18 steps, no embassy visit required: NIS rolls out digital passport guide for Nigerians abroad

The Nigeria Immigration Service has released an updated 18-step guide for Nigerians in the diaspora to renew their passports through its Contactless Passport Application System, using the NIS Mobile App for biometric enrolment without visiting an embassy or high commission.

Nigerian passport renewal just got significantly less painful for those living abroad — if you know the steps.

The Punch reports that the Nigeria Immigration Service announced an updated guide for its Contactless Passport Application System on Tuesday via its official X handle, providing diaspora Nigerians with a clear digital pathway to passport renewal that bypasses the long-dreaded embassy queue.

According to the NIS, the full application process runs as follows:

1. Visit the official NIS Passport Application portal.
2. Select Continue from the pop-up window.
3. Click Apply for Renewal/Re-issue.
4. Create an account and verify your identity using your National Identification Number and date of birth.
5. Complete the application form and choose your preferred processing embassy or high commission.
6. Upload the required documents.
7. Pay the passport fee for your selected booklet.
8. Obtain your Application ID and Reference Number.
9. Select the Contactless option under the Application Status/Book Appointment section.
10. Review the contactless instructions and click “I Understand and Opt In.”
11. Download the NIS Mobile App.
12. Log in or create a profile on the app.
13. Select Passport Application Services.
14. Click Passport Biometrics Enrolment, enter your Application ID and Reference Number, and check your eligibility.
15. Capture your facial image and fingerprints.
16. Complete the liveness verification.
17. Pay the contactless service fee.
18. Submit your biometrics.

There is, however, a critical caveat — not every applicant will qualify for the contactless route.

“If response is INELIGIBLE, then it means applicant should return to the landing page of the portal to book physical appointment at the Embassy/High Commission,” the NIS stated.

For applicants who successfully complete the remote biometric enrolment, additional documents must still be physically forwarded to the selected processing mission before the application can be finalised.