Zambia Visa Policy

There are different types of visas available for Zambia. You will be required a visa even if you are transiting through Zambia unless you are from a visa-exempt group.

You can realize your planned trip to Zambia by obtaining a Zambia visa. Foreign nationals can apply to Zambia short-term visas (Single, Double, Multiple entries) e-Visa, via embassy, on arrival, or KAZA UNIVISA for temporary reasons (tourism, business, cultural, and other short-term purposes).

Note: Single, Double and Multiple Entry visas are valid for ninety (90) days from the date of the first issue, except for United States nationals whose Multiple Entry Visas have a validity of three (3) years, on a mutually agreed reciprocal basis.

All nationals who normally require a visa to enter Zambia are eligible to apply for an e-Visa. Furthermore, you can also apply for a visa in Zambia embassies/consulates (free of charge).

If you are of dual nationality, make sure that you are using the passport that you wish to use to travel to Zambia, as the validity of the visa is related to the passport used during the application process.

The following countries must obtain prior approval from the Director-General of Immigration.

Applicants must apply for a visa prior to their arrival in Zambia via the Director-General of Immigration. Prior to their trip, the applicant must obtain a letter of approval. Visa applications in this category must be made through the eServices portal online.

Required Documents for Zambia E-visa

1. Passport

• Validity minimum of six months beyond the date of your departure from Zambia.
• Signed by bearer
• Passport not older than 10 years (issued in the last 10 years)
• At least one or three free “visa pages”
• Undamaged pictures securely affixed with/to passport

2. Photo

• Format – JPG, PNG
• Minimum 10 KB
• Maximum 1 MB
• The height and width of the Photo must be equal.
• The photo should present full face, front view, eyes open and without spectacles
• Center head within frame and present full head from the top of hair to bottom of the chin
• The background should be a plain light-colored or white background.
• No shadows on the face or the background.
• Without borders.

3. Photocopies

• Certified Copy of the main page of your passport

4. Travel Itinerary 

• Flight reservation (return ticket)
• Valid (existing) hotel/accommodation booking/reservation with the full address (name, street, city, zip code, contact information, booking ref.)

5. Cover Letter

• From Employer Addressed to The Director-General of Immigration

6. Supporting Documents that Show Your Reason for a Trip

     For tourism:

• Confirmation of the accommodation (hotel confirmation, apartment rental contract, etc.)

     For business/congress/sports travel:

• Certified photocopies of the certificate of incorporation
• Confirmation of the accommodation (hotel confirmation, apartment rental contract, etc.)

     For ordinary visitor:

• Certified photocopies of the certificate of incorporation

     For private visit:

• Original invitation letter by inviting person
• The original document that confirms the ownership of estate (home) of your inviting person, if you are going to stay there
• Copies of passport, ID card/residence permit of your inviting person

     For studying (short-term):

• Acceptance letter to education establishment in Zambia
• Confirmation of the accommodation (apartment rental contract, dormitory contract, etc.)

     For volunteer:

• Reference or Invitation Letter of the Entity Coordinating the Activities

     For religious:

• Letter issued by a religious organization

     For transit (valid for a maximum period of seven (07) days):

• Flight reservation (onward ticket)

7. When You Arrive in Zambia, You Must Present also:

• Printed Zambia e-visa
• Travel Itinerary including:
  • Flight reservation
  • Valid (existing) hotel/accommodation booking/reservation with the full address (name, street, city, zip code, contact information, booking ref.)

Processing Time for Zambia E-visa

The average processing time for Zambia e-visa is 5-21 working days.

Zambia E-visa Application Fee

Zambia e-visa fee is 50-150 USD depending on the category of E-visa. (They can vary depending on your country and nationality).

 Where to Apply for Zambia E-visa Application?

You will apply to Zambia e-visa online. You can apply for an E-visa through this website.

You can also apply for KAZA UNIVISA online (e-Visa) only if you arrive at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport, Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport, Victoria Falls Border, and Kazungula Border Control, Zambia.

Currently, the KAZA UNIVISA can only be used and is only available at the following ports of entry in Zambia and Zimbabwe:

Zambia Ports of Entry:

• Kenneth Kaunda International Airport
• Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport
• Victoria Falls Border
• Kazungula Border

Zimbabwe Ports of Entry:

• Harare International Airport
• Victoria Falls International Airport
• Victoria Falls Border
• Kazungula Border

Required Documents for Zambia KAZA UNIVISA

1. Passport

• Validity minimum of six months beyond the date of your departure from Zambia.
• Signed by bearer
• Passport not older than 10 years (issued in the last 10 years)
• At least one or three free “visa pages”
• Undamaged pictures securely affixed with/to passport

2. Photocopies

• Certified Copy of the main page of your passport

3. Cover Letter

• From Employer Addressed to The Director-General of Immigration

4. When You Arrive in Zambia, You Must Present also:

• Printed Zambia e-visa
• Travel Itinerary including:
  • Flight reservation
  • Valid (existing) hotel/accommodation booking/reservation with the full address (name, street, city, zip code, contact information, booking ref.)

Processing Time for Zambia KAZA UNIVISA

The average processing time for Zambia e-visa is 5-21 working days.

Zambia KAZA UNIVISA Application Fee

Zambia KAZA UNIVISA fee is 50 USD and allows tourists to obtain a single visa to visit both countries multiple times. The visa shall be valid for up to 30 days in any given period of 12 months, as long as the holder remains within Zambia and Zimbabwe. It also covers those who visit Botswana on a day-trip through Kazungula Borders.

 Where to Apply for Zambia KAZA UNIVISA Application?

You will apply to Zambia KAZA UNIVISA online. You can apply for a KAZA UNIVISA through this website (official governmental website).

Required Documents for Zambia Visa on Arrival

1. Passport

• Validity minimum of six months beyond the date of your departure from Zambia.
• Signed by bearer
• Passport not older than 10 years (issued in the last 10 years)
• At least one or three free “visa pages”
• Undamaged pictures securely affixed with/to passport

2. Travel Itinerary

• Flight tickets (Return ticket)
• Accommodation confirmation/reservation (hotel booking, house contract, apartment reservation, etc.)
• Or Invitation letter by your host

3. Proof of Financial Sources

• Bank statements, cash, traveler's cheques, vouchers, etc.

*Additional documents can be required by the border control.

Processing Time for Zambia Visa on Arrival

The average processing time for Zambia Visa on Arrival is a few minutes.

Zambia Visa on Arrival Fee

Zambia Visa on Arrival fee is 50 USD for all foreign citizens. The fee may vary depending on your nationality.

Where to Apply for Zambia Visa on Arrival?

You will apply for Zambia Visa on Arrival at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport, Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport, Victoria Falls Border, and Kazungula Border.

Zambia Residence Permit

Even if your country is exempt from visa requirements, if you intend to stay longer in Zambia, you will need to apply for a Residence Permit from your home country before coming to Zambia.

In some countries, Zambia's official embassies and consulates don’t process Residence Permit, instead of visa applicants apply for Residence Permit online through this website (official governmental website) for traveling to Zambia This procedure can vary depending on your country of residence, nationality, and the policy of the embassy you apply for a visa.

The Zambia Residence Permit is given to foreigners who wish to live in Zambia for a longer period of time or to have temporary or permanent residence established.

A Residence Permit confers permanent residence to a holder and is issued to an alien who: has held an Investor Permit for a continuous period of more than ten (10) years; is a dependant (age 21 or less) of a person with a valid Residence Permit or an established resident; has an Investor’s Permit for more than three (3) years; has a Spouse Permit for at least five (5) years; is a person (regardless of age) born from a citizen; is a dependant of foreign origin under the custody of a citizen; has the intention to retire in Zambia and showing proof of sufficient funds (pension, irrevocable annuity, retirement account); and has an Entry Permit (subject to reasonable and justifiable reasons for delayed change).

A residence permit shall become invalid if the holder:

a) Has not entered Zambia within six months from the date of issue of the residence permit or such later date as the Director-General of Immigration may approve when the residence permit is issued;

b) Has been absent from Zambia for more than six months without notifying the Director-General of Immigration, in writing, that the person proposes to return to Zambia; or

c) Is absent from Zambia for any period exceeding twelve months.

Zambia Employment Residence Permit

The permit allows its holder to enter and re-enter Zambia and remain in Zambia until the permit expires. However, if the application is being made for the first time and a visa is required for the successful applicant to enter Zambia, such person must still apply for a visa to enter the country for the purpose of obtaining the permit.

An Employment Permit is issued to an alien who enters the country for more than six (06) months for the purpose of Investor. It can be renewed for up to 10 years. 

Note: All applicants must remain outside of Zambia until the permit is approved. In addition, only the Employer, a Practising Lawyer, and an Immigration Consult may apply for an Investor Permit on behalf of a prospective expatriate. An individual expatriate cannot do this on their own.  

Required Documents for Zambia Employment Residence Permit

1. Application Form 

• Fully completed in English and signed and dated by the applicant 

2. Passport

• Validity minimum of six months beyond the date of your departure from Zambia.
• Signed by bearer
• Passport not older than 10 years (issued in the last 10 years)
• At least one or three free “visa pages”
• Undamaged pictures securely affixed with/to passport

3. Photo

• Format – JPG, PNG
• Minimum 10 KB
• Maximum 1 MB
• The height and width of the Photo must be equal.
• The photo should present full face, front view, eyes open and without spectacles
• Center head within frame and present full head from the top of hair to bottom of the chin
• The background should be a plain light-colored or white background.
• No shadows on the face or on the background.
• Without borders.

4. ID Card Copy

• Validity minimum of six months beyond the date of your departure from Zambia.

5. Residence Permit/Visa Copy (if your country of residence and citizenship are different)

• Validity minimum of one year beyond the date of your departure from Zambia.

6. Photocopies

• Certified copy of the main page of your passport
• Copies of previous visas
• Last endorsement stamp for Zambia

7. Travel Itinerary 

• Flight reservation 
• Valid (existing) hotel/accommodation booking/reservation with the full address (name, street, city, zip code, contact information, booking ref.)

8. Cover Letter

• From Employer Addressed to The Director-General of Immigration
• In the Case of Construction, Mining Sector, ICT, Engineering and other Project-Based Commitments, a Cover Letter Specifying the Project to which the Expatriate would be Employed, a Copy of the Award Letter Specifying the date of Completion and the Value of the Project must be submitted

9. Investor Contract or Letter of Offer

10. Police Clearance

11. Curriculum Vitae

12. Registration Certificate

• From the Relevant Professional Body in Zambia (Where Required)

13. Certified Copy of Qualifications

• Copy of your Academic/Professional qualification(s)
• Copy of diploma(s)
• Copy of work-based learning certificate(s)
• Copy of transcript(s)

14. Proof of Civil Status

• Copy of Marriage Certificate
• Copy of Birth Certificate

15. Company Documents

• Certified Certificate of Share Capital and List of Directors
• Certified Certificate List of Directors

16. Copy of the Succession Plan

• Includes an Undergraduate Training Program to be carried out by a Foreign National to Transfer Knowledge and/or Skills to a Zambian Worker.

17. A Copy of the Certificate of Incorporation

18. Original Press Advertisements

• Appeared in two Leading A5-sized Newspapers. The Name of the Newspaper and the date of the Advertisement should be Clearly Visible in the Press Release, and the Results of the Selection Exercise should also be submitted.

19. Prescribed Fee

Processing Time for Zambia Employment Residence Permit

The average processing time for a Zambia Employment Residence Permit is 5-21 working days.

Zambia Employment Residence Permit Fee

Zambia Employment Residence Permit fee is K18,000.00 (about 840 USD), it can vary depending on your country and nationality. Additionally, you may also need to pay other fees, courier service fee, etc., depending on the country and location of your documents' submission.

Where to Apply for Zambia Employment Residence Permit?

You will apply for a Zambia Employment Residence Permit in Zambia embassies, consulates, whichever accepts visa applications in your country of residence or you can apply online through this website (official governmental website).

Zambia Study Residence Permit

The permit allows its holder to enter and re-enter Zambia and remain in Zambia until the permit expires. However, if the application is being made for the first time and a visa is required for the successful applicant to enter Zambia, such person must still apply for a visa to enter the country for the purpose of obtaining the permit.

A Study Permit is issued to a foreign national who intends to study at a Zambian educational institution on a full-time or part-time basis. Children and dependents of holders of permits should apply for Study Permits to study at an educational institution in Zambia for a period longer than three (03) months, unless children or dependents hold residence permits on their own, in which case they should ensure that their residence permits are read as 'students.'

Note: All applicants must remain outside of Zambia until the permit is approved.

Required Documents for Zambia Study Residence Permit

1. Application Form 

• Fully completed in English and signed and dated by the applicant himself (signed by both parents in case of minors, below the age of 18)

2. Passport

• Validity minimum of six months beyond the date of your departure from Zambia.
• Signed by bearer
• Passport not older than 10 years (issued in the last 10 years)
• At least one or three free “visa pages”
• Undamaged pictures securely affixed with/to passport

3. Photo

• Format – JPG, PNG
• Minimum 10 KB
• Maximum 1 MB
• The height and width of the Photo must be equal.
• The photo should present full face, front view, eyes open and without spectacles
• Center head within frame and present full head from the top of hair to bottom of the chin
• The background should be a plain light-colored or white background.
• No shadows on the face or on the background.
• Without borders.

4. ID Card Copy

• Validity minimum of six months beyond the date of your departure from Zambia.

5. Residence Permit/Visa Copy (if your country of residence and citizenship are different)

• Validity minimum of one year beyond the date of your departure from Zambia.

6. Photocopies

• Certified copy of the main page of your passport
• Copies of previous visas
• Last endorsement stamp for Zambia

7. Travel Itinerary 

• Flight reservation 
• Valid (existing) hotel/accommodation booking/reservation with the full address (name, street, city, zip code, contact information, booking ref.)

8. Cover Letter

• From sponsor addressed to the Director-General of Immigration

9. Letter of acceptance

• Original invitation letter by the educational establishment in Zambia
• Acceptance letter to education establishment in Zambia

10. Letter from Sponsor

• The letter must include:
  • Name, postal address, and telephone number of sponsor/company
  • Details regarding the applicant’s working position, starting date of the employment, and salary
  • The timeframe of work leave (expected date to resume duties) and purpose of travel
• Valid trade license copy and company ownership documents (if a person is an owner of the company).
• Letter from University (if student)
• Copy of sponsor’s valid passport and residence visa (if any) to be attached to letter from sponsor (if an applicant is a dependent)

11. Proof of Status of Sponsor

• Proof of legal status
  • Certificate of Citizenship or naturalization
  • Resident Alien Card
  • A valid foreign passport with a visa 

12. Financial Status of Sponsor

• Generally, there are several recognized ways to prove your financial sufficiency:
  • A personal bank statement indicating financial movements
  • Credit card
  • Cash
  • Traveler’s cheques
  • Payslips
  • Proof of employment
  • Supporting document to attest sponsor’s readiness to cover your expenses during your stay
  • Proof of prepaid accommodation
  • Document about accommodation in private
  • Proof of prepaid transport
  • Other

13. Prescribed Fee

14. Chest X-Ray Report

Processing Time for Zambia Study Residence Permit

The average processing time for a Zambia Study Residence Permit is 5-21 working days.

Zambia Study Residence Permit Fee

Zambia Study Residence Permit fee is K15,000.00 (about 700 USD) it can vary depending on your country and nationality). Additionally, you may also need to pay other fees, courier service fee, etc., depending on the country and location of your documents' submission.

Where to Apply for Zambia Study Residence Permit?

You will apply for a Zambia Study Residence Permit in Zambia embassies, consulates, whichever accepts visa applications in your country of residence or you can apply online through this website (official governmental website).

Zambia Investor Residence Permit

The permit allows its holder to enter and re-enter Zambia and remain in Zambia until the permit expires. However, if the application is being made for the first time and a visa is required for the successful applicant to enter Zambia, such person must still apply for a visa to enter the country for the purpose of obtaining the permit.

An Investor's Permit is issued to a foreigner (over 18 years of age) who intends to set up a business or invest in Zambia or who has established or invested in a business in Zambia or joins an existing company.

Note: All applicants must remain outside of Zambia until the permit is approved.

Required Documents for Zambia Investor Residence Permit

1. Application Form 

• Fully completed in English and signed and dated by the applicant

2. Passport

• Validity minimum of six months beyond the date of your departure from Zambia.
• Signed by bearer
• Passport not older than 10 years (issued in the last 10 years)
• At least one or three free “visa pages”
• Undamaged pictures securely affixed with/to passport

3. Photo

• Format – JPG, PNG
• Minimum 10 KB
• Maximum 1 MB
• The height and width of the Photo must be equal.
• The photo should present full face, front view, eyes open and without spectacles
• Center head within frame and present full head from the top of hair to bottom of the chin
• The background should be plain light-colored or white background.
• No shadows on the face or on the background.
• Without borders.

4. ID Card Copy

• Validity minimum of six months beyond the date of your departure from Zambia.

5. Residence Permit/Visa Copy (if your country of residence and citizenship are different)

• Validity minimum of one year beyond the date of your departure from Zambia.

6. Photocopies

• Certified copy of the main page of your passport
• Copies of previous visas
• Last endorsement stamp for Zambia

7. Travel Itinerary 

• Flight reservation 
• Valid (existing) hotel/accommodation booking/reservation with the full address (name, street, city, zip code, contact information, booking ref.)

8. Cover Letter

• From Employer Addressed to The Director-General of Immigration

9. Certificate of Incorporation

10. Certificate of Share Capital (where required)

11. Certificate of Minimum Capital

12. Investment License

• From ZDA (where available)

13. List of Directors

14 Proof of Personal Investment

• Amounting to US$250,000 for a new business and US$150,000 if joining an existing company (Bank Statement, Money Transfer, ZRA Form CE20, showing description and value of goods/equipment)

15. Proof of Ownership or Lease Agreement in Zambia

16. Prescribed Fee

Processing Time for Zambia Investor Residence Permit

The average processing time for a Zambia Investor Residence Permit is 5-21 working days. It can vary depends on your visa application country.

Zambia Investor Residence Permit Fee

Zambia Investor Residence Permit fee is K12,000.00 (about 560 USD) it can vary depending on your country and nationality). Additionally, you may also need to pay other fees, courier service fee, etc., depending on the country and location of your documents' submission.

Where to Apply for Zambia Investor Residence Permit?

You will apply for a Zambia Investor Residence Permit in Zambia embassies, consulates, whichever accepts visa applications in your country of residence or you can apply online through this website (official governmental website).

Zambia Spouse Residence Permit

The permit allows its holder to enter and re-enter Zambia and remain in Zambia until the permit expires. However, if the application is being made for the first time and a visa is required for the successful applicant to enter Zambia, such person must still apply for a visa to enter the country for the purpose of obtaining the permit.

A Spouse Permit is issued to the spouse of a: Zambian Citizen; an established resident holding a Certificate of Status as an Established Resident; and a Residence Permit holder.

Note: All applicants must remain outside of Zambia until the permit is approved.

Required Documents for Zambia Spouse Residence Permit

1. Application Form 

• Fully completed in English and signed and dated by the applicant

2. Passport

• Validity minimum of six months beyond the date of your departure from Zambia.
• Signed by bearer
• Passport not older than 10 years (issued in the last 10 years)
• At least one or three free “visa pages”
• Undamaged pictures securely affixed with/to passport

3. Photo

• Format – JPG, PNG
• Minimum 10 KB
• Maximum 1 MB
• The height and width of the Photo must be equal.
• The photo should present full face, front view, eyes open and without spectacles
• Center head within frame and present full head from the top of hair to bottom of the chin
• The background should be a plain light-colored or white background.
• No shadows on the face or on the background.
• Without borders.

4. ID Card Copy

• Validity minimum of six months beyond the date of your departure from Zambia.

5. Residence Permit/Visa Copy (if your country of residence and citizenship are different)

• Validity minimum of one year beyond the date of your departure from Zambia.

6. Photocopies

• Certified copy of the main page of your passport
• Copies of previous visas
• Last endorsement stamp for Zambia

7. Travel Itinerary 

• Flight reservation 
• Valid (existing) hotel/accommodation booking/reservation with the full address (name, street, city, zip code, contact information, booking ref.)

8. Cover Letter

• From Employer Addressed to The Director-General of Immigration

9. Letter of Consent

• From the Spouse in Support of the Application (citizen, established resident & Residence permit holder)

10. Status of the Spouse

• Citizen, Established Resident & Residence Permit holder

11. Proof of Civil Status

• Certified Copy of Marriage Certificate

12. Proof of Sustenance

13. Prescribed Fee

Processing Time for Zambia Spouse Residence Permit

The average processing time for a Zambia Spouse Residence Permit is 5-21 working days. It can vary depends on your visa application country.

Zambia Spouse Residence Permit Fee

Zambia Spouse Residence Permit fee is K2,261.00 (about 106 USD) it can vary depending on your country and nationality). Additionally, you may also need to pay other fees, courier service fee, etc., depending on the country and location of your documents' submission.

Where to Apply for Zambia Spouse Residence Permit?

You will apply for a Zambia Spouse Residence Permit in Zambia embassies, consulates, whichever accepts visa applications in your country of residence or you can apply online through this website (official governmental website).

Zambia Parents, Wives Residence Permit

The permit allows its holder to enter and re-enter Zambia and remain in Zambia until the permit expires. However, if the application is being made for the first time and a visa is required for the successful applicant to enter Zambia, such person must still apply for a visa to enter the country for the purpose of obtaining the permit.

Note: All applicants must remain outside of Zambia until the permit is approved.

Required Documents for Zambia Parents, Wives Residence Permit

1. Application Form 

• Fully completed in English and signed and dated by the applicant 

2. Passport

• Validity minimum of six months beyond the date of your departure from Zambia.
• Signed by bearer
• Passport not older than 10 years (issued in the last 10 years)
• At least one or three free “visa pages”
• Undamaged pictures securely affixed with/to passport

3. Photo

• Format – JPG, PNG
• Minimum 10 KB
• Maximum 1 MB
• The height and width of the Photo must be equal.
• The photo should present full face, front view, eyes open and without spectacles
• Center head within frame and present full head from the top of hair to bottom of the chin
• The background should be a plain light-colored or white background.
• No shadows on the face or on the background.
• Without borders.

4. ID Card Copy

• Validity minimum of six months beyond the date of your departure from Zambia.

5. Residence Permit/Visa Copy (if your country of residence and citizenship are different)

• Validity minimum of one year beyond the date of your departure from Zambia.

6. Photocopies

• Certified copy of the main page of your passport
• Copies of previous visas
• Last endorsement stamp for Zambia

7. Travel Itinerary 

• Flight reservation 
• Valid (existing) hotel/accommodation booking/reservation with the full address (name, street, city, zip code, contact information, booking ref.)

8. Cover Letter

• From Employer Addressed to The Director-General of Immigration

9. Supporting Letter

• From the Parents/Guardian/Spouse

10. Proof of Civil Status

• Statutory Marriage Certificate (in Case of Married Women)

11. Certified Copy of Aliens

• Commonwealth Registration Card

12. Proof of Capability of Maintaining the Dependant (from the Host)

13. Prescribed Fee

Processing Time for Zambia Parents, Wives Residence Permit

The average processing time for a Zambia Parents, Wives Residence Permit is 5-21 working days. It can vary depends on your visa application country.

Zambia Parents, Wives Residence Permit Fee

Zambia Parents, Wives Residence Permit fee is K2,261.00 (about 106 USD) it can vary depending on your country and nationality). Additionally, you may also need to pay other fees, courier service fee, etc., depending on the country and location of your documents' submission.

Where to Apply for Zambia Parents, Wives Residence Permit?

You will apply for a Zambia Parents, Wives Residence Permit in Zambia embassies, consulates, whichever accepts visa applications in your country of residence or you can apply online through this website (official governmental website).