An Emergency Travel Certificate (ETC) is a special document given to Nigerians who lose their passport or overstay their visa while abroad. It’s not a passport replacement and can’t be used to travel to other countries or return to where you live. It’s only for getting you back to Nigeria in an emergency.
In this blog post, we will explain what an ETC is, how to apply for one, how much it costs, and how to obtain one from the UK.
What is an Emergency Travel Certificate?
An Emergency Travel Certificate (ETC), also called a temporary travel document or emergency travel card, is a special paper document that allows you to travel to Nigeria on a one-way trip. Issued by the Nigerian Embassy or Consulate in your country, it’s valid for 30 days.
How to Apply for an Emergency Travel Certificate
To apply for an ETC, you need to visit the nearest Nigerian Embassy or Consulate in your country of residence. You will need to provide the following documents and information:
Requirements for Emergency Travel Certificate Nigeria
- Completed online application form
- Police report (for lost passports)
- Two recent passport-sized photos
- Flight itinerary
- Affidavit explaining the urgency
- Proof of citizenship, such as NIN card, expired e-passport or GMP card
Other ETC Requirements for Minors
- A copy of the birth certificate of the minor.
- A copy of both parents’ Nigerian passports (data page). At least one parent must be Nigerian.
- A letter of consent signed by both parents.
Emergency Travel Certificate Application procedure
- Visit the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) website.
- Complete the online application.
- Pay the required fee of $150.00
- Schedule an appointment with the nearest NIS office.
- Attend the appointment with all necessary documents.
- Receive your Emergency Travel Certificate.
Once documents are submitted, the Embassy will process your Emergency Travel Certificate (ETC) within 7 working days, and you’ll be notified when it’s ready for collection.
Emergency Travel Certificate Cost and Validity
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| ETC Fee | $150.00 |
| Payment Method | Money order, payable to the Embassy of Nigeria |
| Refundability | Non-refundable |
| Transferability | Non-transferable |
| ETC Validity | 30 days from the issue date |
| Validity Expiration | Failure to use within 30 days renders it invalid |
Emergency Travel Certificate Nigeria UK
If you are a Nigerian citizen who is stranded in the UK and needs to return to Nigeria urgently, you can apply for an ETC from the Nigerian High Commission in London.
The process is similar to the one described above, but you will need to follow these steps:
- Download the ETC application form from the website.
- Collect all listed requirements.
- Book an online appointment for ETC service.
- Submit required documents through mail or in person and pay fees.
- Collect your Emergency Travel Certificate.
Sample of Emergency Travel Certificate
