Covid-19: Zambia has introduced new entry restrictions! [update]

update (28 May 2021): According to International Air Transport Association's (IATA) Covid-19 Travel Regulations Map, which is powered by Timatic*, the following entry regulations are in place for travellers intending to visit Zambia (as of 26 May 2021):

1. Passengers must have a negative Covid-19 PCR test taken at most 72 hours before departure from the first embarkation point. (This does not apply to passengers younger than 5 years.)
2. A completed "Traveller Health Questionnaire" must be presented upon arrival.
3. Passengers and airline crew are subject to medical screening upon arrival.
4. Passengers could be subject to a Covid-19 test upon arrival at their own expense.
5. Passengers could be subject to self-isolation for 14 days. (This does not apply to passengers with a Covid-19 vaccination certificate.)
   

*Timatic is a database containing documentation requirements for passengers traveling internationally via air. It is managed by the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

update (28 May 2021): The information is not confirmed yet, but the document ("Revised guidelines for strengthening surveillance at Points of Enty (PoE)", see below) might have been inadvertantly posted on Facebook and is in fact a draft set of proposals and had no official standing. We'll keep you posted!

The Government of Zambia has introduced new guidelines for all travellers visiting the country. The new travel restrictions became effective on 24 May 2021. All travelers entering Zambia must now produce evidence of a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)-based SARS-CoV-2 negative test conducted within 72 hours prior to departure from the country of origin. All travelers from countries that are deemed to be at high risk of Covid-19 by the Ministry of Health/Zambia National Public Health Institute (ZNPHI) [see below] are subjected to SARS CoV2 testing at the tarvellers cost at the Points of Entry - even if they have a negative PCR test certificate. Specimens are collected on arrival or within 48 hours of entry into Zambia. Mandatory self-isolation at home will be instituted for all travellers coming from countries classified as "high risk”  [see below] irrespective of SARS CoV2 PCR negative test results. Where the home environment is deemed unsuitable, self-quarantine will take place in a designated institution at the traveller's cost. All persons under self-isolation are expected to be compliant and will be monitored on a daily basis by health care workers, physically or remotely.

Travellers from the following countries are getting re-swabbed for SARS CoV2 on arrival at Zambian Points of Entry and have to undergo 14-day quarantine:

1. India
2. Iran
3. Turkey
4. France
5. Germany
6. Russia
7. Brazil
8. Argentina
9. South Africa
10. Egypt
11. Tunisia
12. Ethiopia
13. Kenya
14. Italy
15. Tanzania
    

The list of “high risk” countries wiill be reviewed and updated regulary.