Elevate Destinations

Experts in socially responsible luxury travel. We design travel experiences that support conservation and local communities without skimping on comfort.

AFRICA RIDES: ZAMBIA
JUNE 18 – 25, 2022

Last Updated: June 10, 2022

Zambia Covid Facts & Resources

Note: The Zambian government is promoting practices to mitigate the risk of Covid transmission such as hand-washing, face masks, and social distancing, though compliance is not always consistent.

Zambia Entry Requirements 
  • Travelers entering Zambia are required to fill out a Traveler Health Questionnaire, which is provided on flights, to be completed before disembarkation We recommend travelers print and complete these in advance.
  • Fully vaccinated travelers will be required to show a valid digital Covid Vaccine Card with a QR code for verification upon arrival. For more information, we recommend reading the CDC’s guide on how to generate a QR code from your Covid Vaccine Certificate here.
    Note: We recommend downloading the CLEAR App (download the app here) on your mobile phone to generate a digital copy of your Covid Vaccine Card. 
  • Travelers may be subject to a health screening upon arrival into Zambia, which includes a touchless temperature check.
Re-Entry to the US
  • The US Government announced that as of midnight on Sunday, June 12, travelers will no longer be required to present a negative Covid to enter the US (CNN Article here).
Requirements for this Trip
  • Covid Vaccination: Be fully vaccinated for Covid and up to date with any additional doses of the vaccine you are eligible for. Keep a copy of your vaccine certificate with you throughout the trip.
    Note: Please upload a copy of your vaccine certificate through this secure Dropbox link.
  • Face Masks: Wear a face mask throughout the trip
  • Quarantine: Abide by government quarantine procedures if you test positive for Covid.
    Note: There are designated hotels for quarantining in Zambia.
  • Travel & Medical Insurance: Purchase travel and medical insurance that covers Covid-related expenses and costs associated with quarantine
Protocols for this Trip
  • Symptom(s) Check: All travelers will be asked to self-monitor and report any Covid-related symptoms to your Guide. The guide will ask any guest who is showing symptoms to quarantine in their hotel room and get a Covid test. Symptoms may include:
    • Fever
    • Respiratory symptoms
    • Coughing
    • Sore throat
    • Shortness of breath
    • Other symptoms can include runny nose, acute blocked nose (congestion), headache, muscle or joint pains, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, loss of sense of smell, altered sense of taste, loss of appetite and fatigue.
  • Face Masks: Participants will be required to wear a face mask throughout this trip when in indoor settings, closed vehicles and when visiting local communities. These masks should fit comfortable over the mouth and nose and must not have a valve. Travelers should pack enough masks to have two clean, new masks each day.
  • If a traveler experiences Covid-related symptoms during this journey, below are the protocols to follow.
    1. The traveler will inform the Guide of his / her symptoms via WhatsApp.
    2. The Guide will arrange a PCR Covid test, at the traveler’s expense. 
    3. As per Zambian government requirements, if a traveler tests positive for Covid, he or she will be required to quarantine for 5 days
    4. Someone from Elevate Destinations’ local team will check on the traveler who is quarantining, twice a day. The traveler can also contact their 24/7 emergency support number. 
Covid Testing & Quarantining Protocols
  • If you experience Covid symptoms, your guide will arrange for you to get a Covid test, at your expense. The cost of a Covid test in Zambia is $70 – $100 USD.
  • If you test positive for Covid, you will be required to quarantine as per government regulations.
    • Any traveler that needs to quarantine will do so at his or her own expense at a designated hotel in Lusaka
    • The quarantine period in Zambia is five (5) days
    • There is no PCR test required to exit quarantine
  • Below is a chart that outlines where and how travelers can get a PCR test at each location of the itinerary, how much it will cost, and how quickly they can get their results. 

Location

Where to get PCR Test

Cost of PCR Test

Average time for test results

Quarantine Location

Lusaka

HealitZambia – Website

$70 – $100

6 hours

Radisson Blu Hotel

Lusaka

Medland Hospital – Website

$70 – $100

6 hours

Radisson Blu Hotel
Essential Documents

Here is a list of all of the documents you will need to print before you leave the U.S. so that you have hard copies of everything.

  • Passport Photocopy
  • Travel Insurance Policy Information
  • Covid Vaccine Card & Photocopy
  • Emergency Contact List provided by Elevate Destinations (coming soon)
  • QR Code from the verification of your Covid Vaccine Card through Trusted Travel Initiative
  • International Flight Itinerary
  • $100 USD Cash for possible PCR test