Entry Requirements for Zambia

Visa Regulations and Options

Travelers heading to Zambia have several visa options depending on their nationality and the purpose of their visit. Since January 1, 2025, relaxed entry requirements apply to citizens of Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and 50 other countries. Visitors from these nations can now stay in Zambia visa-free for up to 30 days.

Types of Visas for Zambia

For stays exceeding the visa-free period or for business and special purposes, Zambia offers the following visa types:

• Tourist Visa: Ideal for vacationers planning to explore Zambia for more than 30 days. It can be issued as a single-entry, double-entry, or multiple-entry visa. The maximum validity is 90 days.
• KAZA Univisa: A convenient option for travelers wishing to visit both Zambia and Zimbabwe. It allows for multiple entries between the two countries and includes a day trip to Botswana via the Kazungula border crossing. The Univisa is valid for 30 days and costs $50 USD.

Visa on Arrival or in Advance

Most visas can be easily obtained online in advance through Zambia’s official eVisa portal. Processing typically takes 3 to 7 business days. Alternatively, some nationalities can obtain a visa upon arrival at airports and select border crossings.

However, travelers should exercise caution: Multiple-entry visas are not available upon arrival and must be applied for in advance or later while in the country. At smaller land borders, visa issuance may be limited. It is advisable to check the specific requirements for your chosen entry point well in advance.

Length of Stay with a Tourist Visa

Visitors entering Zambia visa-free or with a tourist visa are initially allowed to stay for up to 30 days. This period can be extended twice, each time by an additional 30 days, allowing a maximum stay of 90 days within a 12-month period.

Overstaying the permitted duration can result in hefty fines, detention, or, in the worst case, deportation. Therefore, it is crucial to monitor visa validity and apply for extensions in good time through the immigration authorities.

Thanks to the combination of visa-free entry, an efficient online application system, and flexible options like the KAZA Univisa, Zambia has made entry significantly easier for adventure and nature travelers. Nevertheless, proper preparation and compliance with the current regulations are key to enjoying Zambia’s natural wonders without bureaucratic hurdles.

Visa Application Process

While visa-free entry from January 1, 2025, has made travel to Zambia much easier for citizens of many countries—including Germany—travelers from other nations, or those planning extended stays, still require a visa. Zambia has modernized its application process in recent years, offering both a convenient online application system and the traditional embassy application route.

Required Documents for a Visa Application

The documents needed depend on the type of visa, but applicants should generally prepare the following:

• Passport (valid for at least six months from the date of entry, with at least two blank pages)
• Completed visa application form
• Two recent passport-sized photos
• Flight itinerary (proof of return or onward travel)
• Proof of sufficient funds for the stay
• Hotel reservation or an invitation letter from a host (depending on the purpose of travel)

Online Application and Official Platforms

Applying online is a time-saving alternative to obtaining a visa through an embassy. The process is handled via Zambia’s official immigration website and involves the following steps:

1. Create a user account on the Zambian Immigration Department’s website.
2. Complete the application form with personal and travel details.
3. Upload the required documents, including a copy of your passport, a passport photo, and your travel itinerary.
4. Pay the visa fee online.
5. Receive the Visa Approval Letter via email (usually within 3 to 5 business days).
6. Print the Visa Approval Letter and present it upon arrival in Zambia.

The official platform ensures secure processing and provides up-to-date information on entry requirements.

Fees and Processing Time

Visa fees depend on the type and duration of the stay. Tourist visas typically cost between €50 and €80 (approximately $55 to $90 USD). Online applications are usually processed within 3 to 5 business days. Embassy applications may take longer, depending on the volume of requests.

Regardless of the application method, travelers are advised to apply well in advance and rely on official sources from Zambian authorities to ensure smooth travel preparations.

Special Entry Regulations by Country of Origin

National Differences in Entry Requirements

Zambia’s entry requirements vary depending on the traveler’s country of origin. In recent years, entry procedures have been significantly simplified, particularly for citizens of the European Union, including Germany, as well as Switzerland and several other countries. Since October 2022, German nationals have been able to enter Zambia visa-free, regardless of their travel purpose. This regulation also applies to most EU countries, with exceptions such as Ireland, Malta, Romania, and Cyprus.

Starting January 1, 2025, Zambia will expand its visa-free entry to a total of 167 countries and territories. Newly eligible nations include Albania, Andorra, Argentina, Iceland, Israel, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Moldova, San Marino, Ukraine, and Vatican City.

Upon arrival, visa-free travelers receive an entry stamp in their passport, permitting a single-entry stay of up to 30 days. This stay can be extended twice for an additional 30 days each time, allowing tourists to remain in Zambia for a maximum of 90 days per year. Business travelers, however, are restricted to a maximum stay of 30 days within a 12-month period.

Travelers from countries still requiring a visa can apply online using Zambia’s eVisa system. Alternatively, the KAZA Univisa offers multiple entries between Zambia and Zimbabwe, along with a day trip to Botswana.

Passport Requirements

Regardless of nationality, uniform passport regulations apply to all visitors. Passports must be valid for at least six months beyond the intended departure date and contain at least two blank pages for visas and entry stamps. Additionally, Zambian authorities may require proof of a return ticket and evidence of sufficient financial resources for the stay.

Travelers arriving from yellow fever risk areas must present a valid vaccination certificate. As regulations can change on short notice, it is advisable to check the official websites of Zambia’s Immigration Department or the Zambian embassy before departure.

Country-Specific Entry Requirements

Entry requirements for Zambia differ depending on the traveler’s country of origin. In recent years, the regulations have been significantly relaxed for citizens of the European Union, including Germany, as well as Switzerland and several other countries. Since October 2022, German citizens can enter Zambia visa-free, regardless of their travel purpose. This policy also applies to most EU nations, with the exception of Ireland, Malta, Romania, and Cyprus.

Recent Changes in Visa Policies

As of January 1, 2025, Zambia will extend its visa-free entry policy to a total of 167 countries and territories. Newly eligible nations include Albania, Andorra, Argentina, Iceland, Israel, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Moldova, San Marino, Ukraine, and Vatican City.

Visa-free travelers receive a passport stamp upon arrival, permitting a single-entry stay of up to 30 days. This stay can be extended twice, each time by an additional 30 days, allowing tourists to spend a maximum of 90 days in Zambia per year. Business travelers, however, are limited to a maximum stay of 30 days within a 12-month period.

Travelers from countries still requiring a visa can apply online through Zambia’s eVisa system. Another option is the KAZA Univisa, which allows for multiple entries between Zambia and Zimbabwe, including a day trip to Botswana.

Passport Requirements

Regardless of nationality, uniform passport regulations apply to all travelers. Passports must be valid for at least six months beyond the intended departure date and contain at least two blank pages for visas and entry stamps. Zambian authorities may also request proof of a return ticket and evidence of sufficient funds for the stay.

Additionally, travelers arriving from yellow fever risk regions must present a valid vaccination certificate. As entry requirements can change on short notice, it is advisable to consult the official websites of Zambia’s Immigration Department or the Zambian embassy before traveling.

Health and Special Entry Regulations

There are no mandatory vaccinations required for entry into Zambia if travelers are arriving directly from Germany or other non-yellow fever regions. However, proof of yellow fever vaccination is strictly required if you are traveling from a country classified as a yellow fever zone or if you have spent more than 12 hours in transit through such a country.

Vaccination Documentation for Yellow Fever Regions

This regulation applies to all travelers aged one year and older. Proof of vaccination must be presented in the form of an International Certificate of Vaccination (Yellow Card) and may be requested upon arrival. The yellow fever vaccination must have been administered at least ten days prior to entry.

Additionally, travelers are advised to review their vaccination status and update standard immunizations such as tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, measles, and polio if needed. Depending on the length of stay and planned activities, vaccinations against hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, rabies, and meningococcal disease may also be recommended.

Malaria remains a significant health risk in many parts of Zambia. Therefore, it is strongly advised to take preventive measures, including antimalarial medication and comprehensive mosquito protection, to ensure a safe and healthy trip.

Regulations for Minors Traveling to Zambia

Traveling to Zambia with children or minors requires extra preparation, as specific entry requirements apply. Each child must have their own passport or child’s travel document, valid for at least six months beyond the travel date. Extended or updated child passports are not accepted—if the photo is outdated or the document is nearing expiration, a new passport should be obtained in advance.

Additionally, it is advisable to carry extra documentation to avoid potential issues at the border. This includes an international birth certificate in English. If only one parent is traveling with the child, a notarized consent letter from the other parent is required. Unaccompanied minors must also provide the contact details of the person who will meet or care for them upon arrival in Zambia.