Renewing your Nigerian passport in the UK can be a straightforward process, but it does require careful attention to detail and adequate preparation. Whether your passport is nearing expiration or has already expired, or if it has been lost or damaged, following the necessary steps will ensure a smooth renewal experience. We will walk you through everything you need to know about renewing your Nigerian passport in the UK in 2025.

The Nigerian High Commission in London is responsible for all passport services for Nigerians living in the UK, including renewals, replacements, and re-issues. Whether you need a new passport or you simply need to renew an expiring one, it is crucial to follow the correct procedures to avoid delays or complications.

Determine Your Eligibility for Passport Renewal

Before you begin the renewal process, it is essential to first determine which type of renewal application is applicable to your situation. There are different categories, each with specific requirements and processes.

Standard Passport Renewal

If your passport is approaching its expiry date, or has already expired, but your personal details have not changed (such as name, date of birth, or gender), you can apply for a standard passport renewal. This is the most common route for Nigerians who simply need to extend their passport’s validity.

Re-issue of Passport

If your passport is older than five years or if all the visa pages are filled up, you will need to apply for a re-issue rather than a standard renewal. A re-issue involves the issuance of a completely new passport instead of simply extending the old one. In this case, you will need to follow the re-issue process and submit additional documentation if required.

Passport Replacement

If your passport has been lost, stolen, or damaged beyond use, you will need to apply for a replacement passport. The process for replacement is more involved, as you will be required to submit extra documents such as a police report in the case of loss or theft. If your passport was damaged, you will need to provide an explanation and proof of the damage.

Gather the Necessary Documents for Your Passport Renewal

To ensure that your Nigerian passport renewal process is smooth and efficient, it is crucial to gather all required documents beforehand. Incomplete or missing documents can lead to delays, rejections, or additional costs.

Below are the documents you will need to submit for passport renewal;

Original Nigerian Passport

Whether your passport is still valid or expired, you will need to provide the original passport as part of your application. If your passport has been lost or stolen, you will need to submit a police report that confirms the loss.

Passport-Sized Photographs

Two recent passport-sized photographs are required for your application. These photos must meet the specifications set by the Nigerian High Commission, including a white background, no glasses, and a clear, unobstructed view of your face. Ensure that the photos are taken in accordance with the guidelines to avoid delays.

National Identification Number (NIN)

As part of the Nigerian government’s efforts to create a national database, it is now mandatory to provide your National Identification Number (NIN) when applying for a passport. If you have not already registered for your NIN, you can do so through the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) in Nigeria. The NIN is required to authenticate your application and ensure it is processed correctly.

Proof of Nigerian Citizenship

You will need to provide proof of your Nigerian citizenship, such as a Nigerian birth certificate, a certificate of citizenship, or a valid National ID card. These documents will serve as evidence that you are a Nigerian national and eligible for a passport renewal.

Completed Passport Application Form

The application form can be completed online through the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) portal. It is essential to ensure that all information provided is correct and consistent. Mistakes on the form may result in delays or complications during the processing of your passport renewal.

Proof of Payment

Once your application form is completed, you will be required to make a payment for the renewal service. The payment can be made online via the NIS portal. Be sure to keep the payment confirmation as proof of payment.

Appointment Booking Slip

After completing your online application and payment, you will be asked to book an appointment at the Nigerian High Commission in London for biometric data capture. You will receive an appointment booking slip, which must be printed and brought with you to your appointment.

How to Complete the Online Application Process

The first step in renewing your Nigerian passport is to complete the online application through the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) portal.

Steps to Complete the Online Application include;

1. Visit the Nigeria Immigration Service Portal: Go to the official NIS portal at https://portal.immigration.gov.ng/.
2. Create an Account: If you do not have an account, you will need to create one using your personal information.
3. Fill Out the Application Form: Accurately fill out the application form with all required details, including your full name, date of birth, passport number, and your residential address. Be sure that the information you provide is correct, as any discrepancies could delay your application.
4. Upload Supporting Documents: Upload scanned copies of the required documents, such as your old passport, photographs, proof of NIN, and any other relevant paperwork.
5. Make the Payment: After submitting your application form, you will be prompted to make a payment for the passport renewal. Payment can be made securely online using a debit or credit card.
6. Book Your Appointment: Once your application is complete and payment has been processed, you will need to book an appointment for biometric data capture at the Nigerian High Commission in London. The appointment slip you receive after booking will need to be printed out and brought to your appointment.

Attending Your Appointment at the Nigeria High Commission

After completing the online application and booking your appointment, the next step is to visit the Nigerian High Commission in London for biometric data collection. This is a crucial part of the passport renewal process, as biometric data such as fingerprints and photographs are needed to create your new passport.

What to Expect at the Appointment:

Document Submission: When you arrive at the High Commission, you will need to submit your documents, including your original passport, appointment booking slip, and any other required paperwork.

Biometric Data Capture: The biometric process involves having your fingerprints and photograph taken. This data will be used to produce your new passport. Ensure that you bring all the required documents, as missing paperwork could cause delays.

Verification of Information: The staff at the High Commission will verify all the details you have provided and ensure that everything is accurate. If there are any issues with your application, they will notify you and provide instructions on how to proceed.

Make sure to arrive early for your appointment to allow time for any possible queues. It is also important to double-check that you have all the necessary documents before you leave for your appointment.

Waiting for Your Passport to Be Processed

Once you have submitted your application and completed the biometric data collection, your passport will be processed. The processing time can vary, but it generally takes between 3 and 6 weeks. During this period, the High Commission will work on verifying your information, printing your new passport, and preparing it for collection.

Tracking Your Application:

You can track the status of your passport renewal by logging into the Nigeria Immigration Service portal. The portal will provide updates on the progress of your application and give you an estimated time for when your passport will be ready for collection.

Collecting Your New Passport

Once your passport is ready, you will be notified by email or SMS. You can then proceed to collect your new passport from the Nigerian High Commission in London.

What to Bring When Collecting Your Passport:

Proof of Identity: Bring a valid form of identification, such as a driver’s license or another government-issued ID.

Payment Receipt: You will need to present the receipt of your payment for passport renewal.

Original Appointment Slip: If you are collecting the passport on behalf of someone else, you may need to provide a written authorization.

It is important to collect your passport in person. If you are unable to do so, you can send someone else to collect it on your behalf, but they will need to carry a signed authorization letter from you, as well as their own identification.

Fees and Payment Information

The cost of renewing your Nigerian passport in the UK can vary depending on the type of service you require and the processing time. The fees for passport renewal include;

Standard Passport Renewal: The fee for a standard renewal is typically around £120.

• Re-issue of Passport: If you are applying for a re-issue due to an expired passport or filled-up visa pages, the fee is usually around £150.
• Replacement of Lost or Stolen Passport: Replacing a lost or stolen passport generally costs around £250, as it involves additional documentation.

Always check the Nigeria High Commission website for the most accurate and up-to-date fees and payment details.

Conclusion

Renewal of your Nigerian passport in the UK in 2025 is a manageable task as long as you are well-prepared and follow the correct steps. From determining which type of renewal you need to gathering your documents and attending your appointment, the process can be straightforward if you pay attention to the details. By starting early and using the official resources, you can ensure a smooth and successful passport renewal experience.

If you need further assistance, it’s always a good idea to consult the Nigeria High Commission’s website or seek advice from immigration experts to make sure you’re on track.