Is it safe to travel to Zambia right now?

This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Zambia’s current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Zambia set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Zambian High Commission in the UK.

Passport validity requirements

To enter Zambia, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive. It must have at least 2 blank pages for entry stamping.

Make sure you get your passport stamped.

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Dual nationality

When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.

Zambia recognises dual nationality. However, to avoid delays at the airport you should leave Zambia on the same passport you used to enter.

Visa requirements

British passport holders do not need a visa to enter Zambia. You must be able to show:

• valid return or onward tickets
• enough money for your stay

Tourists may remain in Zambia for a total of 90 days in any 12 month period. For business visitors the maximum stay in Zambia over a 12 month period is 30 days.

For further information, email the Zambian High Commission at info@zambiahc.org.uk or contact the Zambian Department of Immigration.

KAZA UNIVISA

The KAZA UNIVISA, for use in the Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area, is valid for unlimited travel between Zambia and Zimbabwe and for day trips to Botswana. It costs 50 US dollars and is valid for 30 days.

You can apply online in advance, or get the visa on arrival if you are arriving at:

• Kenneth Kaunda International Airport, Lusaka
• Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport, Livingstone
• by land at Livingstone, Victoria Falls (Zambia-Zimbabwe border)
• by land at Kazungula (Zambia-Botswana border)

Departure tax

On leaving Zambia, all air passengers must pay the equivalent to 25 US dollars for international travel and a security charge of 3 US dollars for domestic travel. Both charges are normally included in the cost of an air ticket, but you will have to pay in cash with Zambian kwacha if they are not.

Vaccine requirements

To enter Zambia, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination if you’re coming from a country listed as a transmission risk.

For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Zambia guide.

Ebola

As a public health measure, Zambia may introduce entry restrictions including health screening for travellers arriving from affected regions. Check entry requirements for the country you’re travelling to or transiting.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) have declared Ebola as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Zambia. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Some countries have imposed measures in response to the Ebola disease outbreak. These can include restrictions on entry and health screening measures for travellers having recently visited an affected country. If you are suspected of having symptoms, you may be subject to isolation, quarantine and/or travel restrictions. Contact the authorities of the country you are travelling to for more details.

The authorities of a country or territory decide who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from local authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada.

Passport

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you're travelling with.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country's entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave Zambia and should have at least 3 blank pages.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, verify this information with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

You should also be aware that current systems used by some countries and travel companies may not recognize the “X” gender identifier. You may still be asked to provide your sex/gender information as either male or female when travelling.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, verify this information with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics
• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports and other travel documents

Visas

Tourist visa: not required for stays up to 90 days per calendar year
Business visa: not required for stays up to 30 days per calendar year
Student visa: not required for stays up to 30 days per calendar year
Volunteer visa: not required for stays up to 30 days per calendar year

Check that the authorised number of days stamped in your passport on arrival matches the length of your intended stay. While Canadian tourists are eligible for up to 90 days, immigration officials may only grant 30 days.

To stay in Zambia beyond your authorised period, apply for an extension at a Zambian immigration office or through Zambia’s e-service platform. Overstaying can result in fines, arrest, imprisonment or deportation.

The KAZA UNIVISA is a shared tourist visa between Zambia and Zimbabwe to simplify cross-border travel between the two countries in the Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Areas. It also allows day trips to Botswana. You can apply online through Zambia’s e-service platform or in person at the following locations:

• Kenneth Kaunda and Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport
• Victoria Falls and Kazungula land border crossings

E-services platform – Zambia Department of Immigration

Departure tax

Foreigners are required to pay a departure tax before leaving Zambia, which is usually included in the cost of international flight tickets. For domestic flights, passengers must pay a small fee in kwacha (local currency) before entering the departure hall.

Children and travel

Learn about travelling with children.

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).