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United States to Zambia visa requirements

US ordinary passport holders do NOT need a visa for tourism in Zambia. Since November 2022 the US is on Zambia's visa-waiver list, allowing visa-free entry of up to 90 days within any 12-month period. United States ordinary passport holders enjoy visa-free entry to Zambia for tourism and short visits. Zambia waived the visa requirement for the US (along with the UK, Canada, EU, Japan, China, the Gulf States, Australia and New Zealand) effective 2 November 2022, and this was reaffirmed in the December 2024 expansion that brought the total to 167 visa-exempt nationalities. The U.S. Department of State's official country page confirms "no visa is required for US citizens visiting Zambia for tourism." Visa-exempt visitors are granted a free visit of up to 90 days in any 12-month period from the date of first entry, with entry always at the discretion of the immigration officer. There is no application form, no government fee, and no advance processing for the visa-free channel. Travelers should hold a passport valid at least six months on arrival with at least three blank pages, and be able to show a return/onward ticket or proof of sufficient funds. Optionally, tourists combining Zambia with Zimbabwe (and day trips to Botswana via Kazungula) may purchase the KAZA UNIVISA (USD 50, 30 days) at eligible ports, but it is not required for a Zambia-only visit. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required only if arriving from a yellow-fever-endemic country.
VISA-FREETOURISMMULTIPLE ENTRYLast verified 2026-05-30
For guidance only — visa rules change with little notice. Always confirm directly with the destination's embassy or foreign ministry before booking non-refundable travel. Information here applies to ordinary (non-diplomatic) passports unless noted.
Policy alertWatch this route for rule changesSave this passport and destination for email summaries and optional browser notifications.Subscribe →United States (Green Card)Living in United States as a permanent resident? See PR-specific guidance→
/01 — The numbers

Key facts

Last verified 2026-05-30
Visa type
Visa-free (visa waiver) for tourism / short visit
Maximum stay
Up to 90 days per 12-month period from first entry
per entry
Entries
Multiple entries within the 90-day allowance
from issue date
Visa fee
USD 0 (no fee for visa-free entry)
consular fee only
Processing time
None - no advance application required
standard track
Validity
90-day visit allowance counted within any rolling 12 months
from issue date
/02 — The process

How to apply

/01
Confirm your eligibility
As a US ordinary passport holder you fall under Zambia's visa-waiver list (effective Nov 2022). No visa or eVisa is needed for a tourist visit of up to 90 days.
· Visa-free· US ordinary passport
/02
Check passport validity and blank pages
Ensure your US passport is valid for at least six months on the date of arrival and has at least three blank pages for entry stamps.
· 6 months validity· 3 blank pages
/03
Prepare supporting documents
Carry a return or onward ticket if arriving by air, or proof of sufficient funds for your stay if arriving by land or water, plus your accommodation/host details.
· Onward ticket· Proof of funds
/04
Verify yellow fever requirements
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required only if you are arriving from or have transited a yellow-fever-endemic country. Direct travel from the US does not require it.
· Yellow fever· Conditional
/05
(Optional) Decide on the KAZA UNIVISA
If your trip also includes Zimbabwe (and possible Botswana day trips via Kazungula), consider buying the KAZA UNIVISA (USD 50, 30 days) on arrival - not needed for a Zambia-only visit.
· Optional· Multi-country
/06
Present yourself at the port of entry
On arrival at a Zambian airport or land border, present your passport. The immigration officer stamps your visa-free entry; admission and duration remain at the officer's discretion.
· On arrival· Officer discretion
/03 — The paperwork

Required materials

11 items
Personalized checklist
United States -> Zambia · Visa-free (visa waiver) for tourism / short visit
0 / 11 complete
Deadline reminderAdd a date before export
RequiredUS passport valid at least 6 months beyond arrival
Original passport; keep the blank pages and remaining validity required for this route
required
RequiredAt least 3 blank passport pages for stamps
Original passport; keep the blank pages and remaining validity required for this route
required
ConditionalReturn or onward ticket (if arriving by air)
Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates
required
RecommendedProof of sufficient funds for your stay
Bank, income, or asset proof with clear name, date, and balances
recommended
RecommendedAccommodation booking or host's physical address
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
recommended
ConditionalYellow fever vaccination certificate (only if arriving from an endemic country)
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
conditional
RecommendedTravel/medical insurance for the trip
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
recommended
OptionalKAZA UNIVISA fee USD 50 in cash (only if combining Zambia + Zimbabwe)
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
optional
ConditionalOfficial application form or online application
Official form; submit online or print and sign as instructed
Visa-free routes usually do not require a visa form; submit any arrival card or authorization if required.
RequiredFlight and hotel itinerary
Confirmed or agency-arranged itinerary when the route guide requires it
Use dates that fit the allowed stay and visa validity.
RecommendedTravel medical insurance
Policy certificate showing traveler name, destination, and coverage dates
Some destinations or agencies require it even when the core visa rule only recommends it.
Official sourcesU.S. Department of State - Zambia International Travel InformationZambia Department of Immigration - Visa Requirement Waiver for Selected Countries Takes EffectZambia Department of Immigration - Nationals Who Do Not Require Visa
Application link included: Zambia Department of Immigration - Visa Requirement Waiver for Selected Countries Takes Effect
Open link
/04 — The cost

Fee breakdown

All-in estimate
Line itemAmountSource
Tourist visa fee (visa-free entry)USD 0No fee - US passport holders are visa-exempt for tourism
KAZA UNIVISA (optional, Zambia + Zimbabwe)USD 50Optional; only if combining both countries, valid 30 days
Single-entry visa on arrival (not needed for US)USD 25Reference only - applies to non-exempt nationalities
Total estimate0 — 0incl. all
/05 — The wait

Processing time

Visa-free entry at port of entry
At arrival (no advance processing)
No application; immigration officer stamps entry on arrival at the airport or land border.
KAZA UNIVISA on arrival (optional)
At arrival
Issued at eligible ports (Kenneth Kaunda Intl, Harry Mwanga Nkumbula Intl, Victoria Falls, Kazungula) for Zambia + Zimbabwe travel.
/06 — The risks

Common refusal reasons

by frequency
/01
US is on Zambia's visa-waiver list
Zambia waived the visa requirement for US ordinary passport holders effective 2 November 2022, reaffirmed in the December 2024 expansion (167 visa-exempt nationalities).
High
/02
Official US State Department confirmation
The U.S. Department of State country page states no visa is required for US citizens visiting Zambia for tourism.
High
/03
Tourism short stay within 90 days
The visa-free allowance covers visits of up to 90 days in any 12-month period, which fits typical tourist trips.
High
/04
Entry remains at officer discretion
The waiver does not guarantee entry; the immigration officer at the port makes the final decision, so carry supporting documents.
Medium
/05
Multi-country trips may prefer KAZA UNIVISA
Travelers pairing Zambia with Zimbabwe may opt for the USD 50 KAZA UNIVISA for convenience, though it is not required for Zambia alone.
Low
/07 — On arrival

After you land

/01
Immigration
Keep your passport, visa or exemption proof, return ticket, and accommodation details ready for border inspection.
/02
Customs
Review the destination's customs rules before travel and declare restricted goods or large cash amounts when required.
/03
Connectivity
Check whether airport SIMs, eSIMs, or roaming are the best option for your route before arrival.
/08 — The history

Policy changelog

since 2024
2026-05-30 · major
United States to Zambia route verified
Confirmed visa-free status for US ordinary passport holders via the Zambia Department of Immigration visa-waiver notice and the U.S. State Department country page. Up to 90 days per 12-month period; no fee.
/09 — The questions

Frequently asked

Do US citizens need a visa to visit Zambia?—
No. US ordinary passport holders are visa-exempt for tourism and can enter visa-free for up to 90 days within any 12-month period, under Zambia's visa waiver effective November 2022.
How long can I stay in Zambia without a visa?+
Is there any fee for visa-free entry?+
What is the KAZA UNIVISA and do I need it?+
What are the passport requirements?+
Do I need a yellow fever vaccination?+
/11 — Passport tools

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