Zambia eVisa Documents Requirements

Applying for an eVisa requires you to submit accurate documents that match your selected Zambia visa type. This page explains the requirements in a clear, structured way so you can prepare only what applies to you. 

Start with the core documents below, then review the additional requirements for your specific eVisa category.

Documents Required for All Zambia eVisas

Every applicant, regardless of visa type, must upload the following:

Valid Passport

• A clear scan of your passport bio-data page
• The passport must be valid for the duration of your stay

Passport-Size Photograph

• A recent colour photograph
• Clear image with a plain background

These two documents are mandatory for all Zambia eVisa applications. Other documents depend on the visa you choose and are explained below.

Select Your Zambia eVisa Type to See Additional Requirements

Review the section that matches your visa type. If a section does not apply to you, you may ignore it.

Please also review the cover letter rules and sample formats explained later on this page before submitting your application.

Tourist eVisa (Single / Double / Multiple Entry)

Purpose: Tourism, holidays, sightseeing, leisure travel only.

Additional Mandatory Documents

1. Cover letter addressed to the Director General of Immigration
   • Self or Host cover letter accepted
2. Return airline ticket (confirmed return or onward travel)

Optional Document

1. Hotel booking

Cover Letter Rule

• You may submit a self-written cover letter or a host cover letter.
• The letter must confirm your travel purpose, stay details, and travel dates.

Ordinary eVisa (Single / Double / Multiple Entry)

Purpose: Visiting family or friends, attending events, meetings, or short non-business stays.

Additional Mandatory Documents

1. Host cover letter only (self cover letters are not accepted)
2. Passport or NRC copy of the Zambian host
   • If the host is a foreign national living in Zambia, an Immigration Permit copy is required
3. Return airline ticket (confirmed return or onward travel)

Optional Document

1. Hotel booking

Cover Letter Rule

The cover letter must be written by the host residing in Zambia and addressed to the Director General of Immigration.

Business eVisa (Single / Double / Multiple Entry)

Purpose: Business meetings, commercial engagements, or short-term professional visits.

Additional Mandatory Documents

1. Host company cover letter on official letterhead
2. Certified photocopies of the Zambian host company’s certificate of incorporation

Cover Letter Rule

• The letter must be issued by the Zambian host company on company letterhead and addressed to the Director General of Immigration.
• Self cover letters are not accepted.

Student eVisa (Single / Double / Multiple Entry)

Purpose: Academic studies in Zambia.

Additional Mandatory Documents

1. Cover letter issued by the school, college, or university
   • Must be on official institutional letterhead
   • Must include the institution’s full address and contact details

Cover Letter Rule

• The letter must be addressed to the Director General of Immigration.
• Self cover letters are not accepted.

Note: Apart from the cover letter source, document requirements remain the same as a Tourist eVisa.

KAZA Tourist Visa

Purpose: Tourism within the KAZA region.

Additional Mandatory Documents

1. Cover letter addressed to the Director General of Immigration
• Self or Host cover letter accepted

Cover Letter Rule

The letter may be written by you or your host and must confirm the purpose and duration of travel.

Transit eVisa

Purpose: Passing through Zambia en route to another destination.

Additional Mandatory Documents

1. Cover letter addressed to the Director General of Immigration
   • Self or Host cover letter accepted
2. Onward or return airline ticket

Optional Document

1. Hotel booking

Important
The Transit eVisa is for short stays only and should not be used for extended visits.

Understanding the Zambia Visa Cover Letter

The cover letter explains who you are, why you are travelling, where you will stay, and who will be responsible for you during your visit.

All cover letters must:

• Be addressed to the Director General of Immigration 
• Include your full name and passport number
• Confirm the purpose and dates of travel
• Be signed by the author (self, host, company, or institution)

The accepted type of cover letter depends strictly on your visa category, as outlined above.

Document Upload Guidance

• Upload clear, readable scans of all required documents
• Blurred or incomplete files may delay processing
• Only submit documents relevant to your visa type

Submitting unnecessary documents does not improve approval chances.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to submit all documents listed on this page? Can I apply with a self cover letter for an Ordinary or Business eVisa? Is a hotel booking mandatory for all Zambia eVisas? What does a “return airline ticket” mean? Can I reuse the same documents if I apply again later?