Description of the visa, its purpose, conditions, peculiarities of issuance, and guidelines for utilization.
Processed on arrival at international checkpoints of Zambia. The visa is usually valid for up to 90 days within any 12‑month period from the first entry, and for business visits, up to 30 days within any 12‑month period. Allows stay in Zambia for tourism, family visits, or business purposes. Employment during the stay is not permitted.
The primary characteristics that define the conditions for obtaining and using a visa. These conditions may vary depending on the individual circumstances of the applicant and the decision of the immigration authorities of the country.
to 3 months - tourist visit
to 1 month - business visit
Visa validity period
The period during which the visa remains valid and can be used for entry into the country. The validity period or expiration date is indicated directly on the visa itself.
Regular visitors and tourists may stay in Zambia for up to 90 days within any 12-month period from the date of first entry, while business visitors may stay for up to 30 days within any 12-month period. The actual length of stay is determined by the immigration officer at the border, and the full 90 (or 30) days are not always granted at once. Upon entry, a border stamp (“allowed period of stay”) is placed in the passport, indicating the authorized duration of stay.
to 3 months - tourist visit
to 1 month - business visit
Duration of stay
The maximum duration for which one is permitted to stay in the country continuously from the date of entry.
Regular visitors and tourists may stay in Zambia for up to 90 days within any 12-month period from the date of first entry, while business visitors may stay for up to 30 days within any 12-month period. The actual length of stay is determined by the immigration officer at the border, and the full 90 (or 30) days are not always granted at once. Upon entry, a border stamp (“allowed period of stay”) is placed in the passport, indicating the authorized duration of stay.
to 3 months
Extension of stay
The extension of the maximum duration of stay in the country initially permitted by the visa, subject to approval by the immigration authorities. This is typically processed within the country without the need for departure.
Tourist visit: the stay can be extended, but only within the limits of the allowed 90 days, by submitting an application before the current period expires; the extension is processed through the local immigration authority. Business visit: if a business visitor wishes to stay for more than 30 days, they must apply for a Temporary Employment Permit.
single-entry
The possibility of entering the country only once during the visa's validity period. After departure from the country with such a visa, re-entry is not possible, even if the visa's validity period has not yet expired.
Double-entry
The ability to enter the country only twice during the visa's validity period. This is typically used for transit visas and when multiple entries are required within a short timeframe, such as during travel to multiple countries.
Number of entries
A parameter specifying the number of times the visa holder can enter the country during its validity period. Visas can be single-entry, multiple-entry, or with a specified number of entries.
Visa on arrival may be issued for single or double entry.
Not applicable
Processing time
The period during which the immigration authorities review the application and make a decision regarding the issuance of the visa. Only business days are counted, excluding weekends and public holidays.
The processing usually takes 20–60 minutes, and during periods of high passenger volume, it may take up to 1–2 hours.
$25 - single-entry
$40 - double-entry
Consular fee
A fee levied for the processing and evaluation of an application. This charge is non-refundable under any circumstances. In certain instances, the payment of supplementary fees may be required.
The cost of a visa on arrival depends on the type of visa and the number of entries.
A list of documents required for visa application. The exact list depends on the chosen visa type, the purpose of the visit, and the individual conditions of the applicant.
The essential minimum documents required for a visa application, such as a passport or visa application form. These are necessary regardless of the location, method, or conditions of the application.
Passport
Must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry and contain at least 3 blank pages.
Documents that specify, substantiate, and confirm the purpose of the visit, as well as provide necessary information about the applicant and their future activities in the country.
Proof of accommodation
Confirmed hotel booking, rental contract, proof of residential property or staying with a private host covering the whole duration of the stay.
Return ticket
Proof of a return ticket or sufficient funds for departure.
Proof of financial means
Cash, bank statements, or credit cards can be used to demonstrate the ability to cover accommodation and return travel (if not already purchased). Zambia does not publicly specify minimum financial requirements for tourists; however, a few hundred US dollars (or the equivalent in Zambian kwacha) is generally considered sufficient. For a smoother entry process, it is recommended to have funds covering accommodation, transportation, meals, and a contingency (~ USD 500–1,500, depending on the length of stay).
Documents required vary depending on individual circumstances, specific visa conditions, the place, and the method of application.
Documents for minor children
Birth certificate, adoption certificate, or guardianship certificate evidencing parental or guardianship rights; certified power of attorney or permission from parents or legal guardians for minors traveling abroad.
Travel health insurance
Insurance that covers emergency and accident services.
Vaccination certificate
A yellow fever vaccination certificate, if the traveler is arriving from, or transiting through, a country with a risk of the disease.
*Foreign official documents must be apostilled and legalized in accordance with the regulations of the country whose consular or diplomatic mission they are being submitted to. Additionally, they must be accompanied by a certified translation into the official language of that country or into English, unless otherwise specified by the mission's requirements.
**Prior to submitting the documents, it is strongly advised to verify the specific procedures and requirements with the relevant mission.
The minimum criteria that each visa applicant must meet. If these criteria are not met, justifications and convincing evidence of intent to visit the country must be provided.
Clear purposes of the visit and documents confirming them, in accordance with the visa conditions.
Sufficient means to support oneself and their dependents for the duration of their stay in the country.
The applicant does not pose a threat to public order, internal security, public health or international relations of the country.
Strong ties to the country of origin and compelling reasons to return there, ensuring compliance with the terms and duration of stay.
Insurance policy for the entire period of stay, meeting the minimum mandatory or recommended requirements for the country.
The characteristics of a visa according to its classification by types, categories, and visit purposes. These are selected by the applicant during the application process, typically indicated on the visa application form and reflected in corresponding annotations on the visa itself.
Type of visa
The primary purpose of the visa and the conditions under which it is issued. This typically includes several general categories of visas and/or visit purposes based on the type of activity or reasons for entering the country.
Visa on arrival
Category
The classification within a visa type that specifies more specific conditions, characteristics of obtaining, and using the visa. Categories may vary in terms of duration, stay conditions, and the rights granted by the visa.
Visa on arrival
Links to official resources upon which the information presented on the website is based. Information portals of government bodies or diplomatic representations of the country responsible for visa issuance and immigration policy in general.
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support@terrana.orgEligible individuals
The main categories of individuals for whom the visa is intended and who it is best suited for.
Tourist, businessman, visitor, relative
Last updated 2026-03-17