Destination Guides
Zambia

 
assport/Visa
 
Passport/Visa

Yes Yes Yes
Yes Yes Yes
Yes Yes Yes
Yes Yes Yes
Yes 1 Yes
Yes Yes Yes

 
Passports

Passport valid for six months from the date of entry required by all.

 
Visas

Required by all except the following for stays of up to 30 days:
(a) 1. nationals of Ireland (all other EU nationals do require a visa);
(b) nationals of Romania and Serbia & Montenegro;
(c) nationals of Commonwealth countries (except nationals of Australia, Bangladesh, Canada, The Gambia, Ghana, India, Mozambique, New Zealand, Nigeria, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Sierra Leone, Sri Lanka and the UK who do require a visa);
(d) transit passengers continuing their journey by the same or first connecting aircraft within 24 hours provided holding valid onward or return documentation and not leaving the airport.

 
Note

A Bonafide Tourist, who is travelling on a pre-arranged package tour with a foreign tour operator, or in conjunction with a local tour operator in Zambia, will be issued a fee-waived visa for a stay of no longer than 14 days. The fee-waived visa will be issued at any port of entry to Zambia. The Bonafide Tourist will also be exempt from submitting a letter of invitation, photocopy of flight details and proof of funds.

 
Types of visa and cost

Tourist, Business, Private and Transit. The cost depends on nationality. For UK citizens: £33 (single-entry); £45 (double- and multiple-entry). Payable in cash in person or by postal order payable to the Zambia High Commission.

 
Validity

Six months from date of issue for a stay of maximum 30 days; transit visa valid for seven days. Daytripper visas are valid for tourists entering Zambia for no more than 24 hours.

 
Application to

Consulate (or consular section at High Commission or Embassy); see Passport/Visa Information.

 
Application requirements

(a) One completed application form. (b) Two recent passport-size photos. (c) Valid passport. (d) Fee (payable in cash or by postal order). (e) Self-addressed stamped envelope for postal applications. (f) Letter of invitation confirming purpose of visit from host in Zambia, for all trips. (g) Proof of the Zambian host’s immigration status. (h) Proof of return journey to home country. (i) Proof of sufficient funds during length of stay in Zambia.

 
Working days required

Three.

 
Temporary residence

For stays in excess of 90 days, apply to the Chief Immigration Officer (CIO), Kent Building, PO Box 50300, Lusaka (tel: (1) 252 622 or 252 629; tel/fax: (1) 252 008).

 
Passport/Visa Information

High Commission for the Republic of Zambia in the UK
2 Palace Gate, Kensington, London W8 5NG, UK
Tel: (020) 7589 6655.
Website: www.zhcl.org.uk
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0930-1300 and 1400-1700; Mon-Fri 1000-1300 (visa section).

Embassy of the Republic of Zambia in the USA
2419 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20008, USA
Tel: (202) 265 9717.
Website: www.zambiaembassy.org
Opening hours: Mon-Thur 0930-1230 (consular section).

 
 
 
ontact Addresses
 
Zambia National Tourist Board in the UK

2 Palace Gate, Kensington, London W8 5NG, UK
Tel: (020) 7589 6655.
Website: www.zambiatourism.com
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0930-1300 and 1400-1700.

 
High Commission for the Republic of Zambia in the UK

2 Palace Gate, Kensington, London W8 5NG, UK
Tel: (020) 7589 6655.
Website: www.zhcl.org.uk
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0930-1300 and 1400-1700; Mon-Fri 1000-1300 (visa section).

 
Embassy of the Republic of Zambia in the USA

2419 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20008, USA
Tel: (202) 265 9717.
Website: www.zambiaembassy.org
Opening hours: Mon-Thur 0930-1230 (consular section).

 
 
 
ealth
 
Health

No No
1 No
2 N/A
3 N/A

 
1

Following WHO guidelines issued in 1973, a cholera vaccination certificate is no longer a condition of entry to Zambia. However, cholera is still prevalent, particularly in the rainy season.

 
2

Vaccination against typhoid and polio is advised.

 
3

Malaria risk (including cerebral malaria), predominantly in the malignant falciparum form, exists throughout the year in the whole country. The malignant form is reported to be highly resistant to chloroquine and sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine. The recommended prophylaxis is mefloquine.

 
Food & drink

Water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should have first been boiled or otherwise sterilised. Milk is pasteurised and dairy products are generally safe for consumption. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish, preferably served hot. Pork, salad and mayonnaise may carry increased risk. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled.

 
Other risks

Bilharzia (schistosomiasis) is present. Avoid swimming and paddling in fresh water; swimming pools that are well chlorinated and maintained are safe. Human trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness) is reported in the north. Dengue, filariasis, leishmaniasis and onchocerciasis are present. Rickettsial infections can occur. Trachoma is widespread, as are hepatitis A and E. Hepatitis B is hyperendemic. Dysentery is endemic. Epidemics of meningococcal meningitis may occur, particularly in the savannah areas during the dry season. HIV/AIDS affects a high proportion of the population. Plague occurs very rarely. TB can occur.
Rabies is present. For those at high risk, vaccination before arrival should be considered. If you are bitten, seek medical advice without delay. For more information, consult the Health appendix.

 
Health care

There is no reciprocal health agreement with the UK and health service is not free. Adequate health care cannot be assured outside main towns. It is advisable to carry basic medical supplies as they are limited in Zambia. Comprehensive health insurance is recommended and it should include emergency air evacuation coverage if you are spending time in remote parts of the country.

 
 
 
ublic Holidays
 
Public Holidays

Listed below are Public Holidays for the January 2006-June 2007 period.

Jan 1 2006 New Year’s Day. Mar 12 Youth Day. Apr 14 Good Friday. Apr 17 Easter Monday. May 1 Labour Day. May 25 African Freedom Day (Anniversary of the OAU’s Foundation). Jul 3 Heroes’ Day. Jul 4 Unity Day. Aug 7 Farmers’ Day. Oct 24 Independence Day. Dec 25 Christmas Day.
Jan 1 2007 New Year’s Day. Mar 12 Youth Day. Apr 6 Good Friday. Apr 9 Easter Monday. May 1 Labour Day. May 25 African Freedom Day (Anniversary of the OAU’s Foundation).

 
Note

It is advisable to verify exact dates in advance.