Emergency Travel Documents
If your Nigerian passport is lost, stolen, or damaged while abroad, Nigerian embassies can issue an Emergency Travel Certificate (ETC) to enable you to return to Nigeria or travel to your country of residence.
Lost or Stolen Passport?
Report the loss to local police immediately and obtain a police report. Then contact the nearest Nigerian embassy as soon as possible.
Emergency Travel Certificate (ETC)
An ETC is a temporary travel document issued for a single journey, typically to return to Nigeria or your country of residence.
Required Documents:
- Police report documenting the loss or theft
- 2 passport photographs
- Any form of Nigerian identification (NIN slip, voters card, old passport copy)
- Travel itinerary showing intended journey
- Completed ETC application form
Processing Time:
1-3 working days depending on verification requirements. In genuine emergencies (medical evacuation, family emergency), same-day issuance may be possible.
Steps to Take
- Report to police — File a report at the local police station. Obtain a written police report.
- Contact the embassy — Call or visit the nearest Nigerian embassy. Many have emergency after-hours numbers.
- Provide identification — Bring any Nigerian ID you have (NIN, copies of passport, voter's card, etc.).
- Apply for ETC — Complete the Emergency Travel Certificate application at the embassy.
- Verification — The embassy will verify your identity through NIS records.
- Collect ETC — Once verified, collect your ETC and arrange travel.
- Apply for new passport — On return, begin the full passport application process.
Other Emergency Situations
- Medical emergency: Contact local emergency services first (911/999/112), then notify the embassy for consular assistance
- Arrest or detention: Request that the authorities notify the Nigerian embassy. You have the right to consular access.
- Death of a Nigerian citizen: The embassy assists with death registration, repatriation of remains, and notification of family
- Natural disaster or crisis: Contact the embassy for evacuation assistance and welfare checks
- Victim of crime: Report to local police, then contact the embassy for consular support