Country guide
Zambia
Visa
No visa needed
Vaccinations
Conditional
Currency
Kwacha (ZMK)
Time zones
UTC/GMT +2 (Same time zone as South Africa)
Dialing code
+ 260
Best time to go
May to August
Drinking water
Tap water in the major towns is purified and perfectly safe to drink. Outside of the main towns, water should be boiled before use. Hotels and Safari Lodges usually provide drinking water which is safe for consumption. Alternatively, bottled water is available.
Visa guide
Entry requirements
- Valid passport with 6 months validity & 3 blank pages
- Proof of return / onward passage
- Proof of funds
Visa requirements
Visas are not required by SA passport holders for a stay of up to 30 days for business and 90 days for a tourist visa.
Visa application centre
Visa & Immigration Information: www.zambiaimmigration.gov.zm
Online Visa Applications: eservices.zambiaimmigration.gov.zm
Issuing authorities
The High Commission of the Republic of Zambia
570 Ziervogel str. off Hamilton str, Arcadia
Tel: 012 326 1847/97
E-mail: hc@zambiapretoria.net
Web: www.zambiapretoria.net
Monday to Friday – 09.00 to 17.00
SA representative
SA High Commission
26 D Cheetah Rd, Kabulonga, Lusaka
Tel: +260 211 265571
E-mail: lusaka.admin@dirco.gov.za
Web: dirco1.azurewebsites.net/zambia/
Health / vaccinations
Compulsory: Yellow Fever (dependant on country of origin / stopover)
Recommended Travel Vaccines: Hepatitis A & B, Rabies, Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio
Malaria Risk
Public holidays
2026: Jan 1; Mar 8, 9, 12; Apr 3-4, 6, 28; May 1, 25; Jul 6-7; Aug 3; Oct 18-19, 24; Dec 25