01 Sep 2021 | 12:59 PM UTC
Zimbabwe: Authorities update domestic and international COVID-19 measures as of Sept. 1 /update 25
Authorities in Zimbabwe update domestic and international COVID-19 restrictions as of Sept. 1.
Event
Authorities updated domestic and international COVID-19 restrictions as of Sept. 1, after extending level-four COVID-19 restrictions nationwide through Sept. 7.
Domestic Measures
Level-four restrictions include a nationwide 18:30-06:00 nightly curfew.
Gymnasium, health spas, and fitness centers are allowed to open only to vaccinated clients, staff, and athletes. Children below 14 will be screened for COVID-19 symptoms.
Cinemas, theatres, and national art galleries are also allowed to re-open with 50 percent sitting capacity, but only for vaccinated people.
Businesses are permitted to operate 08:00-15:00 daily at 40-percent capacity; remaining employees must work remotely.
Schools reopened Aug. 30; intercity travel is permitted during school re-opening periods. Commercial transport in cities remains operational with COVID-19 protocols.
Restaurants are open for sit-in patrons who are fully vaccinated.
Facemasks are mandatory in public areas.
Public transport is limited to 50-percent capacity, 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 Restrictions
International air travel has resumed. However, land borders are closed, except for cargo transport and other authorized persons.
Fully vaccinated individuals may now enter Zimbabwe via the Victoria Falls and Kazungula border posts.
Travelers entering Zimbabwe by plane must present a negative COVID-19 test taken within 48 hours before boarding. Authorities may deny entry to people without a test result or displaying COVID-19 symptoms. Individuals may be asked to take a PCR test upon arrival at their own expense (USD 60).
All passengers are required to complete a COVID-19 contact-tracing document on arrival.
Travelers arriving from countries with the Alpha variant of COVID-19 must quarantine for 10 days at a hotel or designated quarantine facility and be tested on the first, third, fifth, and tenth days at their own expense.
Travelers arriving from a country with the Delta variant are not required to quarantine upon arrival as of Sept. 1.
All travelers entering and leaving the country are obliged to present a negative COVID-19 test result via the Trusted Travel Initiative platform. Accredited laboratories work in collaboration with the Trusted Travel Initiative.
People departing the country must present a negative COVID-19 test taken within 48 hours of departure.
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.
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.
