As a result of the COVID-19 global pandemic, many countries have implemented restrictions on entry and exit, visa and work permit issuance, closed borders, tightened quarantine rules and taken other measures in an attempt to slow the spread of COVID-19. These restrictions may affect international business travel and assignment plans.
Some countries have also introduced immigration concessions to facilitate applications; for example, moving to online applications, accepting soft copies of documents, granting automatic extension approval and more. However, these concessions must be reviewed country by country as the requirement to make a notification or other applications is often still in place.
In Nigeria,While the ban on international flights remains, the Federal Government of Nigeria has announced that there will be a gradual opening of domestic flights with safety advisories in place. Interstate travel is still prohibited except for movement of goods and services. The NCDC continues to work with the Port Health Services, Nigeria Customs Service and Nigeria Immigration Service to ensure enhanced surveillance at all points of entry.
The quarantine protocol for all return travelers to Nigeria, effective from the 8th of June, as detailed below;
- All returning travelers to Nigeria must have tested NEGATIVE for COVID-19 through Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing in country of departure. This MUST be within 2 weeks before departure and preferably not less than 5 days pre-boarding
- On board, passengers are required to correctly fill in the Health Declaration/Self-Reporting Form & the Sample Collection Time Allocation Form with verifiable information.
On Arrival to Nigeria
- Passengers who have arrived in Nigeria must self-isolate for 14 days and remain in the city/state where the point of entry is located (i.e. Lagos or Abuja) throughout the duration of self-isolation
- Passengers must provide their correct address and phone number before exiting the airport. They must comply with self-isolation/quarantine guidelines and ensure that they can be reached during the period
- Passengers not resident in Lagos or Abuja, must arrange for accommodation at their own cost (please note that the Federal Government will not be responsible for providing accommodation nor transportation to the place of abode)
- Passengers will be cleared through the Nigeria Immigration System’s Migrants Identification Data Analysis System (MIDAS) and their passports retained until after successful completion of the 14 days self-isolation (this why it is critical that correct contact information is provided)
- All passengers will be tested within 72 hours of arrival based on appointment at a sample collection centre located in Lagos or Abuja for a repeat COVID-19 PCR test
- Persons who are unable to remain in Lagos or Abuja throughout the period of self-quarantine may return to their states of residence ONLY after:
(a) They have had their samples collected and are NEGATIVE for COVID-19; and
(b) They have provided public health officials with their full and correct address and phone number where they can be reached
- Persons who have completed the 14 days of self-isolation/quarantine will undergo an exit interview. Their details will be forwarded to the Nigeria Immigration Service for release of their passports. Alternative arrangements can be made to collect passports via special delivery e.g. DHL
At the seaports, ships arriving are subjected to mandatory health screening and clearance by the Port Health Services. This particularly applies to ships that have been at sea for less than 14 days and/or that have crew members who are ill.