Nigerian citizens residing in the UK may need to renew their passports before it expires. Thankfully, renewing a Nigerian passport in the UK is an easy process. Everything you need to know about Nigeria passport renewal in 2024 is covered in this article, including details on the application procedure, required documentation, and any updates or changes to the procedure that may have happened.
Apply for NIN before Passport Renewal
A NIN number, referring to a National Identification Number, is required when renewing your Nigerian passport in the UK. This number is used to verify the identity of those who live in or are native to Nigeria, and it was launched in 2012. Follow these steps to apply for NIN in the UK.
Step 1. To renew your Nigerian passport in the UK, you must locate an office and register there. Most of the NIN registration offices are located in London or nearby. To find a UK NIN enrolment facility near you, visit the official National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) website.
Step 2. You may need to schedule an appointment with specific offices to receive your NIN. For the rest of us, you can simply walk in.
Step 3. Snap a photo of yourself and scan your fingerprints after checking in. After you paid £50 for the NIN registration, you will be given your NIN slip. As soon as you obtain the slip, you can apply to renew your Nigerian passport in the UK!
How to Renew Nigeria Passport in the UK
Once you complete the NIN number registration, you can renew Nigeria passport instantly. The renewal process only takes a few minutes. To renew your Nigeria passport in the UK, you can follow the steps below:
Step 1. Go to the Nigerian Immigration Service homepage and choose “Apply from outside Nigeria”. It will redirect you to the passport area then you can complete the online application. You’ll need to provide information such as NIN, Nigeria address and contact information.
Step 2: Prepare the required documents for your in-person appointment, such as:
- An original passport from Nigeria
- A printed copy of the filled-out, dated, and signed passport application.
- The copy form of your National Identity Number. Its details must correspond with those on your passport.
- A printed copy of the appointment that you scheduled through the Nigeria Immigration Service.
- A $20 postal order is payable to the London-based Nigerian High Commission.
- A specific delivery envelope so that your passport can be returned to you.
Additionally, if the minor is less than 17, you will need:
- A copy of the passport details page for each parent that appears on the child’s birth certificate. A minimum of one parent needs to be a citizen of Nigeria.
- A consent form signed by both parents.
- The birth certificate of the child.
Step 3. Pay a passport renewal fee. It may vary depending on the type of passport, your age and passport validity.
| 32 page, 5 year validity | $130 |
| 64 pages, 5 year validity | $150 |
| 64 pages, 10 year validity | $230 |
Step 4. You’ll be given an application ID and a reference number. Go back to the Nigeria High Commission website and schedule a face-to-face meeting to submit your application and turn in any necessary paperwork. In the following part, learn how to book an appointment in detail.
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How to Book an Appointment for a Nigeria Passport in London
You must schedule an appointment with the Nigerian Embassy once you have paid for your application to renew your Nigerian passport. Visit the website to schedule an appointment at the Nigerian High Commission. You will be prompted to provide your application ID and reference number before being directed to the booking system.
In the UK, London is home to the sole Nigerian embassy. Thus, it makes sense that people schedule their appointments in advance. It’s crucial to check every day for open appointment slots and book them as soon as possible because there may be instances when there are none.
You will receive an appointment confirmation slip, an appointment slip, and a payment receipt once you make your appointment. For the following stage of renewing your Nigerian passport, these are crucial.
How Much is Nigeria Passport Renewal in the UK
The cost to reissue a normal passport is an administrative fee of £20, which must be sent to the Nigeria High Commission in London via postal order. For the Nigerian High Commission to return your passport to you, you will also need to carry a Royal Mail C4 special delivery envelope.
There will be a £250 fee if you renew your passport due to misplacing, losing, or damaging your previous one. Once more, payment for this must be submitted to the Nigeria High Commission via postal order. Likewise, the procedure and fee for applying for Emergency Certificates are the same, coming in at £120.
How Long Does it Take to Renew Nigeria Passport?
Your Nigerian passport renewal in the UK will usually take three weeks or so. Six weeks is the waiting period for applicants who are applying for the first time.
You must provide all of the information accurately to prevent your application from being delayed. It’s also important to note that you cannot pick up your passport in person from the Nigerian High Commission office in London, so be careful to provide accurate postal information to ensure that your passport arrives on schedule.
It is best to apply for an Emergency Certificate if your passport has already expired and you must travel right away. In addition to giving you additional peace of mind in the unlikely event that your renewal takes longer than the anticipated three weeks, this should help shorten the waiting period.
FAQ
Can I travel with an expired Nigerian passport?
No. You cannot use an expired passport for traveling abroad. If your passport has expired or is about to expire in the next six months, you need to renew it.
Can you renew your Nigeria passport without an appointment?
No. You will not be allowed to enter the Nigerian High Commission in London if you do not have your appointment confirmation, appointment slip, and payment receipt with you when you arrive.
Can I renew my Nigerian international passport before it expires?
It is advisable to renew your Nigerian passport in the UK while you have at least six months left on it to avoid any hassles or hurrying.
The Bottom Line
That’s all about how to renew your Nigeria Passport in the UK. You may not be able to process relevant applications if your passport is not renewed within the validity period. Remember to prepare all the related documents and book an appointment. Plan to renew your passport right now with the help of this guideline.
Erin Lo