IMPACT – HIGH

Zambia recently updated its travel and flight restrictions.

Key Points:

  • All airports are open for international flights.
  • Passengers arriving at Kenneth Kaunda International (LUN) and Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe International (NLA) airports must present a negative COVID-19 test certificate obtained within four days before boarding their flights. Certificates must be from designated laboratories authorized by the Health Authority of the country of departure.
  • Individuals transiting through Zambia will not be allowed to disembark from their flights without authorization. Crewmembers will be allowed to disembark and must undergo mandatory quarantine during their rotation and rest periods. During these times, they will be under the supervision of health authorities.
  • Foreign nationals and alien residents planning to transit through Zambia by land and cross the border into neighbouring countries such as Angola, Botswana, Congo, Malawi and South Africa will not be allowed to enter without a written clearance from the Zambian Department of Immigration and Ministry of Health. Such individuals must also have a negative COVID-19 test certificate obtained within four days of entry.
  • Individuals with tourist visas will not be allowed to enter without a written clearance from the Department of Immigration and a negative COVID-19 test certificate obtained within four days of entry.
  • Individuals with a business visa must have a written clearance from the Zambian Department of Immigration and Ministry of Health before they arrive. This document must state the significance of the business in Zambia.
  • Spouses, children or other relatives of permit or residence card holders are not allowed to enter without a written special clearance from the Zambian Department of Immigration.
  • Visas on arrival will not be issued for tourists or visitors at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport. Travelers who wish to apply for a visa upon arrival must contact the Department of Immigration in Lusaka to request authorization for a boarding clearance before they begin their flight.

Analysis & Comments: The opening of all airports for international flights is good news for employers who wish to send employees to Zambia. At the same time, there are still travel restrictions in place to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

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