As a part of precautionary measures for coronavirus, the Comptroller-General of Nigeria Immigration Service, Muhammad Babandede, released a travel advisory which directed all intending passengers to China to obtain COVID-19 negative test certificate before leaving Nigeria for the Asian country.
As part of the requirement that must be met in order to permit the people aforementioned, they are to take a Nucleic Acid test three days before travelling out of the country. This directive took effect from September 1,2020.
In a statement released on Friday, DCI Sunday James, the NIS spokesman stated that Chinese citizens are to apply for ‘Green Health Codes’ with ‘HS’ mark, while other foreign citizens which includes Nigerians are to complete the health declaration forms.
The statement which was titled, ‘Travel advisory for China, Europe, and North American-bound passengers due to COVID-19,’ instructed foreigners travelling to China and Chinese citizens to submit COVID-19 negative test certificate to the Chinese Embassy or Consulate in Nigeria for issuance of required clearance for their journey back home.
It stated, “Non-resident Nigerians in Europe and North America are to avoid transiting France pending the lifting of travel restrictions due to COVID-19. Transit passengers to Europe and North America transiting through Paris must endeavour to present a valid permanent resident permit for their final destination and COVID-19 negative test certificate to enable them to gain entry into France.”
The service revealed that only French citizens and residents have been allowed in to France with respect to the note verbale sent from the French Embassy in Nigeria to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the country. This has taken effect since July 1, 2020.
All China, Europe and North America-bound passengers were strongly advised by the immigration service to adhere to the given rules in order to avoid denial of departure from Nigeria and repatriation from the countries concerned due to non-compliance
