Validity period of COVID-19 test for travelers to Nigeria

COVID-19 test guidelines for travelers to Nigeria

The validity period of the pre-boarding COVID-19 PCR test for international travelers to Nigeria is now 72 hours (3 days) before departure.

This was stated in a document by the Presidential Steering Committee on COVID-19.

In our effort to continue to safeguard the health of the Nigerian population, as well as to minimize the risk of a surge in the number of COVID-19 cases in Nigeria, the committee carried out a risk assessment of countries with a high incidence of cases.

The risk assessment took into consideration the epidemiology of cases, prevalence of variants of concern and average passenger volume between Nigeria and each country amongst other indicators.

The government in Nigeria advises against any non-essential international travels to any country at this period and specifically to countries that are showing a rising number of cases and deaths.

New COVID-19 test guidelines for travelers to Nigeria

(i) Reduction of the validity period of pre-boarding COVID-19 PCR test for all Nigeria-bound passengers from 96 hours to 72 hours.

Henceforth PCR test results older than 72 hours before departure shall not be accepted;

(ii) Guidelines Specific to Brazil, India and Turkey

Any person who has visited Brazil, India or Turkey within Fourteen (14) days preceding travel to Nigeria, shall be denied entry into Nigeria. This regulation, however, does not apply to passengers who transited through these countries.
The following measures shall apply to airlines and passengers who fail to comply with I and II(a) above:
i. Airlines shall mandatorily pay a penalty of $3,500 (Three Thousand Five Hundred dollars) for each
defaulting passenger.

ii. Non-Nigerians will be denied entry and returned to the country of embarkation at a cost to the Airline. Nigerians and those with the permanent resident permit shall undergo seven days of mandatory quarantine in a Government approved facility at the point-of-entry city and at a cost to the passenger.

These are the condition that apply to such passengers:

i. Within 24 hours of arrival shall take a COVID-19 PCR test

ii. If positive, the passenger shall be admitted within a government-approved treatment centre, in line with National treatment protocols.

iii. If Negative, the Passenger shall continue to remain in quarantine and made to undergo a repeat PCR test on day 7 of their quarantine.

(iii) Passenger(s) arriving in Nigeria from other destinations

Must observe a 7-day self-isolation at their final destination.
Carry out a COVID-19 PCR test on day 7 at the selected laboratory.
Shall be monitored for compliance to isolation protocol by appropriate authorities

The new COVID-19 test and travel guidelines are currently in effect and are subject to change.

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