-Step Guide for Contactless Passport Renewal Abroad

NIS Releases Step-by-Step Guide for Contactless Passport Renewal Abroad

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has released an updated step-by-step guide to help Nigerians living abroad renew their passports through its Contactless Passport Application System, eliminating the need to visit an embassy or high commission for biometric enrolment. The Service announced the update on its official X account, encouraging eligible Nigerians in the diaspora to take advantage of the digital platform, which simplifies passport renewal and reduces administrative barriers. The initiative is part of the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to digitise passport services, reduce processing delays, and improve access for Nigerians in the diaspora. Since its launch, the Contactless Biometric Passport Application System has successfully processed and issued over 15,000 passports to Nigerians abroad.

Application Process

According to the NIS, applicants are required to follow the steps below:

1. Visit the official NIS Passport Application portal

2. Click “Continue” from the pop-up window

3. Select “Apply for Renewal/Re-issue”

4. Create an account and verify identity using National Identification Number (NIN) and date of birth

5. Complete the application form and choose the preferred Nigerian embassy or high commission for processing

6. Upload all required supporting documents

7. Pay the passport booklet fee

8. Obtain the Application ID and Reference Number

9. Select the “Contactless” option under the “Application Status/Book Appointment” section

10. Review the instructions and click “I Understand and Opt In”

11. Download the NIS Mobile App from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store

12. Sign in or create a profile on the app

13. Select “Passport Application Services” , then “Passport Biometrics Enrolment”

14. Enter the Application ID and Reference Number to check eligibility

15. If eligible, proceed with facial image capture, fingerprint enrolment, and liveness verification

16. Pay the contactless enrolment fee and submit biometric data electronically

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Eligibility and Exceptions

The contactless option is not available to all applicants. The NIS clarified that applicants who are declared ineligible during verification will be required to return to the application portal and schedule a physical appointment at their chosen embassy or high commission. According to the Service, an “INELIGIBLE” response means the applicant must complete the remaining process in person at the designated diplomatic mission. Those eligible for contactless renewal include Nigerians between 18 and 60 years, applicants with not more than six months to the expiration of their current passports, and those applying for re-issuance of existing passports.

Supporting Documents Still Required

Applicants who successfully complete remote biometric enrolment must still send the required documents to their selected processing mission. These include the printed application form, passport booklet payment receipt, biometric enrolment payment receipt, current passport, and a self-addressed return envelope.

Application Tracking

The NIS added that applicants can begin tracking their passport applications two weeks after submission through the online tracking platform at https://track.immigration.gov.ng or via the NIS Mobile App.

Technical Support

The NIS has acknowledged recent technical challenges encountered by some Nigerians in the diaspora while using the Contactless Biometric Passport Application System, assuring the public that its technical team is actively working to resolve these issues. Applicants who do not receive their payment One-Time Password (OTP) are advised to check their spam folders. For further assistance, applicants can reach the NIS Support Team through the following channels:

• In-App Chat: Select “Support” → “Chat with Us”

• Email: support@immigration.gov.ng

• X (Twitter): @nigimmigration

• Instagram: @nigimmigration, @nis_response

• Facebook: @nigimmigration, @nis-response

• Contact Center Numbers: 09121900655, 09121556359, 09121477092 (Mondays to Fridays, 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.)

NIS Releases Step-by-Step Guide for Contactless Passport Renewal Abroad