The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade advises against all non-essential travel overseas at least until March 29.  This decision was taken on the advice of the National Public Health Emergency Team to combat COVID-19 and in view of the imposition of new restrictions on entry by many countries and the ongoing reduction in international flight services.

A number of commercial airlines are restricting or suspendings operations between Ireland and the region. As travel options become more limited, Irish tourists and short-term visitors to Zambia or Namibia are encouraged to make arrangements to return to Ireland as early as possible. 

The Irish Health Authorities require anyone coming into Ireland, apart from Northern Ireland, to restrict their movements on arrival for 14 days. Check the Irish Health Service COVID-19 Advice Page for full information on these requirements. This includes Irish residents. Exemptions are in place for providers of essential supply chain services such as hauliers, pilots and maritime staff.

ALL new arrivals in Zambia (including returning residents) will be required to complete a 14 day quarantine. This includes arrivals through land or air borders. The quarantine will take place at a government approved health or isolation facility, and will be at the traveller's personal cost.

We continue to make updates to our online travel advice for over 200 countries and recommend that you download our TravelWise App and follow us on Twitter.

We recommend that you treat information shared on social media with caution. For general please check the World Health Organisation website. For Zambia specific updates, please check with the Ministry of Health Facebook page.