The Federal Government through the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority has said that the pre-arrival or post-arrival testing for COVID-19 will no longer be required for travellers, “irrespective of vaccination status.”
This announcement was contained in a letter by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, dated December 12, 2022, and addressed to airline operators.
The letter read, “COVID-19 Travel Testing: Pre-departure and post-arrival COVID-19 Polymerase Chain Reaction tests are no longer required for all passengers irrespective of vaccination status.
“The PCR tests required for all passengers who are partially/not fully vaccinated have been suspended.”
It further noted that aside from the suspension of the COVID tests, wearing of face masks was no longer mandatory for passengers on-board aircraft.
In addition, the health status declaration form for travellers entering Nigeria has been replaced with a health questionnaire to “be completed by all passengers travelling to Nigeria preferably pre-departure on the Nigerian International Travel Portal (NITP)”.
“Passengers who fail to fill the health questionnaire on the NITP pre-departure will be required to fill the health questionnaire either on board the aircraft prior to landing or at the airport terminal building upon arrival.
“Persons aged 60 years and above, immunocompromised (e.g. due to organ transplant, cancer, etc), those with co-morbidities (e.g. heart disease, Diabetes Mellitus, Hypertension, etc), are advised to use face masks, wash their hands with water and soap, use hand alcohol-based sanitizers, and avoid large gatherings.
“Disinfection of bags at the entrance of terminal buildings is no longer required.
“Airlines are therefore required to resume serving catering (meals and drinks) on board aircraft.
“Maintaining social distancing at airport terminal buildings is no longer mandatory.
Ifunanya Ikueze is an Engineer, Safety Professional, Writer, Investor, Entrepreneur and Educator.
