While it’s legal to remain in the UK even if your passport has expired as long as your visa is valid, many of us, myself included, find this uncomfortable.
If you’re a Nigerian living in the UK and your passport is about to expire, it’s a good idea to renew it.
Ideally, your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay.
For me, I like to keep both my passport and visa valid and up to date.
I recently renewed my passport, and at first, it felt like a lot, but once I understood the process, it was much simpler than I expected.
Why you should renew your Nigerian passport in the UK before it expires
In addition to being your primary form of identification as a Nigerian in the UK, your passport is also important for your visa and immigration status.
If it expires, you will be:
- Unable to travel: You can’t travel outside the UK with an expired passport.
- Visa issues: Since your UK visa is tied to your passport, renewing your visa will be more complicated if your passport is expired.
In addition, your legal status in the UK can also be questioned if you have an expired passport especially if you don’t have other valid means of identification.
I recommend you renew your passport at least six months before your current one expires.
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How to renew my Nigerian passport in the UK
To renew your Nigerian passport in the UK:
- Go to the Nigerian Immigration Service portal: https://portal.immigration.gov.ng.
- Locate, and click on the “Apply for Passport Renewal” button to be redirected to the passport renewal section.
- When prompted, click “Continue” to confirm you’re applying from outside Nigeria.
- Next, select the ” Apply for Renewal/Re-issue” button.
- You’ll be redirected to the login page. If you already have an account, log in. If not, create an account.
- When logged in, go to the passport renewal section and you’ll see the application form. Read the renewal guidelines before filling out the form.
- After filling out the form, review it to make sure it’s error-free. If it’s correct, submit it.
- Upon submitting your form, you’ll be directed to the payment page where you’ll pay the passport renewal fee.
- Pay and print your receipt.
- You can verify your payment status online at https://portal.immigration.gov.ng/visa/OnlineQueryStatus.
- After payment, you’ll receive a confirmation with a reference number. Use this number to book an appointment at the Nigerian High Commission in London.
- When you book an appointment, you’ll receive a confirmation email. Print this and bring it with you to your appointment.
- On the day of your appointment, go to the Nigerian High Commission with all the required documents like your old passport and your appointment confirmation printout.
- During the appointment, the officers will verify your identity and documents, take your biometric information (fingerprints and photograph) and collect your old passport.
- If everything is in order, you’ll be given a collection slip to use when picking up your new passport.
- When your passport is processed, you’ll receive an email or text notification.
- Bring your collection slip to pick up your new passport at the High Commission.
How long does it take to renew a Nigerian passport in the UK?
On average, it takes between 3 to 6 weeks to renew your Nigeran passport in the UK if you submit a complete application.
If your application is not complete, it’ll delay the process.
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While your passport is processed, you can track its status online through the Nigerian Immigration Service portal using your application ID.
Where to renew your Nigerian passport in the UK?
To renew your Nigerian passport in the UK, visit the Nigerian High Commission in London.
This is the only official location where you can renew your Nigerian passport while living in the UK.
The High Commission is responsible for handling all passport-related services for Nigerians living in the UK.
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They do renewals, replacements, and issuing new passports.
Address of the Nigerian High Commission in London
The Nigerian High Commission in London is located at 9 Northumberland Avenue, London, WC2N 5BX.
Nigeria High Commission UK contact number
The phone number of the Nigerian High Commission in the UK is +(44) 207 839 1244
Their working hours: 9 AM–1 PM
Documents you need to renew your Nigerian passport in the UK
When you’re ready to renew your Nigerian passport, go with your:
- Completed passport renewal form: Get it from the Nigerian Immigration Service portal.
- Your current Nigerian passport (although expired, bring it with you).
- Passport application payment slip (proof of the online payment you made).
- Printed appointment confirmation.
- Two recent passport-sized photographs (they must follow the NIS guidelines).
- Proof of UK residency, like a UK residence permit, utility bill, or bank statement.
Does Nigeria have an embassy in the UK?
Yes, Nigeria has a High Commission (embassy) in the UK, located in London, and, they offer consular services like passport renewals to Nigerians in the UK.
How much is the Nigerian passport renewal fee in the UK?
It costs £77 to renew a 32-page Nigerian passport in the UK, and it comes with a 5-year validity. For a 64-page passport, the cost is £137, and it has a 10-year validity.
Generally, for minors (0 to 17 years old), the cost is £77 for a 32-page passport and £137 for a 64-page passport.
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Adults (18 to 59 years old) pay £106 for the 32-page passport and £137 for the 64-page option.
Seniors (60 and above) pay £77 for the 32-page passport and £137 for the 64-page version.
What to do if there are delays in renewing your Nigerian passport in the UK
Unfortunately, delays happen from time to time.
If your passport takes longer than expected:
- Contact the Nigerian High Commission: Reach out to them via email, social media or phone to know the cause of the delay.
- Check the NIS Website: You can also check the Nigerian Immigration Service website for updates.
- Visit the High Commission in person: If you’re not getting any response through email or phone, go to the High Commission by yourself.
Can you renew your Nigerian passport by post in the UK?
No, you can’t renew your Nigerian passport in the UK by post, it must be done in person at the High Commission.
The postal renewal option is not available because you need to submit your biometrics, which needs to be done in person.
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Emergency passport renewal
If you need to travel urgently and your passport has expired, you can request an emergency passport at the Nigerian High Commission.
While you can stay in the UK legally when your Nigerian passport expires (provided your visa is valid), you need to renew it if you want to travel out of the UK.
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