We are working to recognise Nigeria’s COVID-19 vaccine certificates – UK says

The United Kingdom has disclosed that it is working with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) to ensure that Nigeria’s COVID-19 vaccine certificate is acceptable for travel to the UK.

This disclosure was contained in a statement released on Sunday by the British High Commission.

In the UK’s updated travel advisory, Nigeria is on the ‘amber’ list, which has restrictions for travellers to the UK, irrespective of whether they have been vaccinated against COVID.

The commission said, from October 4, the rules for international travel to England will change to a single red list of countries where stricter rules apply, and simplified travel measures for other countries such as Nigeria.

“We understand that there has been some frustration that the new UK travel rules will continue to require people travelling to the UK from Nigeria to quarantine, despite having received two doses of recognised COVID-19 vaccines in Nigeria,” the statement reads.

“Following a pilot with the United States of America and the European Union, the UK is working to recognise vaccine certificates from other countries as part of a phased review of the many COVID-19 vaccine certificates issued across the world.

“This includes recognising Nigeria’s vaccine certificate and – in the spirit of our long-term partnership – we are working with Nigeria’s National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) to ensure that this happens as soon as possible.”

From October 4, the UK said travellers from Nigeria must take a pre-departure COVID-19 test – to be taken three days before travel.

Travellers from Nigeria must also book and pay for day two and day eight COVID-19 tests – to be taken after arrival — and also complete a passenger locator form.

After they arrive in the UK, travellers from Nigeria must “quarantine/self-isolate at home or in the place they are staying for 10 days, then take a COVID-19 test on or before day 2 and on or after day 8”.