IMPACT – MEDIUM

Nigeria has updated COVID-19 protocols for travelers coming to the country. The changes to Nigeria’s previous protocols, which were implemented in September, were made in response to a surge of COVID-19 cases worldwide. The new procedures apply to all travelers, including Nigerian nationals.

Among the changes:

  • Officials will now require travelers to obtain a PCR test within four days before boarding, rather than the previous seven days.
  • All travelers who wish to enter Nigeria must register via an online travel portal which is available here, complete the online Health Declaration/Self-Reporting form located on the portal and upload their negative COVID-19 PCR test result. When finished with these tasks, travelers must proceed to the payment section of the travel portal.
  • At the payment section, travelers must select their preferred Laboratory/Sample Collection Center based on where they intend to self-isolate for seven days upon arrival in Nigeria. A list of accredited private laboratory providers/sample collection centers across the country is available on the payment platform. Travelers must next choose a bank payment gateway and then pay for the seventh day in-country COVID-19 PCR test. Travelers paying with naira should use cards issued by a Nigerian bank. Diplomats and children less than 10 years old are exempted from payment for the repeat COVID-19 test.
  • Following successful payment, travelers must download the Permit to Travel Certificate/QR Code using the “Get Permit to Travel” button visible at the top right corner of the portal, and save and print the form for presentation at the point of boarding. The Permit to Travel Certificate/QR code will have a “PAID” label if payment is successful and an “UNPAID” label if payment is unsuccessful. A copy of the Permit to Travel Certificate/QR Code will also be sent to the email address provided by the traveler.
  • Travelers must present the negative COVID-19 PCR test and Permit to Travel Certificate/QR Code at their point of departure to be allowed to board their flights.
  • Travelers departing from the U.K. and South Africa must show evidence of having paid for their post-arrival seventh day COVID-19 PCR test prior to boarding.
  • For more information, please see the link to the full protocol.

Background: Nigeria’s government allowed international travel to resume in early September 2020.

Analysis & Comments: The protocol changes will add to the time it takes to enter Nigeria. Employers who intend to send employees to Nigeria may wish to consult with Deloitte to discuss their plans and ensure they are in compliance with the new changes. As the response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop and information becomes available, Deloitte will provide additional update. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

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