The United States has placed some of its nationals in Nigeria on standby list as it continues evacuation following the gradual spread of the coronavirus in the country.
It was learnt that the consulate in Lagos decided to put Americans willing to return on standby as a way of handling the situation better as some persons were said to have arrived at the Lagos airport uninvited.
A mail sent to an American citizen on Thursday and obtained by Qed.ng on Friday read that the first 200 Americans to fill an evacuation form would have a seat reserved on one of the two flights on Friday.
The mail read: “The U.S. Consulate in Lagos thanks you for your patience as we work to repatriate U.S. citizens during these challenging times. You are eligible for standby for the Lagos evacuation flights on Friday, April 3, 2020 departing from Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos to Washington Dulles International Airport in Dulles, Virginia (Washington, D.C. area). Friday’s flights are departing at 8:15 AM and 10:45 AM, respectively.
“Every member of your travel party must complete this form. THE FIRST 200 PEOPLE TO COMPLETE THIS FORM WILL MOVE OFF THE STANDBY LIST and have a seat reserved on one of the two flights on Friday, April 3. We will not be able to communicate whether you were one of the first 200 respondents until you arrive at the airport.
“If you are not one of the first 200 people to complete the form, you will remain on the standby list. There will be space for you to wait at the airport. Please note that if you remain on standby, we cannot guarantee you will receive a seat for either flight. Again, we are unable to update you about your place on the list before your arrival at the airport.
“Please have each traveler in your group complete the form. We must have an accurate count so we can accommodate as many persons as possible; we will prioritize those who have completed the form. If we require additional information, we will contact you individually. The U.S. Consulate in Lagos is looking into the possibility of additional evacuation flights, but has nothing to confirm at this time.”
The consulate further repeated its stance not to foot the bill for the trip.
This comes amid reports that evacuation flights were not allowed out of Nigeria on Friday after several countries including Ghana refused to authorise the use of its airways.
The consulate’s mail continued: Destination: Washington Dulles International Airport, Dulles, Virginia (Washington D.C.-area). All travelers will be responsible for arranging and funding their own travel from Dulles, Virginia, to their final destination, and for any return travel to Nigeria. The U.S. Department of State is unable to assist with obtaining or funding housing, food, or transportation to Lagos or within the United States.
“Cost Estimate: Approximately $1,350 per person. All passengers will be required to sign a promissory note to reimburse the U.S. Government for the full cost. Please see the attached promissory note. Each adult passenger must complete his/her own promissory note. If you are traveling with minor children, please add the children’s information to the note of only one of the accompanying adults. Please try to complete and print the promissory note before arriving at the airport.
“Travel Documents: All travelers must have a valid, unexpired passport. If you are a non-U.S. citizen accompanying a U.S. citizen child, spouse, or other family member, you must have a valid, unexpired visa to enter the United States. If your Nigerian visa has expired, please be prepared to pay the an additional fee at the airport. Travelers without valid documentation will not be allowed to board the flight. If your documentation is expired or invalid, please inform us by calling the Lagos Evacuation Call Center at +234 1 460 3899.
“Travel Passes: Please see attached three travel passes: a COVID sticker from the Lagos State Government; a signed letter from the U.S. Consul General; and a signed letter from the Nigerian Inspector-General of Police (IGP). The IGP letter allows for passage across state lines. PRINT THESE DOCUMENTS OUT OR SAVE THEM TO YOUR PHONE. If you are stopped on your way to the airport, please present these documents to the authorities.
“Baggage: Each passenger may bring up to two checked bags weighing no more than 30 lbs. each and one carry-on bag weighing up to 15 lbs. The baggage limitations will be strictly enforced.
“Pets: Pets are not allowed on this flight.”
