Zambia Introduces Online Health Declarations for All Travelers

Hunters headed to Zambia should be aware that all travelers to this country must complete a new online health declaration before arrival.

The Zambia National Public Health Institute (ZNPH) introduced the new online health screening program for all international visitors arriving at airports and land border crossings. The new POE Sentinel screening system replaces Zambia’s old paper health questionnaires previously required of travelers. The online system is intended to make the entry process faster and more convenient.

To complete the declaration, go to the Zambia Online Health Screening Portal. Fill out the questionnaire, including your point of origination and all countries visited in the previous 21 days. You will receive a personal QR health pass upon submitting the online form. Save that QR code on your smartphone as a screenshot or PDF. When you arrive in Zambia, present the code to the Port Health Officer for scanning. Expect health screenings, including temperature checks at all points of entry.

If you can’t complete the questionnaire before arrival, don’t worry. You can do it at the health desk at the port of entry in Zambia. Just be prepared for lines and possible delays. With the outbreak of contagious diseases such as Ebola, more countries are requiring health screenings and declarations from travelers, and the trend is moving away from paper forms in favor of digital filings. Travelers should expect to encounter these requirements more frequently.

Remember that health screenings are additional to immigration and visa requirements. Always check for these before planning travel to ensure you know and meet your planned travel destination’s requirements.

By Barbara Crown, Hunter Information Service Liaison