Valid PCR test required for entry into Nigeria – FG

The Nigerian government has restated that all incoming passengers must perform a COVID-19 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test three days before boarding.

Presidential Steering Committee (PSC) chairman, Boss Mustapha stated this on Wednesday.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation said the directive was part of the new reviewed travel restrictions.

He insisted that PCR test done more than 72 hours before departure was not valid and that passengers with such will not be allowed to board.

“Rapid antigen or antibody test are not acceptable; only PCR test can be used for this purpose. Test validity commences from the time of sample collection,” he said.

Travelers are to produce an electronic or hard copy of their COVID-19 PCR test for presentation at the departure airport and upon arrival in Nigeria.

The PSC chairman warned that foreigners without PCR test would be deported.

All passengers (including diplomats and children less than 10 years old) must register via an online national travel portal (Nigeria International Travel Portal – https://nitp.ncdc.gov.ng).

They must fill in the online Health Declaration/Self-Reporting form located on the portal and provide verifiable information.

The SGF said airlinesnwould bear the cost of airlifting defaulters turned back.

Nigerians or holders of permanent resident permit will be allowed entry and penalized.

“Airlines shall be fined USD3,500 per passenger for failure to comply with any of the pre- boarding requirements. Airlines who consistently fail to comply may be banned,” Mustapha added.

Passengers who visited Turkey, Brazil, India, South Africa within 14 days will be denied entry into Nigeria.