Africa
Zambia
- Capital
- Lusaka
- Population
- 21,913,874
- Currency
- Zambian Kwacha (ZMW)
- Calling code
- +260
- Languages
- English, Bemba, Lozi
- 42missions
- 38embassies
- 2consulates
- 2honorary consulates
Zambia
embassies in Lusaka
Diplomatic missions from 41 countries are based in Zambia, 42 missions in all (38 embassies, 2 consulates and 2 honorary consulates). All 38 embassies are in the capital, Lusaka. Consulates are also found in Mongu.
Africa
Zambia
Outside Lusaka, Mongu has 1 foreign mission.
Zambia visa guide · 11 visa types
Of the 198 passports in the visa data, 116 can enter visa-free, 29 get a visa on arrival and 53 need an e-Visa for Zambia.
| Year | Applications | Visas issued | Refused | Refusal rate | Multiple-entry share |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2,659 | 2,271 | 360 | 13.7% | 31.4% |
| 2024 | 2,750 | 2,444 | 295 | 10.8% | 47.8% |
| 2025 | 2,621 | 2,322 | 292 | 11.2% | 46.5% |
| Country | Applications | Visas issued | Refusal rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Germany | 1,272 | 1,167 | 7.7% |
| Italy | 1,124 | 991 | 11.8% |
| Czech Republic | 225 | 164 | 27.1% |
Schengen consulates in Zambia received 2,621 short-stay visa applications in 2025, and issued 2,322 visas. 11.2% of applications were refused (worldwide: 14.6%). That is barely different from 2024 (10.8%). Applications fell by 5% compared with 2024 (2,750).
Most applications went to Germany (1,272), Italy (1,124) and the Czech Republic (225).
The numbers include every nationality applying in Zambia.
Source: European Commission, Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs, visa statistics for consulates 2023–2025 (© European Union, reused under CC BY 4.0). Short-stay (type C) visas. How these figures are made
| 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%).
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
Zambia’s embassies abroad (31)
In the other direction, Zambia runs 31 missions in 28 countries. Its largest networks are in Germany (3) and the United States (2).
Christmas Day
New Year's Day
International Women's Day
Youth Day
All 38 embassies are in the capital, Lusaka. The largest foreign networks in Zambia are those of Angola (2).
Foreign ministries’ advice on travel to Zambia: the US State Department rates Zambia at Level 1, exercise normal precautions (updated 30 July 2023), the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office does not advise against travel to Zambia (updated 1 June 2026) and the German Foreign Office has no travel warning for Zambia (updated 22 October 2026). The advice is aimed at each government’s own nationals.
Angola, with 2 missions.
Of 198 passports, 116 can enter visa-free, 29 get a visa on arrival and 53 need an e-Visa for Zambia; the visa rules page for your own passport has the answer for you.
On Zambia’s public holidays and on each mission’s own national day; the next public holiday is Christmas Day on Friday 25 December 2026.