COVID-19 Information | U.S. Embassy & Consulate in Nigeria

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“The Department of State has issued a Level 3 Travel Advisory for Nigeria”. Reconsider Travel: Nigeria Travel Advisory

Country-Specific Information:

Most basic services (i.e. grocery stores, gas stations, etc.) are available in Nigeria.
On July 27, the Federal Ministry of Education issued a press release stating that only exit classes in secondary schools would reopen on August 4 in preparation for the West Africa Examinations (WAEC) and that all other grades will engage in online learning for the time being. The Lagos State Government is planning to open tertiary schools on September 14 followed by elementary and secondary schools on September 21.
Per Nigeria CDC (NCDC), mass gatherings of more than 50 people outside of a workplace are prohibited.
The Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 announced restricted opening of places of worship based on protocols of the state government and with strict guidelines on physical distancing. See detailed guidelines for places of worship here.

Entry and Exit Requirements:

Are U.S. citizens permitted to enter? Yes
- The U.S. Embassy is not aware of any restrictions on U.S. citizens at this time.
Is a negative COVID-19 test (PCR and/or serology) required for entry? Yes.
- As of September 18, the Government of Nigeria requires a negative COVID-19 PCR test within 5 days (120 hours) before departure. Additionally, children 10 years old and younger no longer require the PCR test.
- On September 5, the Federal Ministry of Information & Culture released new Quarantine Protocols for Travelers Arriving in Nigeria. S. citizens should read this document carefully to ensure they are abiding by all guidelines therein. Individuals who fail to complete all guidelines may not be allowed to enter Nigeria. U.S. citizens should review Nigeria’s International Travel Portal FAQs.
- All returning travelers to Nigeria must have tested negative for COVID-19 through polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing in the country of departure. The PCR test MUST now be administered no more than 120 hours before departure.

NOTE: PCR tests must be administered (not results received) within 120 hours prior to flight departure or the airline may deny boarding.

There are three COVID testing protocols for inbound passengers:

Step 1: Complete the health declaration and contact form via Nigeria’s online International Travel Portal (nitp.ncdc.gov.ng).
Step 2: Upload negative PCR test results (administered within 120 hours of departure) to the online portal, and present a hard copy at check-in. For certain countries, the test must be from specified labs.
Step 3: Register and pay via the online portal for a PCR retest in Nigeria to occur seven days after arrival.NOTE: If you do not receive the QR code confirming payment of the PCR retest online, the International Travel Portal’s FAQs states, “As a temporary measure, any passenger that is unable to complete payment online will be allowed to board the flight if they have a valid COVID-19 negative PCR result. The passenger will be required to pay for the repeat COVID-19 PCR test on arrival in Nigeria. Please note that passengers without a QR code may face longer delays on arrival in Nigeria before exiting the airport.”

Passengers arriving in Nigeria must self-isolate for 8 days if the COVID retest on day 7 is negative. If retest results are positive, passengers must self-isolate for 14 days. Isolating in the city of port entry (Abuja or Lagos) is recommended but not required.

We urge U.S. citizens to review the above guidelines carefully to ensure full compliance.

Are health screening procedures in place at airports and other ports of entry? Yes
- The U.S. Embassy is not aware of visa extensions for residents and/or tourists.

Movement Restrictions:

Is a curfew in place? Yes
- The Government of Nigeria has implemented a curfew from 12:00am to 4:00am daily.
Are there restrictions on intercity or interstate travel? No

Quarantine Information:

Are U.S. citizens required to quarantine? Yes
- Passengers who have arrived in Nigeria must self-isolate for eight (8) days if the COVID retest on day seven (7) is negative. If retest results are positive, passengers must self-isolate for 14 days. Isolating in the city of port entry (Abuja or Lagos) is recommended but not required.

COVID 19 Testing:

If you are showing symptoms of COVID-19 while in Nigeria, you must self-isolate and call your state helpline. The State Ministry of Health supported by NCDC will arrange for sample collection and communicate your result.

If travelers from countries with ongoing local transmission* feel ill with fever, cough, or difficulty breathing within 14 days of arrival in Nigeria, please

Observe self-isolation immediately by staying indoors and avoiding contact with people
Call the NCDC 24/7 toll-free line IMMEDIATELY on 080097000010
Avoid self-medication

Fees: Testing with NCDC is free; results may be received in 5-7 days. Government hospitals generally do not charge for COVID testing; however, results may take 3-4 weeks. Fees differ for private labs/hospitals and can be as high as 71,000 ($184 USD); results may be rendered in 3-4 days.

Transportation Options:

Are commercial flights operating? Yes
Is public transportation operating? Yes
- Passengers must wear face masks when taking public transportation.

Fines for Non-Compliance: (if applicable)

U.S. Embassy Abuja is not aware of any fines for non-compliance. However, there are reports of individuals being harassed for non-compliance.

Consular Operations:

The American Citizens Services (ACS) Units in Abuja and Lagos will begin processing limited routine ACS services as possible in accordance with COVID-19 prevention measures. Visit our website for updates. U.S. citizens in need of an emergency passport for imminent travel should email a copy of their travel itinerary to AbujaACS@state.gov or LagosACS@state.gov.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, routine visa services in both Abuja and Lagos are currently suspended. Abuja and Lagos will begin accepting limited visa appointments in specific categories as possible in accordance with COVID-19 prevention measures. Visit our website for updates.

Local Resources:

List any local resources that can provide additional useful information.

Nigeria Center for Disease Control (NCDC)

Toll-Free Number: 0800-970000-10
SMS (Text Message): 08099555577
Website: https://ncdc.gov.ng/
E-mail: info@ncdc.gov.ng
WhatsApp: 07087110839 (if outside of Nigeria – +234-708-711-0839)