Is Zambia Open for Tourists? – Latest Travel Restrictions

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Zambia reopened to international tourism in July 2020. Tourists from any country can visit, so it is one of the most accessible countries that are open for tourism.

All travelers must have proof of a negative PCR test from within 72 hours prior to departure. Upon arrival in Zambia, all travelers will undergo a health screening and have to complete a Traveler Health Questionnaire.

Travelers from countries that are not considered “high-risk” and have a valid negative PCR test result do not have to quarantine upon arrival.

Travelers from “high-risk” countries must undergo PCR testing at their own expense on arrival in Zambia, either at the airport or within 48 hours of entry. They must also quarantine for 14 days from their arrival, although they can end their quarantine early if they receive a negative result from their arrival test.

Can I travel to Zambia right now?  

Zambia is allowing travelers from every country to enter right now. Below is a map of all the countries that can visit Zambia at the moment.

Zambia - EN

Zambia COVID-19 travel restrictions and entry requirements

Zambia’s entry requirements are fairly straightforward.

Zambia COVID-19 travel restrictions and entry requirements

All travelers must have proof of a negative PCR test result that was obtained within 72 hours prior to departure. Travelers must complete a Traveler Health Questionnaire their flight and undergo a health screening when they arrive in Zambia.

Travelers from “high-risk” countries must undergo PCR testing at their own expense on arrival in Zambia, either at the airport or within 48 hours of entry. They must also quarantine for 14 days from their arrival, although they can end their quarantine early as soon as they receive a negative result from their arrival test. If they test positive, they will have to quarantine for the full 14 days.

Travelers from non- “high-risk” countries do not have to quarantine on arrival as long as they have a valid negative PCR test result.

Is PCR testing mandatory to travel to Zambia?

All travelers must have proof of a negative PCR test result that was obtained within 72 hours prior to departure.

Travelers from “high-risk” countries must undergo PCR testing at their own expense when they arrive in Zambia, either at the airport or within 48 hours of entry.

Is there a mandatory quarantine upon arrival in Zambia?

Travelers from “high-risk” countries must quarantine for 14 days from their arrival in Zambia if their arrival test is positive.

If their arrival test is negative, they only have to quarantine until they receive their negative arrival results.

Travelers who transit through “high-risk” countries are not considered “high-risk” if their transit time is less than 24 hours.

Travelers from non- “high-risk” countries are not required to quarantine on arrival as long as they have a valid negative PCR test result.

Travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage to visit Zambia

It is not mandatory to have travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage to visit Zambia. However, it is always a good idea to make sure that you’re covered no matter what happens while you’re traveling.

If you’re looking for travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage, Heymondo is a fantastic choice. Their policies offer extensive coverage at an affordable price, which is why we use them whenever we travel. You can even get a 5% discount on their policies by using the link below.

COVID-19 vaccine to travel to Zambia

Although COVID-19 vaccine distribution has begun in most countries around the world, the government of Zambia has not yet confirmed whether it will be mandatory to present a proof of vaccine record (POVR) or an international certificate of vaccination or prophylaxis (ICVP) to enter Zambia.

COVID-19 vaccine to travel to Zambia

If you’re going to get the COVID-19 vaccine before traveling to Zambia, I recommend taking a copy of a vaccination record or certificate with you in case Zambia changes its travel restrictions.

Other travel restrictions for Zambia during COVID-19

Zambia has implemented a few other restrictions for travelers:

• All travelers must complete a Traveler Health Questionnaire. They will be given the form to complete on their flight.

• All travelers will undergo health screenings upon arrival in Zambia.

• Face masks are required in all public areas.

• Social distancing of at least 1 meter must be observed.

• You may need a tourist visa to visit Zambia. Check if you need one below.

What’s open in Zambia

Many places in Zambia are open right now, including hotels, restaurants, attractions, and tours.

Hotels that are open in Zambia

Hotels in Zambia are currently open, so you should have no trouble finding a great place to stay. If you plan to see as many national parks and natural areas in Zambia as you can, you’ll want to check out these fantastic lodges:

• Msandile River Lodge (Luangwa National Park)
• Royal Zambezi Lodge (Lower Zambezi National Park)
• Wilderness Safaris Shumba Camp (Kafue National Park)
• Chikunto Safari Lodge (Luangwa National Park)
• Track and Trail River Camp (South Luangwa National Park)
• Royal Chundu River Lodge (1h from Victoria Falls)

Guests must wear masks in all public areas and abide by social distancing guidelines. Hand sanitizer will be available at the entrance for guests to disinfect their hands. Guests’ personal details will be collected for contact tracing purposes.

Guests will be informed of the accommodation’s specific health and safety guidelines at check-in. High-contact areas will be disinfected frequently.

You can find more details on hotel regulations here.

Attractions that are open and tours that are operating in Zambia

There are so many things to do in Zambia, including rafting, walking safaris, river cruises, and horseback riding. Luckily, attractions are open and tours are operating. We can recommend the following tours and attractions:

• Victoria Falls Helicopter Flights
• Victoria Falls Guided Half-Day Tour
• Zambezi Full Day Rafting
• Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park
• Victoria Falls River Safari
• Zambezi River Sunset Cruise

At tourist sites, visitors must wear masks and adhere to social distancing protocols. They will be informed of the site’s health and safety regulations upon entering the site.

For rafting and canoeing, visitors must wear masks at all times. The number of people allowed in rafts and canoes will be restricted so as to allow for social distancing.

For drives through game parks, visitors must wear masks. Seating on vehicles will be arranged so that visitors can sit 1 meter apart from each other.

Attractions that are open and tours that are operating in Zambia

For walking safaris, a 1-meter distance from others must be maintained throughout the walk. Visitors must wear masks throughout the walk and sanitize their hands when they return to the lodge from their walk.

For river cruises, visitors must wear masks throughout and sanitize their hands before boarding. Visitors must maintain at least 1 meter of distance from others who are not in their household.

More information on tour and attraction regulations can be found here.

Restaurants that are open in Zambia

Restaurants in Zambia are open, so you’ll definitely eat well if you visit.

Restaurants’ capacities will be restricted, so check if you need to book a table in advance. Guests must wear masks when entering, moving around, and exiting the restaurant. They must also abide by social distancing guidelines.

Restaurants that are open in Zambia

Hand sanitizer will be available at the entrance for guests to disinfect their hands. Guests’ personal details will be taken for contact tracing purposes. Tables will be placed at least 1 meter apart from each other and disinfected after each group of guests.

More information on restaurant regulations is available here.

Airports that are open in Zambia

Zambia’s four international airports, Kenneth Kaunda International Airport, Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe International Airport, Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport, and Mfuwe International Airport, are all open and commercial flights are operating.

Travelers must wear masks and abide by social distancing rules. They will also be subject to health screenings and may potentially undergo random testing on arrival.

Where to get a PCR test in Zambia – COVID-19 testing in Zambia

Your country may require you to take a PCR test in order to fly back home. If you need to get a PCR test in Zambia, here is a list of places where you can get a PCR test.

Zambia reopening its borders to tourists – F.A.Q.

Check out these FAQs related to Zambia reopening for tourists and let us know if you have any other questions in the comments below.

Sources

We will update this guide on Zambia reopening to tourism with any new developments. If you need more information on travel to Zambia, you can check these official sources:

• • US Embassy Updates on COVID-19 in Zambia
  • CDC Travel Recommendations for Zambia
  • General Zambia Travel Advisory
  • Current COVID-19 Travel Guidelines for Zambia
  • Traveler Health Questionnaire
  • COVID-19 Safety Regulations for Accommodations, Restaurants, Attractions, etc.
  • Zambia’s Ministry of Health Website
  • Zambia COVID-19 Dashboard