Zambia: Officials relax COVID-19-related international travel restrictions as of March 28 /update 21

Event

Officials in Zambia have relaxed COVID-19-related international entry restrictions for vaccinated travelers as of March 28. Travelers inoculated twice with a two-dose vaccine may enter Zambia without a pre-departure PCR test if they show proof of a completed vaccine scheme. Unvaccinated travelers must still present a negative PCR test result taken less than 72 hours prior to arrival. Domestic measures remain unchanged.

Domestic Measures
Zambia has implemented multiple public health measures to curb the spread of COVID-19 within its borders:

• Wearing a facemask is required in all public spaces, including on public transport.

• Maintaining social distancing of 1 meter (3 feet) is required, and individuals are urged to avoid crowded places.

• Individuals must wash their hands frequently with soap and water or sanitize them with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

• Persons are urged to seek medical attention in a timely manner if feeling unwell.

Businesses, governmental institutions, and other establishments may require individuals to adhere to additional COVID-19-related measures to enter their premises or access services. Some establishments and services may be subject to reduced operating schedules.

International Travel Restrictions
Unvaccinated individuals traveling to Zambia must provide a negative result from a PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before arrival; children under the age of five are exempt from this requirement. Vaccinated travelers must show proof of a completed vaccination scheme. All travelers must complete a Traveler Health Questionnaire before disembarking their incoming flight; the questionnaire is provided on incoming flights and should be handed to authorities upon arrival. Enhanced controls, including random COVID-19 testing, have been implemented at all points of entry.

Additionally, all travelers arriving with a temperature of 38 C (100.4 F) or higher or who exhibit COVID-19 symptoms are subject to COVID-19 testing and must quarantine at home or in a designated government facility at least until the test result is confirmed.

Passengers leaving Zambia are required to use a certified Ministry of Health COVID-19 testing laboratory and present a Ministry of Health-approved negative PCR travel certificate; while authorities may not always ask travelers to present the certificate, individuals must present a valid certificate when requested.

Travelers departing from, arriving in, or transiting the country should validate their PCR test result via the African Union Trusted Travel or Global Haven systems. These services generate a Trusted Travel reference code, which travelers should present to authorities upon their request. Those whose test was performed outside of Zambia are not exempt from this requirement.

To access the African Union Trusted Travel system, click here.

To access the Global Haven system, click here.

Authorities could implement further preventative measures or ease certain restrictions depending on disease activity in the coming days and weeks.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments.

Resources

World Health Organization (WHO)
Ministry of Health Zambia (Facebook)
Ministry of Health Zambia (Twitter)