Entry Requirements & Visas
New for 2026: Enhanced KAZA UniVisa System
The KAZA UniVisa, covering Zambia and Zimbabwe, has been expanded for easier multi-country travel in southern Africa. It costs $50 USD and allows 30 days in each country, ideal for Victoria Falls trips. Apply online or at select borders for seamless entry.
Passport Requirements
Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure from Zambia, with at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps.
Ensure it's in good condition, as damaged passports may be rejected at borders. Children need their own passports, even when traveling with parents.
Visa-Free Countries
Citizens of over 50 countries, including the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and most EU nations, can enter visa-free for up to 90 days for tourism or business.
Always confirm with official sources, as policies can change; SADC countries like South Africa and Namibia enjoy reciprocal visa-free access.
Visa Applications
For those requiring a visa, apply for an e-Visa online via the Zambia Department of Immigration website ($50 USD single-entry fee), submitting a passport scan, photo, itinerary, and proof of funds.
Processing typically takes 3-5 business days; print your approval letter and present it at entry points like Lusaka Airport or border crossings.
Border Crossings
Land borders with neighbors like Zimbabwe (Victoria Falls) and Botswana are efficient but can involve queues; use e-gates at airports for faster processing.
Visas on arrival are available at major ports for $50 USD in cash, but e-Visa is recommended to avoid delays during peak safari season.
Health Requirements
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is mandatory for travelers from endemic areas or arriving from countries like South Africa; malaria prophylaxis is advised for all regions.
Check CDC or WHO guidelines for additional vaccines like hepatitis A/B, typhoid, and rabies, especially for rural safaris in South Luangwa National Park.
Extensions Possible
Visa extensions for up to 30 days can be applied for at the Department of Immigration in Lusaka or regional offices, costing around $50 USD with proof of onward travel and sufficient funds.
Apply at least two weeks before expiration to avoid overstay fines of $30 USD per day; business or study extensions require additional documentation.
Money, Budget & Costs
Smart Money Management
Zambia uses the Zambian Kwacha (ZMW). For the best exchange rates and lowest fees, use Wise to send money or convert currency - they offer real exchange rates with transparent fees, saving you money compared to traditional banks.
Daily Budget Breakdown
Money-Saving Pro Tips
Book Flights Early
Find the best deals to Lusaka or Livingstone by comparing prices on Trip.com, Expedia, or CheapTickets.
Booking 2-3 months in advance can save you 30-50% on airfare, especially for regional flights to Mfuwe for South Luangwa safaris.
Eat Like a Local
Dine at roadside eateries for affordable meals like nshima and relish under ZMW 50, skipping tourist lodges to save up to 60% on food costs.
Local markets in Lusaka offer fresh fruits, vegetables, and street food at bargain prices, providing an authentic taste of Zambian cuisine.
Public Transport Passes
Use shared minibuses (taxis) for intercity travel at ZMW 100-200 per leg, or opt for bus passes from companies like Mazhandu for multi-stop journeys saving 20-30%.
For national parks, combine with affordable park shuttles to cut costs on private transfers.
Free Attractions
Explore natural wonders like the Zambezi River sunsets, free hiking trails in Kafue National Park, and cultural villages without guides for authentic, low-cost experiences.
Many community-based tourism sites offer free entry with optional donations, and markets in Chipata provide free cultural immersion.
Card vs Cash
Cards are accepted in major hotels and airports, but carry cash (ZMW or USD) for rural areas, markets, and small vendors where fees can add up.
Withdraw from ATMs in cities for better rates, and exchange USD cash at banks to avoid high commission fees at informal changers.
Park Entry Discounts
Purchase multi-day or annual passes for national parks like Lower Zambezi at ZMW 200/day for foreigners, which can save 40% on extended safaris.
Group bookings for game drives often reduce per-person costs, making wildlife viewing more affordable for families or friends.
Smart Packing for Zambia
Essential Items for Any Season
Clothing Essentials
Pack neutral-colored, long-sleeved shirts and pants for safari camouflage, plus lightweight layers for hot days and cooler evenings in the highlands.
Include modest clothing for cultural visits to local villages, and quick-dry fabrics to handle humidity and potential rain during wet seasons.
Electronics
Bring a universal adapter for Type C/G/D plugs, solar-powered charger for remote areas, binoculars for wildlife spotting, and a rugged camera with extra batteries.
Download offline maps of national parks and translation apps, as Wi-Fi is spotty outside cities like Lusaka and Livingstone.
Health & Safety
Carry comprehensive travel insurance covering evacuations, a full first-aid kit with antimalarials, bandages, and antidiarrheals, plus yellow fever certificate.
Pack high-SPF sunscreen, DEET insect repellent for tsetse flies in game reserves, and water purification tablets for remote areas.
Travel Gear
Opt for a durable daypack for bush walks, reusable water bottle with filter, lightweight sleeping bag for camping, and a headlamp for power outages.
Include passport copies, emergency cash in USD, and a money belt; dust covers for bags are useful on gravel roads to parks.
Footwear Strategy
Choose sturdy hiking boots with good ankle support for trails in Victoria Falls or Kafue, and lightweight sandals for lodge relaxation and river activities.
Waterproof options are essential for wet season crossings, and gaiters help against dust and ticks in grassy savannas.
Personal Care
Pack biodegradable soap, moisturizer for dry skin in the dry season, and a wide-brim hat; include wet wipes and toilet paper for basic facilities in rural spots.
Travel-sized items keep luggage light for internal flights, and lip balm with SPF protects against intense African sun exposure.
When to Visit Zambia
Dry Winter (May-August)
Peak safari season with cool, dry weather (15-25°C daytime, chilly nights) and animals congregating around waterholes in parks like South Luangwa.
Clear skies ideal for photography and walking safaris, though prices are higher; fewer mosquitoes make it family-friendly.
Dry Spring (September-October)
Hotter temperatures (25-35°C) but excellent wildlife viewing as vegetation thins, perfect for canoeing on the Zambezi or birdwatching with over 700 species.
Shoulder season means fewer crowds and lower rates at lodges, with dramatic sunsets enhancing the African bush experience.
Wet Summer (November-February)
Lush landscapes and newborn animals during the rainy season (20-30°C, frequent showers), great for budget travelers seeking green scenery and fewer tourists.
Roads may be muddy, but it's prime for fishing in Lake Kariba and cultural festivals like the N'cwala Ceremony.
Wet Autumn (March-April)
Transition period with moderate rain tapering off (18-28°C), offering good value for safaris in Lower Zambezi and vibrant wildflowers blooming across the plains.
Ideal for combining adventure with relaxation at spas near Victoria Falls, avoiding peak heat while enjoying migratory bird arrivals.
Important Travel Information
- Currency: Zambian Kwacha (ZMW). USD widely accepted in tourist areas; exchange at banks for best rates. Cards work in cities but cash preferred elsewhere.
- Language: English is official; Bemba, Nyanja, and Tonga widely spoken. Basic English suffices in tourist spots.
- Time Zone: Central Africa Time (CAT), UTC+2
- Electricity: 230V, 50Hz. Type C/G/D plugs (mix of round and square pins)
- Emergency Number: 999 for police, ambulance, or fire; 112 also works in urban areas
- Tipping: Expected in tourism: 10-15% at restaurants, ZMW 50-100 for guides/safari drivers
- Water: Not safe to drink from taps; use bottled or purified water, especially in rural areas
- Pharmacies: Available in Lusaka and Livingstone; stock up on essentials before heading to remote parks