For Nigerians living abroad, the new contactless passport system offers a more convenient way for eligible applicants to complete biometric enrolment without travelling to a Nigerian embassy, high commission or consulate. The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) introduced the Contactless Biometric Passport Application System to make passport services more accessible for eligible Nigerians in the diaspora. Before beginning, make sure you also review our complete guide on how to renew your Nigerian passport abroad.
Traditionally, renewing a Nigerian passport from abroad could require applicants to travel to a diplomatic mission for biometric enrolment. With the contactless passport system, eligible diaspora applicants can complete the required biometric enrolment remotely using the official NIS Mobile platform.
However, the contactless passport service is not available to every passport applicant. Eligibility, documentation, fees and technical requirements apply.
This updated 2026 guide explains who can use the Nigerian contactless passport system, the documents you need, the five main steps, what “contactless” actually means, current processing information, common problems and where to get official assistance.
What Is the Nigerian Contactless Passport System?
The Nigerian contactless passport system is a digital biometric passport service introduced by the Nigeria Immigration Service for eligible Nigerians living outside Nigeria.
The system is designed to reduce the need for eligible diaspora applicants to travel to a Nigerian diplomatic mission solely for biometric enrolment.
📌 Key Takeaway
Contactless does not mean that every part of the passport process is completed digitally. “Contactless” refers primarily to remote biometric enrolment via mobile. Applicants must still submit their current physical passport booklet and payment receipt to their designated Nigerian diplomatic mission.
📣 September 2026 UK Passport Intervention Exercise
Facing app glitches or delays in the UK? The NIS has deployed a specialized Passport Intervention Team to 4 UK cities between September 7 and September 26, 2026:
- London & Manchester: September 7–19, 2026
- Aberdeen & Cardiff: September 21–26, 2026
Digital channels remain operational, but UK applicants facing technical issues can visit these designated centers with pre-paid online applications.
For official information about passport services, visit the official Nigeria Immigration Service passport page.
Who Is Eligible for the Contactless Passport Service?
The Nigeria Immigration Service’s current service information identifies the Contactless Biometric service as a service specifically for Nigerians in the diaspora. Applicants should confirm their eligibility before paying any non-refundable fees.
If you need to update or register your identification numbers before applying, check our guide on BVN and NIN in the Diaspora for Nigerians.
The NIS currently lists requirements including:
- NIN slip
- Birth certificate or Declaration of Age from a High Court
- Local Government or Indigene Certificate
- ICAO-compliant passport photograph
- Current Nigerian passport
The NIS directs eligible applicants to download NIS Mobile from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Always check for updates on the official NIS passport service page before applying.
5 Easy Steps to Apply for a Contactless Passport
Prepare Your NIN and Supporting Documents
Before starting your contactless passport application, make sure your NIN information is available and your supporting documents (NIN slip, birth certificate, indigene certificate, photograph, and current passport) are ready. Confirm that your name, date of birth, and NIN details match across all documents to prev
ent processing delays.Use the Official Passport Portal
Apply exclusively through the Official Nigerian Passport Portal. Select “Apply from Outside Nigeria”, submit your details, and click “Opt-in for Contactless” under Application Status to generate your App ID. For consular challenges in Europe, read our investigation into why thousands of Nigerians face permit delays without passports.
Do not enter your NIN or payment details on unofficial websites.
Download NIS Mobile and Complete Biometric Enrolment
Open the official NIS Mobile app and enter your Application ID and Reference Number. The app captures live facial verification and scans your fingerprints using your phone camera (verified directly against the Automated Fingerprint Identification System—AFIS).
Tips for smooth enrolment:
- Use bright, natural lighting without heavy shadows.
- Clean your camera lens before starting.
- Maintain a stable internet connection and keep your face clearly visible.
Upload Your Supporting Documents
Upload high-resolution, clear copies of your NIN slip, birth certificate, indigene certificate, passport photo, and current passport pages.
Important: You May Still Need to Send Your Current Passport
According to the NIS Service Level Agreement, after completing your app enrolment, you must print your payment receipt and mail your current physical passport booklet with a self-addressed return envelope to your designated Nigerian Embassy or High Commission for physical validation.
Pay Official Fees & Submit Application
Complete payment online using the official platform. Keep your payment receipt and reference information safe for document mailing and support tracking.
Fee Breakdown & Timelines
The NIS current 2026 pricing lists a $100 Contactless Biometric Service fee in addition to standard passport fees:
| Service / Passport Type | Fee (USD) | Estimated Processing |
|---|---|---|
| Contactless Biometric Fee | $100 | Applied to all contactless orders |
| 32-Page Booklet (5-Year) | $130 | ~21 days post-enrolment |
| 64-Page Booklet (10-Year) | $230 | ~21 days post-enrolment |
Note: The 21-day timeline begins after successful biometric verification and physical document receipt at the embassy. It is not a guaranteed delivery time.
Troubleshooting NIS Mobile App Problems
If you encounter app glitches, face verification failures, or payment OTP delays:
- Check your email spam and junk folders for payment OTPs.
- Do not make duplicate payments for the same application.
- Save your application reference number and payment receipts.
- Use the Support → Chat with Us option inside NIS Mobile.
- Email NIS support directly at support@immigration.gov.ng or visit the official NIS contact page.
In cases of critical administrative or travel emergencies abroad, review our guide on what to do in a Nigerian emergency abroad.
Contactless Passport vs Traditional Passport Application
| Contactless Passport | Traditional Passport Process |
|---|---|
| Designed for eligible diaspora renewal applicants | Available at embassies and physical capturing centers |
| Remote biometric capture via NIS Mobile app | Physical biometric capturing required in person |
| Reduces travel to diplomatic missions | Requires physical attendance at embassy or center |
| Standard requirements + $100 Contactless fee | Standard passport booklet fees |
Avoid Contactless Passport Scams
Protect yourself from fraudulent third-party agents offering guaranteed approvals or same-day processing. Always remember:
- NIS does not accept payments into private personal bank accounts.
- Official applications are processed solely through passport.immigration.gov.ng.
- Never pay extra fees to individuals claiming to “speed up” or “activate” your contactless passport.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the contactless passport available to first-time applicants or children?
Generally, first-time applicants and certain child categories require physical in-person enrolment. Check the NIS passport information page before attempting a fresh application online.
Does contactless mean my new passport is delivered to my home?
Not automatically. “Contactless” refers to remote biometric enrolment. You must mail your current physical passport to your designated embassy, and delivery depends on the embassy’s return postal arrangements.
Can I hold dual citizenship and apply?
Yes, dual citizens living abroad can renew their Nigerian passport through this system. Learn more in our detailed guide on navigating Nigerian dual citizenship as an expat.
Have You Tried the Contactless Passport System?
Are you currently applying from abroad or facing issues with biometric capture on the NIS Mobile app? Share your experience, questions, or tips in the comments below to help fellow diaspora applicants!
Join the Discussion💬 Community Discussion
Are you applying for your passport from abroad or having issues with the NIS Mobile app? Read community experiences below or share your questions!
Thanks for breaking this down! I tried capturing my biometrics on the NIS Mobile app yesterday from London, but the camera keeps failing during the facial verification step. Has anyone else experienced this? Does it mean I have to wait for the UK Intervention Exercise in Manchester?
@Chidi E. I had the exact same issue last week! Make sure you are standing directly facing a window with bright natural sunlight—warm indoor lighting causes the AFIS system to reject the scan. Cleaning the front camera lens and switching from Wi-Fi to mobile data also solved the glitch for me. Give that a try before booking a trip to Manchester!
Quick heads-up for anyone applying from Canada: after finishing the app capturing, don’t forget that you must still mail your physical passport booklet and a pre-paid return envelope to the Ottawa embassy. The app handles the biometrics, but physical verification is still mandatory. Got my renewed passport back in about 3 weeks!