Nigerian Passport Renewal in South Africa: A Step-by-Step Guide with Mama Money

For renewing or needing a re-issue of a Nigerian passport in South Africa, you should use the official Nigerian Immigration Services Portal.

This portal will guide you through renewing your Nigerian Passport, including selecting the passport type, selecting South Africa as the processing country, completing the application form, and submitting the necessary payments and documents.

You do not need an application letter to renew a Nigerian passport in South Africa. It involves a specific process, primarily completed online, followed by in-person procedures. Here's a detailed guide on how to renew your Nigerian Passport in South Africa:

How to apply to renew your Nigerian Passport

Online Application Process

Visit the Nigerian Immigration Services Portal: Visit the portal here.
Select Passport Type: Choose the appropriate Passport type you are renewing.
Select Processing Country: Indicate South Africa as the processing country.
Complete the Application Form: Fill out the necessary details in the online form.
Payment Method: Choose your preferred payment method and complete the payment.
Submit the Application: After payment, submit your application to receive an Application ID and Reference number.
Print Guarantor's Form: Print out the Guarantor's form and have it certified.
Additional Documents: Gather the required documents for submission.

In-Person Procedures

Submit Completed Application Form: Along with the application form, submit additional required documents at your chosen passport office.
Biometric Data Capture: If your Passport is more than six months old, you must have your photograph taken and your biometric data captured.

Processing Time and Collection

Processing Duration: The application generally takes around 72 hours to process after your biometric data has been captured. However, in some cases, it can take up to a month, so it's advisable to apply well in advance.
Notification and Collection: You will be notified via text or email, after which you can visit the immigration office to collect your Passport. Timeline+-

Documents Required for Renewal

Online Application Form: A signed and dated copy of the form.
Passport Photograph: One copy of a passport-sized photograph.
Expired Nigerian Passport: Along with a photocopy of the passport data page.
Additional Documents: Payment slip, acknowledgement slip, and two current passport-size photographs with a white background are also required.

Fees and Validity

Fees: The renewal fee is $45.00 plus a $20.00 processing fee, payable via money order to the Embassy of Nigeria.
Validity: Renewed Nigerian passports have the same validity period as original passports, which is five years.

Important Notes

Apply at least six months before your passport expires.
Ensure that all the required documents are ready and correctly filled out.
Follow the guidelines on the official Nigerian Immigration Services portal for the most current and detailed instructions.

What do I do if my Nigerian Passport is lost or stolen?

There is a difference between applying for a Nigerian passport in South Africa if your Passport is lost or stolen instead of simply renewing it.

Here are some additional requirements:

Police Report: A critical requirement is a police report detailing the loss or theft of your Passport.
Affidavit: You may also need to provide an affidavit stating the circumstances of the loss or theft.
Additional Forms: You might need to complete additional forms specific to lost or stolen passports.
Documents Required: This includes identification documents and any remaining parts of the lost or stolen Passport, if available.
Interview: You may be required to undergo an interview at the consulate or embassy.
Fees: There could be additional fees associated with the replacement of a lost or stolen passport.

Passport photo requirements

The requirements for passport photos for a Nigerian passport are specific and must be adhered to ensure that your application is processed without any issues. Here are the essential requirements:

Size: The photos should be passport-sized. Generally, this means they should measure 45mm by 35mm.
Background: The background of the photo should be white. This helps in clearly distinguishing the features of the applicant.
Photo Quality: The photos must be in colour and of high quality, with no ink marks or creases. The print should be clear and with a continuous-tone quality.
Head Position: The applicant should be facing forward, looking directly at the camera. There should be no tilting or turning of the head.
Facial Expression: A neutral facial expression is required. There should be no smiling, frowning, or raised eyebrows. The mouth should be closed.
Eyes: Eyes must be open and clearly visible. There should be no reflections, red-eye, or glare in the glasses. If glasses are worn, they should not obscure the eyes, and there should be no tinted lenses unless required for medical reasons.
Headgear: Headgear for religious or medical reasons is permissible but must not cover the face. The facial features from the bottom of the chin to the top of the forehead and both edges of the face must be clearly shown.
Appearance: The photo should reflect your current appearance. It should be taken within the last six months to ensure an accurate representation.

Remember, the photo quality and compliance with these requirements are crucial as they are used for identification purposes and must meet the standards set by the Nigerian Immigration Service. Non-compliant photos can lead to delays or rejection of your passport application

Contact the nearest Nigerian consulate or embassy in South Africa is recommended for specific questions or assistance.

If you're new to Mama Money and wish to create an account with us, follow these four simple steps:

Register an account
1. Download our Mama Money App from the Google Play or Apple App Store,
Upload your documents
1. Upload a clear photo of your Passport, ID, or Asylum / Refugee documents. Take a selfie using the app. We've streamlined our account activation process! Now, if all your documents are in order, your account will be activated instantly.
Enter the recipient's details.
1. These details include their name and mobile number.
Pay for your transfer.
1. Select your preferred payment method and press "confirm & send."

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