Everything You Need To Know About Zambia E-visa

Apart from foreign nationals hailing from 44 visa-exempt countries, all other foreign nationals need a visa to enter Zambia. Citizens of these visa exempt countries can stay in Zambia for 30 days without a visa, but if somebody wishes to stay more than this period, they should obtain a visa via the Zambian embassy. Other foreign nationals can either opt for an e-visa or visa on arrival to conduct short term visits to Zambia.

Foreign nationals of selected countries including citizens of the United Kingdom, the United States, Israel, Argentina, Canada etc can apply for visas after arriving an entry port in Zambia. Upon arrival the traveler should show their travel documents including passport, and authorities will issue a visa from entry port itself. Even though visa on arrival is the easiest way to visit Zambia, experts advise travelers to obtain an e-visa prior to their departure from their homeland, as authorities may phase out this privilege anytime without prior notice.

Zambia introduced the e-visa system in late 2014 as an alternative to the visas issued at Zambian missions abroad or on arrival. These e-visas are basically electronic travel authorizations that are connected to the traveler’s passport. After arriving the Zambia entry port, the foreign national should show the print out of the e-visa to immigration authorities, and after verification, they will grand the permission to enter the country.

It should be also noted that applying for an e-visa is a pretty easy task, and it will take hardly 10 minutes to complete the entire procedure. You can seek the help of entrusted agencies like Visa Genie to obtain an e-visa, and all you need to do is mailing the required documents. The visa processing fee can be paid either through PayPal, debit card or credit card. Altogether, we can conclude that applying for an e-visa is the most comfortable option for every traveler, as it helps them to get a travel authorization without visiting the Zambia embassy.

As per the requirement of the traveler, Zambia has classified e-visas into two types; Zambia tourist e-visas and Zambia business e-visas.

Zambia tourist e-visas

Foreign nationals who intend to visit Zambia for exclusively tourism-related activities can apply for a tourist e-visa. It should be noted that these e-visas are only for tourist activities, and travelers are not allowed to engage in any other activities using these travel documents.

Please find below the documents needed to obtain a Zambia tourist e-visa.

• The applicant should submit a clear copy of his or her passport.
• A digital copy of your passport should be submitted. While taking the photograph, the applicant should make sure that it is taken in a white background. It is also necessary to maintain a neutral face expression in the photograph.
• The applicant should have proofs of travel and accommodation. Onward and return flight tickets can be submitted as proof of travel, while hotel booking confirmation can be provided as accommodation proof.
• A cover letter should be submitted, and it should be addressed to the Director of Immigration. This letter should contain all the information regarding the trip that includes purpose of travel, intended duration of stay etc.
• The e-visa application form should be filled.

Zambia business e-visas

Zambia business e-visas are issued to travelers intending to visit the country for business activities. Please find below the documents needed to obtain a business e-visa.

• A clear copy of the passport along with a digital copy of the passport.
• Proofs of travel and accommodation arrangements.
• A cover letter addressed to the Director of Immigration covering all the details of the trip.
• If available, an invitation letter from a Zambian entity can be submitted.
• E-visa application form should be completed without any errors.

Note: A foreign national traveling with an e-visa is allowed to enter Zambia only through the entry ports mentioned below.

• Kenneth Kaunda International Airport – Lusaka
• Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula International Airport – Livingstone
• Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe International Airport - Ndola

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

What are the criteria my passport should meet while applying for a Zambia tourist and business visa?

Your passport should have at least six months validity. It should also have two blank pages for visa stamping. If your passport has a validity of less than six months, make sure that you renew it before applying for a Zambia e-visa.

What is the validity of a Zambia tourist e-visa?

The validity of a Zambia tourist e-visa is 90 days. Using these e-visas, foreign nationals can engage in tourist activities for 90 days inside the country.

How long can a person stay inside Zambia using a business e-visa?

People who plan to visit Zambia for business purposes can stay in Zambia for a maximum of 30 days using Zambia business e-visa.

How will I receive my e-visa approval letter?

After you submit the e-visa application form, your e-visa (e-visa approval letter) will be emailed to the mail you have provided. After receiving the e-visa, it is recommended to take a printout and carry it with your during your trip.

Will Zambia e-visas offer multiple entry privilege to foreign nationals?

As per the requirements of the foreign traveler, Zambia offers single, double, and multiple entry e-visas for travelers.

What should I do after I enter the Zambia entry port?

It should be noted that immigration officers at the entry port in Zambia can verify your e-visa in their computers. However, it is highly recommended to take a printout of the e-visa to ensure hassle-free travel. Once you submit the e-visa approval letter and passport along with other necessary documents, authorities will do the visa stamping and will allow you to enter the country.

I have my e-visa which will has a remaining validity of two weeks. However, I am planning to visit Zambia after a month. Can I extend the validity of my current e-visa?

The usual validity of a Zambia e-visa is 90 days. It means, a foreign national should enter the country within this 90-day period. As it is not possible to extend the validity of a tourist e-visa, it is necessary to take a fresh e-visa if you are planning to visit the country after the 90 days allotted to you.

How many days it will take to receive my Zambia e-visa on my email?

If you are opting standard processing, it will take almost 72 hours to get your e-visa on your email. However, if you require an urgent visa, you can opt for super quick processing, and it will allow you to get an e-visa within 24 hours. In order to get these quick visas, foreign nationals should pay an extra visa processing fee.

My application to receive an e-visa got denied. What should I do?

Due to various reasons, immigration authorities in Zambia may deny your e-visa application. Travelers whose e-visa application got denied can apply for a regular visa via the embassy to visit Zambia.

Will I get my money back if my e-visa application gets rejected?

No. Zambia authorities will not refund your money if the application gets denied. It should be noted that authorities are charging this amount as the visa processing fee, and as a result, it will not be refunded irrespective of the outcome of the application.

Am I permitted to work in Zambia using an e-visa?

No. Zambia e-visas are issued to foreign nationals who plan to visit the country for tourism and business purposes. Using these visas, a foreign national is not supposed to work in the country. If authorities find you working in Zambia using these visas, they will take strict legal actions including immediate deportation.

What should I do if I want to stay in Zambia for more than 90 days in Zambia?

The maximum duration of stay offered by a Zambia tourist e-visa is 90 days. If a foreign national intends to visit more than this allowed time frame, he or she should directly visit the Zambia embassy and should apply for a regular visa.