Losing your international passport is stressful, especially if you have a trip coming up. The good news is that the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has a clear process for replacing a lost passport, whether you are in Nigeria or abroad.
This guide walks you through how to replace a lost Nigerian passport step by step: what to do immediately, the documents you need, the current fees and how long it may take.
Important: Once you report a passport as lost, stop using it — even if you find it later. The NIS warns that using a passport after reporting it lost is an offence under the Immigration Act, punishable by up to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to ₦2,000,000, or both.
What to do as soon as you notice your passport is missing
- Search carefully — check bags, cars, offices and anywhere you last used it.
- Report the loss to the police and request a police report (police extract) stating that your Nigerian passport is lost or stolen.
- Write down your passport number if you have a photocopy, photo or old visa that shows it. It will speed up your application.
- Contact your bank or travel agent if the passport was used to verify accounts or bookings.
- If you are abroad, contact the nearest Nigerian embassy, high commission or consulate as soon as possible.
Documents required to replace a lost Nigerian passport
According to the Nigeria Immigration Service, you will need:
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Police report (police extract) | Must state that your passport was lost |
| Sworn affidavit of loss | From a High Court |
| Birth certificate or declaration of age | Birth certificate from the National Population Commission, or a declaration of age from a Federal/State High Court or Customary Court of Appeal |
| Certificate of state of origin | Local Government certificate of indigeneship |
| National Identification Number (NIN) | Your passport details must match your NIN record |
| Marriage certificate | Only if your name has changed since your last passport |
| Data page of your foreign passport | Only for dual nationals |
Bring the originals and photocopies to your appointment. Make sure your names, date of birth and other details are consistent across all documents, because mismatches are a common cause of delays.
Step-by-step: how to replace a lost Nigerian passport in Nigeria
- Go to the NIS passport portal at passport.immigration.gov.ng and choose the re-issue option for a lost passport.
- Fill in the application form carefully, using the same details as your NIN record.
- Upload the required documents, including your police report and affidavit of loss.
- Choose your booklet type (32 or 64 pages) and pay the fee online.
- Book an appointment at your preferred passport office and print your acknowledgement and payment slips.
- Attend the appointment for biometric capture (photo and fingerprints) with your original documents.
- Track your application online and collect your new passport when it is ready.
How much does it cost to replace a lost passport?
When you replace a lost passport, you pay for a new booklet. These are the official NIS fees, effective from 1 September 2025:
| Passport type | Fee in Nigeria | Fee abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 32 pages, 5-year validity | ₦100,000 | $150 |
| 64 pages, 10-year validity | ₦200,000 | $230 |
You should also budget for the cost of the court affidavit and any travel to the police station and passport office. Some missions abroad charge an extra administrative fee for lost-passport cases — the Nigeria High Commission in London, for example, lists £150 for lost, damaged or stolen passports, compared with £20 for a standard re-issue.
How to replace a lost Nigerian passport abroad
If you lose your passport outside Nigeria, the process runs through the Nigerian embassy, high commission or consulate that covers your area.
- Report the loss to the local police and get a written police report.
- Contact the Nigerian mission and check its specific requirements — these vary slightly from country to country.
- Apply online on the NIS portal and pay the diaspora fee ($150 or $230).
- Submit your documents to the mission. These usually include a letter explaining how the passport was lost, the police report, a copy of the lost passport’s data page (or its number), passport photos, a guarantor’s details and proof of your address and status in that country.
- Attend your appointment for biometric capture, unless your mission offers another arrangement.
If you need to travel home urgently, ask the mission about an Emergency Travel Certificate (ETC). It is a one-way travel document that lets you return to Nigeria while your new passport is being processed.
How long does it take?
Processing times vary by passport office and season. Lost-passport applications can take longer than a normal renewal because extra checks may be carried out. Apply as early as possible and avoid booking non-refundable tickets until your new passport is in hand.
You can follow progress using our guide on how to track a Nigerian passport application.
What happens to visas in your lost passport?
Visas in a lost passport cannot be transferred to your new one. You will usually need to apply again or contact the embassy that issued the visa to ask about its replacement policy. Keep a copy of the visa page if you have one, as it can help.
Tips to avoid losing your passport again
- Keep a scanned copy of your data page and visas in your email or secure cloud storage.
- Use a hotel safe when travelling and carry a photocopy for day trips where allowed.
- Never hand your passport to unofficial agents or “connection men”.
- Store it in the same place at home so you always know where it is.
Frequently asked questions
Can I replace a lost Nigerian passport online?
Part of the process is online — the application form, document upload and payment are done on the NIS portal. You still need to attend a passport office or mission for biometric capture unless you are told otherwise.
Do I need a police report to replace my passport?
Yes. A police report confirming the loss is one of the required documents, along with a sworn affidavit of loss from a High Court.
How much does it cost to replace a lost passport in Nigeria?
You pay the fee for a new booklet: ₦100,000 for a 32-page, 5-year passport or ₦200,000 for a 64-page, 10-year passport, plus the cost of your affidavit.
What if I find my old passport after reporting it lost?
Do not use it. Once it has been reported lost, it is no longer valid for travel. Hand it to the NIS or the mission handling your application.
Can someone else apply on my behalf?
No. You must attend in person for biometric capture. Be wary of anyone who claims they can get you a passport without your appearance.
Final word
Replacing a lost passport takes time, but it is straightforward if you follow the NIS process: report the loss, get your affidavit, apply on the official portal and attend your appointment with complete documents.
Related guides: requirements for an international passport in Nigeria, how much an international passport costs and how to renew your passport.
Last checked: October 2026. Sources: Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS fee announcement and the Nigeria High Commission, London.
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