Be informed that there are other options for traveling to Nigeria in the absence of a valid Nigerian passport.
1. You can travel to Nigeria as a Nigerian with an expired passport subject to approval from your preferred airline.
2. You can travel to Nigeria with a visa in your Canadian Passport.
3. You can apply for an Emergency Travel Certificate (ETC) with an expired passport.
These services do not entail coming to the High Commission. Please, check the website for details of the requirements for each of the options.
Thomas Kume ChuyoungSays
I am a Canadian wishing to travel to Nigeria for a conference from the 12 June to 12 July 2021. I already recieved an invitation letter from host .I wish to apply for a visa thanks.
Abu SusanSays
Hello Thomas, Please, check the website for details of what you need to apply for a visa.
Abu SusanSays
Go to the website and pick the preference for a visa to apply.
JohnSays
Please whats the age exemption for COVID19 PCR test for entering Nigeria. Thanks
JohnSays
Any thoughts on this?
FeliciaSays
Hi there, I would like to travel to Nigeria. Do I need an invitation letter to process my visa? What if I don’t know anyone there?
Abu SusanSays
Hello Felicia, If you are not a Nigerian, you need an invitation letter. It also depends on what you are going to Nigeria to do.
MoSays
Hello, I need visa to travel to Nigeria, what is the visa processing time. Thank you
Abu SusanSays
Mo, 10days if you send in all the requirements as stated in the visa section.
DavidSays
Hello Abu Susan, I have been sending emails about my situation and still haven’t gotten any reply. I came to Ottawa in December to have my biometrics and photo taken I also left my mailing envelope behind, which contained all the documents that were required for my passport renewal. I am all the way in Alberta and that was my second time traveling to Ottawa because there was a lockdown order in place the first time I showed up. This has not only halted the renewal of my study permit but somehow also affected my mental health immensely. At this point I don’t know what to do anymore, I have already paid for this passport since 16th June, 2020. Application id- 16410845 Reference number- 1496415423 Please, help me!
DavidSays
I have also travelled to Ottawa twice since last year, I’m so confused as to why it’s taking so long. I haven’t received any update or whatsoever.
JohnSays
Any thoughts on this?
Visit HereSays
Hi there, I found your site via Google at the same time as looking for a similar subject, your site came up, it appears great. I have bookmarked it in my google bookmarks.
Abu SusanSays
Thanks
DanielSays
Hello. Please when is the passport intervention coming to newfoundland and labrador. The nigerian association (nl) has an automated response which is not updated so it almost impossible to know what is going on. We filled the form over a month ago in regards the intervention yet no response from embassy or Nigeria association nl. Please can you be specific with the time frame when the office might be coming to visit NL or the Atlantic region.
Abu SusanSays
Daniel, Kindly find a way to get in touch with the Association. We do not want to give conflicting information. The Associations coordinate the exercise (Time, location and venue).
DANIEL EIGBESays
Hi, It would be most helpful if we got information or plans of future visits from the nigerian high commission website, regarding future visits to various cities. This would give more options and planning time for people seeking passport rather than an after the fact announcement. This is disappointing to many!!!
Abu SusanSays
Hello Daniel, bear with us. The Nigerian Canadian Associations in various provinces coordinate the intervention exercise. We only come to capture when they are ready with a critical mass of Nigerian applicants. We advise that Nigerians should get in touch with the Associations in the provinces to get the information. We only get the details of readiness when they have submitted all the necessary documents from Nigerians.
EBSays
Hi, When travelling to Nigeria on a Canadian PR card with a valid Nigeria passport do I need a Nigerian visa to be able to enter Nigeria or no. Thank you
Abu SusanSays
EB, No, what you need is a valid Nigerian Passport.
OluSays
I booked an appointment for my Nigeria passport renewal. My INTERVIEW DATE IS June 16 , WONDERING IF I CAN STILL ATTEND THE HIGH COMMISION FOR THE PASSPORT RENEWAL INTERVIEW ON June 16, 2021.
Abu SusanSays
Hi Olu, Please be informed that the Nigeria High Commission, Ottawa, would reopen to the public on June 23, 2021, following the commencement of Ontario’s stage 1 of the three-step plan to safely and gradually lift public health measures based on ongoing province-wide vaccination progress. However, the Mission would attend to applicants according to a systematic plan in line with COVID-19 Protocols. The first set of applicants would be – 1. Students and workers whose study and work permits have expired. 2. Applicants who cannot renew their Permanent residence cards due to lack of a valid Nigerian passport. 3. Applicants whose permits would expire within the next three months. Applicants in these categories would receive notice of dates and time to come to the Nigeria High Commission, Ottawa. Nigerians with appointments scheduled and confirmed before the lockdown from March to April would be next in line. The immigration team would work throughout the week, including weekends, to clear up the backlog. We hope to continue with those scheduled for May and June to get back to our regular calendar. Anyone who shows up at the Nigeria High Commission without an appointment would not be allowed into the building. We will do all we can to minimize the adverse impact of the Covid -19 pandemic on the well-being of our citizens. Regards. The Nigeria High Commission Ottawa.
AnthonySays
Hello. Are we able to apply for ETC at this time?
Abu SusanSays
Anthony, Yes, the ETC application was never on hold since it does not require physical appearance at the High Commission.
RubiSays
Hello, I am writing to you from Alberta regarding acquiring two Nigerian Travel Visas for an emergency flight. Particularly acquiring a Nigerian Visa for an individual under 18 who will require one to return back to Canada. I am in dire need of accessing Visa services in the next month and have been unable to successfully find a way to acquire a visa or even renewing my Nigerian passport. If you are able, can you explain the process of acquiring an emergency visa and a youth visa from Canada in detail, especially with the COVID restrictions? Please feel free to email me directly. Thank you kindly.
Abu SusanSays
Hi Rubi, Kindly send an email to VFS, they deal with visa applications. Their details and phone numbers are on the website. Thanks.
ABCSays
Hello Could you please give a direction on our issue. We have a tickets to travel to Nigeria in September 7th and return to Canada October 6th. We are family of five. The status of our passports are as follows: -3 passports will expires by October 3rd 2021. -1 had expired on February 2019. We all have a valid Canadian passports. Also, we plan to renew our nigeria passports while in nigeria. Can we travel to Nigeria with these passports? Thanks for your help!
Abu SusanSays
You can apply for Emergency Travel Certificate for each of you. It does not involve your physical presence at the High Commission, and it takes a few days to process if you provide all the requirements and applicable fees seen on the website. However, it would help if you inform your airline that you would be travelling with expired passports. You should not have a problem since you are Nigerians going back home.
EmmanuelSays
What are the requirements to obtain Emergency Travel Certificate (ETC) with expired Nigerian passport for a Nigerian-Canadian Citizen. Thanks in advance Emmanuel
Abu SusanSays
Hello Emmanuel, They are the same as what we posted for everyone on the website.
OluwaseunSays
Hello, please when will the passports from Calgary intervention program begin to arrive? We have a trip coming up and can't go without our passport. Also does a Canadian- Nigerian still require invitation letter before getting a visa to Nigeria using his Canadian passport ? Thanks.
Abu SusanSays
Hello Oluwaseun, Unfortunately, I cannot give you a specific date for yours. We are processing over a thousand three hundred applications from Calgary. Once we are done with a particular number, we post them. Thanks for your patience.
KingsleySays
Hello, Please I'll like to confirm if my appointment for e-passport renewal scheduled for August 19 at 9.55am still stand. I want to be sure the high commission will be open on that day before embarking on the trip. Please advise of any changes in schedule (if any). Kind regards, Kingsley Ojumoola
Abu SusanSays
Hi Kingsley, Yes, You can come on your appointment date.
OLUSays
Will like to suggest that the Nigerian high commission in Ottawa put up something on its website categorically stating Nigerians can travel home with their expired passports as a way to ease the issue of passport renewals and new issue for airlines so it's easily referred to by all parties concerned, with that, airlines will have no basis to deny any Nigerian travelling home from boarding the plane.
Abu SusanSays
Olu, Noted. Thanks.
EzekielSays
In how many days will I receive my passport in the mail if I travel to Ottawa for renewal?
Abu SusanSays
Four to Six weeks
EzekielSays
Can I get it same day if I pay the expedited fee?
Anthony OkekeSays
Hello Abu, My name is Anthony, I have a 6month old and we are planning on visiting Nigeria this December. However my son has no Nigerian passport and we intend to apply for a Visa for him. On the The Nigerian immigration page it stated that if you are applying for a visa that the credit card must match the name of the applicant. In this case if we are to apply for my son visa what should we do since the credit card name is on my name and not on his. Also is it possible to get a visa on arrival for him as we both the parents are Nigerian and we hope to apply for his passport in Nigeria during our Visit. However, Is there's any plan of the embassy to visit the British Columbia again this year for passport applicants. Thanks
Abu SusanSays
Hello Okeke, Kindly register the card with innovate 1pay, and you will be able to use it for your six-month-old. I am not sure about the visa on arrival. I do not know if it is active at the moment in Nigeria. We are not visiting British Columbia any time soon.
Anthony OkekeSays
Hi Abu, Thanks for your quick Response: Do we have to come to the embassy with our baby for visa application or is it something we can do online without coming to Ottawa with our baby. Thanks
OLUSays
Thanks and hopefully this will be done speedily.
OLUSays
Please can one come into the high commission now once payment and application is done for a passport renewal now.
Anthony OkekeSays
Hi Abu, Thanks for your quick Response: Do we have to come to the embassy with our baby for visa application or is it something we can do online without coming to Ottawa with our baby. Thanks
BadeSays
Please what is the turn around time for the emergency travel certificate?
Abu SusanSays
4-5 days if your documents are complete.
DejiSays
Dear susan. please how can i go about getting a reference letter from the high commission
Abu SusanSays
Hello Deji, You did not state the purpose of the reference letter.
DejiSays
Its needed for a reliability status security screening with govt of Canada. See excerpt below “the applicant may need to get one or more of the following original documents: letter of reference or referral from the foreign embassy or mission in Canada”
Olivia FasolaSays
Hello! It’s been over 3 months since the Edmonton passport intervention and I’m yet to receive my passport. Apparently it’s missing in transit. CanadaPost has insisted that a claim needs to be filed by the sender. Despite several calls, being on hold for over an hour and unanswered correspondences to the passport office at the high commission, I do not seem to be close to having my old and new passports. Please what do I need to do to have this resolved. It’s been a source of great distress to me.
Abu SusanSays
Hello Olivia, I am so sorry to hear this. I will follow up and get back to you via your email.
Olivia FasolaSays
Thank you for the prompt reply. Looking forward to your mail.
Olivia FasolaSays
Hello Susan, I wonder if there’s any update on my complaint. I got a mail saying It would be looked into and I would be contacted but nothing till date. Still waiting for a resolution. Thank you.
KingsleySays
Hi Abu, I was at the High Commission for my passport renewal on July 23rd and I am yet to receive the new passport in the mail. Please can you confirm if passports renewed in July has been processed and mailed? I was told the new passport should arrive between four to six weeks. Thank you.
Abu SusanSays
Hello Kingsley, we are still processing the batch for July. So please give it a bit of time before tracking again.
EstherSays
Can you kindly notify applicants when the passports are dispatched. That would go a long way.
Abu SusanSays
Hello Esther, Yes, we are working on that. Thanks
Abiodun OGUNDARESays
Good day to you and thanks for utmost feedback. It’s almost 3 months (july 14th) since we came to Ottawa to renew our expired passport and we are yet to receive our passport. We are unable to track it either through CanadaPost. Despite several calls, being on hold for over an hour and unanswered correspondences to the passport office at the high commission, all we got is that they will look into it. This is really affecting our application here in canada. kindly help
Abu SusanSays
Hello Abiodun, We apologize for all the stress. Please, send me your details. I will follow up and get back to you.
ABIODUN OGUNDARESays
Ogundare Abiodun Ogundare Akintunde Kids: 4 Although l got mail response today from one of the team. Much regards
Abu SusanSays
Hello Abiodun, As promised, I took the time to follow up on your request. It looks like you came for the exercise with your family members. Some of your passports are ready, but some have issues? We have a fingerprint issue with Oluwasemilore Ogundare. She has to come back for another capture exercise. If Akintunde Ogundare is also a member of your family, tell him to come back with his second passport. We noticed multiple passport numbers for him, meaning he has a more current passport than the one he used for the exercise. Your passport and others are ready. We can mail them to you.
ABIODUN & Akintunde OGUNDARESays
Thanks for your hard-work., really appreciate it. Although he mentioned this earlier before they insist on collecting the one submitted. We will look into this and find time to come around with the said passport mentioned. Much regards
Abu SusanSays
Hi Abiodun, I guess we have passed this stage at the moment. They came back for capture and I am following up. Thanks
Bernard UzoagbaSays
Hi Abu Please I am totally lost for my passport renewal appointment, I paid in November but have not been able to book appointment since the resumption, do I just come to the embassy on business days?. Also heard of passport being issued at airport for faster processing, Please advise
Abu SusanSays
Hello Bernard, What is the problem you are experiencing with booking? All you need to do is to click on the icon, schedule an appointment. If you try and run into any form of challenge, please, send an email to generalinquiries@nigeriahcottawa.ca You are not allowed to work in without an appointment. As for passports issuance at the airport for faster processing, I do not know if it has commenced. You may wish to get in touch with the Ministry of Interior for details.
EmmanuelSays
is there any seminar or conference from Nigeria to Canada at the moment? Oct 2021 till January 2022?
Abu SusanSays
No sir.
ArafahSays
Hi Susan., I booked an appointment for November 2nd for my passport renewal and fresh issuance for my family. Would it be possible to get an earlier date and the same day service to get a new passport so as to process my work permit? What do I have to do? It is urgent. Thank you.
Abu SusanSays
Send an email to generalinquiries@nigeriahcottawa.ca with an explanation.
Sarah UkuSays
Hello Abu Susan, Are you able to confirm if there are any problems with my passport renewal? I applied July 29 and don't see any tracking on Canada Post. My name is Sarah Uku. Thanks.
Abu SusanSays
There is no problem Sarah, we are just able to start processing those for applicants between July 10-29. We have been expecting booklets from Abuja.
MoSays
Hello. Please i want to apply for an emergency travel certificate for my daughter and i understanding it doesn’t require coming to the embassy. But i couldn’t find the address that the application should be sent to on the website. So i just want to be sure if the application should be mailed to the Nigerian embassy at 295 Metcalfe Street Ottawa, Ontario K2P 1R9 Canada or is it done through VFS? Thank you
Abu SusanSays
Please, send it to 295 Metcalfe street, not VFS. VFS is for visa
DamilolaSays
Hello, is there a guarantee that I would receive my passport the same day if I choose the 'same day service issuance'? I just want to have a solid information about this before I make a decision.
Abu SusanSays
Yes, if booklets are available.
OluSays
Are booklets available now?
Abu SusanSays
Just a few and we have used them for some applicants for the month of July. We are expecting more.
Peter AdeoyeSays
How do I apply for the Emergency Travel Certificate (ETC) with an expired passport.
Abu SusanSays
Kindly check the website for the information about ETC. The details can be found there. Get back to me if you need specific information that is not there.
Emeka EtufughSays
Hello Abu Susan. I heard that a Nigerian citizen can travel to Nigeria with an expired Nigerian passport with a valid USA or Canadian passport and can renew the Nigerian passport in Nigeria. Is this true? Thanks in advance for your answers.
Abu SusanSays
Yes, Emeka, However, inform your airline before you embark on your journey.
OlusegunSays
Hello Abu, can you please advise if booklets are available currently? I would like to know this information before applying for the same day renewal service.
Abu SusanSays
Hello Olusegun, I would advise you to come in with the money order; if booklets get in before your date of appointment, then you can get it. If not, you can go back with your money order.
FestusSays
Hi Abu, can I apply for ETC for my 2 years old Canadian son who has no Nigeria passport yet. And how is this ETC application done as I can't find the details online, only the requirements are listed but not how to apply. Thanks
Abu SusanSays
Hello Festus, The details are on the website. For your 2year old, send in the birth certificate, the data pages of your passport and the baby's mother's passport, plus a consent letter signed by both of you. Also, take note of the applicable fees and other requirements on the website.
Omotunde SanniSays
Hello Abu Susan, I attended the High commission for passport renewal on the 5th of August and have been seeing your response that there is a delay due to unavailability of booklets, when do you reckon I will be able to receive my passport? Thank you
Abu SusanSays
Hello Omotunde, Unfortunately, I can't give you a particular date. However, we are close to your batch. So hopefully, soon.
WaleSays
Good day, My family applied for Nigeria passport renewal in April with appoint booked for June 11 and payments made. The last communication from the commission was June 1st informing us that commission will be closed due to COVID-19. Are we to book a new appointment and if not when will it be our turn? Please note we would like to travel in November. Thank you.
Abu SusanSays
Hello Wale, We posted here in June and on all our social media platforms about our resumption. We also sent out emails to applicants. Please, send an an email to generalinquiries@nigeriahcottawa.ca requesting a date of appointment. If you are traveling in November, I suggest you ask for a date in October.
Shola Lauretta WilkeySays
Hello sir. I am a permanent resident holder wishing to travel to Nigeria for an urgent matter my PR got lost and my application for a new PR card is still pend i was informed on the website i need to aplly for permanent resident travel document to return from Nigeria but they are not aware of the witing times and how long it can be processed. I am staying for just two weeks i was asked my service Canada to contact the Nigerian consulate if they have such information. Thank you I await a quick response from you Shola
Abu SusanSays
Hello Shola, Unfortunately, we don't have the information.
JoshuaSays
Abu Susan, Could you please confirm if there are any problems with my passport renewal? I applied April 19 and appointment date June 11, I don't hear from commission again since you said we should not come because of COVID. Do I need to book a new appointment? Thank you.
Abu SusanSays
If I understand your question, you are yet to come to the Mission for capture. If that is the case, please, send an email to generalinquiries@nigeriahcottawa.ca requesting a date of appointment. You can give them a date that is convenient for you.
Jonathan MichaelSays
Hello Abu Sussan, is the Yellow Fever Vaccination compulsory if someone is applying for Nigerian VISA?
Abu SusanSays
Yes, Jonathan.
Ned KennySays
Hello Susan, My mother in Law i returning back to Nigeria, her passport is expired and she wants to renew in Nigeria. How can she get the emergency travel certificate.
Abu SusanSays
Hello Ned, Please check the requirements for ETC on the website and apply.
JoyceSays
Hello, I plan to travel to Nigeria in the middle of November 2021 for my mother's funeral. My Nigerian passport expired since 2012. Please, is it possible to use this same passport with an emergency travel certificate? I'm not sure if I'll get a new passport done before the set date as it currently takes a while to get a new passport in Ottawa. Please, I'll appreciate your honest advice; thank you.
Abu SusanSays
Yes, Joyce, apply for an emergency travel certificate. It takes 7-8 days to process if you follow the guidelines on the website. Also, it does not require your physical appearance at the High Commission. However, contact your preferred airline to let them know you will be travelling with an expired document. Please, try to renew your passport while in Nigeria.
DamilolaSays
Hello Susan, please are the airlines aware about the options for traveling to Nigeria in the absence of a valid passport? Is really compulsory to apply for ETC or can I travel with an expired passport without ETC subject to approval from the preferred airline. I contacted my airline and I told them I have an expired passport but I was told they will only accept passengers who meet the governmental requirements of the destination country. So I want to know if the airlines are aware.
Abu SusanSays
Yes, We insist you contact your preferred airline first. Some airlines accept Nigerian passengers with expired passports going straight to Nigeria because they assume they are Nigerians going back home. Other airlines insist you get an Emergency Travel Certificate.
LelaSays
It's fantastic that you are getting thoughts from this post as well as from our argument made here.
Abu SusanSays
Okay
AdaSays
Hello I was checking the requirement for applying foR ETC and it says I have to have a valid travel itinerary, does this mean I have to book my flight first before I can apply for ETC? Also if I have a Canadian passport and an expired Nigerian passport do I need an ETC or can I travel as it is thank you
Abu SusanSays
You need an ETC if you want to travel with your Nigerian Passport. You can apply for a Visa with your Canadian Passport too. However, you need to show valid travel itineraries for both as well.
VictorSays
Hello Susan, I applied for the renewal of my passport and also done the data capturing. What can I do if my passport did not get to me before my travelling date, 26th November ? I do not have the photocopy of my expired passport but I have the number. Can I apply for ETC without the photocopy of my expired Passport quoting only the number? What other options do you think is available to me? Thanks
Abu SusanSays
Since you passport is with us, when applying for ETC, send a cover note, explaining that your passport is with us for renewal. The officer will go to immigration and get the necessary details.
OlaSays
I have applied for passport renewal since august and done the needed biometrics but still no update after 2months
Abu SusanSays
Send me your details
AramideSays
Hello Susan, please I need to know if I have to travel to VFS in Ottawa to obtain a tourist visa or if I only need to mail my application to them. Thank you.
Abu SusanSays
You do not have to travel. Read the instructions online carefully, Provide the necessary documents and application fees and mail your documents to the VFS Global office.
AramideSays
Thank you for your response. I'm still a little confused with the information on the VFS website. Am I paying 2 different fees? As in, is the VFS fee of $180.20 different from the NIS fee of $170? Please confirm. Thank you.
NellSays
Touche. Sound arguments. Keep up the good effort.
Abu SusanSays
Thanks
Bola OlotuSays
Good evening Susan, Please I had submitted my documents and had my biometrics during the Calgary Passport Intervention on the 19th of June, 2021. Please I am yet to receive my passport after almost 6 months of submission. I have called several times and sent emails as well as spoken to different staffs of the Nigerian Embassy and yet to get any postive response or outcome. Please this is an SOS message, I have had to move my flight several times and quite sadden that after 6 months I am yet to receive a response or passport back. Thank you
BellaSays
Why is Nigerian system so hard and stressful? First of all you have four different fees for a visiting visa just to go visit family in Nigeria, as a none Nigerian who have never being to the country before I’m here thinking hardly of the system based in Canadian but boy oh boy I was wrong. Like seriously why will I want to leave a system that works to move to Nigeria….. got goodness sake if not family I will never 👎 go to Nigeria.. y’all working in those office are a big part of why that country will never ever work…. When was visiting another African country everything was easy their visiting visa fees was only $75 USD and nothing more… they didn’t ask me for my liver heart kidney just so I could visit… but Nigeria visa application first fees $20 USD second fees $75 USD then VFS fees $180 USD just to visit….. for a country like Nigeria you will think they proceed their own visa application
Abu SusanSays
???
AdeSays
Hello Susan, I submitted an application for a visiting visa since November 15th and I haven't heard anything back. The VAC said they have no updates yet. I thought processing time is 10 business days. And it is 14 business days already. My trip to Nigeria is fast approaching, who do I contact in order to get my passport as soon as possible please? Thank you.
Abu SusanSays
Sorry Ade, You have to go back to VFS Global. They are in charge of visa processing.
AdeSays
Hello Susan, How long does the tourist Visa application take to be processed at the High Commission?
Abu SusanSays
Hello Ade, Please visit the VFS Global website to get the details or call them.