Zambia eVisa and KAZA UNIVISA

Zambia groups nationalities into three lists: those who do not need a visa, those who can obtain a visa on arrival, from a Zambian mission or online, and those who must obtain a visa before travel. The Department of Immigration states that anyone, regardless of nationality, can now apply for an eVisa.

For nationals of the second list, the eVisa means the visa is already approved before the flight. For the third list it is the way to get the visa in advance without visiting a mission. Visa-exempt travellers need it only if they plan something the exemption does not cover.

The department lists documents by purpose of visit. For tourism and the KAZA UNIVISA, typical items are a passport photo, a passport copy, a hotel booking and a return air ticket; business visits add a cover letter and an invitation. All travellers need a passport valid six months with three blank pages.

All uploads must be image files in JPG, PNG or TIFF format. For an ordinary visit, the covering letter comes from the host in Zambia, gives the host's full physical address and phone number, is signed, and is accompanied by the host's status, such as a Zambian national registration card or an immigration permit. People who hold study, visiting, temporary employment or temporary permits cannot act as hosts. Religious visits need an invitation from the host institution and clearance from the Ministry of Religious Affairs and National Guidance, and school visits an acceptance letter.

Under the fee table in force since 19 August 2024, statutory visa fees are USD 50 for single entry, USD 80 for double or multiple entry, USD 25 for transit, USD 10 for a day tripper and USD 50 for the KAZA UNIVISA. Card payments add an administrative fee of about one per cent.

Transit visas are for visa-required nationals crossing Zambia overland and are valid for up to seven days; air passengers who stay airside do not need one. The KAZA UNIVISA, run jointly with Zimbabwe, allows multiple visits to both countries for up to 30 days in any 12 months and covers day trips to Botswana through Kazungula.

Create an account on the eServices portal, choose the visa service, enter the travel details, upload the documents for your purpose and pay by card or mobile money. Questions can be sent to zambiavisa@zambiaimmigration.gov.zm.

The 2011 regulations explain what an approved visa means: its validity is the period within which you must enter Zambia, not the length of your stay, which the immigration officer sets at the port of entry. Diplomats accredited to Zambia, and those on official business, receive visas free of charge.