Emergency Travel Documents & Consular Assistance
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. Here is everything you need to know.
Lost or Stolen Passport?
- Report the loss to local police immediately and obtain a police report
- Contact the nearest Nigerian embassy as soon as possible
- In a life-threatening emergency, call local emergency services first (911/999/112)
Emergency Travel Certificate (ETC)
An ETC is a temporary travel document issued by Nigerian embassies for a single journey, typically to return to Nigeria or your country of permanent residence.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Validity | Single journey only. Typically valid for 7-30 days |
| Purpose | Return to Nigeria or to country of residence to obtain a new passport |
| Processing time | 1-3 working days standard. Same-day issuance possible in genuine emergencies |
| Fee | 15,000-25,000 NGN ($10-$18 USD) approximately |
| Accepted by | Airlines and immigration authorities for the specified journey only |
Required Documents for ETC
| Document | Details | Where to Get It |
|---|---|---|
| Police report | Documenting the loss or theft of passport | Local police station |
| 2 passport photographs | White background, 35x45mm | Photo booth or photographer |
| Any form of Nigerian ID | NIN slip, voter's card, driver's licence, old passport copy, or any document showing Nigerian nationality | Your records |
| Travel itinerary | Showing intended journey (flight booking or ticket) | Airline or travel agent |
| Completed ETC application form | Available at the embassy | Embassy |
| Proof of Nigerian citizenship | If no ID is available, the embassy will verify through NIS records (may take longer) | Embassy verification |
Step-by-Step: What to Do
- Report to police — Go to the nearest police station and file a report about the loss or theft. Get a written police report with a reference number. This is essential for the embassy application and for invalidating the lost passport.
- Contact the embassy — Call or visit the nearest Nigerian embassy or consulate. Many embassies have emergency after-hours telephone numbers. Explain your situation and ask what documents they need.
- Provide identification — Bring any Nigerian ID you have. If you have no ID at all, the embassy can verify your identity through the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) biometric database, though this may take additional time.
- Apply for ETC — Complete the Emergency Travel Certificate application at the embassy. Pay the applicable fee.
- Verification — The embassy verifies your identity through NIS records and confirms your Nigerian citizenship.
- Collect ETC — Once verified, collect your Emergency Travel Certificate. Confirm with your airline that they will accept the ETC for boarding.
- Apply for new passport — On return to Nigeria or your country of residence, begin the full passport application process for a replacement passport.
Other Emergency & Consular Situations
Medical Emergency
Contact local emergency services first (911/999/112). Then notify the nearest Nigerian embassy for consular assistance, including hospital visits, contacting family in Nigeria, and coordinating medical evacuation if needed.
Arrest or Detention
If arrested abroad, request that the authorities notify the Nigerian embassy. Under the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, you have the right to consular access. The embassy can arrange prison visits, refer you to local lawyers, and liaise with authorities.
Death Abroad
The embassy assists with death registration, repatriation of remains to Nigeria, issuing death certificates, and notification of family members. Costs of repatriation are borne by the family.
Natural Disaster or Crisis
In the event of natural disaster, civil unrest, or armed conflict, contact the Nigerian embassy for evacuation assistance and welfare checks. Register with the embassy on arrival in any country for easier tracking during emergencies.
Victim of Crime
Report to local police first. The embassy can provide consular support including referrals to local victim support services, assistance with police reports, temporary travel documents, and limited emergency financial assistance.
Destitution
If you are stranded abroad without funds, the embassy may provide limited emergency financial assistance or arrange repatriation. This is typically provided as a loan that must be repaid.
Prevention Tips
- Keep photocopies of your passport bio page and NIN slip in a separate location from the originals
- Store digital copies of all travel documents in secure cloud storage or email them to yourself
- Note down your passport number, date of issue, and expiry date
- Register with the embassy when travelling for extended periods or living abroad
- Use hotel safes for passports when not needed for identification
- Take a clear photo of your passport bio page on your phone
- Consider travelling with a second form of Nigerian ID (NIN slip, voter's card)
Emergency?
Find your nearest embassy immediately:
Find Embassy Search by CountryNigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM):
For welfare and diaspora support issues