Lusaka Entry Requirements

Visa, immigration, and customs information

Lusaka, Zambia's capital and main international gateway, is served by Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (LUN). Entry requirements are standard for Southern Africa, with immigration processes generally straightforward for prepared travelers. Most visitors will need a visa, which can often be obtained on arrival or electronically before travel, depending on nationality. Upon arrival, travelers should have their passport, proof of onward travel, and evidence of sufficient funds readily available. The immigration process involves passport control, baggage claim, and customs declaration. Travelers should be aware that entry requirements can change, and the final decision on admission rests with the immigration officer at the port of entry. It is highly recommended to ensure your passport has at least two blank pages and is valid for at least six months beyond your intended date of departure from Zambia. Planning your visa strategy in advance is key to a smooth start to your Zambian adventure.

Visa Requirements

Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.

Zambia operates a visa system with options for visa-free entry, an eVisa/Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), visa on arrival, and traditional visas from embassies. The category you fall into depends on your nationality.

Visa-Free Entry

Typically 30 or 90 days

Citizens of select countries do not require a visa for tourism.

Includes

Angola Botswana Malawi Mauritius Namibia Rwanda Seychelles South Africa Tanzania Zimbabwe Hong Kong (SAR China) Singapore Malaysia

Length of stay varies by nationality (e.g., 90 days for Singapore, 30 days for South Africa). Always confirm the exact duration with official sources.

Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA/eVisa)

Up to 90 days (single or multiple entry options)

The primary and recommended method for most nationalities requiring a visa. Apply online before travel.

Includes

United States United Kingdom Canada Australia European Union countries India China Japan

How to Apply: Apply on the official Zambian Immigration Department eVisa portal. Processing typically takes 3-5 business days but apply well in advance. You will receive an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to present upon arrival.
Cost: Approximately $50 USD for single entry, $80 USD for multiple entry (fees subject to change).

The eVisa/ETA is mandatory for citizens of these countries; you cannot get a visa on arrival if you are eligible for the eVisa. Print a copy of the ETA approval to present upon arrival.

Visa Required

As determined by the embassy/consulate

Nationalities not listed in visa-free or eVisa categories must obtain a visa from a Zambian embassy or consulate before travel.

How to Apply: Apply in person or by post at the nearest Zambian diplomatic mission. Requires application form, passport photos, flight itinerary, and possibly proof of funds and accommodation.

This process can be lengthy; start applications several weeks before your planned departure.

Arrival Process

The entry process at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (LUN) is generally efficient. Follow signs for Arrivals and Immigration.

1. Health Check (if applicable)

You may pass by a health screening desk, if there are current disease outbreaks (e.g., Yellow Fever). Have your Yellow Fever vaccination certificate ready if required.

2. Immigration (Passport Control)

Join the appropriate queue ('Visitors' or 'Residents'). Present your passport, completed arrival card (distributed on plane or at kiosks), and your visa (if pre-arranged) or ETA approval letter. The officer may ask about your trip purpose and duration.

3. Baggage Reclaim

Proceed to the baggage carousel to collect your checked luggage.

4. Customs

After collecting bags, proceed through the Green Channel (nothing to declare) or Red Channel (goods to declare). Your luggage may be scanned or inspected.

Documents to Have Ready

Passport

Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond departure date and have at least two blank visa pages.

Visa/ETA

Either a valid visa sticker/stamp, an eVisa/ETA approval printout, or confirmation of visa-free status.

Proof of Onward/Return Travel

A printed or digital copy of your flight ticket exiting Zambia.

Proof of Sufficient Funds

Immigration may ask to see evidence you can support yourself (e.g., bank statements, cash).

Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate

Required if traveling from or transiting through a country with risk of Yellow Fever transmission.

Tips for Smooth Entry

Have all documents (passport, ETA printout, flight details) organized and easily accessible in your hand luggage.

Fill out the arrival card neatly and completely using a blue or black pen.

Answer immigration questions politely and confidently. State you are here for tourism.

If you obtained an eVisa, ensure the passport number on the approval matches your travel passport exactly.

Keep cash (US Dollars or Zambian Kwacha) accessible in case you need to pay for a visa on arrival (if applicable) or other immediate expenses.

Customs & Duty-Free

Zambia has standard customs regulations. Declare all valuable goods, significant amounts of currency, and restricted items.

Alcohol

1 liter of spirits and 2 liters of wine

Traveler must be over 18 years of age.

Tobacco

200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, or 250 grams of tobacco

Traveler must be over 18 years of age.

Currency

USD $5,000 or equivalent

Amounts exceeding USD $5,000 must be declared upon entry and exit.

Gifts/Goods

Reasonable personal effects and new goods up to a value of approximately $1,000 USD

Goods intended for commercial purposes or exceeding the value limit are subject to duty.

Prohibited Items

Illegal drugs and narcotics
Counterfeit currency and goods
Obscene or pornographic materials
Firearms and ammunition without a permit
Hazardous materials

Restricted Items

Fresh fruits, vegetables, and plant materials require a phytosanitary certificate.
Animal products, meat, and dairy require veterinary import permits.
Medications ( prescription drugs) should be in original packaging with a doctor's prescription.
Cultural artifacts and antiquities require an export permit from the National Heritage Conservation Commission.

Health Requirements

Health requirements focus on preventing the importation of infectious diseases. Proof of vaccination may be required depending on your travel history.

Required Vaccinations

Yellow Fever: Mandatory if arriving from a country with risk of Yellow Fever transmission (includes transits >12 hours in an airport of such a country).

Recommended Vaccinations

Routine Vaccinations (MMR, DTaP, Polio, etc.)
Hepatitis A & B
Typhoid
Rabies (for extended stays or adventure travel)
Cholera (recommended during outbreaks)
Meningitis (for certain regions/seasons)

Health Insurance

While not mandatory for entry, complete travel health insurance that includes medical evacuation is highly recommended. Healthcare in private facilities in Lusaka is good but can be expensive for foreigners.

Current Health Requirements: Check the latest requirements for COVID-19 testing or vaccination, which can change based on global and local conditions. Also verify current malaria prophylaxis recommendations for Lusaka and your travel regions in Zambia.

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Important Contacts

Essential resources for your trip.

Embassy/Consulate

Find your country's embassy or consulate in Lusaka.

Check your government's travel advisory website (e.g., travel.state.gov for US, gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice for UK) for contact details and registration info.

Immigration Authority

Zambia Department of Immigration

Official website for eVisa applications, forms, and regulations: www.zambiaimmigration.gov.zm

Emergency

Emergency services number

Police, ambulance, fire: Dial 999

Special Situations

Additional requirements for specific circumstances.

Traveling with Children

Children under 18 must have their own passport. If traveling with only one parent, with neither parent, or as an unaccompanied minor, you may need a notarized letter of consent from the absent parent(s) and a copy of their passports/birth certificates. Requirements can be strict; check with your airline and Zambian immigration well in advance.

Traveling with Pets

Pets require an import permit from the Zambian Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock. Requirements include a valid rabies vaccination certificate (administered at least 30 days prior to travel), a veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, and sometimes a rabies titer test. Pets may be subject to quarantine upon arrival.

Extended Stays

To stay longer than your visa allows, you must apply for an extension at the Department of Immigration headquarters in Lusaka (Longacres) before your current visa expires. Extensions are not guaranteed. For long-term stays (work, study, residency), you must apply for the appropriate permit (e.g., Temporary Employment Permit, Study Permit) from abroad or through a local sponsor.

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