Visa requirements

Zambia

General visa requirements for travelling to Zambia. These policies apply to all nationalities unless a country-specific policy exists.

Have a specific passport country? Check your specific route.

Work / Immigration visa (Study, Work and Residence Permit)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Processing time: Check Zambia Immigration before travel or employment starts.
Fee: Check Zambia Immigration for the current permit fee.
Validity: According to the approved permit or status.
Entry: Single entry

Study, work and residence routes are permit routes. Do not rely on a visitor visa for study, employment or residence.

Eligibility

Purpose of visit
For study, employment, residence or other long-stay purposes approved by Zambia Immigration.
Includes
- Study
- work
- residence
Employment
Work routes require the correct permit or approval before employment starts.

Required status: Approved work or residence permit

Documents you need

Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6
Proof of funds
Accepted forms: Sponsor evidence, bank statements, employer support or school evidence requested by the route; Minimum amount: Check the permit instructions
Police clearance
Countries required: Countries requested by Zambia for the permit route; Validity months: 6

How to apply

Document gathering
Prepare passport, permit-specific evidence, civil records, police records and sponsor documents.
Document submission
Submit through the official Zambia Immigration route for the permit type.
Fee payment
Pay only through official permit instructions.
Processing wait
Wait for written approval before relying on the status for travel, study or work.

Business visa (Business eVisa / Visa on Arrival)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

e-Visa

Maximum stay: 30 days
Processing time: Check the official eVisa portal before travel.
Fee: Check the Zambia Department of Immigration fee schedule or eVisa quote before applying.
Validity: As granted by Zambia Immigration.
Entry: Single entry

Business visitors should carry host, meeting or event evidence and must not use the route for local employment.

Eligibility

Purpose of visit
For meetings, conferences, trade visits or other short business activity approved by immigration.
Includes
- Business meetings
- conferences
- trade visits

Documents you need

Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6
Proof of funds
Accepted forms: Bank statements, employer support or business payment evidence; Minimum amount: Check the official business route instructions
Flight reservation
Provide flight booking or itinerary evidence when the route asks for travel plans.

Must be confirmed: No; Must show return: Yes
Invitation letter
Host requirements: Zambian host, organiser, company or business contact

How to apply

Online application
Apply through the official Zambia eVisa portal where the business route is available.
Document gathering
Prepare passport, business invitation, funds and travel evidence.
Fee payment
Use only official eVisa or immigration payment instructions.
Processing wait
Wait for the official decision and keep host evidence available for inspection.

Tourist visa (Visitor eVisa / Visa on Arrival)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

e-Visa

Maximum stay: 90 days
Processing time: Check the official eVisa portal before travel.
Fee: Check the Zambia Department of Immigration visitor fee schedule or eVisa quote before applying.
Validity: As granted by Zambia Immigration.
Entry: Single entry

This route is for nationalities that can get a visa on arrival, from a Zambian mission, or online through the eServices portal.

Eligibility

Purpose of visit
For tourism, private visits or other short visitor purposes approved by immigration.
Includes
- Tourism
- private visit
- short visitor trip

Documents you need

Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6
Proof of funds
Accepted forms: Bank statements, payment cards or sponsor evidence requested by immigration; Minimum amount: Check the official visitor route instructions
Accommodation proof
Provide hotel booking, tenancy evidence or host details that cover the planned stay.

Accepted types: Hotel booking, host address or invitation; Must cover full stay: Yes
Flight reservation
Provide flight booking or itinerary evidence when the route asks for travel plans.

Must be confirmed: No; Must show return: Yes

How to apply

Online application
Apply through the official Zambia eVisa portal where an online route is available.
Document gathering
Prepare passport, funds, accommodation or host evidence and return-travel evidence.
Fee payment
Pay only through the official eVisa portal or immigration instructions.
Processing wait
Wait for the eVisa decision or immigration decision before relying on the route.

Tourist visa (Visitor eVisa before travel)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

e-Visa

Maximum stay: 90 days
Processing time: Apply online and wait for approval before travel.
Fee: Check the Zambia Department of Immigration visitor fee schedule or eVisa quote before applying.
Validity: As granted by Zambia Immigration.
Entry: Single entry

Nationals in this category must receive visa approval before travelling to Zambia. Do not rely on visa on arrival.

Eligibility

Purpose of visit
For tourism, private visits or other short visitor purposes approved by immigration before travel.
Includes
- Tourism
- private visit
- short visitor trip

Documents you need

Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6
Proof of funds
Accepted forms: Bank statements, payment cards or sponsor evidence requested by immigration; Minimum amount: Check the official visitor route instructions
Accommodation proof
Provide hotel booking, tenancy evidence or host details that cover the planned stay.

Accepted types: Hotel booking, host address or invitation; Must cover full stay: Yes
Flight reservation
Provide flight booking or itinerary evidence when the route asks for travel plans.

Must be confirmed: No; Must show return: Yes

How to apply

Online application
Apply through the official Zambia eServices portal before travel.
Document gathering
Prepare passport, funds, accommodation or host evidence and return-travel evidence.
Fee payment
Pay only through the official eVisa portal or immigration instructions.
Processing wait
Wait for the approval letter before travelling.

Tourist visa (Visa-free visitor entry)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Visa free

Maximum stay: 90 days
Processing time: No visa application required before travel.
Fee: Free
Validity: Short visitor stay as admitted by Zambia Immigration.
Entry: Single entry

Visa-free visitors must still meet entry conditions, including return or onward travel and funds for the stay.

Eligibility

Purpose of visit
For tourism, private visits or other short visitor purposes allowed at entry.
Includes
- Tourism
- private visit
- short visitor trip

Documents you need

Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6
Proof of funds
Accepted forms: Funds evidence requested at entry; Minimum amount: Enough funds for the stay and departure from Zambia
Flight reservation
Provide flight booking or itinerary evidence when the route asks for travel plans.

Must be confirmed: No; Must show return: Yes

How to apply

Visa collection
Travel with passport, return or onward travel evidence and funds evidence. Immigration admits eligible visa-free visitors at the port of entry.

This information is provided for general guidance only. Visa requirements can change frequently and may vary by nationality. Always verify with the official embassy or consulate before making travel plans. Contact [email protected] for assistance.