Visas for Zambia

All foreigners entering Zambia require a passport valid for at least six months. Depending on the purpose and duration of stay, some travellers require a visa for Zambia, which is usually available at the point of entry into the country.

Zambia has visa-free agreements with over 100 countries that allows nationals of these countries to enter the country without a visa. Nationals of certain Central Asian, North African, and Middle Eastern countries will need to apply for an e-visa before travelling to Zambia. 

Useful links

• Zambian Department of Immigration

Tourist visas for Zambia

You can apply for a single-entry or double-entry tourist visa for Zambia at the port of entry. Those looking to obtain a multiple-entry visa should apply online using Zambia's e-Visa system or in person at a Zambian embassy or consulate before arriving in the country. Tourist visas allow holders to be in Zambia for up to 90 days within one calendar year. 

You'll need the following documents to be granted a tourist visa for Zambia: 

• A passport with at least two blank pages that will remain valid for at least six months after you visit Zambia 
• A letter addressed to the Director General of Immigration explaining the purpose of your visit
• Proof of itinerary and accommodation
• Proof of onward travel and enough funds to support you during your stay 

Business visas for Zambia

Foreigners entering Zambia for business purposes are required to have a valid business visa. These can be obtained at the point of entry into Zambia, and businesspeople may be asked to produce a letter from their intended business partner in Zambia stating the nature of the intended visit. 

Business visas are usually valid for 30 days and do not qualify a person to work for pay while in the country. Foreigners arriving in Zambia for volunteer purposes must enter the country on a business visa.

Work permits for Zambia

Foreigners wishing to work in Zambia for longer than six months will need a work permit. Work permits for Zambia are issued by the Department of Immigration and should be applied for before entering the country.

Zambian employers wanting to recruit foreign workers will generally have to prove to authorities that there are no Zambians suitably qualified or experienced enough to fill the position. Applicants will need to provide a police clearance certificate from their home country and certified copies of their academic and professional qualifications, among other documents. 

Expats cannot apply on their own, so the employer will typically handle the application process. Once your application has been approved, you can enter Zambia with the approval letter and collect your employment permit booklet from an Immigration Office. 

Depending on the nature of the employment, work permits are usually issued for an initial period of up to two years. Subsequent extensions of the work permit are permitted for a maximum of 10 years.

Working in Zambia

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Residence permits for Zambia

Residence permits for Zambia grant holders permanent residency status in the country. These are typically granted to expats who have held an Employment Permit for 10 continuous years or an Investor's Permit for three years or a Spouse Permit for five years. 

Those looking to retire in Zambia and can prove that they have enough funds to support themselves can also apply for a residence permit. The application process involves submitting several documents, paying the required application fees, and an inspection by immigration officials. 

*Visa and work permit requirements are subject to change at short notice, and expats are advised to contact their nearest Zambian embassy or consulate for the latest details.