02 December 2021

Omicron variant: Zambia strengthens surveillance at Points of Entry!

Zambia has adjusted its entry regulations for all international travel to minimise the risk of importation of the new Omicron variant (B.1.1.529) of the corona virus. According the country's Ministry of Health, the updated guidelines are in line with World Health Organisation (WHO) and Africa Centres for Disease Prevention and Control (Africa CDC). The following guidelines apply to all international travel:

  • Screening for Covid-19 will continue at all of Zambia's Points of Entry including airports and land crossings.
    • Port Health officers observe all arriving passengers to detect those with obvious signs of illness and subject them to further evaluation including testing if indicated
    • All arriving passengers must undergo temperature screening
    • Port Health Officers collect and review health declaration forms completet by all passengers and verify contact details
  • All travellers entering Zambia are required to provide evidence of a negative SARS-COV-2 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test for a sample collected within 72 hours of departure from the country of origin. Port Health Officers determine the authenticity and validity of SARS-COV-2 negative certificates.
  • All travellers from countries that have reported the Omicron variant are required to undergo mandatory quarantine for 10 days from the date of arrival.
    • Returning citizens of Zambia or residents of Zambia or permit-holders are allowed to quarantine at home
    • Non-residents of Zambia are quarantined in designated centrers at their own cost.
  • Travellers departing from Zambia are getting screened and must meet all Covid-19 testing requirements of the country of destination and/or transit.

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