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Zambia
Country Specific Information
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June 02, 2008
COUNTRY DESCRIPTION:
Zambia is a developing country in southern Africa. Tourist facilities outside of the capital, Lusaka, Livingstone (Victoria
Falls), and well-known game parks are not fully developed. Read the Department of State Background Notes on Zambia for additional information.
ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS: A passport and visa are required. A visa may be obtained in advance at a Zambian Embassy or Consulate or at the port of entry. Zambia
raised the visa fee for American passport holders to $135 as of January 26, 2008. American citizens should bring exact change,
whenever practical. Visas are valid for 3 years, and for multiple entries. At the time of entry, the immigration officer will
stamp your passport with the permitted length of stay. This is normally 30 days and can ordinarily be extended twice (for
a total time of 90 days) by visiting the immigration home office in Lusaka. All Americans, except resident diplomats, must
pay an airport departure tax which is collected in U.S. dollars. Airlines include this tax in the cost of the ticket. However,
passengers will need to verify that this tax has been paid at the airport. The passenger will receive a “no-fee” receipt reflecting
this payment.
Travelers transiting through South Africa should ensure that they have at least two blank (unstamped) visa pages in their
passports. South African immigration authorities routinely turn away visitors who do not have enough blank visa pages in their
passports. Zambian Immigration officials insist visitors carry the original or a certified copy of their passport and their
immigration permit at all times. Certified copies must be obtained from the immigration office that issued the permit. American
citizens should closely follow immigration guidelines, including visa requirements for travel to Zambia.
NOTE: Some tour operators were previously able to obtain visas at reduced rates using a special tourism waiver. Zambia announced
that they were ending this waiver program as of January 26, 2008 and that all American tourists would be required to pay the
new $135 fee. Travelers with outstanding reservations with tour operators should be prepared to pay the difference upon arrival
in Zambia.
Additional information on entry requirements may be obtained from the Embassy of the Republic of Zambia, 2419 Massachusetts
Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008, telephone (202) 265-9717 or 19 or online at http://www.zambiaembassy.org.
Information about dual nationality or the prevention of international child abduction can be found on our web site. For further information about customs regulations, please read our Customs Information sheet.
SAFETY AND SECURITY: U.S. citizens are advised to exercise caution when traveling in northern Luapula Province and in areas of the Northern Province
adjacent to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Although a cease-fire is currently in effect, the DRC is not yet stable
and uncontrolled militias operate in the eastern DRC. In the past, armed gunmen have occasionally attacked vehicles near the
DRC-Zambian border. Land mines and unexploded ordnance along the western, southern, and eastern borders make off-road travel
to those areas potentially hazardous. For these reasons, the U.S. Embassy discourages travelers from driving off-road or on
remote little-used tracks near the borders with DRC and Angola. American citizens who must drive in these areas are encouraged
to drive in convoy and to carry satellite telephones.
U.S. citizens should avoid political rallies and street demonstrations and maintain security awareness at all times.
For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department of State, Bureau of
Consular Affairs’ web site at http://travel.state.gov, where the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts, as well as the Worldwide Caution, can be found.
Up-to-date information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S. and Canada, or for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll-line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
The Department of State urges American citizens to take responsibility for their own personal security while traveling overseas. For general information about appropriate measures travelers can take to protect themselves in an overseas environment, see the Department of State’s pamphletA Safe Trip Abroad.
CRIME: Travel in many sections of Lusaka, Livingstone and most other major cities as well as in the major game parks, is generally
safe during daylight hours. Travelers using public transportation or visiting high pedestrian traffic areas are advised to
be vigilant against robbery and pick-pocketing.
Vehicle thefts, burglaries, and armed robbery occur throughout the country. Carjacking remains an ongoing problem, especially
in Lusaka and other major cities. Carjackers generally employ a strategy of blocking the back of one’s car when the car is
waiting to pass through a security gate into a residence or other facility. It is recommended to drive with doors locked and
windows closed at all times and remain vigilant when entering or exiting one’s residence.
Foreign tourists have frequently been the target of small-scale financial scams involving bogus “fees” to be paid to various
Zambian officials and groups. The embassy cautions travelers to make sure that they receive an official, Government of Zambia
receipt for any fines and duties paid. Often, travelers will be told that the official does not have a receipt book or that
this type of fine is not receipted. Polite, but firm insistence on a Zambian Government receipt will often result in these
fines disappearing.
INFORMATION FOR VICTIMS OF CRIME: The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. If you are the victim of a crime while overseas, in addition to reporting to local police, please contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance. The Embassy/Consulate staff can, for example, assist you to find appropriate medical care, contact family members or friends and explain how funds could be transferred. Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed.
See our information on Victims of Crime.
MEDICAL FACILITIES AND HEALTH INFORMATION: Government hospitals and clinics are often understaffed and lack supplies. Private medical clinics in major cities can provide
reasonable care in many cases, but major medical emergencies usually require medical evacuation to South Africa, Europe, or
the United States. Basic medical care outside of major cities is extremely limited. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate
cash payment for health services. Travelers should carry their prescription drugs and medications in original labeled containers,
as well as the written prescription from their physician. (See “Criminal Penalties” section.)
Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection,
may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP
(1-877-394-8747) or via the CDC’s web site at http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/default.aspx. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad consult the World Health Organization’s (WHO) web site at
http://www.who.int/en. Further health information for travelers is available at http://www.who.int/ith/en.
MEDICAL INSURANCE: The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation. Please see our information on medical insurance overseas.
TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United
States. The information below concerning Zambia is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in
a particular location or circumstance.
Traffic circulates on the left side of the road, and there are many British-style roundabouts rather than intersections with
traffic lights. There is no left turn on red. Seat belts are mandatory, as are helmets for motorcyclists. A child's seat is
not mandatory by law, but is essential for safeguarding children. The speed limit is 50 km/30 mph in Lusaka and 100 km/60
mph outside of city limits. However, speed limits are rarely respected, and most cars drive 80 km/50 mph in the city and 120
km/75 mph outside town. Most vehicles operate at even faster speeds on the road from Lusaka to Livingstone. Drivers under
the influence of alcohol who are involved in accidents are tested at Lusaka's University Teaching Hospital (UTH) and then
taken to court.
Driving on Zambian roads can be hazardous. Most roads do not have shoulders or sidewalks; pedestrians and livestock use the
roadways both day and night. While the main roads in Lusaka as well as the principal highways linking Lusaka with the major
provincial capital are generally maintained, many secondary roads are in poor repair. During the rainy season (end of October
to mid-March), travelers who do not have a four-wheel drive vehicle will encounter problems driving on rural roads. Even in
daylight, passing another vehicle can be particularly dangerous given the general condition of roads. Driving at night can
be hazardous and is discouraged. When breakdowns occur, local drivers place a few branches behind the car to indicate trouble,
but this is hardly visible at night. As a result, many drivers use their high beams at night to detect stopped vehicles and
pedestrians.
Since 2000, Americans have been involved in a number of series car accidents. There are no emergency services for injured
or stranded drivers. Car accident victims are vulnerable to theft by those who pretend to be “helpful.” It is advisable to
have a cell phone when undertaking a trip outside of town, although many parts of the country do not yet have cell phone service.
City traffic is comprised mostly of cars and minibuses; motorcycles are rare. Minibuses serve as the primary means of inter-city
travel in Zambia. They are often overcrowded and seldom punctual. Drivers often use pass using road shoulders or opposing
traffic lanes. Often they will stop with little or no warning, in order to pick up or drop off passengers. Some luxury buses
do ply the routes between Lusaka and Livingstone and the Copperbelt. Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information. Visit the web site of the country’s national tourist office and national authority responsible
for road safety at http://www.zambiatourism.com/.
AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT:As there is no direct commercial air service to the United States by carriers registered in Zambia, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed Zambia’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards. For more information, travelers may visit the FAA’s web site at http://www.faa.gov/safety/programs_initiatives/oversight/iasa.
SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: Perpetrators of business fraud often target foreigners, including Americans. While such fraud schemes in the past have been largely associated with Nigeria, they are now prevalent throughout Africa, including Zambia. For additional information, please consult The Department of State's publication "International Financial Scams." In addition, Americans are advised to exercise caution when approached with unsolicited offers to purchase gemstones or precious metals for export as the Embassy has received multiple recent complaints from Americans who have been victimized as a result of their involvement in these deals.
U.S. citizens are encouraged to carry a copy of their U.S. passports with them at all times, so that, if questioned by local officials, proof of identity and U.S. citizenship is readily available. Zambian police do not provide the U.S. Embassy with timely notification of the arrest of American citizens. If you are detained, you should insist on your right to contact a U.S. consular officer.
MasterCard and Visa cards are accepted in major supermarkets, restaurants, stores, and hotels in Lusaka and Livingstone (Victoria Falls). Credit card fraud is increasing in Zambia and there have been several cases involving fraudulent charges, including some at major hotels catering primarily to foreign visitors. Many businesses use carbonized paper documents to process payment. These documents are not secure and can pose a threat to cardholders. The Embassy urges caution when using debit or credit cards at any point of purchase, especially if the transaction is not processed electronically. Normally, American travelers can withdraw money (in local currency) from ATMs in major cities in Zambia using their ATM cards or credit cards from the United States. However, from time to time, the banks lose their connections with the credit card exchanges, thus making withdrawals impossible. Zambian banks and bureaux de change will not accept dollar-denominated notes issued before 1990.
Travel to military areas and photographing military facilities, airports, bridges, and other facilities deemed to be of security relevance, are prohibited. Often these sites are not clearly marked and the first notification that a tourist would receive is a police officer demanding their film and/or camera. Authorities may also challenge photography of areas other than tourist attractions. Service providers in Zambia, including the tourism sector, are not subject to the same standards of safety oversight that exist in the United States; visitors should evaluate risks carefully. Travelers are cautioned to observe local or park regulations and heed all instruction given by tour guides. Even in the most serene settings, wild animals can pose a threat to life and safety.
Large numbers of travelers visit tourist destinations, including South Luangwa National Park and Livingstone (Victoria Falls),
without incident. However, American citizens are advised to avoid rafting and other whitewater boating activities on the Zambezi
River below Victoria Falls during the high-water season, February through June. During periods of high water, the Batoka Gorge
section of the river becomes unpredictable and several tourists have been involved in fatal accidents.
Please see our Customs Information.
CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States and may not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses. Persons violating Zambian laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Zambia are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime, prosecutable in the United States. Please see our information on Criminal Penalties.
Zambia recently enacted a ban on smoking in any public place. A “public place” is defined as any building, premise, conveyance or other place to which the public has access. The penalty for this infraction is a fine or up to two years' imprisonment.
It is against both Zambian and U.S. law to buy, possess or transport animals or animal products, such as tortoise shell, rhino horn, elephant ivory, tusks of any animal or any items made out of these materials. In Zambia, penalties range from large fines to mandatory 5-year prison sentences. The Zambian Wildlife Authority has screeners at international ports of entry/exit and WILL prosecute offenders to the fullest extent of the law.
While many of these items are sold in open markets particularly aimed at foreign tourists, it remains the responsibility of
the customer to ensure that he/she is not purchasing a prohibited item.
Further instructions on the importation of items to the U.S. may be found on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection web site
at
http://www.customs.gov/xp/cgov/travel/vacation/kbyg/prohibited_restricted.xml.
CHILDREN'S ISSUES: For information see our Office of Children’s Issues web pages on intercountry adoption and international parental child abduction.
REGISTRATION / EMBASSY LOCATION: Americans living or traveling in Zambia are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department’s travel registration web site so that they can obtain updated information on travel and security within Zambia. Americans without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency. The U.S. Embassy is located at the corner of Independence and United Nations Avenues. The mailing address is P.O. Box 31617, Lusaka, Zambia. Telephone exchanges have recently changed within Zambia. When calling from the United States, please contact the American Embassy during regular work hours, Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and on Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. by dialing 011-260-21-125-0955. For after-hours emergencies involving American citizens, please dial 011-260-21-125-0955 extension 1. The fax number is 260-21-125-2225. The web site is http://zambia.usembassy.gov.
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This replaces the Country Specific Information for Zambia dated February 14, 2008, to update sections on Entry/Exit Requirements
and Crime.
