The Zambian Government has ratified the SADC protocol on free movement of persons in a bid to attract foreign tourists.
Tourism and Arts Minister Sylvia Masebo announced that the ratification came into effect on Tuesday.
Mrs. Masebo made the announcement during the opening of a two day regional media training workshop on tourism and development in Lusaka.
She said the development means that Zambian citizens will not be subjected to VISA requirements when visiting any of the SADC countries that have equally ratified the SADC protocol on free movements of people.
“This practically means that Zambians would enjoy VISA free travel into any of the SADC countries that have ratified this protocol or at least be issued with a VISA at the point of entry. This is in the spirit of easing travel and consequently encouraging more foreign tourists,” Mrs Masebo said.
Ms Masebo, who was flanked by Information and Broadcasting Deputy Minister Mwansa Kapeya, said the ratification of free movement had made SADC countries to become one when it comes to movement.
“That is an important step to boost the movements of people and tourists in the region. For instance, going to Malawi, South Africa and other SADC countries now will be just as easy as going to my Constituency in Chongwe without any restrict.
It is very important issue for tourism to easy the movement of people as more tourists will flock to the country,” she said.
In Turkey, about 30 million tourists go that country and partly this is partly due to easy movement of people.
“As a country and continent, we must look at attracting more tourist arrivals and this can only be done by easing travels,” she said.
Ms Masebo also expressed hope that the yellow fever requirement would soon be addressed before the UNWTO general assembly.
She further called for the promotion of domestic tourism and urged citizens across Africa to consider taking their families for holidays to appreciate tourism.
“Good and positive news about tourism in Africa rarely makes the news headlines and it is crucial that the media in Africa identify the importance of tourism to promote economic development in the region.
We need to heal the current negative perceptions in the international media on Africa where they always report on Africa as a continent with wars and poverty when we have more tourism attractions and minerals than most countries in overseas,” she said.
Speaking at the same function, UNWTO Deputy Regional Director for Africa Helder Thomas aid the growth of tourism globally was expected to continue this year.
“In the case off Africa, despite of different crises and challenges faced, the continent exceeded for the first time the 50 million tourists in 2012 reaching 52.3 million tourist arrivals
UNWTO forecasts Africa will receive 85 million tourists by 2020 and 134 million by 2030,” he said.
Mr Thomas said the current share for Africa was five per cent of international tourist arrivals and it was projected that the figure would grow to six and seven per cent by 2020 and 2030 respectively.
He said tourism was directly responsible for five per cent of global Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and six per cent of global trade and employs one out of 11 people.
“We need to create a continued dialogue between the private sector and the media as the two key to supporting the growth of tourism,” he said.
The SADC Protocol on free movement of persons was adopted in 2005 and seeks to fulfill the objectives of the SADC Treaty.
The treaty requires SADC countries to develop policies aimed at the progressive elimination of obstacles to the free movement of capital and labour, goods and services and of the people of the region.
Firstly I would like to state that there was need for Lusaka Times to inform the readers which countries have ratified this protocol. I think this is common sense for any journalist.
I welcome this development. however such integration demands that there are also effective systems put in place to manage the consequences of regional integration. For instance and especially as regards to the Africa setup there will be need for our government to put in place mechanisms that will ensure that in the case of disease out breaks in the region, we should be protected by any means.
We have also noticed in the recent years that the drug trade has slowly become rampant in zambia. With this free movement of people there needs to be stringent systems put in place to safeguard against this.
Young Generation party; It’s true journalist who cover this should have been professional to highlight the countries which have already ratified the protocol instead of leaving us in suspense. However the Chief editor was equally sleeping I wonder if he ready the whole story, Lusaka Times I think you are now failing us.
With this mushrooming Universityties with no infrastructure not even a library, this is the result of non strict controls.
The other thing is for journalists failing to articulate their reports above average, due to them having come along with leakages through out the examination process.
@MY ZAMBIA, you’re spot on. At times I feel we rush into mimicking the structures of developed countries. I am a very strong proponent of government being the custodian and provider of health and education services in underdeveloped countries like ours where there are NO proper mechanisms and institutional arrangements for setting, monitoring and controlling standards in the private sector. Today, you find funny and very dodgy colleges and univeristies at every corner milking poor children of their parents’ hard-earned money.God knows who accredits them, they do it with such impunity that they even advertise on TV EVERYDAY in full view of those who claim to be the accrediting authorities! Nursing colleges are all over- who approves their curricula & standards of hygiene?
But zambians have been travelling to SADC countries without any visa requirement in the past already, this is NOT NEWS
The headline says SADC. Then someones asks which countries. And then you condemn private Universities for the missing information. Are you being fair. That aside, there is no need for excitement UNLESS they say you dont need a work permit to work in Zim or Rsa
@ndobo. Not true. Unless you are not aware that you need a visa to go to Angola, Mozambique and Madagasar,
OK,its good for tourism and related businesses but i hate for our visitors to come experience unreliable water supply,corrupt cops,stench from Lusaka trenches and trash that is never collected.Improving zambia has to be an all inclusive affair and we can do much better.
Agree to your idea of cleanses. It should start at Masebo herself, she should dress and care for herself, she is so dirty. I believe Catherine Namugala is younger than Sylvia, and Catherine dress and behave more decent.
You can judge how decent or clean a home someone comes from, just by the way they dress and behave.
I agree with you #Enka Rasha. I hate to see many tourists come and see the ever increasing rubbish in Lusaka
I think this is the worst mistake we have ever made. You cant open up the country just like that. Whats wrong with these people?
We will have congolese coming to rape our people,especially those coming from war zones,steal our cars.you don’t open a country like that ,this is rubbish.
MASEBO IS ILL INFORMED
This isn’t new, the protocol was initiated and ratified a long time ago. It has always been the case. Who told her that one required visas to travel in the region.
Those of you who have travelled in the region will agree, you don’t need a visas to travel to South Africa, Mauritius, Mozambique, Botswana, Swaziland, Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia, Seychelles, Zanzibar, Madagascar
the reason you don’t need a visa its because they are commonwealth countries, remember Angola is SADC but citizens of both countries require visas to enter another country, in this aspect Masebo is actually well informed. if Zambia was to stop paying visas getting to Angola then a sea of opportunities will befall zambian businessmen and this is a plus
Including Tanzania and Congo DR all these countries dont need Zambians to have a visa. This is not news i am wondering what they are talking about…I think our minister is either just having coffee in the office or the journalist who wrote this article dont know what they are talking about…
@ Chief Mourner Since when did Madagascar become a commonwealth country? You don’t need visas to visit SADC countries . Simple.
You require a visa to go to Angola. That is the only SADC country I know that requires Zambians to get a visa to go there. At one time I was denied a visa to go to Angola on flimsy reasons and I was hurt after all that we did for Angolans in Zambia. There are a lot of business opportunities in Angola although it is one of the most expensive countries in the world. A room in a simple two star hotel will cost you in the excess of $300 a night and a cup of capucino will cost $25. So Zambians be ware!
@bonzo. Find your own name and stop using other people’s blogging names. We knoww the real Bonzo writes.
I am trying to remember where in SADC one has needed a VISA. I have travelled to most SADC countries and I just get up and go….never had to apply for a VISA….
You Torsa,have ever been to Angola? You require a VISA to go there!!
But what’s in Angola who wants to go there?
Masebo has created such a negative reputation for herself that when she speaks normally, it appears abnormal. Her over sized mouth has really down graded her to such an extent that a speech of a low level officer in her ministry, would make more sense than hers. If Ministry of Tourism is to be taken seriously again, let the PS or Deputy Minister be the one to make policy statements than Slvia Murambila, or else transfer her to a less visible ministry.
Masebo needs to keep away from the TV shes irritating.
If you’re neighbouring Zaire, this is a very stupid move.
IS CONGO KINSHASA A SADC MEMBER? MAY BE ZAIRE IF WE HAVE SUCH A COUNTRY IN THE WORLD. KEKEKEKIKIKI
Rather than just tourism I want to see trade improved and promoted. not only in the SADC region but through our COMESA. You want tourists to come in and not experience issues raised by #2 ENKA RENSHA also the poor state of roads, look to Kenya and you’ll learn a lot and the country will benefit even more.
Speaking of domestic travel, didn’t have time to do much ‘touring’ but have to say went to Munda Wanga for nostalgia’s sake and the service was impeccable. Called up before at 8am on the dot and the phone was picked up. Info was politely and patiently given… The young guide on the feeding tour knew his stuff and had lots of enthusiasm. Was great to see local residents brought their little kids out. Still looks beautiful. Well done to all involved. Food and food service also good. So many places in Zed have deteriorated or been surpassed by new ones but little things count and one forgot traffic, heat, unfinished roads etc. just because the experience was worth the journey. Pavements, refuse management and drainage needed in capital. AC at airport arrivals too…
Try going to Angola and see if you can enter without visa……..it is SADC too. I hope it has ratified because that is where I am married.
The moment i heard that Sata was elected president of Zambia, the first thing i said was, “under Sata, Zambia will be a failed State”. So, for me i am not surprized what is happening in Zambia. What is surprizing though is how Sata has managed to destroy Zambia within a very short period of his presidency. Thw big question is, why is Sata destroying our country, what is frustrating him to destroy our country? I really fail to understand this man, he habors so much evil against the country.
Promotion of Domestic Tourism my foot! Even last Thursday Zambia Tourism Board held a meeting with Stakeholders in L/stone to emphasize promotion of domestic tourism. Yes tourism is not for foreigners only, Zambians should take a break and go on holiday within Zambia. Alas! the cost of holidaying in Zambia by Zambians is exhorbitant. Even common Guest Houses charge like five star hotels for pathetic services just to make a kill. Every two years I go on holiday to the coast in Namibia, drive there on good roads, cheaper fuel, get hosted in clean decent but clean holiday homes. I afford for 14 days. Here I cannot even afford a decent cheap holiday for two nights. Reduce your prices to promote domestic tourism.
I am worried with the congolese influx. They will liter our countries, mind you these are hungry guys who do know how to grow a single crop
I don’t think the minister understands the protocol. SADC region has always been open. What is being suggested is that a person coming from outside SADC must instead of obtaining different visas for all SADC countries he wants to visit,he gets only one visa that then allows him to move in the region and toure freely. It will not be like going to Chongwe as she puts it. The other issue is that the PF government must be ashamed of trying to bring in more tourists when our cities are dirty and and always flooded. They should also understand as gvt that infrastructure is what attracts people to a country. There is need for massive infrastructure development in the country.Improve the production and supply of electricity, sanitation and sewerage. Improve and upgrade our ports of entry.
Mwenya Geoffrey mwalanda bakaamba! This not new it is a belated publicity. Even when travelling in the EU countries you get only one Visa that lets u free entry into member countries if you are not their citizen. Tourists should come in great numbers, but our Tourist Capital is the dirtiest of all Tourist Capitals. Vic Falls receives 500,000 visitors per year whereas I have been to Niagara Falls which recieves 30 Million visitors per year. The premises are clean, full of restraunts, parks\gardens,shops.Here our Falls is close to nature, with miserable curio shops, and usual dirty all-over. Govt has to invest in re-modelling and rebuilding of L/stone into a clean city with amusement parks/gaderns, real shopping malls, wide/neat roads, regular garbage disposal and painted house 4 once.
Excellent boss….except, I doubt Sylvia can understand anything you have said….She feels she knows it all and cannot be advised…
“Mrs. Masebo made the announcement during the opening of a two day regional media training workshop on tourism and development in Lusaka.”
“Ms Masebo, who was flanked by Information and Broadcasting Deputy Minister Mwansa Kapeya, said the ratification of free movement had made SADC …”
Is it Mrs or Ms. Be consistent bwana editor.
Total!!!
Good move!!
nonsense..we shall not benefit anything..
commonwealth isnt SADC. cango, angola you require a visa imwe vikopo
I make a biannual drive to Port Elizabeth via East London and visit for 2 weeks with my family. It turns out cheaper and less distressing than going to Mfuwe and Luangwa South. I had a nasty experience years back at a Zambian Tourist destination when a Zambian tour guide dumped me and my family in preference for a white family that had just arrived at the reception. Afterwards she apologized in a bizarre manner and explained that she had left us to attend to some “Tourists”. Now now! If I’m black, I’m not a Tourist in Zambia ka?
You even lucky your pocket was intact, otherswise, it could have been monies she could have gone away with.
iwe ama tourists ni ba zungu kekekekeke you do not tip,that’s why she dumped you.
Yaguwa ni EU manje? or should i say United States of Southern african Nations?
What about me a zambian with a Belgian passport how am i affected? Say i visit mother zambia, but want to see the sandy beaches of Durban can i just slip through like any ordinary Zambian?
Sylvia Murambila is trying to dilute her issue of hailing from Old Bob’s kingdom by letting into the country every jim and jake.
In Turkey, about 30 million tourists go that country and partly this is partly due to easy movement of people. Nawawo!
NO MORE $50 entry FEES PLEASE
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What about those exorbitant entry fees US$50 imposed on tourists. We also need to do away with such expensive charges. After all tourists spend lots in food, hotels etc. Isn’t that bringing more money to Zambia than extorting $50 at entry?
Kolozi
ZAMBIA ALLOWING SADC COUNTRIES FREE ACCESS TO VISIT ZAMBIA WILL ONLY MEAN MORE MALAWIAN,ZIMBABWEANS, MANY ILLEGAL NIGERIANS, INDIANS AND PAKISTANIES WHO ARE RESIDING IN SOUTH AFRICA WITH FAKE SOUTH AFRICAN PASSPORT WILL NOW BE SETTLING IN ZAMBIA WHICH WILL BRING MORE CRIMES AND CROOKED ACTIVIES IN OUR ALREADY TROUBLED ECONOMY. DID YOU KNOW THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF FOREIGNERS LIVING IN SOUTH AFRICA WHO HAS SOUTH AFRICAN PASSPORTS.MORE ILLEGAL INDIANS AND CHINESE WILL NOW ENTER ZAMBIA FREELY.THANGS TO SYLVIYA MASEBO
What about security measures? because crime is everywhere.
SORRY TYPING ERROR ,IT SHOULD READ THANKS TO MASEBO
This is Zambia my friends we are good at Copy and Paste. we need more clarification from the author of this news. why are asked the number of days you intended to stay when we visit other Sadc countries?
Masebo is speaking rubbish. The only real issue in this report is the yellow fever saga. Travellers from other countries who wish to visit zambia are not allowed to fly out of RSA unless they have the YF certificates. This surely affects tourism into zambia. Every thing else is old and stale.
Hold on guys! One need a visa if he/she is to stays more than 30 days in South Africa from either Zambia or Malawi. Maybe that’s what they are talking here. Please advise me.
Don’t see any Benefit; COZ we didn’t need visas except ANGOLA? What would work is to have one VISA FOR SADC, FOR FOREIGN TOURISTS, to have free movement. We would benefit especially from tourists coming from Places like Middle EAST where ZAMBIA has no EMBASSIES. Many want to visit ZAMBIA but the issue is VISA application Centers. TBZ / Foreign Office, Can’t we have E government services, where people can apply for visas online?? Small countries like Bahrain have really benefited, from such initiatives.
CAN SOMEONE EDUCATE ME.IS ANGOLA PART OF SADC.IF SO THEN THE VISA REQUIREMENT TO ENTER THAT COUNTRY HAS BEEN REMOVED FOR NOW.
We have got to start from somewhere. The well-travelled and informed please share your experiences to the rest of us bearing in mind that we are also well-read.
A number of valid points and concerns have been raised and those that come to mind straight away are:- sanitation, bad infra-structure,lack of competitive domestic airlines but please to see that a new airline will start operating soon.
My input in this, we cannot pretend we are wealth when we are poor! Allow free movement of tourists to allow them to see how rubbish our towns are just in case amongst them, they see an opportunity to invest in our country to show us what we are missing.
Welcome to the Global Village
**typos
We have got to start from somewhere. The well-travelled and informed among us please share your experiences with the rest of us bearing in mind that we are also very well-read.
A number of valid points and concerns have been raised and those that come to mind straight away are:- sanitation, bad infra-structure,lack of competitive domestic airlines but pleased to learn that a new airline (mukuba airline) will start operating soon.
My input in this is that we cannot pretend we are wealthy when we are poor! Allow free movement of tourists to allow them to see how rubbish our towns are just in case amongst them, they see an opportunity or two to come back and invest in our country hence open our eyes as one cannot see see past the ends of their nose.
Welcome to the Global!…
MS SYLVIA MURAMBIWA, DID U GET A VISA WHEN U PADDLED ACROSS ZAMBEZI FROM ZIMBABWE? U R A FRAUD MADAM. GO BACK TO ZIMBWILAND & ENTERTAIN MUGABE YOUR UNCLE.
In Europe, you have the ‘ Schengen VISA ‘ that allows travel to 26 Schengen countries by just obtaining 1 visa for the first country from the member state you want to visit first.
Put simply, if you intend to visit Belgium and feel you might touch the Netherlands or Luxembourg then it’s better and commonsensical to get a Schengen VISA when you apply for a visa at the Belgian Embassy.
**************
When I travel to Kenya, I go through immigration quicker than the residents thanks to COMESA and I do not need a VISA. Well done Kenyans. As for Zambia I feel persecuted entering my own country! Please don’t open my bags each time I arrive and salivate over my nieces and nephews chocolates you are in employment therefore buy your own.
Sylvia Murambiwa illegal immigrant you will be booted out of Zambia soon sort out your citizenship!!
In Europe, you have the ‘ Schengen VISA ‘ that allows travel to 26 Schengen countries by just obtaining 1 visa for the first country from the member state you want to visit first.
Put simply, if you intend to visit Belgium and feel you might touch the Netherlands or Luxembourg then it’s better and commonsensical to get a Schengen VISA when you apply for a visa at the Belgian Embassy.
http://www.theschengenvisa.co.uk
When I travel to Kenya, I go through immigration quicker than the residents thanks to COMESA and I do not need a VISA. Well done Kenyans. As for Zambia I feel persecuted entering my own country! Please don’t open my bags each time I arrive and salivate over my nieces and nephews chocolates you are in employment therefore buy your own.
When Masebo speaks, you have to bite your tongue because she doesn’t know what she talks about. For time immemorial you don’t require visas to travel in SADC region apart from Angola which exempts no country in the world. Congolese, Zimbabwean, Masais are all already here living and working without visas. What Silvia is talking about may be free movement of labour which most countries including RSA and Botswana have refused to ratify due differences in expertise of member countries. This is costly for Zambia because we can’t compete due to scarce and inadequate education for our country with almost half the population not having access to education and training and means more jobs and good life for foreiners but not tourists. PF please, stop hiring ministers from MMD but UPND and NAREP.
More news!! This is good. News that benefits the public is always welcome 🙂