Wondering how to check your passport application status in Nigeria? After submitting your application, the waiting period can be filled with uncertainty. This complete guide provides expert tips and all the proven methods, both online and offline, to track your passport seamlessly.
Whether you applied through the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) portal or a licensed center, staying updated is crucial. We break down the step-by-step procedures, required details, and what to do if your status seems delayed. This authoritative guide is tailored for Nigerian applicants, using local platforms and realistic scenarios for clarity.
Requirements / What You Need
Before you begin tracking your passport, gather the necessary information. Having these details ready will save you time, especially if you are checking from a cyber café or dealing with a slow internet connection. The most critical item is your application reference number.
- Application ID/Reference Number: This is the unique number given to you after completing your online application or submission at a passport office. It is different from your payment acknowledgment slip number.
- Your Correct Date of Birth: Enter it exactly as you submitted on your form (DD/MM/YYYY format).
- Your Surname: As it appears on your application and supporting documents.
- A Stable Internet Connection & Device: Use a smartphone, tablet, or computer. If visiting a cyber café, ensure the operator inputs the details correctly.
- Payment Proof (Optional but helpful): Keep your bank teller or online payment receipt handy. The fee varies (e.g., Standard 32-page passport is ₦35,000 for fresh adult applicants).
A common point of confusion is using the NIN (National Identification Number) slip number instead of the passport application ID. They are separate. You need the specific reference from your passport application portal.
Step-by-Step Process
Follow these clear, numbered steps to check your Nigeria passport application status online via the official Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) portal. This is the most direct method endorsed by the authorities.
Step 1: Access the Official Portal
Visit the Nigeria Immigration Service official e-passport application portal at passport.immigration.gov.ng. Avoid using third-party or unofficial websites that may charge you extra fees or steal your data. Bookmark this page for easy return access.
Step 2: Navigate to the Status Check Page
On the homepage, look for and click on the menu option labeled “Check Status” or “Application Status.” This link is usually clearly visible at the top of the page or within the main menu. This will redirect you to the dedicated tracking page.
Step 3: Enter Your Application Details
You will see a form requesting specific information. Carefully enter your Application ID/Reference Number and your Date of Birth in the format shown (typically DD/MM/YYYY). Double-check for typos, as a single wrong digit will return an error.
Step 4: Submit and View Your Status
Click the “Check Status” or “Submit” button. The portal will process your request and display your current application stage. Be patient; if the portal is slow (a common issue during peak hours), avoid clicking the button multiple times as this can cause further delays.
Step 5: Interpret the Status Message
Understand what the status means. Common updates include: “Submitted,” “In Review,” “Approved,” “Ready for Collection,” or “Dispatched.” If it says “Ready for Collection,” note any collection details like the specific passport office (e.g., Alausa, Ikoyi, FCT). “In Review” means it’s being processed, and you should continue checking weekly.
Alternative Methods
If the online portal is unresponsive or your status is unclear, you have reliable offline alternatives. These methods are particularly useful for applicants who are not tech-savvy or face persistent internet issues.
Visit the Passport Office Directly: Go to the specific Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) passport office where you applied, such as Alausa in Lagos, Garki in Abuja, or your state capital. Present your application slip and a valid ID to the customer service desk. This is best if your online status has shown “Ready for Collection” for over a week without an SMS alert.
Use the NIS Helpline or Email: You can call the NIS contact centre at 0700 2255 3767 (0700 CALL NIS) or email passport@immigration.gov.ng. Have your details ready. This option is better for clarifying vague status messages or reporting technical glitches you encountered online.
Enquire Through Your Local Government Liaison Officer: Some local government areas or community associations have liaison officers who follow up on applications for constituents. This can be effective for applicants in rural areas or those who applied through a community-based process.
Common Problems and Solutions
Many Nigerian applicants face specific hurdles when checking their passport status. Here are the most frequent issues and practical ways to resolve them.
Problem: “Application Not Found” or Invalid ID Error
You enter your details correctly, but the portal returns an error stating your application cannot be found.
Solution: First, double-check you are using your passport application reference number, not your NIN slip or payment receipt number. If it’s correct, your application data may not yet be fully uploaded to the tracking system, especially if you applied recently. Wait 48-72 hours and try again. If the problem persists, visit the passport office with your acknowledgment slip for manual verification.
Problem: Portal is Down or Extremely Slow
The NIS website fails to load, times out, or is unbearably slow, particularly during weekdays or month-ends.
Solution: This is a common infrastructure issue. Try accessing the portal very early in the morning (before 9 AM) or late in the evening. Use a browser like Chrome in “Incognito Mode” to avoid cache issues. If it remains down for days, switch to the alternative methods: call the helpline or plan a physical visit to the passport office.
Problem: Status Stuck on “In Review” for Months
Your application shows “In Review” or “Processing” for an excessively long time (e.g., 8-12 weeks), with no update.
Solution: Extended delays often indicate a background check or documentation query. Do not just wait. Visit the passport office in person and politely inquire at the processing desk. There might be an uncommunicated issue, like a need for additional verification from your local government or guarantor. Physical follow-up is the most effective solution here.
Fees, Costs and Timeline
Understanding the official costs and standard timeline helps you avoid being overcharged by third-party agents or touts at passport offices.
The official fee is set by the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS). For a fresh 32-page Standard passport, the charge is ₦35,000. The 64-page Standard passport is ₦70,000. These fees are the same across all states and should be paid directly into the designated government treasury account via the NIS portal or approved banks. Be wary of anyone demanding extra “processing” or “express” fees; these are unofficial and often exploitative.
The standard processing timeline is approximately three to six weeks for a fresh application, provided there are no documentation issues. However, delays are common and can extend this period. Applications for renewal are often faster. The status portal is your best tool for tracking real-time progress, not arbitrary promises from agents.
Warnings and Scams to Avoid
Protect your money and personal data by being aware of common scams targeting passport applicants in Nigeria.
- Fake Online Portals and Agents: Only use the official NIS website (passport.immigration.gov.ng). Avoid websites or individuals promising “express processing” for a hefty extra fee. They often disappear after payment.
- WhatsApp and Social Media Fraudsters: Scammers pose as NIS officials on WhatsApp, Facebook, or Instagram, asking for your application details and payment to “fast-track” your passport. The NIS does not operate via such channels for individual payments.
- Touts at Passport Offices: Ignore individuals hanging around passport offices who claim they can “help” you get a date or speed up collection for a fee. Conduct all business directly with official staff at the counters.
- Phishing for Details: Never disclose your application ID, date of birth, or NIN to unsolicited callers or messages. Genuine NIS communication will not ask for these sensitive details over the phone.
Acceptance, Use and Next Steps
Once your status shows “Ready for Collection,” your Nigerian passport is accepted as a primary identity document nationwide and for international travel.
In Nigeria, it is widely accepted for bank account opening, hotel bookings, airline ticket purchases, and formal identification where a government-issued ID is required. However, note that for some strictly domestic transactions, institutions may still request your National Identification Number (NIN) slip or voter’s card. Your passport is your key document for international travel, visa applications, and proof of citizenship abroad.
Your next step is to visit the specified passport office for collection. Go with your old passport (if it’s a renewal), your application slip, and a valid photo ID. Sign the collection register and carefully verify all the printed details in your new passport before leaving the office. If you discover any error, report it immediately to the correction desk. Finally, store your passport securely and consider making photocopies of the data page to keep separately for emergency records.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a Nigerian passport after application?
The standard timeline is three to six weeks for a fresh application. However, delays due to verification, public holidays, or system issues are common and can extend this period. Regularly check your status online. Renewal applications are often processed faster, sometimes within two to three weeks if there are no hitches.
I lost my application slip. How can I check my status now?
Without your application ID, the online portal cannot be used. You must visit the passport office where you applied. Provide your full name, date of birth, and any other supporting documents like your NIN slip or payment receipt. The officers can look up your application in their system using your biometrics or personal details.
What does “Passport Dispatched” mean on the status portal?
This means your printed passport has been sent from the production centre (likely in Abuja) to the specific passport office you selected for collection. It does not mean it is ready for pickup immediately. Wait for the status to change to “Ready for Collection” or for an SMS alert before going to the office to avoid an unnecessary trip.
Why is my passport status not updating online?
This is a frequent technical issue. The status update on the portal is not always real-time and can lag behind the actual physical progress of your booklet. If your status has been static for over a month, it is advisable to visit the passport office for a physical follow-up, as there may be an unresolved query on your application.
Can I track my passport with my NIN number?
No, you cannot. The Nigeria Immigration Service passport tracking system requires the specific Application ID/Reference Number generated during your passport application process. Your National Identification Number (NIN) is for a different database and is not linked for tracking purposes on the NIS portal, though it was used for your application verification.
How will I be notified when my passport is ready?
The primary method is the status change on the online portal. The NIS also aims to send an SMS notification to the phone number you provided during application. However, due to network issues, these SMS alerts are not always reliable. Proactive self-tracking via the portal is the most dependable method to know when to collect.
Can someone else collect my passport for me?
Yes, but only with proper authorization. The collector must present an official letter of authorization signed by you, a copy of your valid photo ID, their own original valid ID, and the application acknowledgment slip. Rules can vary slightly by office, so it’s best to confirm the specific requirements with your local passport office beforehand.
Disclaimer
This guide is for informational purposes only and is based on publicly available procedures from the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) and common applicant experiences. We are not affiliated with the NIS or the Nigerian government. Passport application rules, fees, and portal interfaces are subject to change. Always refer to the official NIS website for the most current and authoritative information regarding your application.