The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has unveiled a new contactless passport application process, allowing Nigerians in select countries to renew their passports without visiting physical centers.
In a statement released via its official X (formerly Twitter) account on Tuesday, April 15, the NIS announced that the contactless biometric passport renewal system has officially launched in the United States, Mexico, Jamaica, and Brazil.
Important information about the Contactless Passport Application System pic.twitter.com/BFM2zQiyqa
— Nigeria Immigration Service (@nigimmigration) April 15, 2025
The digital system, accessible through the NIS Mobile app on Google Play Store, enables eligible Nigerians to complete the entire renewal process—including biometric enrollment—from the comfort of their homes.
“This application system has not yet been rolled out in Australia and Nigeria. A future date will be announced for both countries in due course,” the NIS noted.
The contactless application process is currently open only to specific categories of applicants.
According to NIS, it is available to:
Nigerians aged 18 to 60 years
Applicants with less than six months to expiry on their current passports
Those applying for re-issuance of existing passports
Those seeking data corrections or who have lost or stolen passports and other exceptional cases are not eligible at this time.
The 11 steps to complete the application are as follows:
1. Download and install the NIS Mobile App and create an account using a valid email address.
2. Click on the ‘passport application services’ tab.
3. Begin the application and select the self-enrollment option.
4. Make payment and record your Application ID and Reference Number.
5. Select the contactless biometric enrollment option.
6. Enter your application details to check eligibility.
7. If ineligible, book an appointment at passport.int.immigration.gov.ng.
8. If eligible, complete biometric fingerprint and photo enrollment.
9. Print your application form and payment receipt.
10. Send your old passport, form, and receipt to the processing Embassy in a self-addressed return envelope.
11. Wait for delivery of your renewed passport at the address provided.
This latest move reflects the NIS’s ongoing push to digitise and streamline services for Nigerians abroad, with the agency emphasising convenience and improved user experience.
