Renewing your Nigerian passport is now a fully online process managed by the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS). This digital application system has streamlined the procedure, saving you time and reducing the need for multiple visits to the passport office.
This complete step-by-step guide provides expert tips and proven methods to navigate the official portal successfully. We will walk you through everything from document preparation to payment and biometric capture.
Requirements / What You Need
Before you start the online application, gather all necessary items. Missing one document can lead to a failed appointment. Ensure you have:
- A Valid Email Address & Phone Number: This is your primary communication channel with the NIS. Use an active address you check regularly.
- Your Expiring or Expired Passport: You must have the physical booklet. The data page number is required for the application.
- Digital Copies of Supporting Documents: Scan or take clear, well-lit photos of:
- Your passport data page.
- Your National Identification Number (NIN) slip. This is mandatory.
- A recent passport photograph on a plain white background (to be uploaded).
- Payment Method: Have a debit card (Mastercard, Visa, or Verve) ready for online payment. Do not pay at cyber cafés. Official fees are: 32-page passport (₦35,000) or 64-page passport (₦70,000).
- Stable Internet: The portal can time out. Complete the form in one sitting. If using a cyber café, ensure they only assist with navigation, not inputting your sensitive data.
A common mistake is uploading a blurry photo or forgetting the NIN. Double-check all digital files for clarity before uploading to avoid rejection.
Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Visit the Official Portal & Create an Account
Go to the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) official passport portal: passport.immigration.gov.ng. Click on “Apply for e-Passport” and select “Renewal.” You will be prompted to create an account using your email address. A verification link will be sent; click it immediately to activate your account. Watch out for fake websites. Always double-check the URL.
Step 2: Complete the Online Application Form
Log into your new account and fill the digital form meticulously. It will auto-populate some data from your old passport. You must manually enter your NIN, contact details, and next of kin information. For “Place of Application,” select the state where you will do your biometric capture (e.g., Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt). Be extremely accurate; any mismatch with your NIN data will cause a major delay.
Step 3: Upload Required Documents & Photo
The portal will prompt you to upload the digital copies you prepared. Upload the clear photo of your passport data page, your NIN slip, and your new passport photograph. The system has strict photo validation rules—ensure your upload meets the size and background requirements to avoid an automatic rejection at this stage.
Step 4: Review, Submit & Make Online Payment
Carefully review every detail on the summary page. Once submitted, you cannot edit most fields without starting over. Proceed to pay the official fee (₦35,000 or ₦70,000) using your personal debit card. Print or download the payment receipt and the completed application form (Form C). You must bring these printouts to your appointment.
Step 5: Book Your Biometrics Capture Appointment
After payment, the system will allow you to select an appointment date at your chosen Immigration office. Dates fill quickly, especially in major cities. If you see “No available slot,” check the portal early in the morning for new openings. Book the earliest available date and secure your appointment slip.
Step 6: Attend Your Biometrics Appointment
On your appointment day, go to the passport office with your original documents: old passport, NIN slip, printed Form C, and payment receipt. Dress appropriately for a passport photo. Your fingerprints and photograph will be captured officially. This is where your application is finalized; missing your appointment means rescheduling with potential penalties.
Alternative Methods
While the standard online self-application is the primary method, there are alternative pathways for specific situations. Understanding these can save you significant stress.
The first alternative is the NIS Front Office Assisted Application. If you struggle with the online portal or lack a stable internet connection, you can visit a designated passport office (like Ikoyi in Lagos or FCT Command in Abuja). Officers there can guide you through the online application on-site for a small, official service fee. This is better for the elderly or those less tech-savvy.
For students studying abroad, the process remains online, but the biometric capture is done at the Nigerian Embassy or High Commission in your country of study. You must select the correct “Mission” as your capture centre during the online application. This is crucial; selecting a Nigerian centre while overseas will invalidate your appointment.
Finally, for urgent renewals, the Nigeria Immigration Service occasionally opens a “Fast-Track” channel for a higher fee. This service is not always available and is typically announced for specific professional groups or urgent humanitarian cases. Do not pay any agent promising fast-track services unless it is officially advertised on the NIS website or social media channels.
Common Problems and Solutions
Navigating the passport renewal portal can present hurdles. Here are the most frequent issues Nigerians face and practical solutions to resolve them.
Problem: “No Available Date” or Greyed-Out Appointment Slots
This is the most common frustration, especially at busy centres like Lagos (Ikoyi/Alausa) and Abuja. The portal releases appointment slots in batches, and they get booked within minutes.
Solution: Be persistent. Log in to the portal very early in the morning (between 6 AM – 8 AM) on weekdays. New slots are often released then. Also, consider selecting a less busy capture centre in a neighbouring state if your schedule allows for travel.
Problem: Payment Failure or “Transaction Not Verified”
You enter your card details but get an error, or payment is deducted but the portal doesn’t confirm it, leaving your application pending.
Solution: First, wait 24 hours. Sometimes the system reconciles automatically. If not, do not attempt to pay again. Contact your bank to confirm if the debit was only an authorization hold (it will reverse). Then, use the “Payment Verification” or “Query Transaction” feature on the passport portal, entering your reference number. If unresolved, visit the NIS office with your bank statement as proof.
Problem: Data Mismatch with NIN Record
The portal rejects your application because your name, date of birth, or other details do not match your National Identity Number (NIN) record.
Solution: You must first correct the discrepancy at the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) enrolment centre. Update your NIN data to align perfectly with your old passport details. Only after NIMC confirms the update (which can take a few days) should you restart the passport application online.
Problem: Portal is Down or Extremely Slow
The official website often experiences high traffic, leading to timeouts, especially during peak hours or just after new appointment slots are released.
Solution: Avoid accessing the portal during midday or late evenings. Use a stable, fast internet connection. Clear your browser cache or try using the Google Chrome browser in incognito mode. If the site is completely down, wait a few hours and try again—announcements about maintenance are sometimes posted on the NIS Facebook page.
Fees, Costs and Timeline
Understanding the official costs and realistic processing time is key to avoiding scams and managing your expectations.
The official government fees for passport renewal are fixed nationwide: ₦35,000 for the 32-page booklet and ₦70,000 for the 64-page version. This fee is paid online via the portal and covers the entire process. Any request for additional “processing” or “expediting” cash from individuals or agents outside the portal is unofficial and should be reported.
Be wary of cyber cafés or touts at passport offices who inflate the price, claiming they can “fast-track” your application for ₦80,000 or more. The only legitimate fast-track service, when available, is a clearly advertised premium channel on the NIS portal itself at a specified higher rate.
For timeline, after a successful biometric capture, the standard processing time is three (3) weeks for collection. However, in high-demand states like Lagos and Abuja, delays of 4-6 weeks are common. You will receive an SMS notification when your new passport is ready for pickup at your chosen centre.
Warnings and Scams to Avoid
Protect yourself and your money by being aware of these common scams targeting passport applicants in Nigeria.
- Fake Immigration Officials & Agents: Individuals posing as NIS officers or “connected” agents inside or outside passport offices may promise faster processing for a cash fee. Legitimate NIS staff will never ask for cash payments outside the official portal. All communication and payment should be through your registered portal account.
- Clone Websites & Fake Portals: Scammers create sophisticated fake websites that mimic the official NIS portal to steal your login details, NIN, and card information. Always double-check that the URL is exactly passport.immigration.gov.ng before entering any personal data.
- WhatsApp & Social Media “Guarantees”: Be cautious of unsolicited messages on WhatsApp, Facebook, or Instagram from profiles claiming they can secure an appointment slot or “resolve” your application issues for a fee. The NIS does not conduct official business or sell slots through these private channels.
- Overcharging Cyber Cafés: While using a café for internet access is fine, do not let the operator take control of your application or insist you pay them an extra “form filling” fee beyond their service charge. They should only assist with navigation.
Acceptance, Use and Next Steps
Your renewed Nigerian e-Passport is a high-security document accepted for all international travel and official identification within Nigeria. It is recognized by all Nigerian banks for account opening and verification, by the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) for business registration, and by all domestic airlines for flight bookings where a valid ID is required.
Once you receive the SMS notification for collection, your next step is to go to the passport office where you did your biometrics. You must bring your old, expired passport and your collection slip. The old passport will be officially cancelled and returned to you with a hole punched through it, while you receive the new one. Verify all the details in your new passport at the counter before leaving the office.
A key limitation to note is that the passport is not a substitute for your National Identification Number (NIN) for specific government services. You must still use your NIN for tax matters (FIRS), certain land transactions, and linking your SIM cards. Keep both documents secure and up-to-date for seamless transactions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Nigerian passport if it has expired for more than 2 years?
Yes, you can. The online renewal portal accepts applications for passports that have been expired for many years. The process is the same as renewing a recently expired one. You will not face penalties for the lapse. However, you cannot use the expired passport for travel, and you must provide it during your biometric appointment for cancellation.
What should I do if I have lost my old Nigerian passport?
If your previous passport is lost, you cannot use the standard online renewal channel. You must apply for a completely new passport. This requires visiting the Immigration office in person to file a police report and obtain a loss report, then proceeding with a fresh application, which is more detailed and may take longer.
How can I change my passport data, like my name or date of birth?
You cannot change core data through a simple renewal. To alter your name (e.g., after marriage) or correct your date of birth, you must first update these details with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to reflect on your NIN. After that, you apply for a “Data Correction” or “Re-issue” on the passport portal, which is a different and more rigorous process than renewal.
Why is my application status showing “On Hold” after my biometrics?
An “On Hold” status typically indicates a pending clearance or a minor discrepancy that the NIS is verifying internally. This is common. The first step is to wait an additional 1-2 weeks. If it persists, you should visit the passport office where you did your capture for a physical inquiry. Do not pay anyone to “clear” the hold.
Can I renew my passport from outside Nigeria?
Absolutely. The process is identical—apply and pay online via the same portal. The critical difference is during the appointment booking: you must select the Nigerian Embassy or High Commission in your country of residence as your capture centre, not a location within Nigeria. Your biometrics will be taken at the mission abroad.
Is the online payment receipt enough for my appointment?
No, the payment receipt alone is not sufficient. You must also print out the completed Application Form (Form C) and your Appointment Slip from the portal. These three documents—Payment Receipt, Form C, and Appointment Slip—along with your original old passport and NIN slip, are mandatory for your biometric capture appointment.
Disclaimer
This guide is for informational purposes only and is based on publicly available procedures from the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS). Passport regulations and fees are subject to change. Always refer to the official NIS website (https://immigration.gov.ng/) and portal for the most current and authoritative information. The author is not affiliated with the NIS and this content does not constitute legal or official advice.