A new international travel guideline has been issued by the Presidential Steering Committee (PSC) on COVID-19, removing mandatory Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) testing for fully vaccinated visitors and stiff penalties for unvaccinated travellers violating the new rules.

The “Provisional Travel Protocol for Travellers Arriving Nigeria” issued on Sunday by the chairman of the PSC, Boss Mustapha, takes effect from April 4.

According to the new protocol, fully vaccinated in-bound passengers to Nigeria are no longer required to carry out COVID-19 PCR test before boarding Nigeria-bound flights.

Also, “fully vaccinated passengers arriving Nigeria will not also be required to carry out Post arrival PCR test or a Rapid Antigen Test upon arrival in Nigeria.”

The new guideline prescribed for the fully vaccinated would apply to travellers between ages 10 and 18 years.

It said that unvaccinated or partially-vaccinated international travellers would still be required to take the PCR test 48 hours before boarding a flight to Nigeria and would undergo post-arrival PCR tests at their own cost.

Meanwhile, for outbound travellers, the guideline prescribes that all passengers travelling out of Nigeria must have evidence of full vaccination, and comply with the guidelines of their destination.

Addressing the issue of airlines boarding violators of the guideline, it said, among other sanctions, such airlines would be fined $3,500 for each violator and could be banned from flying into Nigeria.

“Airlines shall be fined US$ 3,500 per traveller for failure to comply with any of the pre-boarding requirements.

“Airlines who consistently fail to comply with the requirements may be banned from coming to Nigeria; and at the time of boarding, travellers will be required to undergo temperature screening and asked about COVID-19 symptoms.

“Travellers with temperature 38°C and other COVID-19-related signs and symptoms shall not be allowed to board the flight,” the document read.

It also stipulates that travellers who are non-Nigerians would be denied entry into Nigeria and returned to point of embarkation “at the cost to the airline.

“Travellers who are Nigerians or holders of a permanent residence permit will be allowed entry but subjected to the procedure outlined in Section D of the guideline.”

It added that those arriving with forged vaccine certificates would be prosecuted and be made to carry out PCR tests on arrival.

(NAN)