How to book an appointment for a Nigerian passport in the UK

If you’re a Nigerian in the UK and need to renew or apply for a passport, you’ll go through the Nigerian High Commission in London.

But first, you’ve to apply online and then visit the High Commission in person to complete the process.

The Commission handle all passport services for Nigerians in the UK, but they don’t allow walk-ins.

Therefore, you need to book an appointment with them online before getting their services.

However, the appointment process can be a bit confusing, especially if it’s your first time.

I’ve been through it myself and if you want to book yours, here’s how to book your appointment.

Can I go to the Nigerian embassy without an appointment?

No, you can’t. The Nigerian High Commission in London handles all passport-related requests, from renewals, to replacements, and new applications.

However, the Commission only works by appointment, meaning you can’t simply walk in and get them to attend to you.

You must book an appointment and visit on the date and time of your appointment before they attend to you.

This helps them manage the large number of passport requests.

Read also: How to renew my Nigerian passport in the UK

When I first tried to renew my Nigerian passport, I didn’t realize I needed to book an appointment, and I ended up wasting a lot of time waiting for a slot to open.

How to book an appointment for a Nigerian passport in the UK

To book an appointment for your Nigerian passport in the UK:

• Got to the Passport section of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) website: https://passportintl.immigration.gov.ng/.
• On the site, scroll down and you’ll see the “Application Status/Book Appointment” option.
• If you have submitted your passport application (for either renewal, replacement or a new passport) and only want to book an appointment, then click the “Application Status/Book Appointment” button.
• But if you haven’t submitted your application for any passport service, you need to choose a specific passport service here, complete your application, make payment and then come back to click the “Application Status/Book Appointment” button
• Upon clicking the “Application Status/Book Appointment” button, you’ll be taken to the sign-in page.
• Here, sign in to the passport portal using your Application ID and Reference Number.
• Your Application ID and Reference Number were sent to you when you submitted your application.
• When you sign in, go to your dashboard and click on Reschedule Appointment
• You’ll be taken to a calendar page where you’ll select from the available appointment date and time.”.
• Before you continue, you can check available appointment dates at appointments.immigration.gov.ng/availability. This helps you know which dates are open and pick one that suits your schedule.
• From the available date and time, choose an appointment date and time.
• Select the correct type of passport service you’re booking the appointment for (whether it’s a renewal, a first-time application, or a replacement).
• Then, click the “book appointment” button to submit your appointment booking.
• Once booked, you’ll receive an appointment confirmation slip via email.
• The slip will contain details of your appointment like the date, time, and the Nigerian High Commission’s address which is No. 9 Northumberland Avenue, London WC2N 5BX.
• Print out the confirmation slip and bring it with you to the High Commission on the day of your appointment.
• Without your appointment confirmation slip, you won’t be allowed to enter the premises.

Here’s a tip: Appointment slots fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons (e.g., summer).

If you’re applying during a busy time, you’ll wait a few days or weeks to get a slot.

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• How soon can I renew my UK visa before it expires?

The last time I booked an appointment, I applied just before summer and I waited for weeks before I got an appointment date.

What documents do you need for the appointment?

As stated in our previous article “How to renew my Nigerian passport in the UK“, on the day of your appointment, come with your:

• Current Nigerian passport (if renewing or replacing).
• Printed appointment confirmation slip (from the online booking).
• Passport application payment slip (from the NIS website).
• Two recent passport-sized photographs (ensure they meet the NIS photo specifications).
• Proof of UK residency, like a utility bill, council tax letter, or bank statement.
• Any other supporting documents relevant to your application, like police reports (if you’re replacing a lost or stolen passport).

When you get to the venue (9 Northumberland Ave, London, WC2N 5BX.), the consular officers will check your details, and attend to you based on your need.

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Common challenges you’ll face when booking an appointment for a Nigerian passport in the UK.

When I booked my appointment, I encountered:

• Difficulty booking an appointment: Like I said earlier, available slots fill up fast. If you’re not quick to book your appointment, you’ll wait for weeks before you get an opening.

If you’re struggling to find an appointment, always check the portal as cancellations or new slots open up anytime.

Read also: How to change your name on your Nigerian passport

• Missing documents: Ensure your documents are complete before going to the High Commission.

I’ve heard stories of people forgetting their payment slips or appointment confirmations and how they get turned away.

• Delays in passport processing: Expect the processing of your passport to take longer than the estimated 6-8 weeks.

If the delay becomes too long, contact the High Commission via email or visit them in person.

Before you go to the commission, remember there is a £20 administrative charge for all the consular services you’ll receive.

And, the payment is non-refundable.

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If you encounter any issues, you can call the Nigeria High Commission in London on their number which is +44 207 839 1244.

Calls are allowed from 9 AM–5 PM, Monday–Friday and work hour is from 9 AM–1 PM.