Zambia Visa for UK Citizens
UK citizens need a visa to visit Zambia. The e-Visa costs $50 and is valid for 90 days, applied for online at evisa.zambiaimmigration.gov.zm. Given the strong historical ties between Britain and Zambia (a former British protectorate), the process is straightforward. If you plan to visit both sides of Victoria Falls, the KAZA UniVisa ($50) covers Zambia and Zimbabwe for 30 days with multiple border crossings. Visa on arrival is available but the e-Visa is recommended for a smoother experience. Yellow fever vaccination is required only if arriving from an endemic country.
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 create an account
Select 'Single Entry Visa' ($50)
Complete the application form with your travel details
Upload a passport-size photo (JPEG format)
Upload your passport bio page scan
Upload return or onward flight ticket
Upload hotel booking or invitation letter
Upload yellow fever certificate if arriving from an endemic country
Pay $50 via credit or debit card
Wait 3-5 business days for approval
Print the e-Visa approval letter to present at immigration
Requirements
E-Visa Documents
- Valid UK passport (6+ months validity beyond entry, 2 blank pages)
- Passport-size photo (digital)
- Scanned passport bio page
- Return or onward flight ticket
- Proof of accommodation
- Yellow fever certificate (if arriving from an endemic country)
- Proof of sufficient funds (may be requested)
At Immigration
What to Present
- •Valid UK passport (6+ months validity, 2 blank pages)
- •Printed e-Visa approval letter (or apply for visa on arrival)
- •Yellow fever certificate (if arriving from an endemic country)
- •Return or onward flight ticket
- •Proof of accommodation
Tips
- •Print your e-Visa approval letter
- •Have accommodation details readily available
- •Ask for KAZA UniVisa at Livingstone if visiting Zimbabwe too
- •British Airways flies to Lusaka via Johannesburg, which is a common route for UK travelers
Typical processing time: 10-20 minutes with e-Visa
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not printing the e-Visa approval letter
- Passport with fewer than 6 months validity
- Not requesting KAZA UniVisa when also visiting Zimbabwe
- Forgetting yellow fever certificate when transiting through East Africa
- Not having return ticket documentation ready
Frequently Asked Questions
Do UK citizens need a visa for Zambia?
Yes. UK citizens need a visa. The easiest option is the e-Visa ($50) from evisa.zambiaimmigration.gov.zm. If also visiting Zimbabwe, the KAZA UniVisa ($50) covers both countries for 30 days.
What is the KAZA UniVisa?
A $50 visa covering both Zambia and Zimbabwe for 30 days with multiple border crossings. Available at Livingstone, Victoria Falls, and Kazungula. Ideal for seeing both sides of Victoria Falls.
Do I need a yellow fever vaccine for Zambia from the UK?
Not if flying directly from the UK. A yellow fever certificate is only required when arriving from or transiting through endemic countries. Check requirements if connecting through East African hubs like Nairobi or Addis Ababa.
How do I get to Zambia from the UK?
The most common route is via Johannesburg with British Airways or South African Airways (about 13 hours total to Lusaka). Ethiopian Airlines via Addis Ababa and Emirates via Dubai are other popular options. Flight time is 11-14 hours including connections.
How long can UK citizens stay in Zambia?
Up to 90 days on a single-entry e-Visa. Extensions of up to 90 additional days can be arranged through the immigration office. The KAZA UniVisa allows 30 days.