Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about Nigerian embassies, passport services, visa requirements, and consular assistance.
Passport & Travel Documents
To renew your Nigerian passport abroad, visit the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) portal at passport.immigration.gov.ng, complete the online application, pay the fee ($150 for 32-page, $230 for 64-page), and book a biometric capture appointment at your nearest Nigerian embassy or consulate. You will need your current or expired passport, a valid Nigerian national ID, and passport photographs. See our passport renewal guide for detailed steps.
For Nigerians in the diaspora, the 32-page passport with 5-year validity costs $150 USD, and the 64-page passport with 10-year validity costs $230 USD. Within Nigeria, the fees are NGN 100,000 for 32-page and NGN 200,000 for 64-page (as of September 2026). These fees are paid through the NIS online portal.
Nigerian passport renewal typically takes 6-8 weeks when processed through an embassy abroad. Processing times can be longer during peak periods. Emergency Travel Certificates (ETC) can be issued within 1-3 days for urgent travel needs. Always apply well in advance of your travel date.
If you lose your Nigerian passport abroad: 1) Report the loss to local police and obtain a police report. 2) Contact the nearest Nigerian embassy or consulate immediately. 3) Apply for an Emergency Travel Certificate (ETC) if you need to travel urgently. 4) Begin the passport replacement process. The embassy will guide you through the required documentation.
Visa & Entry Requirements
Most visitors need a visa. ECOWAS nationals (15 West African countries) can enter visa-free for up to 90 days. Since May 2026, Nigeria operates an e-Visa system where eligible nationals can apply online. Some nationalities must apply at an embassy in person. See our visa requirements page for full details.
The Nigerian e-Visa was launched in May 2026, replacing the previous Visa on Arrival system. Eligible nationals can apply online through the NIS portal, upload required documents, pay the fee, and receive approval within 24-48 hours. The e-Visa covers tourism, business, and transit purposes. Visit our visa services page for application steps.
The ECOWAS Protocol on Free Movement allows citizens of 15 member states to enter Nigeria visa-free for up to 90 days. Member states include Ghana, Senegal, The Gambia, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Guinea, Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Togo, Benin, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Cote d'Ivoire, and Nigeria. A valid ECOWAS travel certificate or national passport is required.
Citizenship & Registration
Yes, but with conditions. Under Section 28 of the 1999 Constitution, Nigerians by birth can hold dual citizenship without losing their Nigerian nationality. However, citizens by registration or naturalization who acquire another nationality will forfeit their Nigerian citizenship unless the other citizenship is by birth. See our citizenship guide for details.
To register a birth abroad, visit your nearest Nigerian embassy with the child's foreign birth certificate, both parents' Nigerian passports, marriage certificate (if applicable), and a completed birth registration form. The embassy will issue a Nigerian birth certificate and can also process the child's first Nigerian passport. See our birth registration guide.
Nigerians abroad can obtain a NIN by visiting their nearest Nigerian embassy or consulate that offers NIN enrollment. You need to bring your Nigerian passport, proof of address, and attend in person for biometric capture. The NIN is increasingly required for many government services including passport renewal and SIM card registration.
Embassy Services
For document authentication at a Nigerian embassy, you typically need the original document, a notarized copy, a completed application form, your Nigerian passport or ID, and the authentication fee. Documents commonly authenticated include educational certificates, marriage certificates, birth certificates, and commercial documents.
Typically, you should use the Nigerian embassy or consulate in your country of residence. While some embassies may accommodate non-residents in emergency situations, standard practice requires you to apply at your local mission. For passport services specifically, biometric capture must be done in person at an embassy or NIS office.
Payment methods vary by embassy. Most embassies accept payment via the NIS online portal (for passport fees), bank transfers, money orders, or postal orders. Some accept cash in local currency. Credit and debit cards are generally not accepted at the counter. Always check with your specific embassy before visiting.
For passport applications, personal appearance is mandatory as biometric data must be captured in person. For document authentication services, a representative may submit documents on your behalf with a notarized power of attorney. For emergency situations, contact the embassy directly to discuss possible arrangements.
Nigeria's emergency numbers are: 112 (general emergency), 199 (police), 767 (fire service). The Nigeria Police Force can also be reached at 0800-CALL-NPF (0800-2255-673). For consular emergencies abroad, contact the nearest Nigerian embassy. See our travel information page for more safety details.
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