Deep coverage14 verified routes across visit, study, work, investment, family and more.
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Select the passports you hold to see short-stay access and per-route eligibility for Zambia.
6 routes
Visit
Short stays: tourism, transit, business trips, medical, pilgrimage.
Tourist Visa
Zambia Tourist eVisa / Visa on Arrival
The standard visitor's visa for tourism and visiting family or friends, available as an eVisa through the Department of Immigration e-Services portal or as a visa on arrival at ports of entry. Single, double and multiple entry visas are valid for 90 days from first issuance, and all ordinary visitors and tourists are entitled to a free 90-day visit in any 12-month period. From 1 January 2026 the single-entry fee is USD 50, with double and multiple entry both at USD 80. The visa does not authorise employment; stays beyond 90 days require a Visiting Permit or other permit.
Family: Applicants under 16 are included in an accompanying adult's application; spouses apply separately.
Online visa applicationCompleted application via the e-Services portal at eservices.zambiaimmigration.gov.zm, or the on-arrival form at the port of entry.
Valid passportPassport valid at least 6 months beyond arrival with at least 3 blank pages.
Passport photographRecent passport-size photograph (uploaded as JPEG, TIFF or PNG for the eVisa).
Host or accommodation informationDetails of the host, hotel booking or accommodation in Zambia.
Return or onward ticketValid return air ticket, or proof of sufficient funds for departure when entering by land or water.
Proof of sufficient fundsOptionalEvidence of funds to cover the stay.
Tourist Visa
Zambia Day Tripper Visa
A low-cost same-day visa for tourists who enter and exit Zambia through the same port of entry within 24 hours, designed for visitors based in a neighbouring country who cross briefly to see attractions such as Victoria Falls. The fee is USD 10 and the visa is currently available only at the Victoria Falls and Kazungula border crossings. The holder must exit the same day through the same port; it confers no work or study rights.
Family: Children may be included in an adult's application.
Government fee
$10
Max stay
1 day
Validity
1 day
Document checklist (4)
Valid passportPassport valid at least 6 months beyond entry.
Day Tripper applicationOn-arrival application completed at the Victoria Falls or Kazungula border post.
Proof of same-port exit intentEvidence of a same-day return through the same port of entry.
Proof of fundsOptionalSufficient funds for the day trip.
Tourist Visa
KAZA Univisa (Zambia-Zimbabwe)
A shared tourist visa under the Kavango-Zambezi (KAZA) Transfrontier Conservation Area initiative allowing holders to move between Zambia and Zimbabwe on a single document, and to take day trips to Botswana via the Kazungula border. It is valid up to 30 days in any 12-month period provided the holder stays within the Zambia-Zimbabwe corridor, and costs USD 50. It is open to nationals of around 55 eligible countries. The KAZA Univisa is obtained at four designated Zambian ports of entry (Kenneth Kaunda and Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airports, and Victoria Falls and Kazungula border posts); it is generally issued on arrival rather than as a standard eVisa. It confers no work or study rights.
Family: Children may be included in an accompanying adult's application.
Government fee
$50
Max stay
30 days
Validity
30 days
Document checklist (5)
Valid passportPassport valid at least 6 months beyond entry with blank pages, from one of the ~55 eligible nationalities.
KAZA Univisa applicationApplication completed at a designated KAZA port of entry.
Onward/accommodation detailsItinerary or accommodation within the Zambia-Zimbabwe corridor.
Return or onward ticketOptionalEvidence of onward or return travel.
Proof of fundsOptionalSufficient funds for the visit.
Tourist Visa
Zambia Visiting Permit (Extended Stay)
A permit for visitors who need to stay in Zambia for longer than the 90-day free visitor period, for purposes such as extended tourism or family visits. Each Visiting Permit is valid for 3 months and cannot be extended beyond a total of 9 months in any 12-month period. Applicants must provide a host letter and a return ticket or proof of sufficient funds. The issuance fee is ZMW 6,667 (renewal ZMW 10,000). It confers no employment rights and does not lead to residence.
Government fee
ZMW 6,667
Max stay
270 days
Validity
90 days
Document checklist (6)
Visiting Permit applicationCompleted application via the e-Services / ZamServices portal.
Valid passportPassport valid at least 6 months beyond the intended stay.
Host letterLetter from the host in Zambia confirming the visit.
Return ticket or proof of fundsReturn ticket or evidence of sufficient funds for the stay.
Proof of fee paymentConfirmation of the ZMW 6,667 issuance fee.
Transit Visa
Zambia Transit Visa
A short transit visa for travellers passing through Zambia en route to another country, valid for a maximum period of 7 days. It can be obtained as an eVisa through the e-Services portal or on arrival at a port of entry. The fee is USD 25. The transit visa does not authorise tourism activity, employment or an extended stay; travellers intending to tour should obtain a tourist visitor's visa instead.
Family: Children under 16 may be included in an accompanying adult's application.
Onward travel evidenceTicket or visa for the onward destination demonstrating transit through Zambia.
Proof of sufficient fundsOptionalEvidence of funds for the transit period.
Business Visitor Visa
Zambia Business eVisa
The business visitor's visa for meetings, negotiations, conferences and short business activity, issued as an eVisa via the e-Services portal or on arrival. Business visitors share the same 90-day free-visit entitlement per 12-month period as tourists, and single/double/multiple entry visas are valid 90 days from first issuance. The 2026 fee is USD 50 single entry and USD 80 double or multiple entry. Business activity exceeding 30 days that involves working for a Zambian institution requires a Temporary Employment Permit rather than this visa.
Business invitation letterLetter from the Zambian company or institution hosting the business visit.
Host or accommodation informationDetails of the host and accommodation in Zambia.
Return or onward ticketValid return ticket or proof of departure funds.
Not yet researched
Medical Treatment Visa
Pilgrimage Visa
1 route
Study & Training
Universities, language courses, internships and exchanges.
Student Visa
Zambia Study Permit
A permit granted to a foreign national admitted to a recognised learning institution in Zambia for full-time or part-time study, and required for any dependent child studying for longer than 3 months who does not hold a Residence Permit. Applicants must submit a letter of acceptance from the institution and a medical report from a Zambian Government Medical Facility, plus police clearance for applicants over 18. The issuance fee is ZMW 9,090 (renewal ZMW 12,120) and the permit is renewable for the duration of the course.
Study: Full-time or part-time enrolment at the admitting institution.
Family: Dependent children studying over 3 months need their own Study Permits.
Government fee
ZMW 9,090
Document checklist (8)
Study Permit applicationCompleted application via the e-Services / ZamServices portal.
Valid passportCopy of a valid passport.
Letter of acceptanceAcceptance/admission letter from a recognised Zambian educational institution.
Medical reportMedical report issued by a Zambian Government Medical Facility.
Police clearancePolice clearance from the country of permanent residence (applicants over 18).
Status of host/parent/guardianEvidence of the immigration status of the host, parent or guardian in Zambia.
Proof of fee paymentConfirmation of the ZMW 9,090 issuance fee.
Not yet researched
Language Course Visa
Internship / Trainee Visa
Exchange Program Visa
2 routes
Work & Self-Employment
Digital nomad, freelance, skilled employment and company transfers.
Skilled Work Visa
Zambia Employment Permit
The main work permit, issued to a foreigner taking up employment in Zambia for a period exceeding 6 months. It is granted for the contract period and can be extended for periods up to a maximum of 10 years, after which the holder may qualify for a Residence Permit. Only an employer, a practising lawyer or an immigration consultant may lodge the application, and the employer must show that no qualified Zambian is available for the role. The private-sector issuance fee is ZMW 24,240 (renewal ZMW 28,280). Holders may not buy land or study in Zambia, and must work only in the activity specified in the permit.
Work: Work only in the activity and for the employer specified in the permit.
Residency after 10 years
Government fee
ZMW 24,240
Document checklist (8)
Employment Permit applicationApplication lodged by the employer, a practising lawyer or an immigration consultant via the e-Services portal.
Valid passportCopy of a valid passport with at least 6 months validity.
Employment contract / offer letterSigned contract or offer letter from the Zambian employer stating the role and salary.
Academic and professional qualificationsCertified copies of qualifications relevant to the position.
Curriculum vitaeApplicant's CV.
Employer registration documentsCompany registration (PACRA) and tax clearance for the employer.
Proof of advertisement / labour-market needOptionalEvidence the role could not be filled by a qualified Zambian, where required.
Proof of fee paymentConfirmation of the ZMW 24,240 issuance fee.
Skilled Work Visa
Zambia Temporary Employment Permit
A short-term work permit for foreigners, including business visitors, who need to carry out work or business activity in Zambia for more than 30 days but not exceeding 6 months within a 12-month period. It is commonly used for consultants, technicians and short assignments where a full Employment Permit is not warranted. A letter from the Zambian institution doing business with the applicant is required. The private-sector issuance fee is ZMW 18,180 (renewal ZMW 21,210). It is a temporary, capped status that does not lead to residence.
Work: Work limited to the specified engagement for up to 6 months in a 12-month period.
Government fee
ZMW 18,180
Max stay
180 days
Validity
180 days
Document checklist (7)
Temporary Employment Permit applicationApplication via the e-Services / ZamServices portal.
Valid passportCopy of a valid passport.
Engagement letterLetter from the Zambian institution doing business with or engaging the applicant.
Contract or scope of workDocument setting out the assignment and its duration.
QualificationsOptionalCertified copies of relevant qualifications.
Proof of fee paymentConfirmation of the ZMW 18,180 issuance fee.
Not yet researched
Digital Nomad Visa
Freelancer Visa
Self-Employment Visa
Startup / Entrepreneur Visa
Seasonal Work Visa
Intra-Company Transfer Visa
1 route
Invest & Capital
Golden visas, real estate, citizenship by investment, passive income.
Business Investor Visa
Zambia Investor's Permit
A permit for a foreigner aged 18 or over who intends to establish, has established, or is joining a business in Zambia, and is the route used by self-employed business owners and entrepreneurs. Applicants must prove personal investment of at least US$250,000 for a new business, or US$150,000 when joining an existing company, evidenced by bank statements, money transfers or ZRA Form CE20 for imported equipment. The permit is renewable on submission of audited accounts and tax clearance. The issuance fee is ZMW 16,160 (renewal ZMW 20,200). After holding the Investor's Permit for more than 3 years the holder may qualify for a Residence Permit, and dependants may be included.
Work: Authorises running and working in the declared investment/business.
Residency after 3 years
Family: Spouse and dependent children may be included as dependants.
Government fee
ZMW 16,160
Min. investment
ZMW 250,000
Document checklist (8)
Investor's Permit applicationApplication via the e-Services / ZamServices portal.
Valid passportCopy of a valid passport (applicant aged 18+).
Proof of investmentEvidence of at least US$250,000 (new business) or US$150,000 (existing company) via bank statements, money transfer or ZRA Form CE20.
Company registrationPACRA certificate of incorporation and shareholding documents.
Business planBusiness plan or description of the investment activity.
Tax clearanceZRA tax clearance certificate (and audited accounts on renewal).
Proof of fee paymentConfirmation of the ZMW 16,160 issuance fee.
Not yet researched
Golden Visa (Residence by Investment)
Residence by Real Estate
Citizenship by Investment
Non-Lucrative / Passive Income Visa
1 route
Retire & Lifestyle
Retirement visas and working holiday schemes.
Retirement Visa
Zambia Residence Permit for Retirees
Zambia has no separate pensioner visa; foreigners wishing to retire in Zambia apply for a Residence Permit on the retirement basis, one of the listed qualifying categories. The applicant must show intention to retire in Zambia and proof of sufficient funds, typically a permanent pension or an irrevocable annuity, supported by bank statements, plus a cover letter explaining the reasons for retiring there. There is no published minimum income figure. The application uses Form 4 and the issuance fee is ZMW 20,200; the permit confers permanent residence and land-ownership rights.
Study: As a Residence Permit holder, may study without a separate permit.
Residency: The Residence Permit is itself permanent residence with land-ownership rights.
Family: A dependent spouse and children may be included or qualify as dependants.
Government fee
ZMW 20,200
Document checklist (7)
Residence Permit application (Form 4)Completed and signed Residence Permit application.
Certified passport copyCertified copy of a valid passport (bio-data and last Zambian endorsement stamp).
Proof of pension / annuityProof of a permanent pension, irrevocable annuity or retirement fund.
Proof of sufficient fundsBank statements showing funds to support the applicant in retirement.
Cover letterLetter explaining the reasons for wishing to retire in Zambia.
Proof of accommodationOptionalProof of ownership of land or a lease agreement, where applicable.
Not yet researched
Working Holiday Visa
1 route
Family & Origin
Reunification, spouse routes and ancestry-based repatriation.
Spouse / Partner Visa
Zambia Spouse Permit
A permit issued to the foreign spouse of a Zambian citizen (and, in practice, of established residents or Residence Permit holders), allowing the holder to live in Zambia. It requires a marriage certificate, a consent/support letter from the sponsoring spouse and proof of sustenance, and is renewable. The issuance fee is ZMW 3,030 (renewal ZMW 6,060). After holding a Spouse Permit for at least 5 years the holder may qualify for a Residence Permit.
Residency after 5 years
Family: Permit is for the spouse; dependent children apply via dependant/Study Permits.
Government fee
ZMW 3,030
Document checklist (8)
Spouse Permit applicationApplication via the e-Services / ZamServices portal.
Valid passportCopy of a valid passport.
Marriage certificateCertificate of marriage to the Zambian citizen or resident spouse.
Spouse consent letterConsent/support letter from the sponsoring spouse.
Sponsor's status proofCopy of the Zambian spouse's national registration card or the resident spouse's permit.
Proof of sustenanceEvidence the couple can support themselves.
Proof of fee paymentConfirmation of the ZMW 3,030 issuance fee.
Not yet researched
Family Reunification Visa
Dependent Relative Visa
Ancestry / Repatriation
2 routes
Special Categories
Talent, religious, humanitarian, media, official and permanent residence.
Long-Term Residence Permit
Zambia Temporary Permit
A discretionary permit issued at the direction of the Department of Immigration to regularise the stay of a prohibited immigrant, or to cover parents of permit holders, dependants aged 18 and over, or persons with a matter under appeal. It must not be applied for unless the Department directs, and its duration depends on the circumstances, with renewal requiring stated reasons. The issuance fee is ZMW 24,240 (renewal ZMW 21,210). It is a stop-gap lawful-stay status rather than a settlement route.
Government fee
ZMW 24,240
Document checklist (6)
Temporary Permit applicationApplication lodged only where the Department of Immigration has directed.
Valid passport or travel documentPassport or identity document where available.
Reasons / supporting letterStatement of the reasons for the temporary stay (e.g. appeal, dependency).
Proof of relationshipOptionalEvidence of relationship to a permit holder, where the permit is on that basis.
Proof of fee paymentConfirmation of the ZMW 24,240 issuance fee.
Permanent Residence
Zambia Residence Permit (Permanent Residence)
The Residence Permit confers permanent residence and is granted to defined categories: a foreigner who has held an Employment Permit for over 10 years, an Investor's Permit for more than 3 years, or a Spouse Permit for at least 5 years; a dependant of a Residence Permit holder; a person born to a Zambian citizen; a dependant of foreign origin under a citizen's care; or the holder of an Entry Permit. Holders gain the right to live in Zambia permanently and to own land. The permit lapses if the holder fails to enter within 6 months, is absent for more than 6 months without notification, or is absent for over 12 months in total. The issuance fee is ZMW 20,200.
Work: Permanent residents may live and work in Zambia.
Study: May study without a separate Study Permit.
Residency: This is the permanent residence status itself, which also confers land-ownership rights.
Family: Dependants of a Residence Permit holder may qualify in their own right.
Government fee
ZMW 20,200
Document checklist (7)
Residence Permit applicationApplication via the e-Services / ZamServices portal.
Valid passportCertified copy of a valid passport (bio-data and Zambian endorsement pages).
Qualifying-category evidenceProof of the qualifying basis (e.g. 10+ years on an Employment Permit, 3+ years on an Investor's Permit, 5+ years on a Spouse Permit, birth to a citizen).
Prior permit historyCopies of previously held permits demonstrating continuous lawful residence.
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