The contactless passport application system was launched in Canada on November 5, 2024. Then, the next phase begins in Europe, United Kingdom and Ireland today, Friday, February 7, 2025.
What this means is that Nigerians in Europe, the UK and Ireland can now apply for passport renewal in the comfort of their homes without visiting the embassy for biometric enrollment.
This development comes from the table of Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Minister of Interior, whose visionary leadership has brought an era of efficiency, transparency and innovation to Nigeria’s immigration system.
According to the minister, the move aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda which prioritises citizen-centric governance and leveraging technology to enhance service delivery.
Describing the innovation, Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) said on its website: “The introduction of a contactless passport application process for Nigerians marks a significant step towards efficient, secure, and convenient travel document management. This streamlined system allows applicants to submit passport applications digitally, eliminating the need for physical interactions. Leveraging advanced technologies, the contactless process ensures secure data handling, quick verification, and smooth processing, making it easier for citizens to apply from anywhere with internet access.”
Six things to know about the contactless passport application system
1. Application can only be with standard passports.
2. Passport validity must be less than one year except in cases of exhausted visa pages.
3. Applicant must be 18 years and above.
4. Applicant must have a prior biometric capture.
5. Applications for special cases e.g. change of data, lost cases, bypass etc cannot be entertained.
6. Payments must be less than one year.
