Overview

Vast lakes, rich wetlands and breathtaking African sunsets contribute to Zambia's scenic splendour. A land blessed with 17 waterfalls including the spectacular Victoria Falls, the country attracts nature lovers and thrill seekers alike. The wild Zambezi River is perfect for adrenaline rush activities such as river rafting, canoeing safaris, river surfing and tiger fishing.

Zambia is the land of the legendary African walking safari. Big game, abundant birdlife and raw, pulsating wilderness are what visitors can expect to find. The Zambian government has long recognised the economic importance of its wildernesses and is acutely aware of environmental concerns: almost one-third of the country is given over to national parks and game reserves.

First colonised by the British South African Company in 1889, it was not until 1924, when the company ceded administrative control to the British Crown (whereupon it became the colony of Northern Rhodesia), that serious exploitation of the country's main natural resource, copper, began. Though this could have made Zambia one of the continent's richest countries, it is one of the world's poorest.

Passport/Visa

Passports

Passport valid for six months from the visa's date of expiry required by all nationals referred to in the chart above.

Visas

Required by nationals referred to in the chart above except the following for stays of up to 30 days:
(a) 1. nationals of Ireland (all other EU nationals do require a visa);
(b) 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.

Types of Visa and Cost

Tourist, Business, Private and Transit. The cost depends on nationality. For UK citizens: £75 (single-entry); £240 (double- and multiple-entry). For US citizens: US$135. 

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.

Applications to:

Consulate (or consular section at high commission or embassy); see Contact Addresses.

Working Days Required

Three, if submitted in person. Allow five for postal applications. 

Money

Currency

Kwacha (ZMK) = 100 ngwee. Notes are in denominations of ZMK50,000, 20,000, 10,000, 5,000, 1,000, 500, 100, 50 and 20. Coins are in denominations of ZMK10, 5 and 1, and 50 and 25 ngwee.

Currency Exchange

Exchange of foreign currency is carried out at authorised banks and bureaux de change.

Credit/Debit Cards and ATMs

Most hotels, restaurants, travel agents and bigger shops accept credit cards. ATMs are available within Lusaka and some of the major towns in Zambia. Standard Chartered and Barclays Bank have ATMs which accept Visa.

Traveller's Cheques

Widely accepted. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller's cheques in US Dollars, Euros or Pounds Sterling.

Currency Restrictions

Restrictions apply.

Banking Hours

Vary from bank to bank, but most are open Mon-Fri 0815-1430. Some banks are open 0815-1030 on the first and last Saturday of the month.

Exchange Rate Indicators

Health

Vaccinations

Food and 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. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled.

Other Risks

Avoid swimming and paddling in fresh water; swimming pools that are well chlorinated and maintained are safe. Vaccinations against tuberculosis and hepatitis B are sometimes advised.

Health Care

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.

Getting There

Getting There by Air

Zambia’s airlines are Aero Zambia (Z9) and Zambian Airways (Q3) (website: www.zambianairways.com).

Approximate Flight Times

From London to Lusaka is 13 hours (excluding stopovers).

Main Airports

Lusaka (LUN) is 26km (16 miles) east of the city (journey time – 30 minutes). To/from the airport: Airport and city bus services are available. Taxi service is also available to the city. Return is by prior arrangement with taxis (taxi fares are negotiable). Facilities: Outgoing duty-free shop, car hire, bank/bureau de change, restaurant and post office.

Mfuwe (MFU) is situated in the South Luangwa National Park, 1 hour 15 minutes’ flight from Lusaka International Airport. To/from the airport: Lodges and camps within the park provide airport transfers by prior arrangement.

Departure Tax

US$25. Transit passengers and children under two years are exempt.

Getting There by Water

There is a ferry crossing from Mpulungu across Lake Tanganyika to Kigoma in Tanzania and to Bujumbura in Burundi; and a service across the Zambezi from Kazungula to Botswana.

Getting There by Rail

There are two major rail routes linking Zambia with Zimbabwe and Tanzania. Zambia Railways serves Livingstone and has a connection across the Victoria Falls to Bulawayo and Harare in Zimbabwe. There are two trains daily in either direction (journey time – 9 to 12 hours depending on whether the ordinary or express service is used). The trains have first-, second- and third-class carriages. Tanzania–Zambia Railways Authority (TAZARA) (website: www.tazara.co.tz; tel: +255 2226 2191) operates trains from Kapiri Mposhi to Dar es Salaam in Tanzania. Services are often suspended and it is advisable to check at the tourist office in Lusaka for details.

Getting There by Road

Coach and bus services are available to Botswana, Malawi, South Africa, Tanzania and Zimbabwe. The main routes are from Zimbabwe via Chirundu or Kariba and Livingstone; from Botswana via Kasane and Kazungula; from Mozambique via Villa Gambito and Zumbo; from Tanzania via Nakonde; from Malawi via the Mchinga/Chipata border or further north at Nyika Plateau; and from the Democratic Republic of Congo via Lumbumbashi-Chingola road. Opening hours for road borders are from 0600-1800 (except for Victoria Falls which closes at 2000). A Temporary Import Permit is needed to bring a vehicle into Zambia.
 

Climate

Although Zambia lies in the tropics, the height of the plateau ensures that the climate is seldom unpleasantly hot, except in the valleys. There are three seasons: the cool, dry winter season from May to September; the hot, dry season in October and November; and the rainy season, which is even hotter, from December to April.

Required Clothing

Lightweights or tropical with rainwear.

Contacts

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).

Zambia National Tourist Board in the UK

2 Palace Gate, Kensington, London W8 5NG, UK
Tel: (020) 7589 6655.
Website: www.zambiatourism.com

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