Nigerians living abroad can now renew their passports without visiting a Nigerian embassy or high commission for biometric enrolment, provided they meet the eligibility criteria for the Nigeria Immigration Service’s Contactless Passport Application System.

The system enables eligible Nigerians in the diaspora to apply for passport renewal, complete biometric enrolment remotely and track their applications online.

The Nigeria Immigration Service explained the process in a video shared on its official X account on Saturday, while advising Nigerians to use only its official channels for passport applications.

Here is how eligible Nigerians abroad can renew their passports through the contactless system:

Applicants must first visit the official Nigeria Immigration Service passport portal and select “Apply from Outside Nigeria”, then click “Apply for Renewal/Re-issue” to start the application.

They will be required to create an account and verify their identity by providing their National Identification Number and date of birth.

Applicants must then complete the application form, select their preferred processing embassy or high commission, and upload all required supporting documents.

After submitting the application, applicants are required to pay the applicable passport fee based on their preferred booklet.

The NIS said applicants would subsequently receive an Application ID and Reference Number, which they will need to track and complete the application process.

After completing the application, applicants will be given the option to choose between a physical appointment and a contactless appointment.

Applicants opting for the contactless service must select “Opt-in for Contactless” under the “Application Status” or “Book Appointment” section.

The NIS said applicants would then be presented with a step-by-step guide explaining the contactless process. They are required to read the instructions before selecting “I Understand” to proceed with the opt-in.

Applicants must also download the NIS Mobile App and either sign in to an existing account or create a new profile.

From the app, applicants should select “Passport Application Services” and then “Passport Biometrics Enrollment”.

They will be required to enter their Application ID and Reference Number, then select “Check Eligibility”.

Eligible applicants will be guided through the process of capturing their facial image and fingerprints, completing liveness verification, and submitting their biometric information for review.

The NIS said applicants whose biometrics are successfully reviewed and eligibility confirmed will then be directed to pay the contactless service fee.

Applicants found ineligible for the contactless service will be required to complete the passport renewal process physically.

The NIS said such applicants should return to the portal’s landing page and book a physical appointment at their selected embassy or high commission.

Applicants who successfully complete the contactless process must print their application form and retrieve their current national passport.

According to the NIS, both documents should be placed in a self-addressed return envelope and sent to the selected processing embassy or high commission.

Applicants found ineligible for the contactless service will have to complete the passport renewal process physically.

The NIS said such applicants should return to the portal’s landing page and book a physical appointment at their selected embassy or high commission.

Send passport to embassy

Applicants who successfully complete the contactless process are required to print their application form and retrieve their current passport.

The NIS said the application form and current passport should be placed in a self-addressed return envelope and sent to the selected processing embassy.

Applicants can begin tracking their passport applications two weeks after submission through the NIS tracking portal or the NIS Mobile App.

The NIS said the Contactless Passport Application System was introduced to make passport renewal “faster, easier, and more convenient” for eligible Nigerians living abroad.

Deere