The United States has cautioned its citizens residing in Nigeria against using its online passport renewal platform, warning that applications submitted outside the US could automatically invalidate existing passports and leave applicants without valid travel documents.
The advisory followed reports of Americans living abroad unknowingly using the online renewal system, only to discover that their current passports had been cancelled before replacement documents were issued.
According to guidance from US diplomatic missions, citizens physically outside the United States are not eligible to access the online passport renewal service. Authorities explained that once an application is submitted through the platform, the passport being renewed is immediately invalidated, regardless of its remaining validity period.
> “Applying to renew a U.S. passport online while outside the United States will result in the automatic cancellation of your current passport,” the embassy stated, urging citizens overseas to use embassy or consular services for renewals.
The US Embassy in Abuja and the Consulate General in Lagos said they remain available to provide passport services, including renewals and first-time applications, through scheduled appointments.
Officials advised Americans in Nigeria to follow approved overseas renewal procedures rather than using the online system, which is intended exclusively for applicants within the United States.
The embassy also noted that some eligible citizens may access a mail-in passport renewal service through the US Embassy in Abuja, reducing the need for physical visits in certain cases.
The advisory comes as the US government continues to encourage its citizens abroad to maintain valid travel documents and remain informed about developments in their host countries. Nigeria is currently under a Level 3 travel advisory issued by the US State Department, which urges Americans to reconsider travel to some areas due to security concerns, including crime, terrorism, kidnapping and civil unrest.
US authorities further encouraged citizens in Nigeria to enrol in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program for security updates and emergency notifications, while advising those with questions about their passport status to contact the nearest US diplomatic mission before taking any action that could affect the validity of their travel documents.
