Zambia
East Africa • ZMB
Last updated: June 4, 2026
Zambia is a landlocked paradise in Southern Africa known for its pristine wilderness, dramatic landscapes, and the world-renowned Victoria Falls. It offers an authentic safari experience away from crowds, making it a premier destination for adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts.
Visa Requirements
Most international tourists require a visa to enter Zambia, which can be obtained upon arrival at major ports of entry or via an online e-visa system.
Typically Required Documents
- Passport valid for at least six months
- Return or onward travel ticket
- Proof of accommodation
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate if arriving from an endemic area
- Visa application fee payment
Popular Attractions
Victoria Falls is a breathtaking natural wonder on the Zambezi River, offering awe-inspiring views and intense activities like bungee jumping.
South Luangwa National Park is famous for its walking safaris and high concentration of wildlife, including leopards and elephants.
Lower Zambezi National Park provides a unique riverside safari experience where tourists can view game from boats or canoes.
Kafue National Park is one of Africa's largest parks, home to diverse ecosystems and vast, untouched wilderness areas.
Lake Kariba is the world's largest man-made lake and reservoir, perfect for houseboat vacations, fishing, and sunset cruises.
Local Customs & Etiquette
Always greet elders or superiors with both hands to show respect during introductions.
Dress modestly, especially in rural areas, by keeping shoulders and knees covered to respect local cultural norms.
Ask for permission before taking photographs of local people, as it is considered polite and respectful.
Avoid public displays of affection, as Zambian society is generally conservative regarding intimate behavior in public spaces.
When giving or receiving items, use your right hand rather than your left to demonstrate proper etiquette.
Safety Tips
Exercise caution when walking at night in urban centers like Lusaka and take licensed taxis instead.
Keep your passport and valuable travel documents in a secure place like a hotel safe, carrying only copies.
Follow professional guide instructions strictly while on safari to avoid dangerous encounters with wild animals.
Drink only bottled or treated water to prevent waterborne illnesses and use mosquito repellent to guard against malaria.
Remain vigilant in crowded tourist areas to prevent pickpocketing or bag snatching by opportunistic thieves.
AI-generated content. Visa requirements vary by nationality — verify with the official embassy before travel.
Yellow Fever
Source: CDC
Not required when traveling directly from non-risk countries.
View sourceYellow Fever
Source: CDC
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry.
View sourceYellow Fever
Source: WHO
A valid International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) is required for travelers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.
View sourceMeasles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)
Source: CDC
All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the MMR vaccine, including an early dose for infants 6–11 months, according to CDC’s measles vaccination recommendations for international travel.
View sourceyellow fever
Source: UK_FCDO
A certificate of yellow fever vaccination is required for travelers entering Zambia from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission.
View sourceYellow fever
Source: ECDC
Proof of vaccination may be required for entry into Zambia.
View sourceCore Vaccines
Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis)
Source: CDC
Recommended for adults, especially if traveling for an extended period.
View sourceMMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
Source: CDC
Recommended for all travelers to ensure immunity against measles.
View sourceRoutine Vaccinations
Source: WHO
Ensure all routine vaccinations are up to date before travel.
This includes vaccines such as measles, mumps, rubella, and tetanus.
View sourceMalaria Prophylaxis
Source: WHO
Recommended for all travelers to prevent malaria infection.
Malaria is prevalent in Zambia, and prophylaxis is advised to reduce the risk of infection.
View sourceMeasles vaccination
Source: Canada_Travel
Ensure measles vaccinations are up-to-date before traveling.
There is an increase in measles cases worldwide; check that you and your family have received the recommended measles vaccinations.
View sourceHepatitis A vaccination
Source: Canada_Travel
Recommended for all travelers to areas where hepatitis A is present.
Hepatitis A is a risk in Zambia; vaccination is recommended.
View sourceTyphoid vaccination
Source: CDC
Recommended for most travelers, especially those staying with friends or relatives or visiting smaller cities or rural areas.
Typhoid fever vaccines licensed in the U.S.
View sourceRabies vaccination
Source: CDC
Rabies pre-exposure vaccination considerations include whether travelers will be performing occupational or recreational activities that increase risk for exposure to potentially rabid animals and might have difficulty getting prompt access to safe post-exposure prophylaxis.
Dogs infected with rabies are commonly found in Zambia. Rabies is also present in some terrestrial wildlife species.
View sourceMalaria chemoprophylaxis
Source: CDC
CDC recommends that travelers going to Zambia take prescription medicine to prevent malaria.
Depending on the medicine you take, you will need to start taking this medicine multiple days before your trip, as well as during and after your trip. Talk to your doctor about which malaria medication you should take.
View sourceHepatitis B vaccination
Source: CDC
Recommended for unvaccinated travelers younger than 60 years old traveling to Zambia.
Unvaccinated travelers 60 years and older may get vaccinated before traveling to Zambia.
View sourceCholera vaccination
Source: CDC
Vaccination may be considered for children and adults who are traveling to areas of active cholera transmission.
Active cholera transmission is widespread in Zambia. Cholera is rare in travelers. Certain factors may increase the risk of getting cholera or having severe disease. Avoiding unsafe food and water and washing your hands can also help prevent cholera.
View sourceCOVID-19 vaccination
Source: CDC
All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines.
Please see Your COVID-19 Vaccination for more information.
View sourcedengue fever prevention
Source: UK_FCDO
Before and during travel to Zambia
Dengue fever is present in Zambia; travelers should take measures to avoid mosquito bites.
View sourceMosquito bite prevention
Source: ECDC
Essential to reduce malaria risk; use insect repellent, wear protective clothing, and sleep under treated nets.
Malaria transmission primarily occurs at night; take precautions during this period.
View sourceRabies
Source: CDC
Consider rabies vaccination for travelers who may be exposed to animals or have a higher risk of rabies exposure.
View sourceFor Most Travelers
Travelers’ diarrhea preventive measures
Source: CDC
To reduce the risk of gastrointestinal illnesses.
View sourceTyphoid
Source: CDC
Recommended if you are visiting smaller cities or rural areas or if you are an adventurous eater.
View sourceHepatitis A
Source: CDC
Recommended for all travelers due to potential exposure through contaminated food or water.
View sourceCOVID-19 precautions
Source: CDC
Make sure to follow local guidelines for COVID-19, including vaccinations that are recommended for travelers.
View sourceAntimalarial medication
Source: CDC
Recommended for travelers to areas with malaria, especially during the rainy season, to prevent malaria infection.
View sourceRoutine vaccines (MMR, Tdap, etc.)
Source: CDC
Make sure you are up to date on routine vaccines before your trip.
View sourceItinerary-Specific
Other measures on food and water safety
Source: CDC
To prevent food and waterborne illnesses.
View sourceInsect bite prevention (e.g., DEET, permethrin)
Source: CDC
Important for preventing mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria and dengue.
View sourceRisk Area: No malaria risk
View sourceRisk Area: All areas of Zambia
Chemoprophylaxis: Atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, mefloquine, tafenoquine
Seasonality: All year
View source