Like any other country, you will be required to have a visa before being allowed entry into Zambia. This is true for all countries except for some countries whose citizens are exempt from the visa.
Chances are that you are not exempt from obtaining a Zambia visa, and you will need to get one before you can travel to Zambia
In this article, we'll provide a guideline for you to deal with the process of getting your visa for Zambia. From the visa requirements, prices, processes, and exemptions, we hope this article makes your planning for an African safari to Zambia easier.
Zambia Visa Types
Zambia has many types of visas you can apply for depending on what fits your travel plans. In the table, we have summarised them so that you can know what to apply for depending on your exact plans.
| # | VISA TYPE | VISA DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Single Entry Visa | Entering Zambia only one(1) time |
| 2 | Double Entry Visa | Entering Zambia two(2) times |
| 3 | Multiple Entry Visa | Entering and exiting several times within the duration of the visa |
| 4 | Day-tripper Visa | Visiting Zambia for one(1) day |
| 5 | KAZA Univisa | Multiple entries into Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Chobe in Botswana for up to 30 days total. |
Zambia Visa Requirements
To apply for a visa to Zambia, you will need to have the following items and documents prepared. Whether you are applying through an embassy office, online, or getting your visa on arrival, make sure to prepare these requirements ahead of time.
- A current passport that is valid for at least 6 months
- Passport-sized photo of yourself
- Copy of return flight ticket
- Hotel booking or any other form of tourist accommodation
- A signed cover letter addressed to the Director-General of Immigration
Zambia Visa Fees / Price
Depending on the type of visa you choose, a Zambia visa will cost between 20 and 150 Dollars (USD).
Please remember that these figures do not include payment processing fees and the final amount you pay might include some extra amount of around 1 USD.
| # | ZAMBIA VISA TYPE | VISA FEE (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Single Entry Visa | 50 USD |
| 2 | Double Entry Visa | 80 USD |
| 3 | Multiple Entry Visa | 150 USD |
| 4 | Day-tripper Visa | 20 USD |
| 5 | KAZA Univisa | 50 USD |
If you only intend to visit Zambia, the single entry visa is sufficient for you but if you plan to visit nearby Zimbabwe or Chobe in Botswana, the KAZA Univisa is ideal since you will be saving on your visa payments.
Zambia Visa Process
There are 3 ways for you to acquire your Zambia tourist visa. You can either apply at a nearby embassy, via the online platform or apply for your visa on arrival.
Please note that visa on arrival is not available for all countries and you need to check the list to be certain that you are eligible for visa on arrival.
1. Visa Application At Zambia Embassy
Depending on where you are, you can visit the Zambia embassy in your country and physically apply for your visa. You will need to find out the working time so that you can visit and apply for your visa.
Make sure you carry the necessary items (requirements) such that you can complete everything quickly.
2. Zambia Visa Application Online
Online visa application is the most flexible way of getting your Zambia tourist visa. Simply visit the Zambia Immigration website and create an account.
You will be asked to fill in all your information as well as attach the required documents. After filling out your information, you just pay online and wait for the response about your visa.
3. Zambia Visa Application On Arrival
If you are a citizen of any of the countries that are eligible for Zambia's visa on arrival, you will need to simply have your required documents in order and apply for a visa when you reach Zambia.
The countries that are eligible for visas on arrival are shared below, make sure your country is one of them before choosing this method.
How Long Does It Take To Get a Zambia Visa?
Depending on your method of visa application, your Zambia visa can be instant or take up to 5 days. Here is the table to show how long each method of visa application takes.
| # | VISA APPLICATION METHOD | WAITING TIME |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Applying at the Zambian embassy | 5 to 7 days |
| 2 | Applying online | 3 to 5 day |
| 3 | Applying on arrival | Under 1 hour |
Visa Exemption For Zambia
Citizens of the following countries do not need a visa to go to Zambia. All that is needed is a passport with at least 6 more months of validity.
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Visa exemption allows the above countries' nationals to visit Zambia for up to 90 days for purposes of leisure or 30 days for business - within 1 year.
Please note that the list of visa-exempt countries could change without much notice, so, even if you are exempt, always double-check before the start of your trip.
Zambia Visa On Arrival
Citizens of the following countries can obtain a Zambia visa on arrival at any of the ports of entry - land ports and airports.
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KAZA Univisa
It is not uncommon for visitors to Zambia to want to explore neighbouring Zimbabwe and the KAZA Univisa would be the visa to choose from so that you can visit both countries multiple times during your holiday. The KAZA Univisa allows holders multiple entries into Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Botswana's Chobe for a period of, not more than 30 days.
Please remember that the KAZA Visa allows you to visit Botswana for a day trip in which you would have to return to Zambia or Zimbabwe on the same day.
In Zambia, it is issued at Livingstone Airport, Victoria Falls, Kazungula, and Lusaka Airport border crossings. It can also be obtained from Zimbabwe if your journey starts from there.
Only 65 countries and territories are eligible for the Kaza visa. Citizens of the following countries can get the KAZA visa and easily move between Zambia and Zimbabwe multiple times.
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Zambia Visa Extension
You can apply to extend your visa by visiting the office of the Department of Immigration in Zambia. You can apply for an extended period of 30 days and this can only be done twice.
Visa extension is free of charge.
Final Thoughts
Zambia is a well-established safari destination and the visa policy and processes have been made easy for visitors who want to come and explore the country's abundant wildlife, culture, and scenery.
As with any visa policy, the details can always change without much notice and we advise that you check before starting your journey.
Since it is possible to apply online, we recommend that as the best method as it allows you the peace of mind that comes with proper planning.