As a Nigerian living in Switzerland, renewing your passport is an essential process that ensures uninterrupted travel and access to services. More than just a travel document, your Nigerian passport is needed for banking transactions, job applications, and official paperwork in Switzerland.

This blog post will walk you through the step-by-step process of renewing your Nigerian passport in Switzerland. From understanding the required documents and payment methods to completing and tracking your application, we'll cover everything you need to know. Whether you're a first-time renewer or seeking to update your expired passport, this post has got you covered.

A Step-by-step Guide to Renewing Your Nigerian Passport in Switzerland

Step 1- Complete the online application.

• Visit the new Nigerian Immigration Service website.
• Scroll to the passport section on the homepage, click on "apply now," and opt for "apply from outside Nigeria." 
• In the passport section, click on "passport renewal" and opt for the "standard e-passport" option to initiate the renewal process.
• Log in using your credentials. If you don't have an account, you can create one by selecting "forgot password."
• Start the online application form by selecting Switzerland as the processing country.
• Pick the processing Embassy in Bern(which is the only available Embassy).
• Fill out the online form, providing details as requested. Remember to print a copy of the completed application form before moving on to the payment stage.
• After submitting your application, you will receive a reference number and an application ID.

Step 2- Make your payment online.

The fees for Nigerian passport renewal in Switzerland vary based on the applicant's age and the desired number of pages. The provided table details the current charges associated with each age category:

• Credit/debit cards are the only accepted payment method for passport renewal.
• After the payment is finalized, make sure to print the payment confirmation slip.

Step 3- Schedule an appointment.

After finishing the online application and payment, the next step is to arrange an appointment with the Nigerian Embassy in Bern. The steps you should follow to secure your appointment are:

• Go to the appointment page on the Nigerian Immigration Service website.
• Log in with your reference number and application ID. 
• Select the desired appointment location (Embassy of Nigeria in Bern) in this case.
• Choose a convenient date and time, ensuring it doesn't coincide with public holidays (check the Embassy's website for updates)
• Finally,  confirm your appointment and print the appointment confirmation slip.

To prevent issues associated with delayed passport renewal, ensure you schedule your appointment at least six months before your passport's expiration date.

Step 4- Attend your appointment.

Start by getting the required documents ready before your appointment. The documents necessary for the passport renewal appointment in Bern are as follows:

• Copy of the printed completed online application form.
• Copy of online acknowledgement slip and payment confirmation slip.
• Passport booklet to be renewed(your expired passport booklet).
• Photocopy of the data page of the passport to be renewed.
• Copy of the appointment confirmation slip.
• Residence permit and any other valid identification documents.

Additional tips for renewing your Nigerian passport in Switzerland

• When renewing a passport for a minor, be sure to bring duplicates of the birth certificate, a parental consent letter, the passport data pages of both parents and evidence of custody (for single parents), in addition to the essential primary documents.
• Arrive punctually on your appointment day at the Nigerian Embassy, situated at Zieglerstrasse 45, 3007 Bern, Switzerland, as attendees are generally responded to in the order of their arrival time.
• Upon renewal, retrieve your passport through personal pickup, providing a self-addressed envelope with stamps, or arranging courier service (according to your preference) for a prepaid express mail which you'd have to submit along with the required documents.
• If you'd rather have it mailed to you, the Embassy will provide you with all the information you need for the process during your appointment, and you will have to pay an additional fee, so it is advisable to hold extra cash.
• To obtain additional details about the procedure, feel free to reach out to the Embassy via email at [email protected] or by phone at +41 31 384 2600, +41 31 384 2632.

Wrapping Up

This step-by-step guide serves as the ultimate comprehensive resource for renewing your Nigerian passport in Switzerland. We've outlined each stage of the process to ensure a smooth and hassle-free renewal experience.

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