Traveling during a pandemic can be daunting, especially with constantly changing protocols and regulations. Dr. Olamide Tayo, a healthcare professional from Nigeria, shares his firsthand experience navigating the Nigeria International Travel Portal, established by the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC). His journey highlights the importance of understanding travel protocols and the necessary steps to ensure a smooth return to Nigeria.
Recently, Dr. Tayo returned to Nigeria amidst widespread frustrations regarding the travel protocols put in place for COVID-19 management. His story serves as an important reminder of the challenges travelers face and the measures they must follow to comply with international health guidelines. This article details his experiences, from departing Abuja to returning home, alongside key takeaways for anyone considering international travel during these unprecedented times.
This experience not only sheds light on the necessary documentation and testing requirements but also emphasizes the importance of preparation and awareness of airline and country-specific regulations. As travelers navigate these complex processes, Dr. Tayo's insights will help others better understand what to expect during their journeys.
Departing Abuja, Nigeria
Prior to his departure from Nigeria, Dr. Tayo ensured that he followed all necessary protocols by visiting a COVID-19 testing site at The Dome in Abuja. He took his test five days before his scheduled travel date, which involved a quick ten-minute process for paperwork and sample collection. The results, which he received via text on the fourth day, were crucial for his travel.
At the Abuja airport, Dr. Tayo observed strict adherence to health protocols, including physical distancing and the mandatory wearing of face masks. However, he noted that not all airlines enforce COVID-19 testing requirements, emphasizing the need for travelers to verify these details with their respective airlines and the destination country well in advance.
Dr. Tayo booked his first flight with Air France, which was fully booked, leaving no space between passengers. Despite the crowded conditions, all passengers wore face masks. Upon arrival at Charles De Gaulle Airport in Paris, he noted the lack of physical distancing, although everyone remained masked. This experience highlighted the varying enforcement of health regulations across different countries.
Returning to Abuja, Nigeria
For his return flight to Nigeria, Dr. Tayo secured his COVID-19 test in Atlanta, Georgia, through the Georgia Department of Health website. He scheduled the appointment five days before departure and received his PCR test results within two days, proving essential for his entry back into Nigeria. It's important to note that Nigeria only accepts PCR test results and does not recognize rapid antibody test outcomes.
With his negative test result in hand, he accessed the NCDC website to complete the necessary registration, which took only six minutes. However, he faced challenges with payment processing for a re-test, which required multiple attempts before successful completion. After paying the required fee, he promptly received QR codes for both himself and his spouse via email, which he printed for presentation at the airport.
Dr. Tayo's travel itinerary included multiple flights, and airline staff consistently requested COVID-19 test results to verify compliance with the five-day testing window. His final flight leg with British Airways allowed for passenger spacing, ensuring more comfort during the journey. Upon landing in Abuja, he efficiently completed the Nigeria health form, which took just a few minutes.
Key Observations at Abuja Airport
Upon arrival in Abuja, Dr. Tayo noted the streamlined process for travelers who had registered, paid, and possessed a QR code. His experience at the airport was efficient, as he passed through immigration in about 15-20 minutes without any undue delays or complications. However, he observed other traveler categories struggling with registration issues, highlighting the importance of being proactive in completing travel documentation.
Dr. Tayo's experience reveals that despite potential frustrations with travel protocols, a well-prepared traveler can have a smooth journey. He shared insights on the need for self-isolation and follow-up testing after arrival, emphasizing that understanding these protocols is essential for any traveler returning to Nigeria during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any organization.
For further feedback, suggestions, or contributions, readers can contact info@corp.legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
