Africa hosts various colourful and interesting cultures that attract people to this continent. Millions of people want to visit Africa and learn all the secrets. Unfortunately, some issues, such as safety, visa procedures, make them worry. If you want to visit Africa and not face these problems, you can choose Zambia as your travel destination. It is well known as one of the safest countries on the continent, and it offers various visas for its guests. One of those visa types is KAZA UNIVISA online. After reading this blog, you will have general information about the visa and be ready for the application.
The Visa Policy of Zambia
According to the country's visa policy, all visitors who are not eligible for visa-free travel must obtain a Zambia visa. Today, over 40 nationalities have the right to visit the country without undergoing a visa process. Some of the countries on the list visa-waiver list are:
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Marshall Islands
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Solomon Islands
- South Africa
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Tuvalu
- Uganda
- Vanuatu
- Zimbabwe
You can check the complete list on our website. If your country is not on that list, you should choose a visa type that matches the purpose of the visit. It can be a short-term, long-term, or transit visa. Visa requirements and application steps may vary depending on the type of one you choose. You can apply for the visa online, on arrival, or through the embassies and consulates of Zambia.
KAZA UNIVISA
What is KAZA UNIVISA? It is a pilot project launched by Zambia and Zimbabwe in November 2014. These two countries signed a Memorandum of Understanding, which symbolizes the beginning of the permanent issuance of the KAZA UNIVISA. The main aim is to create a more suitable tourism environment for foreign tourists and increase the number of visitors. Probably, Botswana, Namibia, and Angola will also join the project in the following years. If these countries join, it will be very beneficial for foreigners who want to discover local culture and traditions. Still that time, KAZA UNIVISA brought many advantages for visitors. First of all, you will have a chance to visit two countries by holding a single visa. Secondly, KAZA UNIVISA online application will make your visa application faster, and you will not need to wait in a queue with a bunch of documents in your hands.
During your journey, you will have a chance to get a lot of priceless information and meet various ethnic groups. Zambia alone hosts more than 70 ethnic groups, and all of them have unique traditions.
How to apply for a visa?
Applicants have two options for application. The first one is the online version; another one is KAZA UNIVISA on arrival. If you want to apply online, you must enter the official website and create an account. After the registration, you will upload your documents, fill the required blanks and pay the visa charge. As it is an online application, you will need a valid credit card and email address. After the processing time, you will get your visa via email.
On the other hand, if you prefer KAZA UNIVISA on arrival, you must bring the documents with you. Also, you can get a visa only at the following entry ports:
- Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (Zambia)
- Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport (Zambia)
- Victoria Falls Border (Zambia)
- Kazungula Border (Zambia)
- Harare International Airport (Zimbabwe)
- Victoria Falls International Airport (Zimbabwe)
- Victoria Falls Border (Zimbabwe)
- Kazungula Border (Zimbabwe)
Required documents
Regardless of the applied version (online or visa on arrival), you will need to provide details and documents. You need them to prove your eligibility. The list of documents that you will need is quite short. So, you will be able to collect all of them in just several days. However, preparing a checklist will be beneficial for you. You will need the following documents during the application:
- Passport. Your passport must be valid at least 180 days beyond the date of leaving the territory of Zambia or Zimbabwe, should be signed by the bearer, should not be older than ten years, must have a minimum of three free visas pages. Plus, the photo must be securely affixed to the passport.
- Photocopies. Besides the originals, you will need to present a copy of the main page of your passport.
- The cover letter was written by Employer Addressed to The Director-General of Immigration.
Moreover, you must provide some documents when you arrive. Do not forget to take these documents on you:
- A printed version of the visa that you have received by email
- Flight reservation (return ticket)
- Details of accommodation. You should present the booking details ( the place's name, street, city, zip code, contact information, etc.) where you will stay. It can be a hotel, hostel, rental apartment, or friend's house.
- You can use booking websites to find proper accommodation. Try to book your accommodation several days before the application and check the reviews before making any payment.
Price of KAZA UNIVISA
Another step of the application is paying the visa charge. How much is the price of KAZA UNIVISA? The fee for a visa is 50 USD. Your visa will be valid for a maximum of a month, and during your vacation, you can travel through the territory of Zambia and Zimbabwe freely. Also, the visa includes day trips to Botswana. Is pay cash for KAZA UNIVISA available? Yes, you can pay cash for KAZA UNIVISA, and the charge is still the same, 50 USD. Of course, this option is available for those who want to get a visa at the airport. If you apply online, you must pay the fee with a credit card.
How long does it take to get a visa from Zambia?
When people are interested in visiting a new country, they ask several questions, and one of the most popular ones is related to the processing time of visas. How long does it take to get a visa from Zambia? Generally, the processing time of KAZA UNIVISA lasts for a maximum of three weeks. Of course, it can be less or much depending on a load of applications and other effects. There is no need to worry while waiting for the processing time. If you provide all the documents correctly and fit the requirements, you will receive your visa in several days. While waiting for your visa, you can search for which places to visit during your travel to Zambia.
KAZA UNIVISA problems
Of course, everyone wants a minimum level of stress and problems during the vacation. What about visiting Zambia and Zimbabwe with KAZA UNIVISA. While searching on the internet, we can see that several people faced issues while travelling. Most KAZA UNIVISA problems have occurred when people want a KAZA UNIVISA on arrival. They said that proving their eligibility took so much time. Such kinds of problems happened when the program launched for the first time. It is understandable because the system was new and suitable for misunderstandings. Now, we can say that such kinds of problems are not common. Still, if you want to feel more secure, you can apply for an online version. In that case, you will not need to have a polemic with anyone.
Another problem that tourists mention is paying extra fees in some ports. Some visitors say that while passing Kariba and Chirundu road borders, they were asked to pay an additional visa fee. If you face such a problem, get in touch with the local authority or the embassy. There is not any fee for passing through the border. You may need to pay an additional charge only during the application procedure.
Can I extend KAZA UNIVISA?
In some cases, people who travel to Zambia want to spend more than several weeks in the country. After seeing beautiful wildlife and meeting the local cultures, it may happen to you, too. You may ask: is the KAZA UNIVISA extendable? Unfortunately, the answer is no. If you want to stay in the country, you must apply for another visa. If you want to stay in the country for another purpose, such as working or studying, in that case, you should apply for a Residence Permit. To realize this application, you should go back to your home country and make your application from there. Application steps and requirements for a Residence Permit are different from short-term visas. The list of required documents is much longer, and the visa fee is much higher. Today, the visa charge is something around 800-1000 USD. Of course, all these details vary depending on the purpose of the visit. Residence Permit has several subcategories, and all of them have their own terms. Moreover, you will have a chance to apply online or through embassies and consulates.
If you want to get more detailed information about the KAZA UNIVISA and other visa types of Zambia, you can visit our website and check the 'Services' section.
