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Immigration

Zambia · Department of Immigration, Ministry of Home Affairs

Immigration

Do You Need a Visa to Travel to Zambia?

Verified Medium confidence Last verified June 7, 2026

From January 1, 2025, nationals of 167 countries, including 53 newly added, do not need a visa to enter Zambia, promoting tourism and trade.

Editorial review

Reviewed by

UseIntelly Editorial Team

Last reviewed

Jun 7, 2026

Next scheduled review

Dec 4, 2026

Cost

See fee schedule below

Visa fees (USD)

  • Single Entry Visa: 50 USD statutory fee + 0.5 USD administrative fee (card payment) = 50.5 USD total

  • Transit Entry Visa: 25 USD statutory fee + 0.28 USD administrative fee (card payment) = 25.28 USD total

  • Double Entry Visa: 80 USD statutory fee + 0.8 USD administrative fee (card payment) = 80.8 USD total

  • Multiple Entry Visa: 80 USD statutory fee + 0.8 USD administrative fee (card payment) = 80.8 USD total

  • KAZA Univisa: 50 USD statutory fee + 0.5 USD administrative fee (card payment) = 50.5 USD total

  • Day Tripper Visa: 10 USD statutory fee + 0.1 USD administrative fee (card payment) = 10.1 USD total

Note: Visa fees are charged in USD, not ZMW. No ZMW fees for visas are listed in the source.

Requirements

  • Valid passport
  • Proof of travel purpose (tourism, business, etc.) may be required
  • Nationals of exempt countries do not need a visa
  • Nationals of non-exempt countries must obtain a visa prior to travel or on arrival if eligible

Procedure

  1. Determine if your nationality is among the 167 countries exempt from visa requirements.
  2. If exempt, prepare valid travel documents and enter Zambia without a visa.
  3. If not exempt, apply for a visa at a Zambian mission abroad or check eligibility for visa on arrival.
  4. Comply with immigration and security screening upon arrival, including possible pre-screening via APIS.
  5. Follow any additional entry requirements as stipulated by the Department of Immigration.

Processing time

Varies; visa-free entry is immediate, visa application times depend on the mission or process used

Details

Visa Requirements for Traveling to Zambia

As of January 1, 2025, Zambia has waived visa requirements for nationals of 167 countries, including 53 newly added countries. This policy is part of the government's strategy to boost tourism, business, trade, and investment by making entry easier for international visitors.

Countries Exempt from Visa Requirements

The 53 countries newly exempted include Albania, Argentina, Bhutan, Brunei Darussalam, Costa Rica, Israel, Iceland, Morocco, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, and others. Nationals from these countries no longer need to obtain a visa prior to traveling to Zambia.

Purpose and Security Measures

The visa waiver aligns with Zambia's National Migration Policy and economic diversification goals. To maintain national security, Zambia is implementing an Advanced Passenger Information System (APIS) to pre-screen travelers before arrival. The Department of Immigration has also increased staffing and expanded border controls to manage increased travel volumes effectively.

Summary

Travelers from the exempt countries can enter Zambia without a visa, facilitating easier access for tourism and business. Those not from exempt countries must still obtain a visa prior to travel or on arrival as applicable.

Important Notes

  • The visa waiver policy took effect on January 1, 2025.
  • The list of exempt countries totals 167, including the 53 newly added.
  • The government continues to balance ease of travel with national security.

For travelers from countries not on the exempt list, visa application procedures remain in place through Zambian missions abroad or on arrival where applicable.

Frequently asked

What does this cover?
From January 1, 2025, nationals of 167 countries, including 53 newly added, do not need a visa to enter Zambia, promoting tourism and trade.
How much does it cost?

Visa fees (USD)

  • Single Entry Visa: 50 USD statutory fee + 0.5 USD administrative fee (card payment) = 50.5 USD total

  • Transit Entry Visa: 25 USD statutory fee + 0.28 USD administrative fee (card payment) = 25.28 USD total

  • Double Entry Visa: 80 USD statutory fee + 0.8 USD administrative fee (card payment) = 80.8 USD total

  • Multiple Entry Visa: 80 USD statutory fee + 0.8 USD administrative fee (card payment) = 80.8 USD total

  • KAZA Univisa: 50 USD statutory fee + 0.5 USD administrative fee (card payment) = 50.5 USD total

  • Day Tripper Visa: 10 USD statutory fee + 0.1 USD administrative fee (card payment) = 10.1 USD total

Note: Visa fees are charged in USD, not ZMW. No ZMW fees for visas are listed in the source.

How long does it take?
Varies; visa-free entry is immediate, visa application times depend on the mission or process used
Which institution handles this?
Department of Immigration, Ministry of Home Affairs

Update history

  1. Procedure

    Procedure updated after editorial review.

  2. Requirements

    Requirements updated after editorial review.

  3. Verification status

    Verification status changed from Draft to Verified.

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