Zambia tourist visa and visa-free entry

The Department of Immigration publishes the list of nationals who do not require a visa to enter Zambia. The list grew to 167 countries after the waiver announced by the Minister of Home Affairs on 18 December 2024, which took effect on 1 January 2025 under Statutory Instrument No. 78 of 2024. Exempt visitors must hold a valid return air ticket when arriving by air, or enough money for the stay and onward travel when arriving by land or water.

Visa-free entry is for visiting. Work, business stays beyond 30 days, study and residence require the relevant immigration permit.

The limits differ by purpose: an ordinary visitor may remain up to 90 days before a visiting permit is needed, while a business visitor who stays more than 30 days needs a temporary employment permit.

Bring a passport valid for at least six months from the date of entry with at least three full blank pages, a return or onward ticket and accommodation details. Air travellers transiting directly or remaining within the airport do not need to pass immigration formalities.

An ordinary visitor who wishes to remain in Zambia for more than 90 days applies for a visiting permit. It is valid for three months and cannot be extended beyond nine months within 12 months. The application includes a covering letter to the Director General of Immigration, a consent letter from the host explaining the reason for the longer visit, proof of the host's status, a certified passport copy with the last Zambian entry stamp, a photo, a return ticket or proof of ability to return, and the fee.

The 2024 fee table lists ZMW 6,667 for issuance and ZMW 10,000 for renewal; renewals need a fresh host letter and return ticket.

The visiting permit form in the 2011 immigration regulations adds practical rules: apply one month before your 90 days run out and hand the form to the nearest immigration officer; children under 16 travelling with a parent can be included on the parent's application, but an accompanying spouse files a separate one. Each permit covers at most 90 days from issue and does not allow paid employment. At the border, the immigration officer decides how long you may stay.

Visitors may not take up employment. Business visitors who need to stay more than 30 days require a temporary employment permit, and anyone employed for more than six months needs an employment permit arranged by the employer before arrival.