Zambia Visa for Chinese Citizens
Chinese citizens need a visa to visit Zambia. The e-Visa costs $50 for a single-entry visa valid for 90 days and can be applied for at evisa.zambiaimmigration.gov.zm. China and Zambia share strong economic and diplomatic ties, with significant Chinese investment in mining and infrastructure across the country. Chinese travelers will find a welcoming environment and some Chinese restaurants in Lusaka. For visitors also heading to Zimbabwe, the KAZA UniVisa ($50) covers both countries for 30 days, making it easy to see Victoria Falls from both sides. Yellow fever vaccination is required if arriving from or transiting through endemic countries.
Visa At a Glance
- Visa Type
- e-Visa
- Best Option
- e-Visa ($50) or KAZA UniVisa ($50) if also visiting Zimbabwe
- Cost
- $50
- Processing
- 3-5 days
- Validity
- 90 days
- Entries
- Single
E-Visa Application
RecommendedCost
$50
Processing
3-5 business days
Stay Permitted
90 days
Entries
Single
How to Apply for E-Visa
Visit evisa.zambiaimmigration.gov.zm and register
Select 'Single Entry Visa' ($50)
Complete the application form in English
Upload a passport-size photo (JPEG)
Upload passport bio page scan
Upload return or onward ticket
Upload proof of accommodation
Upload yellow fever certificate if applicable
Pay $50 via credit or debit card (Visa/Mastercard)
Wait 3-5 business days
Print the approval letter
Requirements
E-Visa Documents
- Valid Chinese passport (6+ months validity beyond entry, 2 blank pages)
- Passport-size photo (digital, white background)
- Scanned passport bio page
- Return or onward flight ticket
- Proof of accommodation
- Yellow fever certificate (if from endemic country)
- Proof of sufficient funds (may be requested)
At Immigration
What to Present
- •Valid Chinese passport (6+ months validity, 2 blank pages)
- •Printed e-Visa approval letter
- •Yellow fever certificate (if from endemic country)
- •Return or onward ticket
- •Proof of accommodation
Tips
- •Print your e-Visa approval letter; phone screenshots may not be accepted
- •Carry US dollars for any on-arrival payments
- •Basic English is sufficient for immigration; translation apps can help
- •Request KAZA UniVisa at Livingstone if visiting Zimbabwe
Typical processing time: 10-30 minutes
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not printing the e-Visa approval letter
- Passport with fewer than 6 months validity
- Attempting to pay with Chinese Yuan (US dollars required)
- Not carrying a yellow fever certificate when transiting through Africa
- Not requesting KAZA UniVisa when visiting Zimbabwe
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Chinese citizens need a visa for Zambia?
Yes. Chinese citizens need a visa. The e-Visa ($50) from evisa.zambiaimmigration.gov.zm is the recommended option. The KAZA UniVisa ($50) covers both Zambia and Zimbabwe if visiting both.
Is the e-Visa application available in Chinese?
No. The e-Visa portal is in English. You will need to complete the application in English. All documents should be in English or accompanied by certified translations.
How do I get to Zambia from China?
Ethiopian Airlines via Addis Ababa is the most common route, with departures from Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Chengdu. Emirates via Dubai and Kenya Airways via Nairobi are alternatives. Total travel time is 16-22 hours.
Is there a Chinese community in Zambia?
Yes. Zambia has a growing Chinese community, particularly in Lusaka and the Copperbelt region, linked to mining and infrastructure investment. Chinese restaurants are available in Lusaka, though the selection is limited outside the capital.
Can I use WeChat Pay or Alipay in Zambia?
No. Chinese mobile payment platforms are not accepted in Zambia. Carry US dollars for major expenses and use Visa or Mastercard for credit card payments. ATMs in Lusaka and Livingstone accept international cards.