Revised guidelines have been issued by the Ministry of Health and Zambia National Public Health Institute (ZNPHI) aimed at bolstering surveillance at the country’s points of entry.

As per the guidelines issued by the director general of the Zambia National Public Health Institute, Professor Roman Chilengi and Ministry of Health permanent secretary Professor Lackson Kasonka, the new rules will apply to all international travellers at Zambia’s points of entry, coming into effect on 28th March.

“Fully vaccinated travellers do not require any form of negative COVID test results but shall be required to provide proof of a full vaccination status. ‘Fully vaccinated’ means complete doses of a vaccine, for example first and second dose of two-dose COVID-19 vaccines,” the professors stated.

The Ministry of Health and Zambia National Public Health Institute went on to add that international visitors who are not fully vaccinated will need to provide proof of a negative Covid PCR test taken 72 hours before departure.

“Re-testing at own cost will be applied for travellers who do not meet the above stipulation. In case of a positive result, self-quarantine at owner’s cost will be mandatory, following local Zambian protocols. Children below the age of 12 years are exempt from these measures.

“Travellers from Zambia must ensure that they observe the guidelines of the countries they wish to visit,” the Ministry of Health and Zambia National Public Health Institute added.

In addition, all people entering the country will be subject to temperature checks. “All travellers should hand over their health declaration forms to the Port Health Officers,” the organisations continued.