Zambia
United States
United States visa for Zambian citizens
Entry requirement
Zambian citizens need a visa for the United States, obtained before travel.
- Where to apply
- 1 mission
- Visa guide
- United States visa guide
Checked 7 November 2026 · Passport Index · Confirm at zm.usembassy.gov
Which United States visa?
Key facts
- Maximum stay
- Set by CBP on the I-94 at entry, usually up to 6 months for visitors
- Fee
- US$185
- Processing time
- Interview wait times vary; most visas are decided at or shortly after the interview unless administrative processing is needed
All visa types for the United States
The United States’ tourist visa costs US$185 at the standard rate published by its authorities. Processing time, as the United States states it: Interview wait times vary; most visas are decided at or shortly after the interview unless administrative processing is needed. Longest stay on the tourist visa: Set by CBP on the I-94 at entry, usually up to 6 months for visitors.
US missions in Zambia
The United States has 1 mission in Zambia, with its embassy in Lusaka.
US visas issued to citizens of Zambia
| Visas issued | FY 2024 | FY 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Visitor (B) | 2,243 | 2,118 |
| Student (F, M) | 303 | 267 |
| Exchange (J) | 242 | 148 |
| Work and treaty (H, L, O, E…) | 76 | 51 |
| Transit and crew (C, D) | 208 | 167 |
| Diplomatic and official (A, G) | 629 | 504 |
| Fiancé(e) (K) | 10 | 30 |
| Total | 3,711 | 3,285 |
| B visa refusal rate (adjusted) | 45.0% | 52.5% |
In fiscal year 2025 (October 2024 to September 2025) the United States issued 3,285 nonimmigrant visas to citizens of Zambia, the 123rd highest number of the 206 nationalities listed. Visitor visas (B1/B2) made up 64%, diplomatic and official visas 15% and student visas 8%. That is 11% fewer than in fiscal year 2024 (3,711).
From October 2025 to February 2026, citizens of Zambia received 450, 68% fewer than in the same months a year earlier.
For visitor visas (B1/B2) the State Department reports an adjusted refusal rate of 52.5% for citizens of Zambia in fiscal year 2025 (fiscal year 2024: 45.0%). The adjusted rate counts a refusal that was later overcome, for example with further documents, as an issuance. A rate below 3% is one of the conditions for a country to join the Visa Waiver Program.
These figures count visas issued to citizens of Zambia anywhere in the world, not only at the US missions in Zambia.
Source: US Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs, monthly nonimmigrant visa issuances up to February 2026 and adjusted refusal rates (public domain). US fiscal years run from October to September. How these figures are made
US citizens travelling to Zambia
United StatesZambia Visa-free, 90 days Zambia visa for citizens of the United States
Travel advice for the United States
- UK Foreign Office (FCDO) No advice against travel
- German Foreign Office No travel warning
What the US, British and German foreign ministries tell their own citizens about travelling there, in each ministry’s own terms.
For a trip from Zambia to the United States, the published travel advice reads as follows: the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office does not advise against travel to the United States (updated 30 October 2026) and the German Foreign Office has no travel warning for the United States (updated 30 October 2026).
Good to know
How long Zambian citizens can stay in the United States
How long Zambian citizens may stay in the United States is set by the visa issued, and the visa type must match the purpose of the trip.
How Zambian citizens apply
In Zambia, applications go to the US embassy in Lusaka, or to a visa centre acting for the United States; fees, documents and processing times are published by the United States.
The United States’ neighbours for Zambian citizens
Canada and Mexico require Zambian citizens to obtain a visa in advance.
US citizens travelling to Zambia
US citizens can visit Zambia without a visa for up to 90 days.
Frequently asked questions
Do Zambian citizens need a visa for the United States?
Zambian citizens need a visa for the United States, obtained before travel.
Where is the US embassy in Zambia?
The US embassy in Zambia is in Lusaka.
How much does the United States tourist visa cost?
The United States’ official sources give a standard fee of US$185 for the tourist visa. Processing time: Interview wait times vary; most visas are decided at or shortly after the interview unless administrative processing is needed.
Do US citizens need a visa for Zambia?
US citizens can visit Zambia without a visa for up to 90 days.
Can Zambian citizens enter the United States visa-free?
No; Zambian citizens need a visa for the United States obtained in advance.
Visa data: Passport Index via passport-index-data, as of 7 November 2026. Rules change, sometimes overnight. Confirm with the embassy or the official government portal before you book.