Zambia International Airports Guide: Key Facts & Tips

By Azure Lee | Update on: Aug 30, 2024

One of the most rewarding safari places in Africa is Zambia. Known for being the home of Victoria Falls, this country in southern Africa has 20 national parks, including the renowned South Luangwa, Lower Zambezi, and Kafue. 

Beyond its scenic beauty, however, Zambia International Airport is also a vast network that act as vital entry points for tourists from all over the world. In addition to serving as important hubs for tourism, these airports are essential to the country's economic growth and global connectivity. Here is our list.

List Of Zambia International Airports

1. Lusaka: Kenneth Kaunda International Airport

The biggest and busiest airport in Zambia is Kenneth Kaunda International Airport, which bears the name of the country's first president. This airport is the main point of entry for foreign visitors into Zambia and is located in the capital city of Lusaka. Because of its advantageous position and state-of-the-art amenities, it serves as a major hub for freight as well as passenger transportation, boosting Zambia's economy.

The airport was established in 1967 and offers services for flights that are domestic, regional, and international in compliance with the International Civil Aviation Organization's standards and recommended practices (SARPS). The airport features a single parallel taxiway, many taxiway connectors, and a 3.9 km runway with a width of 45 m and an orientation of 10/28.

Kenneth Kaunda International Airport

2. Livingstone : Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula International Airport

Livingstone International Airport – bringing you closer to the magnificent Smoke that thunders - Victoria Falls “Mosi-oa-tunya”. Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula International Airport, the second-oldest airport in the country after Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe (Ndola), is a short distance from one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Its rehabilitated facilities make it a stand out of national pride. With a new terminal, runway, apron lights and apron, the airport is a focus for the Zambia Airports Corporation.

Although the airport was constructed in 1950 primarily for domestic use, the Corporation has carried out significant reconstruction projects that have significantly improved the airport's infrastructure. The new terminal building would be able to accommodate over 700, 000 passengers yearly while the current airport facility's capacity of 250 000 passengers annually.

Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula International Airport

3. Ndola: Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe Airport

Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe International Airport is an international airport situated in Ndola, Zambia's Copperbelt Province. Prior to its 2011 renaming in honor of the country's former vice president, Simon Kapwepwe, it was formally known as Ndola Airport. It is situated roughly fifteen kilometers (9.3 miles) west of the city center, next to the Dag Hammarskjöld Crash Site Memorial. 

Relocated in 2021, the Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe International Airport currently serves Kitwe and Ndola, Zambia's second and third most populated cities, located in the Copperbelt. In addition, it handles freight and passenger flights on local, regional, and worldwide routes.

Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe Airport

4. Mfuwe: Mfuwe International Airport

One of Zambia's biggest national game parks, South Luangwa National Game Park, was served by Mfuwe International Airport, which opened in the middle of the 1970s as a domestic airport. When the airport was gazetted as a port of entry and departure in 1995, it was granted international status. More than twenty lodges and campsites are served by the airport. Its runway is 2.2 kilometers long.

Its central location within the South Luangwa National Park facilitates easy access by air to the majority of Zambia's and the region's tourism attractions. Daily flights operate between Mfuwe and Lilongwe as well as Lusaka and Mfuwe. More connections to popular tourist locations like Mombasa, Victoria Falls, Kariba, Harare, and Johannesburg are planned. The terminal structure can accommodate 100,000 passengers annually.

Mfuwe International Airport

Tips For Visiting Zambia For International Travelers

Visa & Passport Requirements

All travelers entering Zambia must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date of departure. Additionally, to enter Zambia validly, depending on the traveler's nationality, a visa is required 

Many nationalities are eligible to apply for a Zambian e-visa, a convenient and streamlined option for obtaining a visa. The e-visa allows tourists to apply online, eliminating the need for a visit to a Zambian embassy or consulate.

Visit our Zambia Immigration Services website to start your application. Our e-visa process is simple and user-friendly, designed to make travel preparations hassle-free. Applicants can fill out the necessary forms, send us the required documents, and pay the visa fee online. Once approved, the e-visa will be sent via email, which you can print out and present upon arrival in Zambia.

Health precautions

If you are coming from a country where yellow fever is endemic, you may need a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate.

Additionally, travel insurance is a crucial consideration. Unexpected events can occur when visiting a foreign nation and can impact your experience. Insurance is therefore absolutely necessary. You'll feel more confident knowing that the insurance offers treatments like Medical Payments Coverage, Trip Delay, Trip Interruption, Lost Baggage, and Protecting Your Benefit from the Covid-19 Pandemic. 

Travel insurance also makes it easier to get your visa approved by the Zambia Government. Luckily, both of these factors are included in the Zambia travel insurance service we offer.

Tips for visiting Zambia for international travelers

Currency and Payments

The official currency of Zambia is the Zambian Kwacha. It's advisable to exchange some currency upon arrival for immediate expenses such as transportation and small purchases.

In metropolitan regions, hotels, restaurants, and bigger retail establishments generally take major credit and debit cards. Cash is the accepted form of payment in rural marketplaces and isolated areas, nevertheless.

Most large cities and towns have ATMs. To prevent any problems with withdrawals, make sure your card is enabled for foreign transactions and let your bank know about your travel schedule.

Safety tips

Even though travel to Zambia is usually safe, it's a good idea to take the standard safety precautions.

• Avoid Displaying Valuables: Keep your valuables, such as jewelry, cameras, and large amounts of cash, out of sight. Keep valuables and critical documents in the hotel safes.
• Be Cautious with ATMs: Use ATMs located in secure areas such as banks and shopping malls. Avoid using ATMs at night or in secluded areas.
• Stay Informed: Keep updated with local news and follow any travel advisories issued by your home country.  Pay attention to your surroundings, particularly in crowded areas.
• Local Laws and Customs: To prevent any miscommunications or inadvertent infractions, familiarize yourself with the laws and customs of the local.

Cultural etiquette

Even though Zambia is relatively relaxed, it's still a good idea to wear modest clothing, particularly when visiting places of worship and in rural areas. 

In addition, ask for permission before taking photos of people, especially in rural areas. Some locals may not be comfortable with being photographed.

Conclusion

Zambia international airports serve as more than just ports of entry; they are vital hubs that link the nation to the outside world and promote economic growth. These airports provide the ideal starting point for your Zambian trip, whether you're a visitor hoping to take in the country's natural beauties or a business traveler doing business with Zambian companies. Apply for Zambia e-visa now and let us bring you to the magnificent land.