The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has launched a groundbreaking initiative called CONPAS (Contactless Passport Application System), changing how Nigerians abroad can renew their passports.
This innovation eliminates the need for in-person visits to embassies or immigration offices, allowing eligible applicants to complete the entire renewal process online from the comfort of their homes.
If you’re considering using this new system, you likely have questions about how it works and what to expect. This comprehensive guide addresses the most common questions about CONPAS to help you navigate the process smoothly.
See Also: How to apply for your Nigerian Passport online
How to apply for a contactless Passport Renewal
- Download the NIS mobile app from the Google Play Store or Apple Store and create an account.
- Select “Passport Services” on the homepage.
- Choose “Self Enrollment” and follow the application process.
- Make payment and note your Application ID and Reference Number.
- Proceed with contactless biometric enrollment.
- Check eligibility using your Application ID and Reference Number.
- If eligible, complete biometric enrollment and submit your application.
- If not eligible, book an appointment via the NIS website or the Nigeria High Commission portal.
- Mail your old passport with a self-addressed envelope to the Nigeria High Commission in London (mandatory for processing).
- Wait for the delivery of your new e-passport.
Where is the app available?
CONPAS was first launched in Canada on November 1, 2024, before expanding to the United Kingdom on February 7, 2025. The system will soon roll out in the United States, Italy, and France. For Nigerians within Nigeria, the system is scheduled to launch in Lagos, Abuja, Rivers, and Kano states.
Can first-time applicants use CONPAS?
The system is exclusively for passport renewals. You’re eligible if you:
- Are 18 years or older
- Have an existing Nigerian passport
- Live in Canada or the UK (for now)
- Need to renew due to:
- Expired passport
- Nearly expired passport
- Filled-up passport
- Damaged passport
Would I need to pay twice?
Yes, if you already paid for a regular appointment. The $100 contactless processing fee is separate and required for remote biometric processing.
The fee structure includes a new contactless processing charge:
- 5-year passport: $250 ($150 booklet + $100 contactless fee)
- 10-year passport: $330 ($230 booklet + $100 contactless fee)
Can I switch to CONPAS if I already have a biometric appointment?
Yes, you can use the contactless system, but you’ll need to pay the additional $100 contactless fee.
What happens if my payment fails but I’m debited?
If you experience payment issues:
- Check your email for payment confirmation (including spam/junk folders)
- Wait 20-30 minutes for the system to update – the app often needs time to sync with payment servers
- Take screenshots of your bank statement showing the debit
- If after 24 hours your payment isn’t recognised:
- Email NIS support with your application ID, reference number, and proof of payment.
- Contact your bank for a transaction reference number.
Do I need a birth certificate if I have NIN and an existing passport?
Yes, you’ll need to provide proof of Nigerian citizenship through a birth certificate or naturalisation certificate.
Required documents
Ensure you have:
- Your current/expired passport
- Valid NIN
- Proof of citizenship
- Self-addressed envelope
Can I change or rearrange my name using CONPAS?
No, name changes must be processed through the NIMC portal first. After updating your details with NIMC (National Identity Management Commission), you then need to apply for a change of data on the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) website to update your passport information.
How can I download the app?
There are two ways to get the NIS mobile app:
- Direct download:
- Visit Google Play Store
- Search for “NIS Mobile”
- Click “Install”
- Web access method:
- Visit the official NIS contactless website on your laptop
- Locate the QR code in the same page
- Use your phone’s camera to scan the QR code
- Follow the download prompt
Note: Currently, the app is only available for Android users via Google Play Store. iPhone users should wait for the iOS version to be rolled out.
Tip: For the best experience, some steps (especially biometric capture) work better on a larger screen. Consider using the web version on your laptop for these sections.
Why does the system check eligibility AFTER payment? What happens to my money if I’m deemed ineligible?
The system flow works this way:
- You complete the basic application and make an initial payment
- The system verifies your eligibility for contactless processing
- If eligible, you proceed to biometric capture
- If ineligible, you’re directed to book a regular appointment
The $100 contactless fee is refundable, but the base passport fee remains valid. Contact NIS support with your reference number for a refund.
I’m getting an “already in cart” error and can’t proceed with payment. How do I fix this?
This common issue can be resolved by:
- Completely closing the app and reopening it
- Logging out and back in after 15 minutes
- Trying a different payment card if possible
If problems persist, some users report success by creating a new application and starting fresh rather than attempting to continue the problematic one.
What should I do next if my status shows “paid – waiting for approval”?
You would find there are no further instructions, so when your application status shows “waiting for approval,” this means:
- Your payment has been successfully processed
- Your application is being reviewed by NIS officials
Note: You must still mail your old passport and self-addressed envelope to the appropriate Nigerian mission.
The system should provide specific mailing instructions via email. If these instructions are missing:
- Check your registered email’s spam folder
- Log out and log back in to refresh your application status
- Contact NIS support if no instructions appear within 48 hours
My NIN is suspended. Can I still use CONPAS?
NIN suspension is not an NIS issue and must be resolved before using the contactless app, as the system requires an active, verified NIN. Resolve this with NIMC via their website or support channels. After reactivation, wait 2–3 business days for system synchronisation before applying.
How will I receive my new passport? Can I pick it up from any embassy?
The passport delivery process is specific:
- After biometric submission, you must mail your old passport with a self-addressed envelope to the Nigerian mission in your country of residence
- Your new passport will be delivered only to the address on your self-addressed envelope
- You cannot collect it from a different embassy or immigration office
- You must use the mission serving your current location (e.g., UK residents must use the UK mission)
For accurate delivery:
- Include sufficient return postage
- Clearly write your application ID on your envelope
- Follow country-specific mailing instructions provided during the application
What’s the timeline for receiving my new passport?
The current processing timeline is:
- Application review: 1-3 business days
- Passport production: 5-10 business days after old passport receipt
- Delivery: Depends on postal service (typically 3-7 business days)
Total time from submission to delivery averages 2-3 weeks, but may vary based on application volume and individual circumstances.
CONPAS future updates
The system is continuously evolving, with plans to:
- Expand to more countries abroad and even Nigeria
- Integrate advanced face recognition software alongside fingerprint biometrics
- Improve payment processing
If successfully implemented as designed, CONPAS could be one of the biggest technological upgrades by a Nigerian government institution in recent years. By removing intermediaries and digitising the process, the system’s potential impact is significant. The initiative could serve as a blueprint for other government agencies like INEC and NIMC to develop similar contactless services.
For the most current information about CONPAS availability and updates, regularly check the official NIS website and follow their verified social media channels.
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