Health Alert: U.S. Consulate General Lagos, Nigeria
Location: Lagos
Event: Evacuation Considerations
The U.S. Consulate General in Lagos announced earlier this week that several evacuation flights are now confirmed. Many of you have expressed interest in these flights. We are compiling this information, but cannot guarantee a seat at this time. You will be notified shortly by separate e-mail if we are able to accommodate your evacuation request. Please bear in mind the following considerations in determining if an evacuation flight is in the best interest of you and your family:
- Expenses – This is a self-funded, one way flight to a single destination in the United States. All passengers must sign a promissory note and repay the full cost of their seat(s). In addition, travelers are responsible for organizing and funding any travel to their final destination in the United States, all living expenses while in the United States, and any return travel to Nigeria. At this time, we anticipate the cost of the flight to be between $1,300 and $1,400 per person.
- Healthcare – Healthcare systems in many localities in the United States are currently overwhelmed. If you need to seek medical care while in the United States, you will be responsible for all costs not covered by your insurance.
- Hotels – Many hotels in the United States have closed or are closing. If you plan to evacuate to the United States, please ensure you secure accommodations BEFORE you travel.
- Inability to Return to Nigeria – At this time, Nigerian airports are closed to all commercial international flights. If you evacuate to the United States, it is unlikely you will be able to return to Nigeria until the Nigerian government reopens the airports and commercial flights resume.
- Pets – No pets will be permitted on this flight. This includes both pets that travel in cargo and those that travel in cabin.
- Closings and Shortages – There are shortages of many basic supplies across the United States, including toilet paper and canned and frozen foods. Many stores, restaurants, and businesses are closed.
- Schools Closed – Most schools in the United States are closed, and there are very few childcare options available at this time.
- Unaccompanied minors – Unaccompanied minors MUST be met at the Washington-Dulles International Airport by a responsible adult. Domestic travel in the United States may have limited options to allow that adult to travel to the airport to meet the minor.
- Luggage restrictions – There will be strict limitations on number of pieces of checked and carry-on luggage as well as size and weight. Oversize and excess luggage will not be permitted.
- Transportation to Airport – All travelers are responsible for arranging travel to the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos. The U.S. Embassy in Abuja and U.S. Consulate General in Lagos are working with the Government of Nigeria on conditions for movement to the airport, but anticipate travelers may encounter delays transiting to and within Lagos. The Consulate has received several calls from individuals who were stopped in transit and prevented from traveling to Lagos from other states. Be advised we are unable to assist with transportation to the airport, and it remains the responsibility of the traveler to arrange to be at the airport for the flight.
Actions to Take:
- Consult the CDC website for the most up-to-date information.
- For the most recent information on what you can do to reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19, please see the CDC’s latest recommendations.
- Visit the COVID-19 crisis page on travel.state.gov for the latest information.
- Check with your airlines, cruise lines, or travel operators regarding any updated information about your travel plans and/or restrictions.
- Visit our Embassy webpage on COVID-19 for information on conditions in Nigeria.
- Visit the Department of Homeland Security’s website on the latest travel restrictions to the United States.
Assistance:
- U.S. Embassy Abuja, Nigeria
Plot 1075 Diplomatic Drive, Central District Area
+234 (9) 461-4000 during business hours; after hours press zero (0)
AbujaACS@state.gov - U.S. Consulate General Lagos, Nigeria
2 Walter Carrington Crescent, Victoria Island
+234 (1) 461-3400 during business hours and after hours
LagosACS@state.gov - State Department – Consular Affairs
888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444 - Nigeria Country Information
- Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts.
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