A step-by-step guide to applying for the contactless Nigerian passport renewal

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) introduced a contactless passport renewal system to simplify the application process for Nigerians. The system allows applicants to renew their passports online without visiting NIS offices.

The Contactless Passport Application System (CONPAS) rollout began on 1 November 2024 in Canada. After it successfully launched the initiative in Canada, the Ministry of Interior rolled out the same for Nigerians in the UK on February 7, 2025, while it plans to do the same in the U.S., Italy, and France.

In its experimental phase of the project in Nigeria, the ministry noted in November that contactless international passport renewal will be launched in four states of the federation in January 2025 which includes Lagos, Abuja, Rivers, and Kano.

Explaining why the government is adopting a phased rollout to test the solution and ensure it becomes perfect before being opened to everybody

“I come from a tech management consulting background and in my experience, you don’t launch a project of that magnitude all over at the same time. So, we decided that before we open it up to the entire world, let’s start with Canada. And as I speak to you, we’re already producing passports based on the contactless system in Canada,” the minister said in November.

She further noted that the federal government through the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has given the NIS a mandate to enhance services for Nigerians in the diaspora. This saw the approval of a passport renewal processing facility for New York to address the backlog and improve the passport renewal experience. 

In addition to the New York centre, Nandap revealed that passport front offices would soon be established in other parts of the United States and other countries to enhance further accessibility for Nigerians abroad.

What you should know before renewing your passport

Before renewing your Nigerian passport, you need to meet certain requirements. 

Your current passport:

• Is expired: This is the most common reason for passport renewal.
• Is nearing expiration: It’s advisable to renew before it expires to avoid the last-minute rush.
• Has pages filled up: If your passport is full of stamps and visas, you may need a renewal.
• Has been damaged: If your passport is damaged beyond use, a renewal is necessary.

Notably, you may need to renew your passport even if it has not expired or is not full. For example, if your name, address, or other personal information has changed, you may need to do so. However, the new NIS Mobile app is yet to make provision for personal details correction. 

Required documents for Nigerian passport renewal

You will need the following documents for your nearing expiration or expired passport renewal.

• Expired/Expiring Passport: Your current, expired passport is an important document needed at the point of filling your passport number.

• Proof of Identity: Acceptable forms of identification may include a valid National Identification Number (NIN).

• Evidence of Nigerian Citizenship: Depending on your situation, you will need to upload proof of your Nigerian citizenship in the form of a birth certificate, a certificate of naturalization, or other appropriate documents.

Note that it is very important to make sure that all documents are valid, up-to-date, and easy to read. Supplying missing or wrong information on your renewal application could cause it to be delayed or even rejected.

What you should know about the NIS Mobile app

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) Contactless Mobile App is designed to streamline and modernize the immigration application and verification processes. This app offers a secure and efficient way for users to complete their passport renewal application and biometric enrollment for passport production by the Nigeria Immigration Services.

Below are some of the app features:

1. The app is available on Google Playstore (NIS MOBILE).
2. It can be used on compatible Android mobile devices. Future considerations will be made for IOS users.
3. The app guides the user through the process.
4. It guarantees the integrity of the user.
5. The app can only be used for passport renewal
6. The app employs a three-way image verification system to guarantee its security.
7. Both payment and capturing of biometrics are integrated into the app. 

Eligibility for Passport Renewal

1. Not more than 6 months to the expiration of the current passport. 
2. Service is only made available for the reissue of existing passports. This means there is no provision for correction data, lost cases, or other exceptional cases. 
3. Only available for people aged 18-60 years.

Step by Step process on how to apply for Nigerian Passport Renewal

1. Download and install the NIS Mobile application from the relevant mobile app store (Google Playstore).
2. Create a profile and activate your account with the use of a valid email.
3. Once activated, access the app’s main page and click on “passport application service” on the landing page. 
4. Proceed with the passport application process and ensure to choose the self-enrollment option.
5. You will be required to make payment after which you will be issued a passport application ID and Reference. This must be noted for future purposes. The processing fee for the contactless passport is $100.
6. Click the contactless biometric enrolment option on the passport application service.
7. Input your application ID and reference number as required to check eligibility status. Then proceed. 
8. If not eligible, you will need to proceed to book an appointment for in-person biometric enrollment via the NIS passport application portal.
9. If eligible, proceed with biometric enrollment and submit appropriately.
10. Mail your current passport to the applicable embassy with a self-addressed envelope. This step is essential for the processing of the new passport. Failure to do this will deny the successful renewal process.
11. Once the passport is processed, wait for your passport to be delivered to the address indicated on your self-addressed envelope within the specified timeline.

How long does it take to get your passport renewal approval?

According to information on the NIS website, Passport applications can take up to 6 weeks to be processed for new applications and up to 3 weeks for renewals. 

Applicants are expected to receive their passports not more than 6 weeks after their biometric enrollment for new passports and not more than 3 weeks after biometric enrollment for renewals.

Ordinarily, the time it takes to renew your passport in Nigeria can vary depending on several factors. 

From standard to expedited services, Nigerian Immigration has different processing times. Standard processing usually takes between 6 and 8 weeks. For an extra fee, expedited services can be done in as little as 2 to 3 weeks.

During busy travel times or high demand, the NIS may receive more applications, which could make processing times longer. Incomplete or wrong applications may need more information or documentation, which can cause delays.

For a faster process, it is advisable to renew your passport a long time before you plan to travel. This provides a long time to the processing time and any possible delays that might occur.