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Zambia, a land-locked country in South-central Africa, reopened its international airports in July and is now welcoming tourists back into the nation.
Known for its diverse wildlife and extensive national parks, Zambia attracts around 1 million tourists annually, and is looking to salvage some of those numbers for the rest of the 2020 year.
As Zambia reopens for tourism, there are still some strict protocols in place you need to be aware of before you go. Below we will outline all entry requirements, visa info, testing and quarantine information, and everything else you’ll need to know before you go.
Which Countries Are Permitted to Travel to Zambia?
All countries
Zambia is once again allowing all nations to visit under their normal visa-regime.
Testing Requirements for Zambia
Before Arrival = Mandatory
All tourists, students, or business travelers must present a negative PCR Covid-19 test taken within 7 days of arrival in order to enter Zambia. They have clearly stated that without proof of this test, entry will be denied.
Upon Arrival = Only if symptomatic
Upon arrival, any tourist that is showing symptoms or has a temperature over 38c will be re-tested at the airport.
Quarantine Requirements for Zambia
None for tourists.
If a tourist fulfills the above requirements, and does not have symptoms, they do not need to quarantine upon arrival in Zambia.
During their stay, tourists are kindly asked to monitor themselves daily and report any symptoms to local authorities if they arise.
Quarantine for returning citizens:
Although tourists do not have to quarantine, returning citizens and residents are being asked to perform a mandatory 14-day quarantine at home. This is because citizens, residents and nationals of Zambia do not need the PCR test to return home, so they must quarantine instead.
Zambia Visa Policy
There are currently 44 countries that do not require a visa to enter Zambia. (See map below)
In addition to that, another 94 countries can normally obtain a visa-on-arrival, but we have heard reports that this service is still suspended do to Covid-19. All passengers who are usually visa-on-arrival should verify this with local authorities or obtain an e-visa before departure.
Covid-19 Entry Requirement Summary
All tourists will:
- Check to see if they need a visa to travel to Zambia
- Perform a PCR test and have negative results ready within 14 days of departure into Zambia.
- Fill out the Health Questionnaire provided by the airline before disembarkation
- Have their temperatures taken at the airport upon arrival
- Show customs their proof of negative PCR test
Rules While Visiting Zambia
All tourists are asked to:
- Keep at least 1-metre apart
- Wear masks in all public or common spaces
- Monitor symptoms and report if necessary
Resuming Flights to Zambia
Airlines are starting to resume flights to Lusaka, Zambia (LUN), but schedules are not back at pre-covid levels. Here are some direct flights that have already resumed, or will be soon:
- Istanbul on Turkish Airlines, resuming October 29
- Dubai on Emirates, resuming in October
- Addis Ababa on Ethiopian, already resumed
- Nairobi on Kenya Airways, already resumed
- Harare on Ethiopian, already resumed
- Kigali on RwandAir, already resumed
Read More: See ALL countries in Africa now reopen for tourism, what travel insurance will cover covid, and countries that have no testing/quarantine requirements
Sources: / Wikipedia (visa policy) / gov.uk Zambia / Zambia Immigration /
Disclaimer: Zambia’s reopening news is ever-changing and being updated constantly. We do our best to keep this article up to date with all the latest information, but the decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling.
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Article originally published August 26, 2020 with updates