28 Jul 2021 | 03:44 PM UTC
Zimbabwe: Authorities to ease some tourism restrictions as of July 28; nationwide curfew remains in effect /update 21
Government to ease some tourism restrictions in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, as of July 28. Most other COVID-19 restrictions maintained.
Event
Authorities plan to ease some COVID-19-related restrictions on tourism in the Victoria Falls area due to high vaccination rates as of July 28. The Victoria Falls and Kazungula border posts will reopen for people who are fully vaccinated; the date on which this will happen has not been announced. Authorities are maintaining most other COVID-19 international and domestic restrictions.
Domestic Measures
Authorities have imposed lockdowns in KweKwe city in Midlands Province and Karoi district and Kariba town in Mashonaland West Province. Lockdown measures currently in place include an 18:30-06:00 nightly curfew. Businesses may operate 08:00-15:30 daily at 40-percent capacity; remaining employees must work remotely. Intercity travel is prohibited except for the production and distribution of food and medicines. Commercial transport in cities remains operational with COVID-19 protocols.
Additionally, the following nationwide measures remain in effect:
Facemasks are mandatory in public areas.
Public transport carrying capacity is limited to 50-percent, and operators must disinfect their vehicles after every trip.
Most gatherings are banned; funerals can occur with up to 30 people.
Beer halls and nightclubs are closed.
International Travel
Air travel is ongoing. However, land borders are closed, except for cargo transport and other authorized persons. Travelers must present a negative COVID-19 test obtained within 48 hours of arrival. Authorities may deny entry to people without a test result or displaying COVID-19 symptoms. Travelers arriving from countries with Alpha and Delta COVID-19 variants (known as the UK and India variants) must quarantine for 10 days and get tested on the first, third, fifth, and tenth days at their own expense.
All other individuals arriving must quarantine for 10 days; however, officials will allow those who arrive with a negative COVID-19 test to self-isolate at their designated address. If travelers present symptoms upon arrival, authorities will detain them until COVID-19 test results are known regardless of a pre-arrival negative test; officials will release affected individuals to self-isolate at their designated address if the test returns negative. Those who test positive for COVID-19 upon arrival must quarantine at a government-appointed facility for 10 days. People departing the country must present a negative COVID-19 test obtained within 48 hours of departure.
All regulations are subject to change at short notice.
Advice
Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements and check with your embassy to confirm travel details from your country. 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. Plan for queues and delays at available shopping centers.
