Zambia

A passport is required for all travelers, and it should be valid for not less six months for all nationalities. Visas are needed for most countries and can be obtained on entry. For more information on visa regulations, please visit www.zambiaimmigration.gov.zm.

INFORMATION ON KAZA VISA FOR ZAMBIA AND ZIMBABWE

Where is it found?

What is the advantage?

It saves money and time because you only have to get one visa in two countries.

How much it cost?

It costs US$50

How long is it valid?

This visa is valid for 30 days if stay in Zambia and Zimbabwe. It also covers those day trips to Botswana through the Kazungula Border.

Who is eligible?

Citizens of 39 countries who are qualified to receive visas on arrival in both Zambia and Zimbabwe.

It is expected that the KAZA visa will be extended to the other three KAZA countries of Angola, Botswana, and Namibia. For more information visit www.kazavisa.info.

E-VISA

The Zambia Tourism Agency formerly called the Zambia Tourism Board is happy to declare that the Government of the Republic of Zambia, by the Ministry of Home Affairs (Department of Immigration), launched on Wednesday, 14th October 2015 the e-visa facility at Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka. The Ministry of Home Affairs officiated it.

You can apply for an e-visa facility which is open to all foreign nationals who require a visa to visit Zambia and can be accessed at; http://e-visa.zambiaimmigratio...

What is an e-visa?

An e-visa is an alternative to current visas issued by the Department of Immigration in Zambia (through in Headquarters, Ports of Entry and Zambia Missions). It permits foreigners who require permissions to enter Zambia. Applicants, therefore, may obtain their approval letter electronically, after submitting required information and payment which can be made by cash, credit or Debit Card at entry.

At the final step, the link to download your e-visa is given of electronically processing the visa, where you will be informed if your application has been completed and is successful. You can also download your e-visa which will be emailed to you. Also, your e-visa will be emailed to you. Immigration deputies at Ports of Entry can confirm your e-visa on their systems. However, you are advised to download and have the hard copy of your e-visa permission letter.

Eligibility

All foreign nationals who require e-visas to come to Zambia are eligible to apply for an e-visa.

Weather

Climate

Zambia enjoys a tropical climate. There are three seasons: warm and wet from December to April; crisp and dry from May to August; and hot and dry from September to November. The hottest month is October where temperatures can rise to 45c (about 113 F) in river valleys such as the South Luangwa National Park.

Clothing

For walking safaris and game drives, light, neutral colored dress, comfortable walking shoes, a warm jacket for evenings and early mornings and a wide-brimmed hat are recommended. For water activities, nylon water sandals are ideal.

Vaccinations

There are excellent health facilities in the country. However, as health precautions for traveling in Africa may be unfamiliar to you, we recommend that you consult your local doctor before visiting to discuss the need for possible immunization and malaria prevention, comprehensive medical and repatriation insurance is recommended.

Language

English is the official language of Zambia which is widely spoken. There are seven major local languages. Namely, Nyanja, Bemba, Luvale, Kaonde, Tonga, Lozi and Lunda; of these Bemba and Nyanja are widely spoken throughout Zambia.

Things to remember

Etiquette

Tourists should familiarize themselves with necessary local customs and traditions. Knowing a few rules of etiquette shows respect and avoids misunderstandings. Zambia is an exotic country to visit with friendly and hospitable people. Greetings in Zambia are generally done with a handshake. Even with business interactions, there is a gentle handshake and a friendly chit-chat before working. When people get to know each other, it is common to greet with a two-cheeked kiss.

Visitors should be mindful of what is considered to be the most appropriate attire. Although within the confines of a resort, Western beaches wear such as bikinis, shorts and miniskirts are generally accepted, when venturing outside, you should always make sure that you are suitably dressed.

It is essential to understand the way in which you are expected to interact with members of the same and opposite sex. For instance, you should not kiss or make any body contact with the member of the opposite sex. Any displays of affection should be kept to an absolute minimum in public.

Hotels

Zambia offers different accommodation types ranging from international five- star hotels, guest houses and lodges. In National parks, most accommodation is thatched roof and tents (semi-permanent luxurious tents and ordinary tents). In rural regions, housing is predominantly hotel or bed and breakfast establishments.

Banking

Banks open between 08:15 am and 03:30 pm from Monday to Friday. Some banks begin every first Saturday of the month.

Money

Zambia’s currency is the Kwacha. The main international currencies such as the US Dollar and British Pound are easily convertible at banks bureau de change, located in major cities. International credit cards, especially visa-electron enabled cards, are acceptable at most hotels and the cards can be used to draw money at various cashpoint machines (Automated Teller Machines).

Communications

Fixed and mobile line communications are widely available throughout the country. The mobile service provider uses 3G network technology. Zambia is divided into 72 districts and communication facilities, including the internet, are available in most areas.

Cuisine

Travelers to Zambia will be accorded an opportunity to enjoy both local and international cuisines offered by many excellent restaurants.

Customs

Duty-free allowances are 400 cigarettes or 500 grams of tobacco, 1 X one-liter bottle of spirits and 1 x one-liter of a bottle of wine. There is no restriction on exporting traditional souvenirs, such as baskets, carvings, but you will need a special permit for game trophies. Do not be tempted to buy products derived from endangered species (e.g., ivory).

Electricity Supply

Electricity is supplied at 220/240 running at 50Hz. Both three-pin British type (type G) and Euro plug (Type C) can be used.

Departure Tax

The departure tax is US$11 and US$30 for domestic and international flights respectively. The rate is subject to change. Most airline tickets include the foreign tax for Zambia coded JI.

Domestic Air Travel

Baggage allowance on domestic flights is 15kgs on checked in- bags.

Driving

Zambia drives on the left.

Photography

Outstanding photo opportunities abound. A good camera and a telephoto lens will be well rewarded. Ensure your equipment is in a padded, dust and heat proof case.it is always polite to ask before photographing people. Photographing official, military or security buildings is not advisable.

Time Zone

Two hours ahead of GMT. Zambia does not observe daylight savings Time.

Telephone

The country code is +260. Zambia enjoys both fixed and mobile telephone lines.

It is desirable to follow all luggage restrictions that are in place for both scheduled local, international and charter flights; Which is usually 20kgs (44lbs) on international flights, 20kgs (44lbs) for domestic flights, 12kgs (26lbs) on small aircraft which includes Okavango Delta charter flights.