Zambia Visa for US Citizens
US citizens need a visa to visit Zambia. The most convenient option is the e-Visa, which costs $50, is valid for 90 days, and can be applied for online at evisa.zambiaimmigration.gov.zm. If you are also visiting Zimbabwe (for example, to see both sides of Victoria Falls), the KAZA UniVisa costs the same $50 and allows 30 days of travel between both countries. Visa on arrival is available at Zambian airports and border posts, but the e-Visa is recommended to avoid delays. 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)
Fill in 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 show at immigration
Requirements
E-Visa Documents
- Valid US 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 US 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 (don't rely on phone screenshots)
- •Have your accommodation details readily available
- •Carry US dollars for the visa fee if applying on arrival
- •Ask for the KAZA UniVisa at Livingstone if also visiting Zimbabwe
Typical processing time: 10-20 minutes with e-Visa, 20-40 minutes for visa on arrival
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not printing the e-Visa approval letter
- Passport with fewer than 6 months validity
- Not having a return or onward ticket ready
- Forgetting to request the KAZA UniVisa when visiting both countries
- Not carrying US dollars for visa on arrival payment
Frequently Asked Questions
Do US citizens need a visa for Zambia?
Yes. US citizens need a visa to enter Zambia. The easiest option is the e-Visa ($50) applied for online at evisa.zambiaimmigration.gov.zm. Visa on arrival is also available. If visiting Zimbabwe too, get the KAZA UniVisa ($50) for both countries.
What is the KAZA UniVisa?
The KAZA UniVisa costs $50 and covers both Zambia and Zimbabwe for 30 days with multiple crossings between the two countries. It is available at Livingstone, Victoria Falls, and Kazungula border posts. It is ideal if you plan to see both sides of Victoria Falls.
Do I need a yellow fever vaccine for Zambia?
Only if you are arriving from or transiting through a country with yellow fever risk. Direct travel from the US does not require a yellow fever certificate. If transiting through East Africa (Addis Ababa, Nairobi), check whether your layover triggers the requirement.
How long can Americans stay in Zambia?
Up to 90 days on a single-entry e-Visa. Extensions of up to 90 additional days are possible through the immigration office. The KAZA UniVisa allows 30 days.
How do I get to Zambia from the US?
There are no direct flights. The most common routes connect through Johannesburg (South African Airways, Delta), Addis Ababa (Ethiopian Airlines), Dubai (Emirates), or Nairobi (Kenya Airways). Johannesburg is the closest hub, with 2-hour flights to Lusaka and 1.5-hour flights to Livingstone.
Can I get a visa on arrival in Zambia?
Yes. Visa on arrival is available at Lusaka and Livingstone airports and major border posts for $50. However, the e-Visa is recommended because it speeds up immigration processing. The KAZA UniVisa is available on arrival at Livingstone and Kazungula.