COVID-19: FG scraps post-arrival PCR test for fully vaccinated travellers

The federal government has scrapped post-arrival PCR COVID tests for fully vaccinated travellers entering Nigeria.

According to a revised travel protocol released by the presidential steering committee (PSC) on COVID-19, fully vaccinated passengers are required to show evidence of “verifiable” vaccination certificate and permit to travel certificate.

Boss Mustapha, PSC chairman, said passengers who are not able to show evidence of full vaccination will be treated as unvaccinated or partially vaccinated under the new protocol.

He said the new measures will be effective from April 4.

“In-bound passengers to Nigeria who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 are no longer required to carry out COVID-19 PCR test before boarding Nigeria-bound flights,” the protocol reads.

“Fully vaccinated passengers arriving Nigeria will not also be required to carry out post-arrival PCR test or a rapid antigen test upon arriving Nigeria.

“Children below the age of 18 years will be accorded the same privileges as persons who are fully vaccinated;

“In-bound passengers who are unvaccinated or partially vaccinated for COVID-19 shall take a COVID-19 PCR test 48 hrs before departure and undergo days 2 and 7 post-arrival PCR tests at their own cost.

“Travelers who are fully vaccinated are not required to observe the mandatory 7-day quarantine nor undertake the day 2 and day 7 post-arrival PCR tests.”

The PSC advised passengers travelling out of Nigeria to have evidence of full vaccination; comply with the COVID-19 guidelines and testing requirements of their destination or transit countries before embarking on the journey.

“Passengers who do not have evidence of full vaccination must perform a COVID-19 PCR test not more than 2 days (48 hours) before boarding,” it said.

“Travelers must bring along an electronic or hard copy of their negative COVID-19 PCR test for presentation at the departure airport and upon arrival in Nigeria.

“On arrival in Nigeria, unvaccinated or partially vaccinated travelers are to show up at the laboratory/sample collection centers chosen by them while filling the NITP on the 2nd and 7th day of arrival.

“Samples will be taken, and a COVID-19 PCR test done. The selected private laboratory will send a reminder text message, email, or phone call to the traveler a day before the appointment date;

“Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated Persons who test negative for COVID-19 after 7 days of  self-isolation/quarantine will be allowed to exit self-isolation on receipt of their result, but if tested positive, will be treated according to measures instituted by the government.”