From January 2025, citizens of 53 more countries will no longer need a visa to travel to Zambia. The main goal of this measure is to increase the attractiveness of tourism and stimulate foreign investment. Find out what entry rules to Zambia are relevant in 2025 and what to see in the country

Order an insurance policy for safe travel, stay or work abroad

BUY

On December 18, Zambia's Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security, Jack Mwiimbu, announced that visa waivers for citizens of 53 more countries will come into effect from January 1, 2025. It is predicted that such steps will increase the annual number of tourists by 2026 to three million.

For details on the rules for entering Zambia in 2025 and what to see in the country, read below.

Which territories will be able to take advantage of the visa-free regime with Zambia from January 1, 2025?

The following countries and territories have been added to the list of visa-free countries: Albania, American Samoa, Andorra, Argentina, Aruba, Bhutan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bouvet Island, Brunei, Cape Verde, Christmas Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Comoros Islands, Cook Islands, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Faroe Islands, French Polynesia, French Southern Territories, Greenland, Guam, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Iceland, Israel, Laos, Liberia, Liechtenstein, Macedonia, Madagascar, Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco, Morocco, Netherlands Antilles, New Caledonia, Northern Mariana Islands, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, San Marino, Sandwich Islands, Sao Tome and Principe, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, Suriname, Svalbard and Jan Mayen, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, Vatican, Virgin Islands, Wallis and Futuna.

In total, representatives of 167 countries and territories of the world will now have the right to visa-free travel.

Conditions for visa-free travel to Zambia

Based on the visa-free regime, tourists can stay in Zambia for up to 30 days.

For visa-free entry to Zambia, 3 documents are required:

1. Passport - the original passport or travel document of the country of residence, valid for at least 6 months on the date of travel and having at least 2 blank pages.

2. Travel itinerary - booking a trip to the country and back in your name, not a ticket.

3. Confirmation of the availability of funds for your stay in Zambia and departure from the country.

To move, travel or work safely in a new country, you will need health insurance. You can apply for an extended policy on our website here.

What should foreigners do who need a visa to Zambia?

For visitors who need a visa to travel to the country, Zambia offers a convenient e-Visa system – an electronic system that simplifies entry for visitors.

The visa service is available online, allowing travelers to apply for and receive a visa without visiting an embassy or consulate.

All you need to do is fill out the appropriate form, upload the required documents and pay the fees. The e-Visa is designed to make the process faster and more transparent, helping to improve the experience of obtaining a visa to Zambia.

What to see in Zambia?

Zambia can be safely called synonymous with walking safaris, huge populations of wildlife, moderately humid weather and a special atmosphere. That is why there is no doubt that Zambia is one of the best destinations in Africa, where you can see untamed, truly wild beauty.

Top 5 tourist attractions in Zambia:

1. See Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls is the natural border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, and while in Zambia, you can admire it in the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park. It is also home to the largest population of elephants and you can also see rhinos here.

2. Relax on Lake Tanganyika

Located in northern Zambia, Lake Tanganyika is the world's largest freshwater lake, home to over 350 species of fish. Fishing is a popular activity and the Tanganyika Angling Challenge festival is held here every March.

3. Go on a safari in one of Zambia’s national parks

For example, you can visit South Luangwa National Park, one of the most visited game reserves in the country. South Luangwa is home to four of the Big Five (except for the rhinoceros), as well as a large population of the rare Thornycroft’s giraffe, which is found only in this part of Zambia. South Luangwa, the birthplace of the walking safari, offers an unforgettable safari experience.

4. Visit a traditional festival

Zambia has a population of around 18 million people, who belong to one or more of the country’s 73 ethnic groups. Each of them has its own unique annual traditional festival.

Some of the most beautiful include the Lozi people’s Kuomboka, during which a chief travels down the Zambezi River in an elaborately decorated boat, the Lukumbi La Mize Luvale, which features masked dancers, or the Kulamba Chewa Festival, which features gravity-defying dancers.

Most traditional festivals in Zambia are held from July to October, with the exception of Kuomboka, which falls at the end of the rainy season in March or April.

5. Enjoy city life in Lusaka

Lusaka, the capital of Zambia, is often overlooked and used mainly as a transit hub for visitors heading to Victoria Falls or going on safari, but there are plenty of interesting activities to do in the city.

Art lovers can support local artists by visiting galleries such as Chena, The Start Foundation, and Lechwe Trust. For a detailed look at Zambia’s history and politics, visit the Lusaka National Museum and Challenge House 394, the former home of the country’s first president.

The Lusaka National Park is home to an elephant sanctuary where visitors can visit for feedings. Live music is also a popular nightlife option, with weekend nights at venues such as the Latitude 15 Hotel and Alliance Francaise.

By making travel easier and improving security, Zambia is looking to attract more visitors and investors and open up new opportunities. Zambia is a fascinating country with lots to see and do, so we recommend choosing this country for your 2025 vacation.

Reminder! African countries are actively struggling with the tourism crisis. In particular, to attract more expats and stimulate the economy, countries are introducing a visa for digital nomads. We have already told you which African countries can now apply for a remote worker visa and what the requirements are.

Igor Usyk - Head of Migration department at VisitWorld

To ensure a safe trip abroad, I advise you to contact a specialist. My colleagues, qualified specialists with legal education, will help you avoid unpleasant situations while traveling around the world.

Products from Visit World for a comfortable trip:

Travel guide for 200 countries;

Legal advice from a local specialist on visa and migration issues;

Travel insurance around the world (please select the country of interest and citizenship to receive services);

Medical insurance all over the world.

We monitor the accuracy and relevance of our information, so if you notice any errors or inconsistencies, please contact our hotline.