The United Kingdom on Thursday relaxed travel protocols for Nigerian travellers, who are fully vaccinated with AstraZeneca (including Covidshield), Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson and Johnson.
The new policy takes effect from October 11.
Nigerian passengers previously had to quarantine in the UK for 10 days after vaccination and take the COVID-19 test afterwards.
But the British High Commission, in a statement titled ‘UK changes travel rules for fully vaccinated travellers from Nigeria,’ said the traveller must also have a valid proof of vaccination recognised by the British Government, which is issued by the National Primary Health Care Development Agency.
The statement read: “From Monday, 11 October 2021, fully vaccinated travellers from Nigeria will be able to come to England without needing to provide a pre-departure test, undertake a day 8 test or self-isolate for 10 days, although will still need to book and pay for a day 2 test.
“This policy applies to those fully vaccinated with AstraZeneca (including Covidshield), Pfizer, Moderna and Janssen (Johnson and Johnson). Fully vaccinated means that you’ve had a complete course of an approved vaccine at least 14 days before you arrive in England.
“The day you had your final dose does not count as one of the 14 days. You must be able to prove that you’ve been fully vaccinated under a vaccination programme and have valid proof of vaccination recognised by the British Government: (for Nigeria, the certificates with valid QR codes as issued by Nigeria’s National Primary Health Care Development Agency are recognised).
“But unvaccinated Nigerian traveller to England, the Commission clarified, is still required to take a pre-departure COVID-19 test – to be taken three days before travel, book and pay for day 2 and day 8 COVID-19 tests – to be taken after arrival and complete a passenger locator form – any time in the 48 hours before arrival.
“After you arrive, you must: quarantine at home or in the place you are staying for 10 days, take a pre-booked COVID-19 test on or before day 2 and on or after day 8”.