Genvisec advises that Business/leisure travel can continue to Zambia obeying security advice. Certain categories of traveller will need enhanced security depending on the destination in country.

 

Crime

Armed robberies and vehicle hijackings happen across the country from time to time. Be vigilant at all times. Take particular care when approaching locked gateways at night. Don’t stop to give lifts to people at the roadside. Watch out for objects that have been placed to block the road.

 

There have been recent reports of vehicles being struck by rocks while travelling along Leopard’s Hill Road in Lusaka. The motive appears to be attempted carjacking. Be vigilant, keep all vehicle doors locked and windows closed when driving, and remain aware of your surroundings, especially after dark.

 

Bag snatching, pick pocketing and theft from parked cars are common at some restaurants and internet cafes in downtown areas, particularly near bus and railway stations and in some shopping areas. Keep large amounts of money, expensive jewellery, cameras and phones out of sight. Don’t change large sums of money in busy public areas. Thieves have followed people after they have withdrawn money from banks and later robbed them at gunpoint.

 

Walking after dark, particularly in tourist or down town areas, can be dangerous. Violent robberies have occurred in the Cairo Road area of Lusaka, including Chachacha, Freedom Way and Lumumba Roads.

 

Keep valuables and originals of important documents in a safe place and carry a copy of your passport and immigration permit.

 

Use reputable banks, bureaux de change or ATMs to exchange money.

 

Political situation

 

The presidential election was held on 20 January. The campaign has so far been generally calm. Little trouble has been reported, but disturbances can break out on the streets at short notice. You should avoid any political rallies, demonstrations, or large gatherings as there can be violence between rival groups of activists.

 

There are also occasional student demonstrations, which can be violent, at the University of Zambia on the Great East Road (the main route to and from Lusaka International Airport), and in the Central Business District along Cairo Road. Monitor local and international media and keep up to date with this travel advice by subscribing to email alerts.

 

Local travel

 

Take care when travelling in rural parts of North Western, Copperbelt, Central and Luapula provinces close to the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), particularly after dark.  Using legitimate border crossings in these areas is generally safe, although Congolese officials may ask for payment to cross the border. Avoid travelling in the bush along this border for hunting or prospecting.

 

There is a risk of explosive remnants of war in remote areas near the borders with Angola, Mozambique and DRC. Take care if you venture off road in these areas.

 

Wild animals in the bush, including poisonous snakes, are unpredictable and do kill. Whether you are travelling on land or water, you are at risk of potentially fatal animal attacks. Always observe local regulations and follow your tour or safari guide’s instructions.

 

Adventure sports, including in the Victoria Falls area, carry risks. Serious accidents and deaths sometimes occur. The quality of medical care varies greatly. Follow safety instructions closely and make sure your insurance policy covers you.

 

Road travel

 

You can drive using a UK driving licence for up to 90 days. If you intend to stay longer you will need to get an International Driving Permit or a Zambian driving licence.

 

Take care when driving. Vehicles are often poorly lit, inadequately maintained and badly driven. Drink driving and driving while talking on a mobile telephone is illegal.

 

Road travel at night in rural areas can be hazardous. Abandoned vehicles, pedestrians and stray animals are a danger. Many roads are severely pot-holed or otherwise unsafe, especially during the rainy season (November-April) when bridges and roads risk being washed away by sudden floods. There are frequent fatal crashes. Don’t drive at night outside the main towns.

 

Travel by long-distance public transport can be dangerous due to poor standards of driving, lack of rest periods for drivers, the poor quality of vehicles and poor road conditions. Minibuses used in urban areas are usually severely overcrowded, poorly maintained and badly driven.

 

The Road Traffic and Safety Agency has recently started to more vigorously enforce an existing law to prosecute traffic offenders: drink driving; speeding; careless driving, etc through a fast track court system. Penalties include fines and/or imprisonment.

 

Air travel

 

In 2009, all Zambian airlines were refused permission to operate services to the EU because of the inability of the Zambian civil aviation authorities to ensure the safe operation of airlines. You should avoid flying with any airline from Zambia if an acceptable alternative exists. Our staff have been advised to use alternative airlines where possible, but are authorised to travel on one internal airline, Proflight, on a case by case basis.

 

Local laws and customs

Some over the counter drugs available in the EU are not legal in Zambia. Check ingredients carefully and contact the Government of Zambia’s Pharmaceutical Authority for further advice if you are in any doubt (email: pharmacy@pra.gov.zm) or write to: Director General Pharmaceutical Regulatory Authority, Box 31890, Lusaka. Customs officers may ask to see prescriptions for any medication you bring into the country.

 

The possession or use of narcotics, including soft drugs like marijuana, is strictly prohibited. Drug taking and smuggling are offences. Punishments can be severe and prison conditions are very poor.

 

The possession of pornographic material is illegal in Zambia and offenders may be jailed and/or deported.

 

Homosexuality is illegal in Zambia and those caught engaging in homosexual acts can be sentenced to long terms of imprisonment.

  

The Zambian authorities don’t always inform the Embassies when Foreign Nationals have been arrested. If you are detained, you can insist on your right to contact a  consular officer.

 

Avoid taking pictures of sensitive sites including power stations, explosives factories, pumping stations, army barracks, government buildings, river junctions, road and rail bridges, the Ndola Oil refinery, mining areas and airports. If in doubt, don’t take pictures.

 

Money

ATMs are available in Lusaka and some major towns, but tend to only accept Visa and not Mastercard. Major credit cards are increasingly accepted by larger shops, hotels, restaurants and tour operators. Many companies charge a 5% fee for the use of credit cards. Make sure credit cards are swiped no more than necessary and that all carbons are destroyed. Only use reputable banks and bureaux de change to exchange money or use ATMs.

 

In August 2012, the government approved the Bank of Zambia’s proposal to rebase the Kwacha. The new currency was introduced on 1 January 2013 using a rate of 1000 old Kwacha = 1 new Kwacha. Old Kwacha ceased being legal tender on 1 July 2013.

 

Health

Medical facilities and communications in Zambia are poor, especially in rural areas. Even basic drugs and clean needles may not be available. Emergency services are limited. Make sure you know your blood group and carry a sterile medical kit including needles, dressings etc. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.

 

On arrival in Zambia, customs officials may ask to see prescriptions for any medication you bring into the country.

 

Food bought from local street vendors may not meet adequate hygiene standards.

 

In the 2013 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that around 950,000 adults aged 15 or over in Zambia were living with HIV; the prevalence percentage was estimated at around 12.7% of the adult population compared to the prevalence percentage rate in adults in the UK of around 0.2%. You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS.

 

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 999 and ask for an ambulance. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.

 

Visas

 

Foreign passport holders need a visa to enter Zambia. You can get a visa from the Zambian High Commission in your home country before you travel. Single and double entry visit visas are available at all ports of entry, but multi-entry visas are not. If you plan to get a visa on arrival, make sure you have the correct amount of cash with you as change may not be available. If you enter through Kenneth Kaunda International Airport you can now make payment for single and double entry visas via credit or debit card at the Zambian Immigration desks.

 

You should check your visa endorsement for the period of your stay in Zambia. Although you are allowed 90 days per calendar year the immigration officer will not normally endorse the full length of time upon entry and you will be required to extend their stay at the nearest immigration office.

 

 

On leaving Zambia, all air passengers must pay a departure tax of US$25. Although this is normally included in the cost of an air ticket you will be asked to pay separately in Zambian Kwacha if it is not. With effect from 1 January 2011 the National Airports Corporation has added a Security Charge to all departing passengers payable at all NACL airports. The cost is US $3 per person per sector for domestic flights and US $5 per person for international flights. Fees must be paid in Kwacha but is also included in the ticket price.

 

Volunteer workers should get a business visa from the Zambian High Commission in your home country before departure. Anyone violating the immigration rules risks arrest, imprisonment and deportation. Agents claiming to be able to arrange residence and work permits from the Immigration Department may be bogus and the documents they provide may be forged.

 

From 1 December 2014, a new UNIVISA system will be implemented at Zambian/Zimbabwean borders. This will mean that visitors can visit both countries while holding only one valid visa. This applies to all 40 countries that currently require visas for both countries. The new visa system will be applied at Livingstone and Lusaka airports and the border posts at Victoria Falls and Kazungula. The new visa, which is to be called the ‘Kaza’ visa, will cost $50 and will last for 1 month.

 

Passport validity

 

Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date of entry into Zambia and have 2 blank pages.

 

The Zambian authorities have confirmed they will accept British passports extended by 12 months by British Embassies and Consulates under additional measures put in place in mid-2014.

 

Emergency Travel Documents

 

Emergency Travel Documents (ETDs) are accepted for entry, airside transit, and exit from Zambia. ETDs must be valid for 6 months for entry into Zambia if the holder is not a returning resident.

 

Dual nationals

 

The Zambian constitution doesn’t recognise dual nationality.

 

Yellow fever

 

Yellow Fever vaccination is required for travellers who are arriving from, or have transited through, countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.

 

Travelling with children via a South African airport

 

If you’re transiting through a South African airport with children (under 18), see our South Africa travel advice page for information and advice about the documents you’ll need to carry.