Travel to Zambia: What You Need To Know Before You Go

By Azure Lee | Update on: Aug 30, 2024

Zambia, often called the "Real Africa," is a captivating destination known for its stunning landscapes, rich culture, and thrilling adventures. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or planning your first trip, preparing for a trip to Zambia requires some essential planning and understanding of what this unique country has to offer.  

This guide covers everything you need to know before you travel to Zambia, ensuring your trip is smooth and enjoyable.

How To Travel To Zambia From Abroad

Zambia is reached by a variety of transportation options. Its common borders span 5 665 km / 3 529 mi and include Angola, Botswana, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Tanzania, Malawi, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

How to travel to Zambia from abroad

1. By Air

Direct flights to Zambia:

Direct flights are available from the following countries to Kenneth Kaunda International Airport in Lusaka:

• Gaborone - Botswana
• Addis Ababa - Ethiopia
• Nairobi - Kenya
• Doha - Qatar
• Kigali - Rwanda
• Johannesburg - South Africa
• Dar es Salaam - Tanzania
• Dubai - United Arab Emirates
• Harare - Zimbabwe
• Naibori - Kenya
• Cape Town, Johannesburg and Nelspruit - South Africa

Direct flights are available from the following countries to Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport in Livingstone:

• Naibori - Kenya
• Cape Town, Johannesburg and Nelspruit - South Africa

Point of sale (POS) terminals, for visa and other fee payments are available at the following entry points:

• Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe International Airport in Ndola
• Harry Mwanga International Airport in Livingstone
• Kenneth Kaunda International Airport in Lusaka

The bank cards that are accepted here are Visa, MasterCard, Maestro, and American Express.

Note: Tickets for both domestic and international flights typically include a small departure charge. If not, payment must be made when departing at the airport. Youngsters under the age of two and travelers in transit are not charged.

2. By Train

In Zambia, the passenger trains are run by Tazara and Zambian Railways Ltd.

• Tazara route: New Kapiri Mposhi – Dar es Salaam (Tanzania)
• ZRL route: Livingstone – Lusaka – Kapiri Mposhi – Ndola – Kitwe Nkana

Despite being a well-known railway bridge that connects Zambia and Zimbabwe across the Victoria Falls, it is not now used by passenger trains. Fares are reasonable, but keep an eye out for cancellations because other bridges and rails sometimes require maintenance. The majority of the trains offer first-, second-, and third-class accommodations with a dining car for meals. First class is the priciest and most roomy option.

Travel by rail is undoubtedly slower than flying between locations, but it is scenic and gives visitors a good look at local life. Meals and fares are quoted in kwacha (always bring small denominations so you can make change).

In Zambia, the passenger trains are run by Tazara and Zambian Railways Ltd

3. By Boat

On Lake Tanganyika, the historic ferry MV Liemba runs between Mpulungu in Zambia and Kigoma in Tanzania. Cabins are provided in first, second, and third classes, with the first class having the greatest space, views, and a private restroom. In northern Zambia, the service usually operates every two weeks, however there may be significant delays because the steamer is more than a century old.

The Kazungula bridge has taken the role of the former pontoon ferry that crossed the Zambezi River at Kazungula from northern Botswana. 

4. By Road

Zimbabwe, which is strongly connected to South Africa, offers the most convenient overland routes into Zambia. Driving from Namibia's Caprivi Strip, northern Botswana at Kasane, Malawi, and southwestern Tanzania to Livingstone is also simple.

At major centres like the borders with Botswana and Zimbabwe, expect a large number of freight trucks and coaches. Allow extra time for crossings, as they can take several hours. To expedite the procedure, make sure you have all the necessary documentation and fees (preferably the exact amount in cash).

Zimbabwe offers the most convenient overland routes into Zambia

5. By Bus

In Zambia, there are numerous local, family-run bus and coach services offering varying standards of luxury, cleanliness, and roadworthiness. Popular routes are from Lilongwe, Malawi, and from Dar es Salaam and Mbeya, Tanzania.

If you are considering taking a coach to Zambia, take into account the following:

• Since the travel is lengthy and leisurely, departures might occur as early as 5 a.m.
• The journey will be more comfortable if you pay extra for air conditioning, superior seating, and an on-board toilet.
• Some companies provide sleeper choices.
• Along the route, there are a number of scheduled stops.
• The standard restriction for cross-border luggage is two pieces, each no more than 80 cm by 60 cm by 30 cm, or 31 in by 23 in by 11 in, in size, and weighing a combined 30 kg or 66 lb.

Travel To Zambia: Visa And Entry Requirements

Before you travel to Zambia, make sure you understand the visa requirements. Most international visitors need a visa, which can be obtained upon arrival at major airports or border crossings. However, for convenience and peace of mind, it's advisable to apply for an e-Visa in advance through the Zambia Immigration Services website.

Travel to Zambia: Visa and entry requirements

Popular several ways to apply for a Zambia visa

• Apply for a traditional Zambia visa at your local Zambia Embassy or the Consulate nearest.
• Applying for a Zambia e-visa online by completing our Zambia application form (recommended). The Government launched this Zambia e-visa system for visitors worldwide to better manage foreign visitors and reduce the overwhelming number of applications at customs and immigration. 

The requirements for a Zambian visa are straightforward; there is no need for paperwork, and applicants can submit their applications online without having to wait a lengthy time at the Embassy or Consulate. 

At Zambia Immigration Services, we offer visitors a tourist e-visa, business e-visa, transit e-visa, and KAZA UNIVISA. 

Some Documents According To Zambia E Visa Requirements.

If you intend to travel to Zambia, please check Zambia e-visa requirements and make sure that you do not miss any important documents.

• You need to have a passport that is valid for at least six months from the date of your arrival in order to enter Zambia. The passport should have at least two additional blank pages for visa stamping.
• A scanned copy of the person's passport bio page.
• A color photo of your passport. 
• A valid email address to receive your Zambia e-visa.
• Debit or credit card to make a payment.

Additionally, you might need some additional supporting documents required. These include a flight ticket for the return journey, as well as hotel reservations or an invitation letter from the host, along with their passport information.

If you are planning to visit the Zambia, we recommend that you apply for a Zambia e-visa as soon as possible to have it in time for your trip.  The Zambia e-visa typically takes three working days to process. 

FAQs For Travel To Zambia

What language is spoken in Zambia?

English is the official language of Zambia.

What currency is used in Zambia?

Although US dollars are generally accepted, the Zambian kwacha is the currency used throughout the nation. Most hotels and restaurants around the nation accept Visa and Mastercard, however many also charge a service fee. The majority of the nation's main cities have ATMs.

When is the best time to travel to Zambia?

May through October is the dry season, when you can see the most animals. The rainy season, which runs from December to April, is known as the "green season" because of how lush and green the surrounding vegetation is.

When the rainy season ends (March to May), it is the ideal time to see Victoria Falls from the Zambian side. This is also when the falls are at their most breathtaking. You can cross over to the Zimbabwean side of the falls to see the major falls around the end of the dry season (October and November), when there is typically very little water coming over the Zambian side.

May through October is the dry season, when you can see the most animals

Is Zambia a family-friendly destination?

Families will find Zambia to be quite family-friendly, with many resorts offering kid-friendly meals, childcare services, and kid-focused activities like fishing, hiking, and culinary classes. We would advise using a private vehicle. It should be noted that walking safaris in Zambia's national parks need a minimum age of 12.

What if any vaccinations are required or suggested for travel to Zambia?

Although there are no vaccine requirements that are mandatory for Zambia, we advise you to check with your local travel clinic for the most recent advice, especially with regard to malaria prophylactics. If you are traveling from or have just passed through an airport in a nation where yellow fever is endemic, you must provide proof of your yellow fever vaccination.