Navigating the Nigerian Immigration Services portal can be straightforward with the right information. This guide provides a detailed overview of the requirements for various services, including passport renewals, E-Passports, and visa applications.
Passport Requirements
National Identification Number (NIN)
Before starting your application, kindly note that a National Identification Number (NIN) is required to complete your application for renewal or a new Nigerian Passport. Be sure to use the exact sequence of names as recorded in your current Nigerian Passport.
E-Passport Options and Fees
Before you begin your application, please review Nigerian E-Passport options available and their associated prices. Also note that all Nigerian E-Passport fees are set by the Federal Government of Nigeria and are to paid online at the end of your passport application submission. Also note that prices may change without prior notice, and additional administrative and courier charges will apply.
The table below lists available booklet types, their period of validity, and respective Nigerian Government fees.
| Booklet Type | Validity Period | Nigerian Government Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Passport | 5 years | [Insert Fee Amount] |
| Standard Passport | 10 years | [Insert Fee Amount] |
Monitoring Your Application
Once your E-Passport application and biometrics have been received at the Consulate General of Nigeria, you can monitor every production stage of your Passport online.
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Contactless Biometric Passport Enrollment
Kindly note that at this time, the Contactless Biometric Passport Enrollment system is only available for Passport renewal applications. Visit your relevant mobile app store, search for the NIS Mobile app, and download and install the app. Next, click on the “Passport Application Services” tab on the landing page and proceed with your Passport Application process as indicated. If eligible proceed with your biometrics.
E-Passport Renewal Requirements for Adults (18yrs and Above)
This section itemizes requirements needed for E-Passport renewals for adult Nigerian Citizens 18yrs and above.
- Letter of Identification from your Local Government or State of Origin or Residence, or National Identity Card or Letter of Introduction for Employees of the Nigerian Government stating your Service Number, Length of Service and Designation or Rank.
- A Birth Certificate or Declaration of Age document duly endorsed by a Commissioner for Oaths from Nigeria.
A $50 USPS money order addressed to the Consulate General of Nigeria in New York for administrative fees.
E-Passport Renewal Requirements for Minors (Under 18yrs)
This section itemizes requirements needed for E-Passport renewals for Nigerian Citizens below 18yrs of age.
- Completed and printed Passport Application Form, including one Passport sized photograph of the minor.
- Birth Certificate of the minor.
- A Letter of Authorization signed by both Parents of the Child.
- A credit or debit card for processing the Consulate's administrative fee.
Applying at the Consulate General of Nigeria in New York
Applying for your Nigerian E-Passport at the Consulate General of Nigeria in New York is a multi-step process that includes processing your NIN (if unavailable), submitting and making payment for your E-Passport application and scheduling and attending an in-person biometrics appointment at the Consulate.
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Begin the application, ensuring to select your Country of Residence and preferred Nigerian Consulate or Embassy where your application and biodata will be processed. After successfully submitting your application, you will be redirected to a page that contains your Application Number and Reference Number. You may also wish to print this page. Select your method of payment (i.e. Money Order, Visa or American Express Card) and proceed with relevant steps. Kindly note that you may also choose to exit the application and return to make payment at a later time.
Kindly note that payments via money order should be purchased from the US Postal Service. This allows for immediate processing of your payment. After payment has been made and confirmed, you may print your receipt and acknowledgement slip here.
Sign into your account and schedule your appointment, ensuring you select your preferred Consulate/Embassy in the United States i.e. the Embassy of Nigeria in Washington, the Consulate General of Nigeria in Atlanta or the Consulate General of Nigeria in New York. When scheduling an appointment, you may choose from available dates and times. Upon completion, please print your appointment confirmation for presentation at our Consulate.
Kindly note that Applicants are required to present their appointment confirmation slips in-person on the scheduled date from 9am-12noon, from Monday to Thursday. The Consulate General of Nigeria in New York, strictly adheres to the interview date on the appointment confirmation slip. However, if an interview date falls on a holiday, the applicant may come the next working day.
Nigerian E-Passport application submissions are valid only for one year from the date of the application submission. For in-person appointment requests for the Nigerian E-Passport, all applicants must appear in person at our Consulate in New York for biometric data capture (i.e. fingerprinting, digital signature and digital passport picture capturing). To complete your in-person appointment, Applicants are also required to bring along with them, pre-paid self-addressed envelopes with appropriate tracking. The pre-paid self-addressed envelopes are to be submitted to the Consulate General in New York along with your application payment receipt and Enrollment receipt.
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Please note that in addition to the requirements listed above, Applicants are required to bring the following documents and items to their in-person appointment at the Consulate General of Nigeria in New York.
- Your original, most recently issued Nigerian Passport.
- A copy of the data page of your most recent Passport.
- A credit or debit card for processing of the Consulate General of Nigeria in New York's administrative fee.
Important Notes
- Kindly note that the Nigerian E-Passport does not allow child endorsement and signatures. As such, Parents should apply for individual passports for each child, including infants.
Passport Amendments
Such amendment requests may include correction or spelling errors in names, date of birth or change of Last Name for married women.
Lost or Stolen Passports
Lost or stolen Nigerian E-Passport cases attract a penalty fee of $350 made payable to the Consulate General of Nigeria in New York by United States Postal Money Order. In addition, Applicants must submit their final application with a US Police Report confirming the loss of Passport. All available evidence of the lost or stolen passport (e.g. a copy of the Passport Data Page) and/or proof of Nigerian Citizenship (e.g. A US Postal Service money order for $350 being the Penalty Fee for a Lost or Misplaced Passport.
Visa Requirements
This section itemizes requirements needed to apply for a Visa to visit Nigeria. Once completed, applicants can submit application and required documents at the approved Visa Application Centre.
Kindly note that an appointment is mandatory for every visit to our approved Visa Application Centers. Passports must be valid for at least 180 days after the intended date of departure to Nigeria. The person(s) exercising Parental authority or the Legal Guardianship over a minor must sign on behalf of the minor. Applicants’ fingerprints (biometrics) will be taken upon successful submission of application at OIS Office in New York.
E-Visa Information
The Nigerian e-Visa is a short-visit visa that can be applied for online without requiring applicants to visit Nigerian Embassies, High Commissions or Consulates. Kindly note that the maximum stay allowed with a Nigerian E-Visa is 90 days.
Application Process
After successfully submitting your application, you will be redirected to a page containing your Application ID and Reference Number. You can record this information before proceeding. Close the screen to proceed to payment or to submit additional Visa Applications. Applicants may also choose to make a payment at a later date. Note that all online Application payments are valid for a period of six months from the date of submission.
Applicants are required to complete and print online application forms as well as to print the Acknowledge Slip and Receipt after making payment.
General Visa Requirements
The information below contains instructions on how to complete the process for obtaining a Nigerian Entry Visa through the Consulate General of Nigeria in New York. Below you’ll find useful general information that applies to all Nigerian Visa categories processed by the Consulate General of Nigeria in New York. All Nigerian Visa applicants are required to visit a Visa Processing Centre for Biometrics enrollment. An appointment is mandatory for every visit at the OIS visa processing center. Kindly note that appointment duration per applicant is limited to ten minutes. Failure to meet up with an appointment on the stipulated date, within the appointment window will result in appointment cancellation and the need to reschedule the appointment to another day.
Kindly note that children under the age of five and adults over the age of sixty-five are not required to visit a Visa Processing Center. Physical passport photographs are not required for applicants between ages five and sixty-four. Applicants for a Nigerian Visa can visit OIS Services in New York on their appointment date to submit their Nigerian Visa Application.
Required Documents
Here are some of the documents you may need, depending on the type of visa:
- Original Passport and copy of Passport Data Page(s).
- Copy of the Applicants online Visa Application Form.
- Diplomatic or Official Passport and a copy of Passport Data Page.
- Flight itinerary for the trip.
- A letter of invitation from the host, addressed to the Consulate General of Nigeria in New York. This letter must be printed on a letterheaded paper, stating the address of the Host or Organization and the reason for the visit.
- A copy of the Host’s Passport. This should include the Hosts's Passport Data Page, photograph and signature.
- Business invitation on Business Letterhead, addressed to the Consulate General of Nigeria in New York.
- A Letter of Introduction/Invitation stating position of Employment from the Host Organization in Nigeria.
- A copy of the Comptroller General of Immigration's Approval Cable visa that lists the applicant’s name.
Specific Visa Types
Visitor and Tourist Visas
Kindly note that Visitor and Tourist Visas, when issued, are valid for a 90-day period of stay from date of entry into Nigeria. Additionally, the approved Period of Stay begins from Date of Entry. However, applicants will have a period of 90 days from visa issue date to make use of the Entry Visa after which time, the Visa becomes invalid and the Applicant will have to re-apply.
Multiple Entry Visas
Multiple Entry Visas may be considered for approval when applied for.
Business Visas
Kindly note that travelers on Religious or Journalistic visit fall under the business category but do not need to provide a Letter of Introduction from their Employer. However, these applications can take up to six weeks to process.
Transit Visas
A Transit Visa is required if an applicant will have need to leave an Airport within Nigeria, and therefore enter the country, before completing a journey.
Subject to Regulation (STR) Visas
Please note that Subject to Regulation (STR) Visas are issued with approval to stay for a period of two years.
- Page Set 2: A copy of the Letter of Request from the Host Company addressed to the Consulate General of Nigeria in New York requesting for an STR Visa for the applicant.
- Please note that Applicants will also need to submit original copies of Certificates for inspection.
- Spouse’s Bank Statement (showing adequate funds for an STR Visa.
Holders of Non-US Passports
Kindly note that Holders of Non-US Passports applying for a Nigerian Visa must also provide proof of Legal Residency.
Minors
In cases where either Parent has sole custody, a copy of the Legal Document to that effect should be provided.
- Parent's Bank Statement showing adequate funds for an STR Visa.
- Page Set 2: A copy of Letter of Request from the Host Company addressed to the Consulate General of Nigeria in New York requesting STR visa for the applicant.
Additional Information
Consulate General of Nigeria in New York
The Consulate General of Nigeria in New York is located at Nigeria House, 828 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10017.
VisaHQ Services
VisaHQ offers assistance for various Nigerian visa services, including Tourist E-visas, Business E-visas, Transit E-visas, and Visit E-visas.
Nigeria NEW E Visa – Everything You NEED to Know (2025 Update!)
VisaHQ can not assist travellers applying for Nigeria visa services with non-passport travel documents.Regular processing is not currently available. Only Rush service will be available at this time. VisaHQ may be unable to provide visa services for government contractors in particular cases.
Additional Documents for Minors (Under the Age of 18)
- Letter of consent from parents which must be notarized, including passport and driver’s license copies of both parents/ legal guardian.
- Parents' Passport Copies. A copy of the information pages of both parents' signed passports.
- A copy of the applicant's birth certificate.
Important Notes
- Nigeria visas must be used within 90 days from the date of issuance.
- Please note: Dependents under the age of 18 cannot apply independently.
- Applicants may be requested to do a one-on-one interview with a Nigerian consular officer prior to visa issuance.
