Visa & Permit Fees in Zambia
Tourist · Work · Residence · Student · Updated March 2026
Complete guide to Zambia visa fees, work permits, and residence permits. Apply online through the e-Visa portal or on arrival at major entry points.
Tourist Visa
USD 50
single entry
KAZA UniVisa
USD 50
Zambia + Zimbabwe
Work Permit
USD 500+
employer sponsored
Student Permit
USD 100
duration of study
✈️ Tourist Visa Types
Tourist Visa (Single Entry)
Available on arrival or e-Visa portal
USD 50 (≈ ZMK 1,350)
Tourist Visa (Double Entry)
Two entries within validity period
USD 80 (≈ ZMK 2,160)
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
For frequent visitors; apply via e-Visa
USD 150 (≈ ZMK 4,050)
KAZA UniVisa (Zambia–Zimbabwe)
Valid for both countries · Victoria Falls area
USD 50 (≈ ZMK 1,350)
Transit Visa
For passengers transiting through Zambia
USD 50 (≈ ZMK 1,350)
Day Tripper Visa
Victoria Falls day visitors from Zimbabwe
USD 20 (≈ ZMK 540)
💼 Work Permits
Work permits require employer sponsorship. The employer must demonstrate that the position cannot be filled by a Zambian citizen. Apply through the Department of Immigration.
Employment Permit
Employer must sponsor · Renewable
USD 500 – 1,000
Investor Permit
Minimum investment required — apply via ZIDA
USD 1,000 – 3,000
Self-Employment Permit
For freelancers and sole proprietors
USD 500 – 1,500
Intra-Company Transfer
Multinational staff transfers
USD 500 – 1,000
Volunteer Permit
NGO/charitable work
USD 200 – 500
🏠 Residence & Student Permits
Temporary Residence Permit
For stays over 90 days · Renewable
USD 200 – 500
Permanent Residence Permit
After 5+ years of legal residence
USD 1,000 – 3,000
Student Permit (Study Permit)
University acceptance letter required
USD 100 – 250
Dependent Pass
For spouse/children of permit holders
USD 100 – 200
Visa-Free & Visa-Required Countries
SADC Countries
90 days visa-freeSouth Africa, Botswana, Tanzania, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and other SADC members
Commonwealth
Visa on arrival or e-VisaUnited Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, Australia
East Africa
30–90 days visa-freeKenya, Uganda, Rwanda
Visa Required
Apply via e-Visa or embassy before travelUSA, China, India, Nigeria, most EU countries
Required Documents
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Valid Passport | 6+ months validity, 2 blank pages |
| Passport Photos | 2 recent photos (35×45mm, white background) |
| Flight Itinerary | Return/onward travel proof |
| Proof of Accommodation | Hotel booking or invitation letter |
| Proof of Funds | Bank statement (minimum USD 50/day) |
| Yellow Fever Certificate | Required if arriving from endemic country |
| Employer Letter (Work Permit) | Company registration + job description |
| University Letter (Student Permit) | Acceptance/enrollment confirmation |
Zambia Visa Information — What You Need to Know
Zambia's immigration system is managed by the Department of Immigration under the Ministry of Home Affairs. The country has progressively digitized its visa process — the e-Visa portal (evisa.gov.zm) launched in 2015 and now handles the majority of tourist visa applications.
Application Tips
- Apply early — e-Visa tourist applications take 1–3 business days, but work permits can take 30–90 days. Start well before your travel date.
- Carry physical copies — Print your e-Visa confirmation. Internet/power issues at border points can delay electronic verification.
- Yellow Fever certificate — Required if arriving from or transiting through an endemic country (most of West and Central Africa). Get vaccinated at least 10 days before travel.
- USD or ZMK payment — Visa on arrival fees are accepted in US Dollars cash only (exact change recommended). e-Visa payments are by card.
Overstay Penalties
Overstaying your visa incurs a fine of USD 100 per day. Prolonged overstay may result in deportation, immigration ban, and difficulties obtaining future visas. If you need to extend your stay, apply for an extension at the Department of Immigration before your current visa expires.
Visa fees and processing times are based on official rates from evisa.gov.zm and the Department of Immigration. Fees are subject to change. Exchange rate used: USD 1 ≈ ZMK 27 (March 2026).
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa to visit Zambia?
It depends on your nationality. Citizens of SADC countries (South Africa, Botswana, Tanzania, Malawi, etc.) can enter Zambia visa-free for up to 90 days. UK, Irish, and some Commonwealth citizens receive visa on arrival or can apply through the e-Visa portal. Citizens of the USA, China, India, and most EU countries must apply for a visa in advance through evisa.gov.zm or at a Zambian embassy. Tourist visas cost USD 50 (single entry) to USD 150 (multiple entry).
How do I apply for a Zambia e-Visa?
Visit the official e-Visa portal at evisa.gov.zm. Create an account, select your visa type, fill in the application form, upload a passport photo and scan of your passport bio page, and pay the fee online (Visa/Mastercard). Processing takes 1–3 business days for tourist visas. You will receive the e-Visa by email — print it and present at immigration on arrival. The system is available 24/7 and applications can be tracked online.
How much does a Zambia work permit cost?
An Employment Permit costs USD 500–1,000. The employer must sponsor the application and demonstrate that the role cannot be filled by a Zambian citizen. Processing takes 30–90 days through the Department of Immigration. Additional costs include: medical certificate (ZMK 500–1,500), police clearance from home country, and immigration agent fees (optional, USD 200–500). Work permits are issued for 2 years and are renewable.
What is the KAZA UniVisa?
The KAZA UniVisa is a joint visa for Zambia and Zimbabwe, costing USD 50. It allows holders to move freely between both countries for 30 days — ideal for visitors to Victoria Falls. The visa is available on arrival at major border crossings (Livingstone/Victoria Falls) and at Lusaka and Harare airports. It cannot be purchased online; you must buy it at the point of entry. It covers multiple crossings between Zambia and Zimbabwe only.
Can I extend my visa in Zambia?
Yes, visa extensions can be requested at the Department of Immigration in Lusaka (Kent Building, Haile Selassie Avenue) or at provincial immigration offices. Extension fees are approximately USD 50 per 30 days. Apply before your current visa expires to avoid overstay penalties (USD 100/day fine and potential deportation). Processing takes 3–7 business days. Student permits and work permits can also be renewed through the same office.
What documents do I need for a Zambia visa?
For a tourist visa: valid passport (6+ months validity, 2 blank pages), 2 passport photos, return flight itinerary, proof of accommodation, and proof of funds (bank statement showing USD 50/day). For work permits: add employer sponsorship letter, company registration documents, and job description. For student permits: university acceptance letter and proof of tuition payment. Yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if arriving from an endemic country.