Ministry of Foreign Affairs Permanent Secretary for International Relations and Cooperation, Chalwe Lombe has advised Zambian nationals to fulfill the requirements in the countries of origin, transit and destination before intending to travel abroad.
Ambassador Lombe says countries have formulated guidelines in view of the COVID-19 pandemic to help contain the spread of the disease which applies to foreign nationals wishing to depart or enter those countries either on business or for tourism purposes.
The Permanent Secretary made this call in a statement issued to ZANIS in Lusaka today, by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Public Relations Officer, Chansa Kabwela.
“Documents such as special travel permits, COVID-19 negative certificates, and travel visas are now among the requirements and it is incumbent upon would-be travelers to have the proper documentation depending on the country of origin or destination,” he advised.
Ambassador Lombe has observed that while some countries have eased travel restrictions and reopened their borders to international travelers, others have continued to uphold the suspension of all existing visas granted to foreign nationals except those belonging to diplomats and project categories, owing to the continued upsurge in COVID-19 cases in some parts of the world.
“Members of the public are urged to obtain in advance, accurate travel information from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other credible sources to reduce the risk of their being denied exit from the country of origin, getting stranded while in transit or being denied entry into the destination country,” he said.
The Permanent Secretary has further encouraged Zambians to ensure strict adherence to the set guidelines and public health measures on Covid-19 to avoid unnecessary inconvenience as they travel.
He reiterates the Ministry’s readiness through its Missions abroad, to continue serving the country and providing the relevant information to Zambian nationals regarding travel guidelines during the period of the pandemic.
Nothing is newsworthy in this issued statement. Anyone travelling out of a country needs to be in possession of travel documents inclusive covid-19 test results (negative). Provide acceptable Covid-19 Locator information without which one can not board a plane. This is not like going to Kaputa or Bangweulu islands by a banana boat. Any way, some Zambians are prohibited to travel to certain countries, like USA.
Nothing is newsworthy in this issued statement. Anyone travelling out of a country needs to be in possession of valid travel documents inclusive covid-19 test results (negative). Provide acceptable Covid-19 Locator information without which one can not board a plane. This is not like going to Kaputa or Bangweulu islands by a banana boat. Any way, some Zambians are prohibited to travel to certain countries, like USA.
Ba Muna Dekhane, don’t think for others. The Foreign Affairs permanent secretary is perfectly in order to issue such a warning to locals intending to travel outside the country. Some people may not be aware of the New Normal requirements and it is incumbent upon the government to ensure that its citizens are kept aware of what is going on. The fact that you are aware of the requirements does not necessarily mean everybody does. Let us not be in the habit of criticising for the sake of criticising.
Kanamaso thank you for educating that f00lish boy munadekhane. He is a typical arrogant upnd supporting diasporan who thinks he is better than those residing in Zambia becaus of his geographic location. The ministry is not f00lish to issue such statement without good reason.
…..so says mambala
This is excellent advice, it would be sad for anyone to buy a ticket and travel to a foreign country only to be turned back at immigration for not having the proper documentation as required. It will save people the time and money also.