What should you do if your documents expire while you’re in another country? Your first thought may be to leave everything behind and rush back home to renew your Nigerian passport. But hold on for a second, in this article, you’ll find out how to renew a Nigerian passport online without the need to fly to your home country.
This guide explains everything you need to know about how one may renew a Nigerian passport, including the requirements for a Nigerian passport and answers to common questions like how much to renew a Nigerian passport or how long does it take to renew a Nigerian passport.
General information about renewing a Nigerian passport
How to renew a Nigerian passport online?
One more online service for Nigerians in Europe
FAQ about renewing your Nigerian passport
General information about renewing a Nigerian passport
Before exploring how to renew a Nigerian passport, let’s get a common understanding of the document and the process.
- Usually, passport renewal should be done 5 years after issuing the document. After 10 years, you have to reissue it, which is another procedure.
- Nigerian passport requirements are typical but may slightly differ depending on the country you currently reside in.
- Even when applying online, you must go to the official institutions to provide your biometric data and, later, receive the passport. Keep that in mind when planning how to renew your Nigerian passport online.
- Nigerian passport holders can travel visa-free to 27 countries.
- To renew a Nigerian passport simply means to extend its expiration date; it is not a new document.
Now, we should move on to the step-by-step guide on online passport renewal.
How to renew a Nigerian passport online?
Step 1: Go to the official portal
First, visit the Nigeria Immigration Office website to start the process. In the pop-up window, you will be suggested to apply from outside Nigeria. Agree and pick this option.
On the main page, you’ll easily find an option to renew your Nigerian passport. Click on it and sign in via Google/Open ID accounts or your e-mail. You may also need your NIN (National Identification Number) to complete the registration process.
Step 2: Complete the application form
Requirements for the passport renewal include:
- Choosing a passport type;
- Selecting a country you live in;
- Uploading your photo
Let's discuss the photo requirements for the Nigerian passport a bit more (as it'd be a pity to fail the application because of the photo). The photo should have a white background, be 600 x 800 px, and have your face perfectly visible. You can test your photo in advance using this official service.
- Entering your details (name, date and place of birth, occupation, etc);
- Providing your contact information;
- Selecting your next of kin. Sharing the contacts of your closest relative is an important requirement for the passport renewal;
- Uploading supporting documents.
The document requirements for the Nigerian passport are as follows: birth certificate and Local Government Certificate of Indigeneship. These two documents are a must for every application, but others may vary depending on your situation (having dual citizenship or being under 16 y.o.).
Step 3: Payment
How much does it cost to renew your Nigerian passport? The price and fees may vary from country to country, but on average, you’ll have to pay:
- 32 Pages - 5 years - $ 150
- 64 Pages - 5 years - $ 162
- 64 Pages - 10 years - $ 242
The prices for the passport renewal are converted to USD on the official websites; thus, we do not convert them to EUR.
Be careful to avoid scam schemes. Double-check whether it's an official website and recipient data or not. If you know people who have already renewed their passports online, ask them for a confirmation.
After paying with your card or a bank transfer, keep the proof of it.
Expats have a bunch of inevitable expenses. It'd be nice not to pay fees or deal with taxes in two countries (one is already enough!). However, we need to face reality and plan our finances wisely. To help you, we collected the best budgeting tips for expats from Africa in our article.
Step 4: Biometric capture
Book an appointment and visit the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) Office. Fingerprints and a photo are among the Nigerian passport requirements, without which you won't be able to finish the passport renewal. Bring with you
- Your current passport (valid or expired).
- A completed application form.
- Two passport photographs.
- Evidence of payment for the renewal fee.
- Proof of residency in your European country.
Follow these requirements for passport renewal to secure success.
Step 5: Receive the passport
After fulfilling all the requirements for the Nigerian passport, you’ll be ready to collect it in the office.
One more online service for Nigerians in Europe
Understanding the Nigerian passport requirements is extra important for expats in Europe. But you know what else is? Supporting your family back home and strengthening the bonds between your current country and Nigeria.
The good thing is that transferring funds to Nigeria is much easier than getting your passport when you use Profee. There are no queues, no offline visits, and no stress. All you need is a couple of minutes and a desire to care about your loved ones.
Why Profee?
- Honesty: We’re against hidden fees or charging you extra money. What you see on our calculator is what your recipient will get.
- Safety: We follow strict PCI DSS standards to ensure your funds and data are protected. Profee takes care of safety because your act of kindness should be secured and rewarded.
- Beneficial rates: Profee has unmatched rates, so your close ones may receive even more than they expect.
Read our article to learn how to transfer money from Europe to Nigeria.
FAQ about renewing your Nigerian passport
How long does it take to renew a Nigerian passport?
Processing times for passport renewal applications vary. Generally, it takes 4-6 weeks, but, of course, delays may occur. So, we recommend starting the application process in advance.
What are the requirements for a Nigerian passport?
In short: completing an online application, paying fees, passing biometric data and receiving the document. Follow our step-by-step guide to renew your Nigerian passport.
Can I get the passport online?
No, you can complete the application on the website, but for biometric data collection and receiving the document you have to visit the official institutions in your current country.
Tips for a smooth process
- Start early: Begin the renewal process at least six months before your passport’s expiration date.
- Double-check requirements: Verify the latest requirements for a Nigerian passport on your embassy's official website.
- Use online services.
- Track your application: Many embassies offer tracking services for submitted applications.
Conclusion
Renewing your Nigerian passport while in Europe doesn’t have to be stressful. By understanding the requirements for a Nigerian passport, you can complete the process efficiently. Remember to check your local embassy’s website for up-to-date information on Nigerian passport requirements and ensure you have all the necessary documents. Whether you choose to handle the process in person or learn how to renew a Nigerian passport online, planning ahead is key to avoiding unnecessary delays.
After dealing with this procedure, send some money back home with Profee. Then, treat yourself! Explore second-hand shops in Berlin or go fishing in Ireland. Every European country has something to offer, so take a day off and enjoy your expat life in the EU.
