Zambia — Entry Requirements

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to: 

• see general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

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If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

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This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Zambia’s current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Zambia set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Zambian High Commission in the UK.

Passport validity requirements

To enter Zambia, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive. It must have at least 2 blank pages for entry stamping.  

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Dual nationality

When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.

Zambia recognises dual nationality. However, to avoid delays at the airport you should leave Zambia on the same passport you used to enter.

Visa requirements

British passport holders do not need a visa to enter Zambia. You must be able to show:

• valid return or onward tickets
• enough money for your stay

Tourists may remain in Zambia for a total of 90 days in any 12 month period. For business visitors the maximum stay in Zambia over a 12 month period is 30 days.

For further information, email the Zambian High Commission at info@zambiahc.org.uk or contact the Zambian Department of Immigration.

KAZA UNIVISA

The KAZA UNIVISA, for use in the Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area, is valid for unlimited travel between Zambia and Zimbabwe and for day trips to Botswana. It costs 50 US dollars and is valid for 30 days.

You can apply online in advance, or get the visa on arrival if you are arriving at:

• Kenneth Kaunda International Airport, Lusaka
• Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport, Livingstone
• by land at Livingstone, Victoria Falls (Zambia-Zimbabwe border)
• by land at Kazungula (Zambia-Botswana border)

Departure tax

On leaving Zambia, all air passengers must pay the equivalent to 25 US dollars for international travel and a security charge of 3 US dollars for domestic travel. Both charges are normally included in the cost of an air ticket, but you will have to pay in cash with Zambian kwacha if they are not.

Vaccine requirements

To enter Zambia, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination if you’re coming from a country listed as a transmission risk.

For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Zambia guide.

Ebola

As a public health measure, Zambia may introduce entry restrictions including health screening for travellers arriving from affected regions. Check entry requirements for the country you’re travelling to or transiting.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) have declared Ebola as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Zambia. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

This guide also has safety advice for regions of Zambia.

Terrorism

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in Zambia

Terrorist attacks in Zambia cannot be ruled out.

Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreigners.  

Political situation

There are occasionally demonstrations and protests in Lusaka and other urban areas. They can disrupt local transport and become violent. Avoid them and leave the scene as soon as possible if a crowd develops. Do not cross protester roadblocks as this is likely to provoke a violent reaction from demonstrators.

Crime

Travel in larger cities and the major game parks is generally safe during daylight hours. However, serious crimes can happen. Pre-arrange transport to avoid walking at night and stay aware of your surroundings, especially after dark. Stay alert and take precautions against vehicle crime by:

• keeping windows closed and doors locked when travelling
• ignoring hitchhikers or anyone trying to flag you down
• watching out for potential carjackers when approaching locked gateways at night, or if an object has been placed to block the road
• only using cars arranged for you by a hotel or tour operator

Keep valuables and originals of important documents in a safe place and carry a copy of your passport’s photo page and entry stamp.

Laws and cultural differences

Pornography laws

It is illegal to possess pornographic material in Zambia, and offenders may be jailed or deported.

Illegal drugs

It is illegal to possess or use drugs, including marijuana. Drug use and smuggling are serious offences.

Using cameras in secure areas

It’s illegal to take pictures of sensitive sites such as army barracks or government buildings, and you could be arrested. If in doubt, do not take pictures.

LGBT+ travellers

Same-sex sexual activity is illegal in Zambia, and anyone convicted can get a long prison sentence.

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.

Wildlife, animal products and souvenirs

It is illegal to buy, sell, kill or capture any protected wild animal or trade its parts without a licence. Anyone caught purchasing or trafficking such goods will be prosecuted and get a fine or a prison sentence.  

Outdoor activities and adventure tourism

Wild animals in the bush, including venomous snakes, are unpredictable and do kill. Whether you are travelling on land or water, you are at risk of potentially fatal animal attacks.

Adventure sports, including in the Victoria Falls area, carry risks. There have been serious accidents and deaths. The quality of medical care varies greatly. Follow safety instructions closely. Make sure you have appropriate travel insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment or potential repatriation.

Transport risks

Road travel

If you are planning to drive in Zambia, see information on driving abroad.

You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Zambia for up to 90 days. If you still have a paper driving licence, you may need to update it to a photocard licence. If you plan to stay in Zambia for more than 90 days, you’ll need to have the correct version of the international driving permit (IDP) or a Zambian driving licence.

Hire car companies often have stricter requirements for their customers, such as a year of driving experience, a higher minimum age and holding an IDP.  

Road conditions and driving standards

Many roads are severely potholed. During the rainy season from November to April, sudden floods can wash away bridges and roads.

Vehicles in Zambia are often inadequately maintained and badly driven. There are frequent fatal crashes. Drink-driving and driving while on a mobile are illegal but commonplace. Zambia’s Road Traffic and Safety Agency prosecutes traffic offenders through a fast-track court system.

It is dangerous to drive outside the main towns after dark due to abandoned vehicles, pedestrians and stray animals on the road, and vehicles being driven without lights.

Buses and minibuses

Travel by long-distance public transport can be dangerous due to poor standards of driving, lack of rest periods for drivers, the poor quality of vehicles and poor road conditions. Minibuses in urban areas are usually severely overcrowded, poorly maintained and badly driven.

This section has safety advice for regions of Zambia. It only covers regions where FCDO has specific advice.

You should also read FCDO’s overall travel advice and safety and security advice.

Zambia-DRC border

Take care when travelling in rural parts of Zambia, close to the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The border is not demarcated and there is a risk of inadvertently illegally entering DRC.

Legitimate border crossings in these areas are generally safe.  

Before you travel check that:

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Vaccine recommendations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip:

• check the latest vaccine recommendations for Zambia
• where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page

See what health risks you’ll face in Zambia including:

• yellow fever
• malaria
• dengue fever
• cholera
• mpox

The UNAIDS Zambia country progress report of 2020 estimated the overall HIV prevalence in the adult population is 11%, compared to a prevalence of 0.2% in adults in the UK. Take normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS.

Potential health risks from heavy metals in water 

Chemical waste containing heavy metals was released from a mine in Copperbelt Province into the Chambishi Stream and the Mwambashi and Kafue Rivers in February 2025. Exposure to heavy metal contaminants may affect health. As a precaution: 

• avoid bathing in rivers and streams near the Chambishi stream, and where the Mwambashi and Kafue rivers meet 

• avoid consuming untreated locally sourced water or fish from this area. Boiling water does not remove heavy metal contaminants 

• seek medical attention if you feel unwell

Medication

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.  

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.

Healthcare in Zambia

FCDO has a list of medical providers in Zambia.

Medical facilities throughout Zambia are of a lower standard than in the UK. Facilities in rural areas are basic and emergency services are limited. Carry basic medical supplies. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.

Emergency services in Zambia

Police: 991

Ambulance: 992

Fire: 993  

Contact your travel provider and insurer

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.

Refunds and changes to travel

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim

Support from FCDO

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:

• finding lawyers and funeral directors in Zambia
• dealing with a death in Zambia
• being arrested or imprisoned in Zambia
• getting help if you’re a victim of crime
• what to do if you’re in hospital
• if you’re affected by a crisis, such as a terrorist attack

Contacting FCDO 

Help abroad  

See how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency. 

Help in the UK  

You can call  FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.  

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)  

Find out about call charges

Get travel advice updates  

Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.  

Follow FCDO: 

• travel advice on X

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Risk information for British companies

The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating in Zambia on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.