The United States government has advised its citizens living in Nigeria not to use its online passport renewal platform, warning that doing so from outside the country could immediately invalidate their existing passports and disrupt international travel plans.
In a recent advisory, U.S. diplomatic officials cautioned that the online renewal system is designed exclusively for applicants physically present within the United States.
Citizens abroad who mistakenly submit applications through the platform risk having their current passports automatically cancelled before replacement documents are issued.
According to the advisory, once an online renewal request is processed, the passport being renewed becomes invalid and can no longer be used for travel, regardless of its remaining validity period.
U.S. authorities stressed that Americans residing in Nigeria and other countries outside the United States should instead use embassy and consular passport services available in their location.
The warning comes after reports of U.S. citizens overseas unknowingly applying through the domestic online system and later discovering they were left without a valid passport while waiting for a replacement.
The U.S. Embassy in Abuja and the Consulate General in Lagos continue to provide passport services for American citizens in Nigeria, including renewals, first-time applications, and emergency travel documentation through scheduled appointments.
Officials encouraged applicants to follow overseas passport renewal procedures and avoid using services intended for residents within the United States.
The embassy also noted that some eligible citizens may qualify for mail-in passport renewal services through diplomatic missions in Nigeria, potentially reducing the need for in-person visits.
The advisory forms part of broader efforts by U.S. authorities to ensure citizens abroad maintain valid travel documents and remain informed about local security conditions.
The U.S. State Department currently maintains a travel advisory for parts of Nigeria, citing concerns including crime, terrorism, kidnapping, and civil unrest.
American citizens in Nigeria were further encouraged to register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), which provides security alerts, travel updates, and emergency notifications from U.S. diplomatic missions.
Officials advised anyone uncertain about their passport status or renewal eligibility to contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate before taking any action that could affect the validity of their travel documents.
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