Zimbabwe allows citizens to travel abroad amid COVID-19 pandemic

Zimbabweans are allowed to travel abroad, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, as long as they meet requirements of receiving countries, Information Minister Monica Mutsvangwa said Tuesday.

Although still under a COVID-19 lockdown imposed in March, Zimbabwe has opened most sectors of its economy, as the rate of new infections slows down.

The country resumed international flights last week after a six-month suspension, with five airlines making their maiden flights into the country, including Ethiopian Airlines and Kenya Airways.

The country has recorded 7,898 COVID-19 cases, with 6,424 recoveries and 228 deaths as of Aug. 5, 2020.

"Regarding international travel, Cabinet explained that citizens of this country can travel outside the country as long as they meet the requirements of the receiving country," Mutsvangwa said at a post-cabinet media briefing.

Zimbabwe is requiring passengers arriving into the country to produce a negative PCR result conducted within 48 hours prior to travel.

Those showing symptoms of COVID-19 will be tested at the airport at a cost of 60 U.S. dollars.

Meanwhile, the country's land borders remain closed to members of the public except for commercial business, until further notice.