How to Apply and Renew a Visa to Zambia

Whether you’re visiting Zambia for work or pleasure, you’ll need a visa. If you decide you need more time to explore, an extension will be required. Applying for a visa in advance is the best way to make sure your trip is a success. Here’s an easy-to-use guide to help you get started
An overview of the Zambian visa
The basic requirement for a visa is that the traveler must have a valid, signed passport for six months beyond the end of the intended stay. The passport must also have two consecutive blank pages for the visa stamp. When applying in person at a Zambian Embassy or High Commission, allow five working days for the visa to be processed, while applying online using the e- Visa system takes between three and five days to process. To extend any type of visa, download Form 11, the application to extend the period of validity of a visa or permit, on the Zambia Immigration website (on the left hand corner of the site). Other types of visas unique to Zambia are: transit visas, day trip visas, and the KAZA UNI visa.
Unless you’re from one of the countries on this list, you will need to apply for a visa to enter Zambia.

Applying for the right visa
Tourist visas
Options: Single entry, double entry, multiple entry
Single entry visas are USD $50, while double and multiple entry visas are USD $80. The fees can be paid in person at a Zambian embassy or high commission, or if using the e-Visa system, they can be paid online via debit or credit card.
To apply for a visa you will need:
A signed passport valid for six months beyond the end of the intended stay.
Two passport-sized images (two by two inches) taken against an all-white background and signed on the back.
Proof of travel (return airline e-ticket or itinerary with entrance and exit dates and the traveler’s name indicated as it is on their passport).
Vaccinations (yellow fever cards may be required from citizens of yellow fever zones).
A completed visa application form which can be obtained at a Zambian embassy or high commission, or online.
Tourist visas are valid for 90 days within a year.

Business visas
The same requirements as the tourist visa (ie passport, passport images, proof of travel, visa application form, vaccinations).
In addition, a cover letter for the candidate applying for the visa.
An invitation letter from Zambia.
A copy of return ticket or flight itinerary.
A business visa costs USD $50 and may take between three and five business days depending on the method used (high commission/embassy or e-Visa).
A traveler on a business visa is allowed to stay in the country for 30 days within a year-long period.
The process of extending a business visa is the same as for any other visa. Download and fill in Form 11.
Study permits
Download and fill in Form seven, which can be accessed on the left hand side of the Zambia Immigration website.
In addition to the basic requirements, those applying for a study permit should have a complete police clearance report.
A medical report from a government/state or public hospital.
A certificate of guarantee from the educational institution that the applicant’s fees will be paid and that they can support themselves financially while in the country.
As the last section of the form needs to be signed by the principal or head of the institution the applicant will be attending, it is best to have it signed before arriving in Zambia (can be scanned to the school).
A study permit costs USD $50 and takes three to five working days depending on the method of application (online or at an embassy or high commission).

Temporal employment permits
Download and fill in Form 25 from the Zambia Department of Immigration website.
The completed form must be accompanied by the other basic requirements (ie passport, passport images, proof of travel, visa application form, vaccinations).
A certified photography of certificates and professional certificate must be obtained.
A letter addressed to the director general from the employer indicating the nature of work the applicant intends to do in Zambia must be supplied.
To renew a temporal passport, the same rules as the other permits and visa renewals apply (Form 11)
Important things to keep in mind
Don’t wait to vaccinate
If arriving from a yellow fever zone, carry your yellow fever vaccination card as it may be required to be shown at the port of entry.
Prepare your travel funds in advance
Visa payments on arrival can be paid using US dollars. To purchase other items at the airport, local currency is accepted. USD $1 is equivalent to approximately ZMW 9.7 For the exchange rate at the time of travel, visit the Bank of Zambia website.
Organize accommodation in advance
To reduce stress, organizing accommodation in advance at least for the first few days and especially during peak season (public holidays, warmer months and boutique lodges/camps in national parks) is advised. For recommendations, see The Best Boutique Hotels in Zambia.
For backpackers, book accommodation for the first night as immigration officials may ask to see a booking confirmation. For couch surfers, obtain a printed letter from your host as it may be requested.

Other tips
Cultural explainers
There is a local saying of “Zambian time,” which refers to the slow pace with which some things can get done in Zambia, particularly in government institutions. Lots of patience is required.
Caucasian travelers may be referred to as “Muzungu,” which evolved from foreigner to “white person.” This is not meant to be offensive.
Consider alternatives to entering through airports
Not everyone flies into Zambia, the TAZARA railway, or TanZam railway as it’s known locally, is a great way of getting from Tanzania to central Zambia. Check out our article Why the TAZARA railway is the Best Way to See Zambia.

Other useful links
Citizens of these countries need visas to enter Zambia.
Visit Zambia Department of Immigration for any questions you have on traveling to Zambia.
Head to e-Visa to apply for your Zambian visa online.
Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip
meet our Local Insider
Hanna

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?
2 years.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.
WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?
I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!


Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.


KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?
Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.