Eligible Nigerians living abroad can now renew their passports without physically visiting a Nigerian embassy or high commission for biometric enrolment under the Nigeria Immigration Service’s Contactless Passport Application System.
The system allows qualified applicants to complete their passport renewal applications, biometric enrolment and application tracking remotely, according to information released by the Nigeria Immigration Service.
The service, however, is available only to applicants who meet the NIS eligibility requirements.
How to Apply Online
Applicants should begin by visiting the official NIS passport portal and selecting “Apply from Outside Nigeria”, followed by “Apply for Renewal/Re-issue.”
They must create an account and verify their identity using their National Identification Number and date of birth.
Applicants are then required to complete the application form, select their processing embassy and upload the necessary supporting documents before paying the applicable passport fee for their preferred booklet.
After payment, the NIS issues an Application ID and Reference Number, which applicants will need for subsequent stages of the process.
How to Opt Into Contactless Renewal
Once the application is completed, applicants can choose between a physical appointment and the contactless option.
Those seeking the remote service should select “Opt-in for Contactless” under either the “Application Status” or “Book Appointment” section.
The system will provide a step-by-step guide to the contactless process. Applicants are required to review the instructions before selecting “I Understand” and proceeding.
Biometric Enrolment Through the NIS App
Applicants must download the NIS Mobile App and either log into an existing account or create a new profile.
From the app, they should select “Passport Application Services” and then “Passport Biometrics Enrollment.”
The applicant will enter their Application ID and Reference Number before selecting “Check Eligibility.”
If eligible, the system will guide the applicant through capturing their facial image and fingerprints, completing liveness verification and submitting the biometric information for review.
The NIS said successful applicants will be directed to pay the contactless service fee after their biometrics have been reviewed and their eligibility confirmed.
What Happens If an Applicant Is Ineligible?
Applicants who do not qualify for the contactless service must complete the 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 Must Still Send Their Existing Passport
Even after completing the contactless biometric process, applicants are required to print their application form and retrieve their current national passport.
Both documents must be placed inside a self-addressed return envelope and sent to the selected processing embassy.
How to Track the Application
Applicants can begin tracking their passport applications two weeks after submission through the NIS tracking portal or the NIS Mobile App.
The immigration service said the Contactless Passport Application System was designed to make passport renewal “faster, easier, and more convenient” for eligible Nigerians living abroad.
“There’s no need to visit an embassy for biometric enrolment. You can apply for and track your passport entirely online,” the service said.
It added that the system provides a “fast and secure verification process” and allows eligible applicants to complete their applications remotely.
The NIS advised Nigerians to use only its official channels when applying for passports.
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