Nigeria Requires a Health Declaration Before Boarding—Here’s What Travelers Need to Know

Starting in August 2026, checks on the so-called health declaration form for travelers entering Nigeria will be significantly stricter. All travelers flying to Nigeria will be required to fill out a form providing health-related information about their trip. This regulation applies to both foreign nationals and Nigerian citizens returning from abroad. The reason for the stricter controls is the recent outbreaks of Ebola in several African countries, to which Nigerian health authorities have responded with a new border surveillance protocol.

The health declaration itself is not an entirely new requirement. A corresponding form has existed for several years and was originally introduced to monitor the potential introduction of infectious diseases. The declaration first became mandatory in August 2024 amid the spread of Mpox in various African countries. In May 2026, enforcement was significantly stepped up after the relevant health authorities adopted a new border surveillance protocol. Airlines operating international flights to Nigeria were also instructed to inform passengers of this requirement before boarding and to ensure compliance.

For travelers, this means specifically: The health declaration should ideally be completed online at least 24 hours before departure. After submission, a PDF confirmation with a QR code will be sent via email. This code must be presented to health officials upon arrival in Nigeria, either digitally on a smartphone or as a printed copy. Those who are unable to complete the form online before departure may still use a paper version upon arrival—this option remains available for the time being, but should not be relied upon as the norm, as processing at the airport may cause delays.

The health declaration should be distinguished from the actual visa requirement for Nigeria. Travelers who need a visa for their stay should complete both requirements separately and well in advance. Anyone preparing to enter Nigeria can find all relevant information on the various visa categories in our visa overview for Nigeria. The e-visa for Nigeria is particularly convenient for short-term trips; it can be applied for online and significantly speeds up the process.

Since both the entry requirements and the health regulations for Nigeria have changed several times in recent years, it is advisable to take care of all formalities early and in one go. If you’re unsure which documents are required for your specific trip or would like assistance with preparing everything on time, you can check our website for information on the costs of a Nigerian visa and start the application process right away. This helps prevent delays on the day of departure caused by unfinished forms or missing confirmations.

In summary: The health declaration for Nigeria is free, can be completed digitally, and should be submitted no later than 24 hours before departure. Travelers should have the PDF confirmation with the QR code—sent via email—ready upon arrival, regardless of whether they are entering the country on a tourist, business, or e-visa. Preparing all travel documents well in advance and ensuring they are complete remains the surest way to avoid delays upon entry into Nigeria.