How to Renew your Nigerian Passport in the US
6 steps required to renew your Nigerian passport in the US
If you’re Nigerian, you’ve probably had to jump through one or two...or ten hoops while navigating Nigerian systems within and beyond the country. One of the most common experiences we can all probably relate to is the stress of renewing your passport as a Nigerian in the US. Sometimes the embassy might be closed, and if it’s open you can probably plan to spend a good portion of your day there. We recommend going with a good book or downloading a movie on your phone to keep yourself entertained while you wait!Â
Regardless, it’s still important for us to be as prepared as possible. The website of the Nigerian embassy in the US has several pages detailing all the steps you need to follow to renew your Nigerian passport. We understand that this can be a bit tedious to navigate, so we’ve perused the website and consolidated the information into six simplified steps! Each state might have slight variations, but overall there’s a general process you always have to follow:
Step 1
Complete the online passport renewal form on the Nigerian consulate website. The form varies from state to state, so it’s best to do a quick Google search to find the one for you!
Step 2
Once you complete the form, be sure to print two copies and submit the application online.
Step 3
Once the form is submitted, you’ll be given a Reference ID and/or Application ID. Depending on the state, this might be given to you directly on the application site or emailed to you at the email address you provided at the beginning of the application process. Either way, you’ll get these numbers, and you’ll have to provide them on the day of your interview.
Step 4
Obviously, nothing in this life (or Nigeria) is free, so the next step requires you to submit payment. This can be done electronically using a credit or debit card, and in some cases, money orders are accepted. Currently, the cost of renewing a standard Nigerian passport is ~$130. If you need to send money from your Nigerian bank account to your American checking account before making your payment, Sendcash is a quick and easy way to facilitate the transaction.
Step 5
Once you’ve submitted your payment, you’ll receive a payment confirmation slip which you’ll also have to present during your interview.
Step 6
After you’ve completed your application and paid the passport renewal fee, you’ll either be assigned an interview date or be directed to schedule it yourself online (your state will determine if the interview date is self-selected or assigned). During the interview, your passport photo is taken, and your biometric data is collected, but you’re also required to present the following documents:
Printed copies of the passport renewal form you submitted online
Printed copies of the payment slip proving payment of the passport fee
An acknowledgement form that’s sent to you after you’ve made your payment
Your expired passport
A photocopy of your passport data page
2 passport photographs (some consulates still require this even though your photograph is retaken during the interview)
If you were born outside of Nigeria, you’re also required to bring:Â
Your birth certificateÂ
A photocopy of your Nigerian parent’s passport data page.Â
Once you’ve successfully completed your interview and provided all the required documentation in person, you’ll be given a return date to collect your passport. Often, this date is later than desired, so we advise that you begin this process as soon as your Nigerian passport is eligible for renewal.Â
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