You will need to obtain a Zambian visa if you are planning a trip to Zambia.
In this blog article, we will discuss the different types of Zambian visas, the visa application process, and the visa fees. We will also provide some tips for applying for a visa online.
Types of Zambian Visas
There are four main types of Zambian visas: tourist visas, business visas, work visas and transit visas.
- Tourist Visas: Are for people who are visiting Zambia for tourism purposes. They are ideal for leisure travelers planning a short-term visit for sightseeing and exploration. They are valid for 90 days and can be single or multiple entry.
- Business Visas: Are for people who are visiting Zambia for business purposes. They are suitable for those intending to engage in business-related activities such as attending conferences, meetings, or exploring investment opportunities.They are valid for 30 days and can be single or multiple entry.
- Work Visas: Are for people who are coming to Zambia to work. They are designed for individuals intending to take up employment. They are valid for the duration of the employment contract.
- Transit Visas: Necessary for travelers passing through Zambia to reach their final destination in another country.
Visa Application Process
The visa application process for Zambia is relatively straightforward. You can apply for a visa online or at a Zambian embassy or consulate.
If you are applying online, you will need to provide the following information:
- Your passport information: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date from Zambia. Also make sure it has your correct full names and your country.
- Your travel information: Provide a detailed itinerary of your trip, including flight bookings and hotel reservations.
- Your contact information: Like your emails or phone numbers
- The purpose of your visit: Letter of Invitation (if applicable). If you are visiting someone in Zambia or attending a business event, a letter of invitation from your host in Zambia may be required.
- Proof of accommodation: Provide proof of your flight bookings and hotel reservations.
- Proof of financial support: Show evidence of sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your stay in Zambia.
If you are applying at a Zambian embassy or consulate, you will need to provide the same information, as well as a passport-sized photo and a visa application fee.
Visa Fees
The visa fees for Zambia vary depending on the type of visa and your nationality. For example, the visa fee for a tourist visa for a US citizen is $50.
| Visa Type | Fees |
| Single Entry | $25 |
| Transit Entry | $25 |
| Double Entry | $40 |
| Kaza | $50 |
| Day Tripper | $10 |
Visa Requirements by Purpose of Visit to Zambia
| Purpose | Required Documents |
| Business | a) Passport sized photo; b) Passport copy of applicant; c) Cover letter on company letterhead with full address and contact numbers addressed to the Director-General; d) Invitation from host company; and e) Certified copy of certificate of incorporation of host company. |
| Tourism | a) Passport sized photo; b) Passport copy of applicant; c) Cover letter from applicant addressed to the Director-General which must be signed by the author; d) Hotel booking; and e) Copy of return air ticket. |
| Ordinary Visitor | a) Passport sized photo;b) Passport copy of applicant; c) Cover letter from host in Zambia addressed to the Director-General which must include full physical address and phone number of host and must be signed by the author; d) Copy of return air ticket;e) Hotel Booking (Optional); and e) Status of host i.e. copy of NRC/Zambia Immigration Permit. Note that persons on Study, Visiting, Temporary Employment Permit and Temporary Permits cannot invite visitors |
| Transit | a) Passport sized photo; b) Passport copy of applicant; and c) Cover letter from applicant addressed to the Director-General which must be signed by the author. Transit visas are issued to nationals who require visas to enter Zambia and are transiting through using land transport and shall be valid for a maximum period of seven (07) days Note that Travelers transiting through Zambia by Air directly, or those who remain within the precincts of the airport, do not require a transit visa and will not have to appear before an Immigration Officer for immigration formalities |
| Diplomat (Accredited to Zambia) | a) Copy of Diplomatic Passport; b) Cover Letter of Applicants Government Authority on Letterhead to the Director-General; c) Letter of Accreditation from Country of Origin/Letter of Invitation from Zambian Foreign Affairs Ministry; and d) Passport size photo |
| Diplomat (Not Accredited to Zambia and not on Official Business) | a) Copy of Diplomatic Passport; b) Cover Letter of Applicants Government Authority on Letterhead to the Director-General; c) Letter of Accreditation from Country of Origin/Letter of Invitation from Zambian Foreign Affairs Ministry; and d) Passport size photo. |
| Diplomat (Not Accredited to Zambia but coming on Official Business) | a) Copy of Diplomatic Passport; b) Cover Letter of Applicants Government Authority on Letterhead to the Director-General; c) Letter of Accreditation from Country of Origin/Letter of Invitation from Zambian Foreign Affairs Ministry; and d) Passport size photo. |
| Official | a) Passport sized photo; b) Passport copy of applicant; c) Cover letter on host institutions letterhead with full address and contact numbers addressed to the Director-General; and d) Copy of return air ticket. |
| Religious | a) Passport sized photo; b) Passport copy of applicant; c) Cover letter on religious institution letterhead with full address and contact numbers addressed to the Director-General; d) Letter of invitation from the host religious institution; e) Clearance from the Ministry of Religious Affairs and National Guidance; and f) Copy of return air ticket. |
| School | a) Passport sized photo; b) Passport copy of applicant; c) Cover letter on school letterhead with full address and contact numbers addressed to the Director-General; d) Acceptance letter from University/Collage/School; and e) Copy of status of host/parents/guardian if any. Note that Status of Host is the Immigration status of the person hosting the prospective foreign visitor. It could be a Zambian National Registration Card (NRC), where the host is a Zambian citizen, or a long term Permit, such as an Employment or Residence Permit in the case of a foreign Host |
| Kaza | a) Passport sized photo; b) Passport copy of applicant; c) Cover letter from applicant addressed to the Director-General which must be signed by the author; d) Hotel booking; and e) Copy of return air ticket. |
All Documents must be in jpg, png or tiff formats
Tips for Applying for a Zambian Visa Online
- Make sure you have all of the required information before you start the application process.
- Double-check your passport information to make sure it is accurate.
- Use a credit or debit card to pay the visa application fee.
- Print out your visa approval letter and bring it with you when you travel to Zambia.
The eVisa application takes at most 5 days to be processed in Zambia.
Conclusion
Applying for a Zambian visa is a relatively straightforward process. By following the tips in this blog article, you can ensure that your visa application is processed smoothly and quickly.