By Bennie Mundando
THERE has been no change to Zambia’s current visa regime and all types of travelers are free to visit the country, the Immigration Department has said.
Public Relations Officer Namati Nshinka has dismissed reports suggesting that Government has halted the issuance of all tourist visas and suspended issuance of visas upon arrival.
“Contrary to alarming reports trending on some social media platforms, to the effect that the Government has halted the issuance of all tourist visas until further notice, suspended the issuance of visas on arrival and is only permitting entry to essential travelers, there has been no change to Zambia’s current visa regime and all types of travelers are free to visit Zambia.
“Therefore, depending on the traveller’s nationality, he/she may enter Zambia without a visa, obtain the visa on arrival or from a Zambian Mission abroad or apply for an e-Visa,” Mr. Nshinka said.
He has however said travelers are required to observe COVID-19 safety and prevention measures prior to their travel, on arrival and during their stay in the country, as guided by the Ministry of Health.
“For instance, tourists and business visitors must be in possession of a negative SARS CoV2 PCR test, conducted within the previous 14 days. All Zambian nationals and returning residents who do not have symptoms will observe mandatory 14-day quarantine at home. This also covers those holding certificates of status as established residents, investor’s, employment, and spouse permit holders.
“Comprehensive guidelines covering key topics such as visas, arrival procedures at the airports, Safety Guidelines for the tourism industry and Airport Preventive Measures are available on our website www.zambiaimmigration.gov.zm,” he said.
The Department has urged the travelling public to verify any COVID-19 related travel information with Government Institutions mandated to provide such information, to avoid being misled and even inconvenienced in case they fail to meet the prevailing entry requirements.
“Our website has a dedicated page for COVID-19 related travel information, which is regularly updated with the latest COVID-19 travel related information,” he said.
