Zambia
East Africa • ZMB
Last updated: June 4, 2026
Zambia is a magnificent landlocked country in Southern Africa renowned for its untamed wilderness and the breathtaking Victoria Falls. It offers an authentic safari experience with vast national parks teeming with wildlife and pristine rivers that form the backbone of the country's diverse ecosystems.
Visa Requirements
Most international visitors require a visa to enter Zambia, which can be obtained upon arrival at major ports of entry or in advance via the e-Visa portal.
Typically Required Documents
- Passport with at least six months validity
- Proof of yellow fever vaccination if arriving from an endemic area
- Return or onward flight ticket
- Proof of sufficient funds for the stay
- Visa application form and fee payment confirmation
Popular Attractions
Victoria Falls: Known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya, this massive waterfall is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and offers spectacular views and adrenaline-pumping activities.
South Luangwa National Park: Famous for its walking safaris, this park offers unparalleled opportunities to see leopard, elephant, and hippo in their natural habitat.
Lower Zambezi National Park: A stunning wilderness area where visitors can enjoy canoeing and boat safaris along the Zambezi River while observing wildlife on the banks.
Kafue National Park: One of the largest national parks in Africa, it is a vast sanctuary offering remote wilderness experiences and diverse birdlife in the Busanga Plains.
Lake Kariba: As one of the world's largest man-made lakes, it is a fantastic destination for houseboating, fishing, and sunset cruises against a scenic backdrop.
Local Customs & Etiquette
Always greet people with your right hand as using your left hand is considered disrespectful in many traditional contexts.
It is customary to ask for permission before taking photographs of local people, especially in rural villages or traditional ceremonies.
Modest dress is appreciated, particularly in rural areas and public buildings, to show respect for local cultural norms.
When visiting local homes or traditional leaders, bringing a small gift like sugar or tea is a polite gesture of goodwill.
Avoid public displays of affection as they are generally frowned upon in conservative Zambian society.
Tipping is not strictly mandatory but is appreciated for good service in restaurants and for safari guides or hotel staff.
Safety Tips
Avoid walking alone after dark in cities like Lusaka or Livingstone, and use reputable taxi services for transportation.
Keep your valuables, such as passports and extra cash, in a secure hotel safe rather than carrying them around.
Ensure you are up to date on malaria prophylaxis and drink only bottled or treated water throughout your stay.
When on safari, strictly follow the instructions of your guides and never exit your vehicle unless explicitly permitted.
Be cautious when using ATMs by choosing those located inside shopping malls or banks during daylight hours.
Stay informed about local news and political situations, avoiding any large public demonstrations or gatherings.
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