Lost or Stolen Nigerian Passport — What To Do

Go to the nearest police station and file a report about your lost or stolen passport. This is essential because:

• The police report is required by the Nigerian embassy to process a replacement
• It protects you from identity theft or misuse of your passport
• It serves as proof that you reported the loss promptly

Keep the original police report and make copies. You will need it for the embassy application.

Contact the nearest Nigerian embassy or consulate as soon as possible. You can:

• Call the embassy directly during working hours
• Visit the embassy in person with your police report
• Email the consular section explaining your situation

The embassy will advise you on next steps based on your specific circumstances and travel needs.

Find Nearest Embassy

Option A: Emergency Travel Certificate (ETC)

If you need to travel urgently (especially back to Nigeria), apply for an Emergency Travel Certificate. This is a single-journey document valid only for returning to Nigeria.

• Processing time: 1-3 business days
• Cost: $50 - $100
• Validity: Single journey to Nigeria only

Option B: Full Passport Replacement

If you are not in a rush, you can apply for a full replacement e-Passport through the normal process.

• Processing time: 6-8 weeks
• Cost: $150 (32-page) or $230 (64-page)
• Validity: 5 or 10 years

For Emergency Travel Certificate:

• Police report (original)
• Two recent passport photographs
• Any available identification (NIN slip, driver licence, national ID)
• Travel itinerary or flight booking
• Completed ETC application form (from embassy)

For Full Replacement Passport:

• Police report (original)
• National Identification Number (NIN)
• Birth certificate or age declaration
• Two passport photographs (35mm x 45mm, white background)
• Proof of legal residence in host country
• Sworn affidavit declaring the loss
• Online application via NIS portal
• Payment receipt from NIS portal

• Keep a photocopy of your passport data page in a separate location
• Store a digital scan in your email or secure cloud storage
• Note your passport number and keep it separately
• Use hotel safes when not carrying your passport
• Carry your passport in an inside pocket or money belt when travelling
• Register with the embassy in your host country for emergencies

• Emergency Travel Documents
• Passport Renewal
• Track Application
• Fee Schedule
• e-Passport Guide