COVID-19 Information | U.S. Embassy in Zambia

Last updated: [09/22/20]

Country-Specific Information:

Available data indicate community transmission of COVID-19 continues to occur throughout Zambia. We strongly recommend reconsidering travel to Zambia at this time.

On September 11, Zambian President Edgar Lungu authorized the reopening of schools and the reopening of bars, taverns, and nightclubs on the weekend. The full remarks of the speech can be found here.

Entry and Exit Requirements:

- For additional information on COVID-19 related guidelines and measures at Zambian airports, please go here.

Is a negative COVID-19 test (PCR and/or serology) required for entry? Yes
Are health screening procedures in place at airports and other ports of entry? Yes
All travelers coming into Zambia will be required to provide a negative COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) PCR test result. The test should have been conducted within the previous 14 days prior to arrival to Zambia. Travelers who do not meet this requirement will not be allowed into Zambia.
Zambia has implemented limited screening upon arrival at the international airport in Lusaka. The screening includes using no-touch thermometers (“thermo-scanners”) to check body temperature and asking travelers to complete a travel health questionnaire.
Symptomatic individuals will be tested for COVID-19 (SARS-Cov-2) at the airports and will be required to enter isolation protocol at a Zambian government facility.
For information regarding visa extensions for residents and/or tourists, please go here.

Movement Restrictions:

Quarantine Information:

Are U.S. citizens required to quarantine? Yes
The Government of the Republic of Zambia is enforcing mandatory 14-day quarantine, testing, and regular monitoring at the residence or preferred place of stay for persons entering Zambia.
Persons arriving are not required to quarantine at a government-designated facility but must communicate to Ministry of Health officials where they intend to reside and provide accurate contact information for regular follow-ups.
This includes those entering Zambia at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (KKIA) and all other Zambian international airports, as well as land borders.

COVID-19 Testing:

There are two options for U.S. citizens to obtain a COVID-19 test in Lusaka: CIDRZ Central Laboratory and Medland Hospital.
CIDRZ Central Laboratory – located off Alick Nkhata Road in Kalingalinga, Lusaka. Available for walk-in service. Costs 00 or USD100.00. Results provided within 72 working hours. Express service costs K2700.00 or USD150.00 and results are provided within 48 working hours. The clinic is open 08:00 to 16:00 Monday to Thursday and 08:00 to 14:00 Friday. Contact +260 975 138 102 for additional information.
Medland Hospital – located at Plot 9, Mukonteka Close, Rhodes Park, Lusaka | Telephone: 3111; +260 761 101600. Tests are available by appointment and cost K2100.00 or USD110.00. Results are provided within three (3) business days. You must call to set up appointment. Working hours: 09:00 to 11:00 Monday to Friday.

Transportation Options:

Are commercial flights operating? Yes
Is public transportation operating? Yes
- Masks are required to be worn in public and on public transportation.

Fines for Non-Compliance: (if applicable)

There are fines for non-compliance, but fines are not being enforced at this time.

Consular Operations:

The American Citizen Services Section is available for emergency services. Routine services remain suspended at this time.
The Visa Section is open for emergency and mission critical cases only.

Local Resources:

Zambia National Public Health Institute (ZNPHI) COVID-19 information is available here. For questions related to COVID-19, please contact ZNPHI at 0953898941 or call the DMMU hotline at 909.
For additional current information, please go to the Zambian Ministry of Health webpage.