Nigerian authorities announced on May 2 that travelers arriving from Brazil, India and Turkey (BIT countries) will bedenied entry into Nigeria. The ban also appiles to individuals who have visited any of these countries within 14 days before their trip to Nigeria.

The restriction was put in place amid a rise in reported COVID-19 cases in the three countries. The restriction does not apply to the following categories of people:

  1. Foreign nationals holding a valid residence permit in Nigeria.
  2. Travelers who have only transited through these any of the countries
  3. Nigerian citizens.

Travelers in these categories will be required to take a COVID-19 PCR test within 24 hours of arrival in Nigeria and observe a seven-day quarantine within a government approved facility at their own cost. The travelers also must take a repeat COVID-19 PCR test at the end of the quarantine period.

All other travelers arriving Nigeria must provide results of a COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours before their flight to Nigeria; previously, the test had to be taken within 96 hours of their flight. These travelers are still expected to observe the seven-day self-quarantine period upon arrival in Nigeria and carry out a COVID-19 PCR at the end of the quarantine period. Airlines that do not comply with the pre-boarding protocol may be fined US$3,500 per passenger and may be required to return any non-Nigerian defaulting passenger to the country of embarkation at the airline’s cost.

Analysis & Comments: Companies are encouraged to ensure strict adherence to this new protocol in other to avoid disruption to its business activities, sanctions/penalties and negative publicity. Deloitte is available to provide additional clarification and as needed. The response to COVID-19 continues to develop and Deloitte will provide more information as it becomes available.

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