If you are a Nigerian citizen living in the UK and your passport is about to expire or has already expired, you might be wondering how to renew it. Renewing your Nigerian passport in the UK is not a difficult process, but it does require some preparation and planning.
In this blog post, we will answer some of the most common questions that you might have about Nigerian passport renewal in the UK, such as:
- How do you renew your Nigerian passport in the UK?
- How long does it take to renew a Nigerian passport in the UK?
- How much is a Nigerian passport renewal in the UK?
Can I renew my Nigerian passport outside of Nigeria?
Yes, you can renew your Nigerian passport outside Nigeria, as long as you have a valid Nigerian passport and a National Identification Number (NIN). You can renew your Nigerian passport in the UK by applying online and booking an appointment at the Nigerian High Commission in London.
You cannot renew your Nigerian passport online from the UK without visiting the Nigeria High Commission in person, as you will need to take your biometrics (passport photograph and fingerprints) there.
What happens if my Nigerian passport expires in the UK?
If your Nigerian passport expires in the UK, you will not be able to travel outside the UK or renew your UK visa or residence permit. You will need to renew your Nigerian passport as soon as possible to avoid any complications or penalties.
How to Renew Nigerian Passport in the UK
You can renew Nigerian passport in the UK by following the steps below:
- Step 1: Get your NIN number if you haven’t already. You can get your NIN number by registering at the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) website or by visiting the NIMC enrolment centre at the Nigeria High Commission in London.
- Step 2: Head to the Nigeria Immigration Service website and apply to renew your Nigerian passport in the UK. You will need to fill out an online application form, upload your passport photograph, and pay the passport fee online. You will also need to print out your application form and payment slip.
- Step 3: Book an appointment with the Nigerian High Commission in London to take your biometrics. You will need to bring your printed application form, payment slip, current Nigerian passport, NIN slip, and other relevant documents to your appointment. You can book your appointment online at the Nigeria Immigration Service website or by calling the Nigeria High Commission in London.
- Step 4: Go to your appointment at the Nigeria High Commission in London and submit your documents and biometrics. You will also need to pay an administrative fee of £20 by postal order. You will receive a receipt and a tracking number for your passport application.
- Step 5: Wait for your passport to be processed and delivered. You can track the status of your passport application online at the Nigeria Immigration Service website or by calling the Nigeria High Commission in London. You can also choose to collect your passport in person or have it mailed to you by providing a self-addressed special delivery envelope.
How long does it take to renew a Nigerian passport in the UK?
The processing time for Nigerian passport renewal in the UK depends on several factors, such as the availability of appointments, the type of passport, and the payment method.
Generally, it takes about 4 to 6 weeks to renew a standard Nigerian passport in the UK and about 2 to 3 weeks to renew an enhanced Nigerian passport in the UK.
An enhanced Nigerian passport is a new type of passport that has more security features and a longer validity period of 10 years. The enhanced Nigerian passport was rolled out in November 2021 at the Nigerian High Commission in London.
Can I get a Nigerian passport in the UK in 24 hours?
No, you cannot get a Nigerian passport in the UK in 24 hours. The fastest way to get a Nigerian passport in the UK is to apply for an enhanced Nigerian passport, which takes about 2 to 3 weeks to process. However, if you need to travel urgently and you do not have a valid Nigerian passport, you can apply for an ETC, which can be issued within 24 hours.
How much is a Nigerian passport renewal in the UK?
The cost of Nigerian passport renewal in the UK depends on the type and validity of the passport you want to renew. The current passport fees for Nigerian passport renewal in the UK are:
- Standard Nigerian passport (32 pages, 5 years validity): £65
- Standard Nigerian passport (64 pages, 5 years validity): £125
- Enhanced Nigerian passport (32 pages, 10 years validity): £130
- Enhanced Nigerian passport (64 pages, 10 years validity): £230
These fees are payable online by debit or credit card when you apply for your passport renewal. You will also need to pay an administrative fee of £20 by postal order when you go to the Nigerian High Commission in London for your biometrics. The fees are subject to change and may vary depending on the exchange rate and the payment method.
Can I travel back to Nigeria with an expired Nigerian passport?
No, you cannot travel back to Nigeria with an expired Nigerian passport. You will need to have a valid Nigerian passport or an Emergency Travel Certificate (ETC) to enter Nigeria.
An ETC is a temporary document that allows you to travel to Nigeria for a single trip within a specified period of time.
You can apply for an ETC at the Nigeria High Commission in London if you have lost, misplaced, or damaged your Nigerian passport and you need to travel urgently. You will need to provide proof of your Nigerian citizenship, such as a birth certificate, and pay a fee of £100.
Fast-track Nigerian passports in the UK
There is no official fast-track service for Nigerian passport renewal in the UK. However, some third-party agents claim to offer fast-track or express services for Nigerian passport renewal in the UK for an extra fee. These agents are not affiliated with the Nigeria High Commission or the Nigeria Immigration Service, and they may not be reliable or trustworthy. The best and safest way to renew your Nigerian passport in the UK is to apply directly through the official channels.
Nigerian passport renewal UK contact number
If you have any questions or issues regarding your Nigerian passport renewal in the UK, you can contact the Nigerian High Commission in London by phone or email. The contact details are:
- Phone: +44 (0) 207 839 1244
- Email: immigration@nigeriahc.org.uk
- Address: 9 Northumberland Avenue, London, WC2N 5BX
Conclusion
We hope that this blog post has answered some of your questions about Nigerian passport renewal in the UK. If you have any further questions or need more information, you can visit the Nigeria High Commission website or the Nigeria Immigration Service website, or contact them by phone or email. You can also leave a comment below, and we will try to help you as much as we can. Thank you for reading, and happy travels!
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