The Zambia E-visa is a convenient online option for tourists, business visitors, and other travellers, eliminating the need to make a trip to a consulate or embassy. This guide outlines the essential documents needed to apply for a Zambia E-visa, helping applicants prepare effectively for a streamlined application process.
Zambia E-visa in Brief
The Zambia e-visa is a digital visa that allows travellers to apply for and receive approval for entry into Zambia online without visiting a Zambian embassy or consulate. This e-visa system streamlines the process of obtaining the necessary travel authorisation for tourists, business visitors, and other travellers who wish to visit Zambia.
Available Zambia E-visa options
Zambia provides several e-visa options through its online system, tailored to meet the needs of different travellers:
Single Entry Visa: This visa allows a single entry into Zambia and remains valid for 90 days after issuance. A visitor's stay may last up to 30 days.
Double Entry Visa: This visa is designed for travellers who need to leave and re-enter Zambia, possibly for brief visits to adjacent countries. It grants two entries and, like the visa for one entry, lasts for 90 days, with each visit allowing a stay of up to 30 days.
Multiple Entry Visa: This visa is best suited for individuals who travel to Zambia frequently. It permits multiple entries over its 90-day validity, with each visit allowing for a stay of up to 30 days, which can be extended upon request.
Transit Entry Visa: This visa is ideal for travellers transiting through Zambia and need a short stay of up to 7 days, whether for extended layovers or brief stopovers.
Kaza Entry Visa: A collaborative visa between Zambia and Zimbabwe that permits day trips to Botswana through the Kazungula borders. It allows multiple entries between Zambia and Zimbabwe and is valid for 30 days.
Key Features of the Zambia E-visa
Convenience: Applicants can complete the entire application process online, including form submission, document upload, and fee payment.
Processing Time: The Zambia e-visa system is efficient, with the typical processing time being relatively short, usually within a few days. This quick turnaround time reassures travellers, allowing them to plan their trips confidently.
Types of Visas: Zambia offers a range of e-visas to cater to different travel needs. Whether you're planning a single visit, multiple entries, or a combination of both, there's a visa type that suits you.
Validity: A Zambian e-visa's duration may differ, but generally, they are good for 90 days starting on the date of issuance and allow for up to 30 days of stay per entry.
Entry Points: The electronic visa can be used to enter via designated ports, including major airports and land borders.
Requirements: Applicants must provide personal details, travel plans, and sometimes additional documents such as hotel bookings or invitations, depending on the purpose of the visit.
Zambia E-visa documents requirements
It's essential to gather all necessary documents when applying for a Zambia E-visa, as these documents verify your identity and travel intentions and enable the Zambian immigration authorities to process your application effectively. Below is an overview of the documentation needed for a Zambia E-visa application:
Mandatory Documents (all eVisa types)
Passport copy: A clear, certified copy of your passport’s bio-data page. Your passport must be valid for at least six months after your planned trip and have at least two blank pages.
Cover letter: A formal letter to the Director General of Immigration stating your full name, passport number, travel dates, purpose of visit, where you will stay and a promise to leave on time.
Photo: A recent, passport-size picture with a white background.
Return ticket: Proof of confirmed return or onward travel.
Specific Requirements Based on Visa Type:
The documents required may vary depending on the specific type of visa for which you are applying:
Tourist Visa (leisure travel)
All Mandatory Documents
Business Visa (work visit)
All Mandatory Documents
Certified Photocopies of Certificate of Incorporation: Proof that the inviting business is registered in Zambia.
Employer letter: On your company’s letterhead, state your role, visit reason and dates.
Host invitation (optional): A letter from the Zambian business entity confirming the visit and its purpose.
Transit Visa (passing through)
All Mandatory Documents
Hotel Booking (Optional) – Proof of accommodation in Zambia if an overnight stay is required.
Ordinary Visitor Visa (staying with family or friends)
All Mandatory Documents
Host ID copy: Your host’s Zambian passport/NRC or their immigration permit.
Hotel Booking (Optional) – Required only if accommodation is not provided by a host.
Conference Visa
All Mandatory Documents
Organizer letter: From the event host, with dates, venue and your participation details.
Repatriated Zambian Visa Requirements
All Mandatory Documents
Religious Visa Requirements
All Mandatory Documents
Permit Holder Visa Requirements
All Mandatory Documents
Official Purpose Visa Requirements
All Mandatory Documents
Hotel Booking (Optional) – Required if official accommodation is not provided.
Truck Driver (Transit) Visa Requirements
All Mandatory Documents
Hotel Booking (Optional) – If an overnight stay is necessary.
Volunteer Visa Requirements
All Mandatory Documents
Hotel Booking (Optional) – If accommodation is not arranged by the host organization.
Zambian Citizen Visa Requirements
Hotel Booking (Optional) – If accommodation is not arranged in advance.
KAZA UniVisa (Zambia + Zimbabwe)
Passport copy (see Mandatory Documents)
Cover letter (see Mandatory Documents)
Additional Documents:
Some additional documents may be required in special circumstances:
Visa approval letter
For some nationalities, you must first get approval from the Director General of Immigration.
Parental consent
A signed letter from parent(s) if a minor travels alone or with one parent.
Yellow fever certificate
If you come from a country where yellow fever is common.
Zambia E-Visa Photo Technical Requirements
Size: The photo should adhere to the dimensions commonly required, which are either 2 x 2 inches or 35 x 45 millimetres.
Resolution: Using a high-resolution image to capture clear and detailed facial features is important.
File Format: Typically, photos should be submitted in JPEG format. However, always confirm the specific format that the Zambian embassy or consulate accepts.
Passport Requirements for Zambia E-visa
When applying for a Zambian e-visa, it is crucial to provide an appropriate passport scan as part of your application. Here are the detailed passport requirements for the Zambian e-visa:
Validity of Passport: The minimum amount of time your passport can stay valid is 6 months after the date you intend to enter Zambia.
Blank Pages: Ensure your passport has at least two blank pages for stamps upon entry and exit.
Bio-data Page Scan: When applying for the e-visa, you must provide a scanned copy of the bio-data page of your passport.
Can I use a Travel Document other than an Ordinary Passport to obtain an eVisa?
Yes, you can use a travel document other than an ordinary passport to obtain an eVisa for Zambia, but it must be a recognised travel document that is acceptable for international travel. These include:
Diplomatic Passports: Issued to diplomats and entitled personnel for official international travel and work.
Service Passports: Issued to government or state employees for official duties.
Refugee Travel Documents: given to refugees who have been granted recognition under the 1951 Convention on the Status of Refugees.
Other Official Documents: These may be issued by an international organisation or by a state for travel purposes, provided Zambia recognises them for entry.
What if my passport does not have 2 blank pages? Is it required for a visa application?
Yes, in order to apply for a Zambian e-visa, you must have at least 2 blank pages in your passport. These pages are needed for the entry and exit stamps that will be placed on your passport when you travel.
If your passport does not have the required two blank pages, you may face difficulties at the immigration checkpoint, and it could potentially result in denied entry into Zambia.
What if my passport has expired and my eVisa is still valid?
If your passport has expired but your eVisa for Zambia is still valid, you should:
Renew Your Passport: Get a new passport.
Transfer Your Visa: Contact the Zambian Department of Immigration or the nearest embassy to inquire about transferring the eVisa to your new passport.
Carry Both Passports: If permitted, carry your expired passport with the valid eVisa and your new one when travelling.
Zambia E-Visa Application Guide
The Zambia E-visa application is a streamlined online process designed for efficiency and ease. By utilising the Zambia E-visa website, you can initiate the process by registering, filling in the request, uploading the necessary paperwork, and paying for the visa through a secure online system.
After you submit your application, you'll get a confirmation, and following approval, your E-visa will be sent directly to your email. This effective system simplifies your travel preparations to Zambia, making it smoother and hassle-free.
Steps to Apply for a Zambia E-Visa
Access the E-Visa Portal: Begin by visiting the official Zambia visa website.
Account Registration: Create an account to start your application process.
Fill Out the Application Form: Complete the application form with accurate details as required.
Document Upload: Upload the necessary documents, which may vary based on the type of visa you are applying for but typically include a passport photo and the bio-data page of your passport.
Visa Fee Payment: The visa charge made via the safe payment gateway offered on the website.
Application Submission and Confirmation: After submitting your application, your submission will be confirmed to you. The review and approval process generally takes a few days.
Receive Your E-Visa: After accepting your application, your E-visa will be emailed to you. Make sure to print it out and bring it with you when you travel to Zambia.
Zambia Diplomatic Visa Requirements
For Diplomats Not Accredited to Zambia on Official Business
Copy of Diplomatic Passport – clear copy of the bio-data page
Cover Letter from the Applicant’s Government Authority on Letterhead – request showing why you are visiting
Letter of Accreditation from Country of Origin or Invitation Letter from Zambia’s Foreign Affairs Ministry – proof of your status and travel reason
Passport Size Photo – recent, passport size, meets official rules
For Diplomats Not Accredited to Zambia and Not on Official Purposes
Copy of Diplomatic Passport – clear copy of the bio-data page
Cover Letter from the Applicant’s Government Authority on Letterhead – request showing why you are visiting
Letter of Accreditation from Country of Origin or Invitation Letter from Zambia’s Foreign Affairs Ministry – proof of your status and travel reason
Passport Size Photo – recent, passport size, meets official rules
For Diplomats Not Accredited in Zambia
Copy of Diplomatic Passport – clear copy of the bio-data page
Cover Letter from the Applicant’s Government Authority on Letterhead – request showing why you are visiting
Letter of Accreditation from Country of Origin or Invitation Letter from Zambia’s Foreign Affairs Ministry – proof of your status and travel reason
Passport Size Photo – recent, passport size, meets official rules
FAQ
Yes, you can use your phone or digital camera to take a photo of your passport for an online visa application. Ensure the photo is clear and meets these criteria:
Clarity and Legibility: All text and photos on the bio-data page must be legible.
No Glare or Reflections: Avoid any glare that could obscure information.
Full Page Visible: Capture the entire bio-data page, including all corners.
Good Lighting: The photo should be well-lit to prevent shadows or overexposure.
No. The Zambia e-visa system requires uploaded scanned documents, not photocopies. Ensure they are clear and meet the specified requirements.
No. A business card is not sufficient. You will need a letter from your employer or business that details your role, visit purpose, and stay length.
Disclaimer
Although this information was last updated in May 2024, we recommend verifying with the appropriate agencies, embassies, and airlines to ensure complete accuracy regarding your travel plans.