NCAA directs airlines to board passengers without payment evidence for COVID-19 repeat test

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has directed foreign airlines to board passengers travelling to Nigeria who are unable to show evidence of payment for a repeat COVID-19 test.

Musa Nuhu, director-general of the NCAA, in a letter to all airlines operating international flights, said the decision was taken due to challenges facing some travellers to Nigeria.

According to the DG, travellers are now finding it difficult to fill their health and travel history into Nigeria International Travel Portal (NITP).

As part of COVID-19 rules, passengers pay for a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test, which they are expected to do after seven days of quarantine.

TheCable understands that the challenge of generating QR code after payment of the compulsory fees has led to many travellers travelling to Nigeria being denied boarding by airlines.

In the letter dated September 11, 2021, the DG explained that the presidential steering committee on COVID-19 had been notified of the challenges facing travellers.

Airlines are therefore mandated to board any traveller to Nigeria who is unable to either pay for the repeat day-7 COVID-19 PCR test or generate the paid QR code/permit to fly.

Earlier, foreign travellers were required to show proof of payment for their COVID-19 PCR test before boarding.

According to the NCAA DG, such passengers would now be required to make payment for the repeat day-7 COVID-19 PCR test at their destination airport in Nigeria.

“Airlines are thereby permitted to board any traveller to Nigeria who is unable to either pay for the repeat Day Seven COVID-19 PCR test or generate the paid QR code/ permit to fly,” the circular reads.

“Such passengers will be required to make payment for the repeat Day Seven COVID-19 PCR test at their destination airport in Nigeria.

“Holders of diplomatic passports and children aged 10 years and below who are unable to complete the NITP are to be allowed to board the flight. Their health declaration and travel history will be captured by the Port Health Services (PHS) at the destination airport. 

“Airlines are to bring this information to the knowledge of their passengers and ensure strict compliance with the above-stated condition.”