Zambia Travel Guide

Browse the Zambia Photo Gallery

Passports and Visas

A return ticket or proof of onward travel, all documents for next destination and proof of sufficient funds is required for all travelers. Visas issued on arrival vary in fee according to amount of entries and nationality. There is a special provision for day visitors coming across the border from Zimbabwe into Livingstone. For those nationalities requiring a visa for Zambia, a fee of US$10 is paid on arrival for a 'Day Tripper Visa' and is valid for a maximum stay of 24 hours. It is highly recommended that passports have at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Americans

United States citizens must obtain a visa to visit Zambia. It can sometimes be issued on arrival at a cost of USD135, but it is best to confirm this with your booking agent. American citizens are required to have copies of their passport and flight and travel itineraries as well as two passport sized photographs in order to apply for a visa. Visas are generally valid for multiple entries for the period of stay.

UK Nationals

British citizens require a valid passport and a visa to visit Zambia. Single entry visas may sometimes be purchased at the port of entry (but it is best to confirm this with the relevant authorities in your home country) at a cost of GBP70, and will be valid for the period of stay, although it is often best to organize one in advance.

Canadians

Canadians require a valid passport and a visa to enter Zambia. Visas may sometimes be obtained on arrival (it is best to confirm this with the relevant authorities in your country of residence) at a cost of USD55 and are valid for the period of stay.

Australians

Australians require a valid passport and a visa to enter Zambia. Visas can be obtained on arrival at a cost of USD50 for a single entry visa and USD80 for a double entry visa and are valid for the period of intended stay.

South Africans

South Africans do not need a visa to visit Zambia for 90 days within a 12-month period, whether taken together or in sections. A valid passport is required.

Irish Nationals

Irish nationals require a valid passport, but a visa is not necessary for a period of 90 days in a 12-month period, whether taken at once or in sections.

New Zealanders

New Zealand nationals require a valid passport and a visa, which can sometimes be issued on arrival (it is best to confirm this with your booking agent) at a cost of USD50 for a single entry visa and USD80 for a double entry visa and are valid for the period of intended stay.Visas are valid for length of stay.

Healthcare

Typhoid, polio, rabies and Hepatitis A vaccinations are recommended for travel to Zambia. Malaria is endemic in Zambia (prophylaxis is essential), and outbreaks of cholera and dysentery are common especially during the rainy season. Visitors to game parks are at risk of African trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness), which is carried by tsetse flies; insect repellent is ineffective against tsetse flies. The country also has one of the highest rates of HIV/Aids infection worldwide. Avoid swimming or wading in bodies of fresh water, such as lakes, ponds, streams, or rivers due to the presence of bilharzia. Medical facilities in the country are under-developed and limited to the point that basic drugs and even clean needles are often not available. The small clinics in Lusaka are regarded as superior to the general hospitals, but clinics in rural areas are rarely stocked with anything more than aspirin or plasters. Full travel insurance, including cover for medical evacuation by air, is therefore essential and it is vital to bring a good first aid kit. Avoid food bought from local street vendors and ensure drinking water is filtered and boiled, or bought in sealed, branded bottles.

Safety

Most visits to Zambia are trouble free, but visitors should be aware that car hijackings and armed robberies are increasing, and mugging, bag-snatching and theft from parked cars is common in downtown areas. Luxury 4x4 vehicles in particular are being targeted for vehicle hijacking. Visitors should avoid the Cairo Road in Lusaka, which is dangerous due to violent robberies. Be vigilant and do not display tempting valuables. Avoid the border areas where Zambia meets Angola and the DRC; cross-border raids are frequent and landmines are a potential danger. Many roads can become impassable in the rainy season (November to April).