COVID-19 Precautionary Measures in Zambia (7 April Update)

Can a resident enter the country?

  • Yes

  • Citizens and residents can enter the country.

Can a foreigner enter the country?

  • Yes

  • Foreign nationals are allowed to enter.

Is transit allowed through the country?

  • Yes

  • Travellers are allowed to transit through Zambia.

Is a test required on arrival?

  • No with exceptions

  • Persons with symptoms consistent with COVID-19 may be tested and quarantined at a government facility.

  • Every traveller will have their temperature checked in the international airport in Lusaka.

Is a test certificate allowed?

  • Yes

  • Certificates issued by foreign countries are accepted.

Test certificate required?

  • Yes

  • All visitors and returning residents to Zambia must have proof that they have tested negative for COVID-19 in the 72 hours before their arrival.

Is quarantine required on arrival?

  • No with exceptions

  • Maximum days of quarantine: 14

  • Minimum days of quarantine: 0

  • Visitors are responsible for monitoring their condition for 14 days after arrival and should report any occurrence of COVID-19 symptoms to medical authorities. There is no requirement for visitors to self-isolate.

  • Returning residents should self-isolate for 14 days following their arrival in Zambia. Travellers with symptoms consistent with COVID-19 may be tested and quarantined at a government facility.

Entry form required?

  • Yes

  • Every traveller must complete a health questionnaire before/during boarding.

Is vaccination required?

  • No

  • A vaccination for COVID-19 is not required for entry into the country.

Insurance required?

  • No

  • Proof of insurance coverage for COVID-19 expenses is not required to enter the country

Airline restrictions

  • Moderate

  • All airports are open for international and domestic flights, although the availability of flights remains limited. Regional airports are open, though airlines may be operating limited services.

  • Some repatriation flights are currently available to return to the UK from Lusaka via Addis Ababa (Ethiopia).

  • Travellers departing for a country that requires a negative test certificate will need to provide a certificate stating that they have tested negative for COVID-19 in the last 14-days prior to departure from Zambia. Travellers to a country that does not require a negative COVID-19 test are exempt from this requirement. The test must be conducted in Zambia. A test certificate issued outside of Zambia will not be accepted for departure, even if it was issued within the previous 14 days.

  • Travellers must obtain a negative certificate from the following hospitals: The District Health Office or the Public Health Office, UTH Hospital, and the Zambia National Health Public Institute.

Border restrictions

  • Moderate

  • Zambia's borders are open.

  • Business and tourist visas are available in advance as well as on arrival.

  • Border crossing points with Tanzania (at Nakonde) and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) (at Kasumbalesa) are open.

  • International trains and bus services are suspended. Cross-border passenger trains operated by the Tanzania Zambia Railways Authority (TAZARA) remain suspended until further notice.

Curfew restrictions

  • Minimal

  • No curfew is in place

Social distancing restrictions

  • Moderate

  • Any gatherings of more than five people will not be allowed without written approval. However, up to 50 people are allowed to attend funerals.

Internal travel restrictions

  • Moderate

  • Public transport is operating and passengers must follow social distancing protocols.

  • International train and bus services are suspended.

Non-essential shops open?

  • Yes

  • Non-essential shops are open.

Accommodations open?

  • Yes

  • Hotels and safari lodges are open.

Restaurants open?

  • Yes

  • Restaurants have reopened.

Bars and cafes open?

  • Yes

  • Bars are open.

Beaches and tourism sites open?

  • Yes

  • Beaches and tourism sites are open.

Museums and heritage sites open?

  • Yes

  • Museums and heritage sites are open.

*Personal care services open? *

  • Yes

  • Gyms have reopened.

Places of worship open?

  • Yes

  • Public gatherings with more than 5 people not of the same family need written approval from local authorities.

Masks required in public?

  • Yes

  • Face masks are mandatory for all people while in public places.

Other

  • Schools are open under strict guidelines.

  • Cinemas, and casinos have reopened.

  • Taverns and nightclubs may open on weekends.

  • Victoria Falls is open to the public.

Advice For Travellers

The COVID-19 epidemic is changing constantly worldwide. This information is subject to change as the situation evolves. Travel and border restrictions may change with little or no notice. Some countries are beginning to remove some restrictions gradually. Check with your airline, booking agent, or country's embassy for information on your specific travel plans.