Nigeria and Ethiopia have tightened health declaration requirements for international air travellers, with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) warning foreign airlines of sanctions for non-compliance and Ethiopian Airlines directing passengers travelling from Nigeria to complete a health form before departure.
The measures introduce mandatory documentation for travellers in both directions as authorities strengthen public health safeguards amid Nigeria’s response to a confirmed Ebola case in the Federal Capital Territory.
In a circular to international carriers, the NCAA directed airlines flying into Nigeria to ensure that every passenger and crew member completes and submits the prescribed Health Declaration Form before boarding.
The authority said the directive followed updated guidance from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The requirement applies to all categories of travellers, including diplomats, legislators, adults, children and aircrew. The NCAA warned that airlines allowing passengers to board without the completed form would be held accountable and sanctioned under existing laws and Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations.
It added that arriving passengers and crew could undergo additional health screening where deemed necessary by relevant health authorities.
Separately, Ethiopian Airlines has notified its trade partners in Nigeria that passengers travelling from Nigeria to Ethiopia must complete a Traveler Health Declaration Form before check-in or boarding.
The airline advised travellers to submit the form well ahead of departure and ensure that all information provided is accurate and complete. The form is available through the designated portal at https://e-thtp.ephi.gov.et/.
Passengers are also required to save the QR code generated after submission on their mobile phones and retain their Declaration ID for future access or editing. The QR code must be available for presentation upon arrival in Ethiopia.
Ethiopian Airlines urged travel agents to inform customers about the requirement and assist them in completing the process before departure.
Nigeria’s revised aviation directive follows confirmation of an Ebola case in the FCT and forms part of efforts to strengthen surveillance at the country’s points of entry. The NCDC has been working with aviation authorities and other relevant agencies to coordinate screening and preparedness measures.
While the NCAA’s directive applies to international flights arriving in Nigeria, Ethiopian Airlines’ notice covers passengers departing Nigeria for Ethiopia. Together, the measures highlight the need for travellers to check and complete the health documentation required by their destination before heading to the airport.
