zambia tourist visa waiver

Visa Requirement Waiver for Selected Countries takes effect

• November 5, 2022

Namati Nshinka

The Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security, Hon. Jacob Jack Mwiimbu, MP, on 2 nd November 2022, announced the waiver of the visa requirement for the United Kingdom, United States of America, Canada, Norway, Australia, New Zealand, China, Japan, South Korea, The Gulf States, and the European Union at a Press Briefing jointly held with his Ministry of Tourism counterpart, Hon. Rodney Sikumba, MP. The waiver comes into effect pursuant to Statutory Instrument No. 69 of 2022.

Mr. Mwiimbu said the delay in implementing the visa waiver was due to the need to put in place the required legislative framework, re-configure the Zambia Immigration Management System (ZIMS), and develop post-entry management measures to ensure that the new visa regime did not compromise internal security.

“In light of the waiver of the visa requirement for the selected countries, the Department of Immigration has been working round the clock to develop post-entry management measures to ensure that the new visa regime does not compromise internal security,” he said. The Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security also reminded the travelling public that the visa waiver was no guarantee of admission into the country. “…the waiver of the visa requirement does not guarantee entry into Zambia as the final decision to grant permission for entry into Zambia rests with the Immigration Officer at the port of entry” he said.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Tourism expressed confidence that the waiver would significantly increase tourist arrivals owing to the reduced bureaucracies. “… the waiver will help to attain the target of three million international arrivals by 2024”.

Click here for the Speech by the Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security

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Zambia finalizes measures for visa-entry waiver for eligible foreign nationals

Source: Xinhua

Editor: huaxia

2022-11-03 00:50:15

LUSAKA, Nov. 2 (Xinhua) -- The Zambian government said on Tuesday it has finalized measures aimed at facilitating visa-free entrances for the nationals of selected countries.

During the unveiling of the 2023 national budget, the finance minister announced waiver of visa requirements for China and other countries, including the United Kingdom, Canada, European Union (EU) countries.

The waiver was supposed to come into effect on Oct. 1, 2022. But Jack Mwiimbu, the Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security, said the ministry needed to put in place measures to ensure its effective implementation.

"As you may be aware, policy changes as this one require putting in place a legislative framework to ensure that their implementation is within the confinement of the law," he told reporters during a press briefing.

He said the department in charge of immigration has been working on preparing for the new visa policy which included re-configuration of the immigration management system as well as developing post-entry management measures to ensure that the new visa regime does not compromise internal security.

The department, he said, has also embarked on the recruitment of new staff to enforce compliance with the immigration law and other regulations.

He said after the completion of preparatory works, nationals from the affected countries will not require visas to enter Zambia.

However, he said the waiver of the visa requirement does not guarantee entry into Zambia as the final decision to grant permission for entry rests with immigration officers at the point of entry. ■

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Government waiver of Visa fees elates tourism stakeholders

Stakeholders in the tourism sector have praised Government for waiving Visa fees required for ttourists coming into the country for some countries describing the move as a game – changer in enhancing economic development.

Livingstone Tourism Association Chairman, Hilary Kashempa observes that both the waiver and easing of the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions will record a huge increase in tourist arrivals.

Mr Kashempa said this in an interview in Livingstone that the tourism industry is expecting more jobs to be created for the people and growth in the Gross Domestic Product.

“Following Government’s waiver in Visas for Tourists from United Kingdom, United States of America among other countries, the tourism sector is expected to see a rise in economic activities in the Tourist Capital Livingstone and the Country at large,” he said

And Mukuni Park Curio Market Association Secretary, Titus Siachibuye also observed that easing of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions has resulted in the boom in business activities.

Meanwhile, a tourist from the United States of America, Terri Coon has praised Government for the removal of Visa fees on tourists coming in the country, adding that the move will boost an increase in arrivals.

“The removal of Visas is indeed a game -changer for the tourism sector in the country and no doubt Zambia stands to benefit from the economic turn around,” she said.

Coon said Zambia is endowed with tourism potential which need to be sampled by visitors from across the globe saying a waiver will maximise the tourism industry for the betterment of the Zambian people.

This is just on paper and not being implemented. Immigration are still charging visa fees on arrival to tourists arriving from those countries at the airports.

This is a very farkinf stupid decision. You telling me that low visa fee will incentivize tourists paying thousands of dollars for their holidays

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We have more tourists coming from countries which received visa waivers – Tourism Agency

• 20th July 2023
• Tourists visit the Victoria Falls

THE Zambia Tourism Agency (ZTA) says there has been an increase in the number of tourists visiting the country since government’s move to waive Visa requirements for certain countries. Last year, Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security Jack Mwiimbu announced the waiver of Visa requirements for selected countries like the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, China, Japan, the Gulf States, the European Union, among others. In an interview, Monday, ZTA Director Marketing Chavunga Lungu said the country was currently receiving a number of tourists from the USA, among other countries. “We have seen an upswing in terms of numbers of travelers from countries which were given visa waivers, especially from countries outside Europe. You probably must have heard or must...

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Do i need a visa to enter zambia.

Some countries do not require visas while others do, for a comprehensive guide visit the following link www.zambiaimmigration.gov.zm

Categories which need do not need visa to enter Zambia

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Categories which can get visa on arrival

Albania, American Samoa, Andorra, Argentina, Aruba, Belarus, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bouvet Island, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Burundi, Cape Verde, Chile, Christmas Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Democratic Republic of, Congo, Republic of (Brazzaville), Cook Islands, Costa Rica, Cuba, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Eritrea, Faroe Islands, French Polynesia, French Southern Territories, Georgia, Ghana, Greenland, Guam, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Heard and Mc Donald Islands, Honduras, Iceland, Israel, Kazakhstan, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Liechtenstein, Macedonia, Madagascar, Mexico, Micronesia, Federation States of, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Myanmar (Burma), Netherlands Antilles, New Caledonia, Nicaragua, Northern Mariana Islands, Palau, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Puerto Rico, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Pierre and Miquelon, Sandwich Islands, San Marino, Saotome and Principe, South Georgia and the South, Suriname, Svalbard and Jan Mayen Islands, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, Ukraine, United States Minor Outlying, Uruguay, Islands, Vatican City State, Venezuela, Virgin Islands, Wallis and Futuna Islands, Western Sahara

Categories which need to apply a visa before travel

Afghanistan, Algeria, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Cameroon, Central Africa Republic, Chad, Egypt, Ethiopia, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Gambia, Guinea Bissau, Guinea Conakry, India, Indonesia, Iran, Ivory Coast, Jordan, Korea North, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Macau, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Palestine, Papa New Guinea, Philippines, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Sri-Lanka, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan,Syria, Tajikistan, Timor- Leste (East Timor),Togo, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Yemen

What is the KAZA Visa

It is a special visa that allows entry into Zambia and Zimbabwe as frequently as you like (for 30 days), as well as a single entry into Botswana for a day-trip.

Where is the KAZA Visa Available

How do i apply for a visa.

Visit the eServices portal and apply for visa application www.zambiaimmigration.gov.zm

• You have to create an account and complete the online application form. Then submit the eVisa application.
• Upload electronic copies of the required documents.
• Pay the Zambia visa fee.
• Wait for the visa application to be processed.

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Visitor Visa

Visa Waiver Program

Travel Without a Visa

Citizens of Canada and Bermuda

The Visa Waiver Program  (VWP) enables most citizens or nationals of participating countries *  to travel to the United States for tourism or business for stays of 90 days or less without obtaining a visa. Travelers must have a valid  Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA)  approval prior to travel and meet all requirements explained below. If you prefer to have a visa in your passport, you may still apply for a visitor (B) visa.

Visa Waiver Program Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act of 2015

Under the Visa Waiver Program Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act of 2015, travelers in the following categories must obtain a visa prior to traveling to the United States as they are no longer eligible to travel under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP):

• Nationals of VWP countries who have traveled to or been present in Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, or Yemen on or after March 1, 2011 (with limited exceptions for travel for diplomatic or military purposes in the service of a VWP country).
• Nationals of VWP countries who have traveled to or been present in Cuba on or after January 12, 2021 (with limited exceptions for travel for diplomatic or military purposes in the service of a VWP country).
• Nationals of VWP countries who are also nationals of Cuba, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Iran, Iraq, Sudan, or Syria.

Requirements for Using the Visa Waiver Program (VWP)

You must meet  all  the following requirements to travel to the United States on the VWP:

Travel Purpose Must be Permitted on a Visitor (B) Visa

The following are examples of activities permitted while in the United States on the VWP. In addition, transiting through the United States to other countries is generally permitted for VWP travelers.

• consult with business associates
• attend a scientific, educational, professional, or business convention or conference
• attend short-term training (you may not be paid by any source in the United States with the exception of expenses incidental to your stay)
• negotiate a contract

Learn more about  Business Travel to the United States  (PDF - 362 KB).

• vacation (holiday)
• visit with friends or relatives
• medical treatment
• participation in social events hosted by fraternal, social, or service organizations
• participation by amateurs in musical, sports, or similar events or contests, if not being paid for participating
• enrollment in a short recreational course of study, not for credit toward a degree (for example, a two-day cooking class while on vacation)

Learn more about  Visitor Visas - Business and Pleasure  (PDF - 510 KB).

Travel Purposes Not Permitted on Visa Waiver Program – Examples:

• study, for credit
• work as foreign press, radio, film, journalists, or other information media
• permanent residence in the United States

Must Be a Citizen or National of a VWP Designated Country *

You must be a citizen or national of the following countries *  to be eligible to travel to the United States under the VWP.

• Czech Republic
• Liechtenstein
• Netherlands
• New Zealand
• South Korea
• Switzerland
• United Kingdom**

**To be eligible to travel under the VWP, British citizens must have the unrestricted right of permanent abode in England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands, and the Isle of Man.

Each Traveler Must Have a Valid ESTA

In order to travel without a visa on the VWP, you must have valid Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) approval prior to boarding a U.S. bound air or sea carrier. ESTA is a web-based system operated by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to determine eligibility to travel to the United States for tourism or business under the VWP. Visit the  ESTA webpage  on the CBP website for more information.

Updating Your ESTA

In most cases, your ESTA will be valid for two years.  You also must obtain a new ESTA if you: (1) receive a new passport, including an emergency or temporary passport; (2) change your name; (3) change your gender; (4) change your country of citizenship; or (5) need to change your responses to any of the “yes” or “no” questions on the ESTA application.

These individuals can apply for visas using regular appointment processes at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Consular sections overseas may be able to expedite your interview date if there is an urgent, unforseen situation such as a funeral, medical emergency, or school start date. For more information, please visit the website of the Embassy or Consulate Visa Section where you will interview.

If an individual who is exempt from the Act because of his or her diplomatic or military presence in one of the seven countries is denied ESTA, he or she may go to the  CBP website , or contact the  CBP information Center . The traveler may also apply for a nonimmigrant visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection strongly recommends that any traveler to the United States check his or her  ESTA status  prior to making any travel reservations or travelling to the United States. More information is available on the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) website . 

Have the Correct Type of Passport

You must have a passport that is valid for at least 6 months after your planned departure from the United States (unless exempted by  country-specific agreements ). For families, each member of your family, including infants and children, must have a passport. 

In addition, you must have an e-passport to use the VWP. An e-passport is an enhanced secure passport with an embedded electronic chip. The chip can be scanned to match the identity of the traveler to the passport. E-Passports must be in compliance with standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). You can readily identify an e-passport, by a symbol on the cover. See the example below. More information about e-passports is available on the DHS website .

Emergency and Temporary Passports

If you use an   emergency or temporary passport to enter the United States on the VWP, the passport must be an e-passport. This includes VWP travelers who are transiting the United States. 

More information on frequently asked questions about VWP can be found at the following websites:

• DHS Visa Waiver Program Requirements
• CBP Visa Waiver Program

May I apply for a visa instead of using the VWP?

Yes, you may apply for a visitor (B) visa if you prefer to do so or if you are not eligible for VWP travel. Additionally, you need to apply for a visa if you will be traveling on a private aircraft or other non-VWP approved air or sea carrier. Review the  approved carriers list . Also, if you intend to stay longer than 90 days, then you need to apply for a visa. 

I was denied a visa under section 214(b). May I use the VWP?

A recent visa refusal for any reason could result in denial of ESTA authorization, additional review at the port of entry, or denial of admission to the United States. If you are uncertain if you qualify for VWP travel, you may apply for a visa.

Trips to Canada, Mexico, or nearby islands

If you are admitted to the United States under the VWP, you may take a short trip to Canada, Mexico, or a nearby island and generally be readmitted to the United States under the VWP for the remainder of the original 90 days granted upon your initial arrival in the United States. Therefore, the length of time of your total stay, including the short trip, must be 90 days or less. See the  CBP website . Citizens of VWP countries *  who reside in Mexico, Canada, or a nearby island are generally exempted from the requirement to show onward travel to another country *  when entering the United States. Learn more on the  CBP website .

How can a country* join the VWP?

A country *  must meet various requirements to be considered for designation in the Visa Waiver Program. Requirements include, but are not limited to:

• enhanced law enforcement and security-related data sharing with the United States;
• issuing e-passports;
• having a visitor (B) visa refusal rate of less than three percent (for initial designation);
• timely reporting of both blank and issued lost and stolen passports; and
• maintenance of high counterterrorism, law enforcement, border control, and document security standards.

Designation as a VWP country *  is at the discretion of the U.S. government. Meeting the objective requirements of the VWP does not guarantee a country *  will receive VWP designation.

Entering the United States

An approved ESTA allows you to travel to a U.S. port-of-entry (generally an airport) and request permission to enter the United States, but an approved ESTA does not guarantee entry into the United States. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials at the port-of-entry have authority to permit or deny admission to the United States. Learn more on the  CBP website .

Extending your stay

If you enter the United States under the Visa Waiver Program, you are not permitted to extend your stay in the United States beyond the initial admission period. You must depart the United States on or before the date on your admission stamp when you entered the United States. See Extend Your Stay on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website .

Change of status

If you enter the United States under the Visa Waiver Program, you are not permitted to change status in the United States. See  Change My Nonimmigrant Status  on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website.

What if I am traveling to Guam or the Northern Mariana Islands?

Citizens of Australia, Brunei, Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, Nauru, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, South Korea, Singapore, Taiwan and the United Kingdom do not need a visa or ESTA to visit both Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands because of the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program, though they must complete Form I-736 prior to travel.  People's Republic of China Passport holders also do not need a visa if they complete Form I-736 for temporary admission into the Northern Mariana Islands. For more information on the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program,  click here

* With respect to all references to “country” or “countries” on this page, it should be noted that the Taiwan Relations Act of 1979, Pub. L. No. 96-8, Section 4(b)(1), provides that “[w]henever the laws of the United States refer or relate to foreign countries, nations, states, governments, or similar entities, such terms shall include and such laws shall apply with respect to Taiwan.” 22 U.S.C. § 3303(b)(1). Accordingly, all references to “country” or “countries” in the Visa Waiver Program authorizing legislation, Section 217 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. 1187, are read to include Taiwan. This is consistent with the United States’ one-China policy, under which the United States has maintained unofficial relations with Taiwan since 1979.

More Information

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