Nigeria: Authorities amend COVID-19 travel protocols from Oct. 25 /update 42

Event

Authorities issued orders amending COVID-19-related travel restrictions from Oct. 25, including the lifting of specific requirements for arrivals from high-risk locations. Domestic measures, including a nationwide curfew, remain unchanged.

Travel Restrictions
Prior to arrival, passengers are required to register online at the Nigeria International Travel Portal. All inbound international passengers must provide a negative result from a PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before boarding at the first point of departure. Unvaccinated inbound travelers must undergo seven days of mandatory self-isolation and get tested (PCR) on days two and seven after arrival. Vaccinated travelers will not be required to self-isolate but must be tested on day two after arrival. In addition, travelers on a business trip or under official duties staying in Nigeria for less than seven days must be fully vaccinated, present a PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before boarding, and undergo PCR testing on day two after arrival. Persons testing negative can leave quarantine; authorities will process those who test positive based on Nigeria's national guidelines for COVID-19 treatment.

Carriers from countries that restrict or ban entry by Nigerian nationals may face reciprocal prohibitions concerning operating in Nigeria. Authorities have reopened land border crossings with neighboring countries; however, it remains unclear if officials allow passenger travel through border points and whether COVID-19 requirements apply.

Domestic Restrictions
A nationwide 00:00-04:00 curfew is in place. Bars, nightclubs, event centers, and recreation venues are closed. Public gatherings remain restricted. Gatherings in enclosed spaces are limited to 50 people, provided they observe adequate social distancing measures and wear facemasks. Civil servants have returned to working on-site at public offices; however, some states have reintroduced work-from-home policies. Domestic flights and interstate travel is ongoing throughout the country. Authorities introduced the COVID-19 Health Protection Regulations 2021 earlier in the year, enshrining social distancing, the use of facemasks, and guidelines on public gatherings into law. States may enact strict state-level restrictions.

Authorities could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.

Advice

Reconfirm travel plans. Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Consider delaying traveling to Nigeria until officials lift restrictions. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments. Plan for queues and delays at available shopping centers. Reconfirm all flights before departure.

Resources

World Health Organization (WHO)
Nigeria Centre for Disease Control
Nigeria State House Press Releases
Nigeria International Travel Portal