Diplomatic representation of Nigeria in Canada
Nigerian High Commission in Ottawa
The High Commission for the Federal Republic of Nigeria in Ottawa represents Nigeria in Canada and provides passport, emergency travel document, authentication and other consular services.
Contact details
Contact the Nigerian High Commission in Ottawa
The High Commission for the Federal Republic of Nigeria is located on Metcalfe Street in downtown Ottawa.
Before visiting: Check the current procedure for your specific service. Passport applicants must follow the passport application and appointment process, while Nigerian visa applications use a separate biometric visa application centre in Ottawa.
High Commission location
Where is the Nigerian High Commission in Ottawa?
The High Commission for the Federal Republic of Nigeria is located at 295 Metcalfe Street in Ottawa.
The official address is 295 Metcalfe Street, Ottawa, ON K2P 1R9, Canada.
Applicants attending for passport processing should bring their required documents and appointment information. Visa applicants should follow the separate instructions for the designated biometric visa application centre.
About the mission
About the Nigerian High Commission in Ottawa
The High Commission for the Federal Republic of Nigeria in Ottawa is Nigeria’s resident diplomatic mission in Canada.
The High Commission represents Nigeria in its official relations with Canada and works to strengthen bilateral cooperation, including in trade, investment, education and international cooperation.
The mission also provides consular services to Nigerian citizens in Canada and handles eligible document-authentication and related services.
Passport processing takes place through the High Commission, while Nigerian visa applications in Canada follow a separate application procedure using the designated biometric visa application centre in Ottawa.
Consular assistance
Consular Services
The High Commission provides a range of services for Nigerian citizens and other eligible applicants in Canada.
Nigerian passports
The High Commission processes eligible Nigerian e-passport applications, including first issue, renewal and certain replacement applications.
Emergency Travel Certificates
Eligible Nigerian citizens who need to return urgently to Nigeria without a usable passport can apply for an Emergency Travel Certificate.
Document authentication
The High Commission authenticates eligible Nigerian-issued documents after the required authentication has been completed by the appropriate authority in Nigeria.
Driver’s licence authentication
The High Commission provides authentication services for eligible original Nigerian driver’s licences for use in Canada.
Citizen registration
Nigerian citizens living in Canada can register their details with the High Commission, including contact and emergency-contact information.
Police certificate authentication
Eligible Nigerian Police Character Certificates can be authenticated after completing the required verification procedure in Nigeria.
Attestation letters
The High Commission provides eligible attestation-letter services, including certain requests involving Nigerian heritage or documentation.
Visa processing
Visa applications are submitted through the designated biometric visa application centre in Ottawa under the current Nigerian Immigration Service procedure.
Nigerian travel documents
Nigerian Passport Services
The High Commission in Ottawa processes Nigerian e-passport applications for eligible applicants in Canada.
Published passport procedures cover first-time e-passport applications, renewals, applications for minors, replacement of lost passports and certain changes of name.
Applicants begin the passport procedure online and must provide the required application form, payment and acknowledgement documents together with the supporting documents specified for their application category.
A National Identification Number (NIN) is mandatory for the passport procedures identified by the High Commission. The High Commission itself does not issue NIN or BVN numbers; applicants requiring a NIN should use an authorised enrolment centre.
Passport applicants must attend in person when required for biometric capture and must bring the documents specified by the High Commission.
Passport applicants: Follow the current High Commission passport instructions carefully. Missing documents can prevent an application from being processed, and biometric passport procedures require personal attendance.
Planning your visit
Passport Appointments
Passport applicants should complete the required online application process before attending the High Commission.
The High Commission states that passport processing is open to the public from Monday to Friday. Applicants must follow the appointment information generated as part of their passport application procedure.
The published passport instructions require applicants attending for biometric processing to appear personally and bring the required printed application and supporting documents.
If an applicant misses the original passport appointment, the High Commission’s current guidance states that the applicant may attend on a later business day with the same appointment slip.
Keep your appointment documents: Bring the printed passport application, payment and acknowledgement documents and any appointment information required for your application category.
Travel to Nigeria
Nigerian Visa Applications in Canada
Canadian passport holders generally require appropriate Nigerian immigration permission for travel to Nigeria.
Nigeria operates several visa categories depending on the purpose of travel, including tourist, business, transit, journalist and employment-related categories.
The Nigeria High Commission currently states that Nigerian visa applicants in Canada should submit their applications through the designated OIS Services Biometric Visa Application Centre in Ottawa.
The centre facilitates application verification, biometric enrolment and data capture under arrangements established by the Nigerian Immigration Service.
The High Commission states that, with effect from September 2025, it no longer accepts visa applications submitted through other agencies for processing.
Do not use the passport counter for a visa application: Visa applicants should follow the current visa application procedure published by the High Commission and use the designated biometric visa application centre.
Visitor information
Before You Visit
Check the requirements for your specific service before travelling to the High Commission or sending original documents.
Passport or visa?
Passport applications and visa applications use different procedures. Nigerian passport applicants attend the High Commission as required, while visa applicants use the designated biometric visa application centre.
Prepare complete documents
Passport, Emergency Travel Certificate and document-authentication services each have their own supporting-document requirements. Review the current instructions before submission.
Use official channels
The High Commission warns applicants against unofficial intermediaries and states that consular transactions should be completed only through authorised official channels.
Frequently asked questions
Nigerian High Commission Ottawa FAQ
What is the address of the Nigerian High Commission in Ottawa?
The High Commission for the Federal Republic of Nigeria is located at 295 Metcalfe Street, Ottawa, ON K2P 1R9, Canada.
What are the High Commission’s office hours?
General office hours are currently Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The Consular Section publishes hours from Tuesday to Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Can I renew a Nigerian passport in Ottawa?
Yes. The High Commission processes eligible Nigerian e-passport applications, including renewals. Applicants must complete the required online procedure and attend for biometric processing where required.
Do I need a NIN to renew a Nigerian passport?
A National Identification Number is mandatory for the passport procedures identified by the High Commission. The High Commission does not issue NIN numbers; applicants who need one should use an authorised NIN enrolment centre.
Can the High Commission issue an Emergency Travel Certificate?
Yes. An Emergency Travel Certificate can be issued to eligible Nigerian citizens in Canada who need to return urgently to Nigeria without a usable passport. It is a one-way travel document and is currently valid for 30 days from the date of issue.
Can an Emergency Travel Certificate be used to return to Canada?
No. The High Commission states that the Emergency Travel Certificate is intended for one-way travel to Nigeria and cannot be used for the return journey to Canada.
Where do I apply for a Nigerian visa in Canada?
Under the current procedure, visa applicants use the designated OIS Services Biometric Visa Application Centre in Ottawa for application verification, biometrics and data capture.
Does the High Commission authenticate Nigerian documents?
Yes. Eligible Nigerian-issued documents can be authenticated through the High Commission after completing the required authentication in Nigeria. Requirements depend on the type of document.
Official information
Sources
Official Nigerian and Canadian government sources used to verify the High Commission, contact details and current consular procedures on this page.