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Zambia Single Entry Visa

With its awe-inspiring natural beauty, wildlife reserves, and vibrant cultural expressions, Zambia is a premier destination for travellers seeking adventure and tranquillity. The Zambia Single Entry E-Visa is a crucial document for international visitors planning a short-term stay for various purposes such as tourism, business, or family visits. This guide offers a thorough Zambia Single Entry E-Visa overview, detailing the application process, necessary documentation, fees, validity, and other pertinent considerations.

What is the Zambia Single Entry E-Visa?

The Zambia Single Entry E-Visa allows travellers from eligible countries to enter Zambia once and is suitable for tourism, business meetings, or visiting relatives. It is obtained electronically, simplifying the visa procurement procedure by enabling people to apply for and receive their visas online.

Eligibility Criteria for Zambia Single Entry E-visa

The Zambia Single Entry E-visa is designed to welcome a wide range of international travellers to Zambia. The eligibility criteria for obtaining this type of visa are specific yet inclusive, offering many people the opportunity to explore Zambia for various purposes. Here are the key eligibility criteria:

  • You must be a citizen of a country required to obtain a visa to enter Zambia.
  • A passport that is still valid at least 6 months after your planned departure from Zambia is required.
  • A minimum of 2 blank pages in a passport are required for entry and exit stamps.
  • You must be at least 16 years old to apply for an e-visa. Minors travelling with an adult must be included on the adult's application.

What are the required documents for the Zambia Single Entry E-visa?

Preparing the correct documents is crucial if you plan to apply for a Zambia Single Entry E-visa. This includes basic items like your valid passport and a personal letter to the Director General of Immigration. Additional paperwork, like a business registration, hotel reservations, or invitation letters, might be needed, depending on the reason for your trip. Gathering the right paperwork is key to ensuring your application process goes smoothly. To apply for a Single Entry E-visa to Zambia, you will need the following documents:

Basic Requirements:

  • A copy of your valid passport.
  • A letter addressed to the Director General of Immigration, written by you, explaining why you're visiting.
  • A passport-sized photograph of yourself.
  • Your return airline ticket shows when you plan to leave Zambia.

Depending on Why You're Visiting, You May Also Need:

  • If you're visiting for business, you might need a certified photocopy of the business's registration.
  • Proof of where you'll be staying, like a hotel booking.
  • If you're visiting a company, an invitation letter from that company to you.
  • If you're coming for government-related reasons, a letter from your government authority, written on official letterhead, addressed to the Director General of Immigration.
  • If someone is inviting you, a letter from your host in Zambia to the Director General of Immigration is required.
  • If you hold a diplomatic passport, a copy of it.
  • An invitation from a hosting institution if you're visiting for educational or institutional reasons.
  • A letter with official letterhead directed to the Director General of Immigration if you're visiting for official reasons.
  • A letter of accreditation from your home country or an invitation from Zambia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs if your visit involves diplomatic or official state matters.
  • For Zambian hosts, a copy of their passport or National Registration Card (NRC); for foreign hosts, a copy of their immigration permit.

How do I apply for a Zambia Single Entry E-visa?

Applying for a Zambia Single Entry E-visa is a streamlined process that can be completed entirely online, offering convenience and efficiency to travellers from around the globe. Whether planning a visit for tourism, business, or seeing family and friends, ensuring you have the right documentation is the first step. Let's see the full application process:

  • Gather Documents: Prepare necessary documents such as your valid passport, a personal letter to the Director General of Immigration, a passport-sized photo, a return airline ticket, and any specific documents related to your visit's purpose.
  • Complete the Online Form: Fill out the application on the Zambia e-visa portal, accurately entering your personal and travel details.
  • Upload Documents & Pay Fee: Upload the required documents and use a credit card to pay the visa charge online or a debit card.
  • Submit & Wait for Approval: After reviewing your application for accuracy, submit it and wait for processing. Approval times can vary.
  • Print Your E-visa: You'll receive your visa via email once approved. Print it out to present upon arrival in Zambia.

Zambia Single Entry E-visa Fee

The price of a Zambia Single Entry E-visa can change based on several factors, such as the type of visa you're applying for, your home country, the number of entries you need, and how quickly you need your visa processed. 

To find out the exact cost of your visa, head to the Zambia E-visa fee webpage. There, you'll find a table or a tool for checking fees, making it simple to determine the specific cost for your visa application according to your unique needs.

Processing Period of Zambia Single Entry E-visa

The processing duration for a Zambia Single Entry E-visa varies, offering options to suit different schedules and urgency levels. Below are the processing time frames you can select from when applying for a Zambia E-visa:

  • Standard Processing: Takes between 1-6 Working Days.
  • Urgent Processing: Completed within 1- 3 Working Days.
  • Super Urgent Processing: Guaranteed processing within 24 Hours.

These options provide flexibility for travellers, allowing them to choose a processing speed that aligns with their travel timeline and needs.

Zambia Single Entry E-visa Validity

The Zambia Single Entry E-visa remains valid for 90 days from the date of issuance. Once your e-visa is issued, you have a three-month window to enter Zambia. Planning your travel within this period is essential, as entry into the country must occur before the visa expires. Remember, this visa type allows for a single entry into Zambia, so once you leave the country, the visa cannot be used for re-entry, even if it's still within the 90-day validity period.

Extension of Zambia Single Entry E-visa

While Zambia's policy does not permit e-visa extensions, visitors can apply for a visa extension lasting up to 30 days twice during their stay. These extensions are provided at no additional cost. To apply, you must visit a Department of Immigration office in Zambia in person before your current visa runs out.

When applying for a visa extension in Zambia, you'll need to prepare and present the following documents:

  • A letter addressed to the Director General of Immigration explaining your request.
  • Your passport should have at least six months left before it expires.
  • Copies of your passport's biodata page and the page showing your current Zambian visa.
  • Your onward travel ticket from Zambia, if you have one.
  • Evidence of enough financial resources to cover your extended stay in Zambia.

What to do when you arrive in Zambia?

When you arrive in Zambia, there are plenty of exciting things to do, depending on your interests. Here are some suggestions:

  • Visit Victoria Falls: Victoria Falls is one of the world's most iconic natural wonders. You can admire the breathtaking views, take a guided tour, or even go on thrilling activities like bungee jumping or white-water rafting.
  • Explore the National Parks: Zambia has several stunning national parks, such as South Luangwa, Kafue, and Lower Zambezi. You can go on safari drives to see diverse wildlife, including elephants, lions, leopards, and more.
  • Experience the Culture: Immerse yourself in Zambia's rich cultural heritage by visiting local village markets and attending traditional ceremonies, if any are happening during your visit. You can learn about Zambia's history and customs and taste delicious local cuisine.
  • Adventure Activities: Zambia offers a range of adventure activities for adrenaline junkies. You can go zip-lining, canoeing, kayaking, or even take a microlight flight over the Zambezi River for a unique landscape perspective.
  • Relax by the River: Spend some leisure time by the Zambezi River, enjoying sunset cruises or simply lounging by the water. You can also try fishing or birdwatching along the riverbanks.
  • Visit Livingstone: Explore the town of Livingstone, named after the famous explorer David Livingstone. You can visit museums, markets, and historic sites like the Livingstone Museum or the Railway Museum.

Remember to respect local customs and traditions, and always prioritise safety during your travels. Enjoy your time in Zambia!

FAQ

The processing time can vary: Normal processing takes 1-6 Working Days, urgent processing takes 1- 3 Working Days, and super urgent processing is within 24 Hours.

Yes, up to two 30-day extensions, free of charge, applied for in person.

The cost varies depending on the visa type, your nationality, the number of entries, and processing time. You should check the Zambian immigration website for the most accurate and current fee information.