Immigration Issues Travel Advisory To China, Europe, North America Bound Passengers

SUCCESS NWOGU

The Comptroller General of Nigeria Immigration Service, Muhammad Babandede, has urged passengers travelling to China, Europe and North America from Nigeria to observe the required travel protocols as requested by the Chinese and French Embassies.

In a statement on Friday by the NIS Public Relations Officer, James Sunday, the comptroller general stated that all intending passengers to China are required to obtain COVID-19 negative test certificate before departing Nigeria for China.

He added that the directive took effect from September 1, 2020.

He said they are required to take a “Nucleic Acid Test” three (3) days before departure.

He explained that Chinese citizens are to apply for “Green Health Codes” with “HS” mark while other foreign nationals including Nigerians are to complete “Health Declaration Forms.”

According to him, all the two categories of travellers – foreigners to China and Chinese citizens – are to submit COVID-19 negative test certificate to the Chinese Embassy or Consulate in Nigeria for issuance of required clearance for their journey to China.

He also said that non-resident Nigerians in Europe and North America are to avoid transiting France pending the lifting of travel restrictions due to COVID19.

He added that 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 entry into France.

According to him, only French nationals and residents are allowed into the country (France) with respect to the note verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs conveying the Travel Advice from the French Embassy in Nigeria. He said the directive took effect from July 1, 2020.

Babandede said, “The Nigeria Immigration Service hereby, advise all China, Europe and North American bound passengers to strongly abide by these rules to avoid denial of departure from Nigeria and repatriation from the countries concerned due to non-compliance.”