Nigeria Lightens Policy on E-yellow Card for Inbound Passengers

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has given a new directive to all airlines operating regional and international flights into Nigeria to allow passengers without International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP), known as Yellow Card.

This directive according to Sam Adurogboye, the spokesperson for NCAA, supersedes the earlier one issued on compulsory possession of Yello Card.

However, passengers are will be vaccinated accordingly at Points of Entry and the process for obtaining the e-yellow card will be initiated. This policy is as result of the crucial COVID-19 screening going on at the various points of entry in the country.

This policy change was followed by a letter from the Federal Ministry of Health dated 11 March 2020, reviewing the adoption of Nigeria Points of Entry in the Prevention Policy. and control of cross border transmission of Yellow fever.

“The review of the policy arose from the competing priority of the on-going entry screening of our Points of Entry by the Port Health Services for COVID-19. Hence, entry screening of passengers due to the COVID-19 outbreak will be prioritized by the Port Health Services ″until the outbreak has been effectively contained’’.

The NCAA emphasised that all airlines operating these flights from 11th March, 2020 are required to implement the reviewed policy of the Federal Ministry of Health.

bIt explains that passengers arriving in Nigeria are allowed to board without documented evidence of vaccination against Yellow Fever (valid yellow card), but are advised that they will be vaccinated accordingly at Points of Entry and that the process to obtain the e-yellow card will begin.

The letter from the Federal Ministry of Health also urged passengers departing Nigeria, that a valid Yellow card will be required for boarding. It appeals to the affected Airlines to communicate this policy to their passengers accordingly.

“This policy review is with effect from 11th March, 2020,” the letter stated.

The NCAA therefore, emphasizes that strict and immediate compliance is required.

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