Zambia Waives Visa Requirements for Nationals of Countries to Boost Tourism

Key Announcement

Effective January 1, 2025, the Zambian government has declared that visa requirements will be waived for citizens of 53 countries. The objective of this initiative is to increase tourism, attract foreign investment, and promote Zambia as a top choice for international travellers.During a press conference held in conjunction with International Migrants Day, this important policy reform was announced, highlighting the government’s dedication to promoting economic development while preserving national security.

List of Countries Exempted from Visa Requirements nter Zambia without a visa

The visa waiver will enable the nationals of the following countries to enter Zambia without a visa:

Countries Exempted from Visa

This expansion substantially broadens Zambia’s accessibility, which is consistent with the nation's objectives of improved international engagement and deeper integration into the global economy.

Vision Behind the Initiative

The Zambian government wants to make it easier for people to visit Zambia by removing the need for visas for people from these countries. The country hopes that this will increase tourists, bring in more businesses, and encourage investment in the country. Because of this choice,

• Boost Tourism: Encourage an increase in the number of international visitors who come to Zambia to explore its natural and cultural wonders.

• Encourage Trade and Investment: Establish new opportunities for business ventures and economic partnerships.

• Employment Creation: Encourage the development of the tourism and trade sectors to generate employment.

This decision is in accordance with Zambia's strategy for managing the movement of people, which recognises that the facilitation of more convenient travel can contribute to the country's economic growth.

National Security and Immigration Management

The government is working hard to encourage business and tourists, but it is still committed to national security. The listed number of steps that would be taken to make sure that the visa waiver would not put Zambia’s safety at risk:

• Advanced Passenger Information System (APIS): The integration of the Advanced Passenger Information System (APIS) into Zambia’s Immigration Management System (ZIMS) will enable the pre-screening of travellers, thereby identifying inadmissible individuals prior to their arrival.

• Enhanced Immigration Workforce: In order to mitigate labour shortages and enhance post-entry management, the Department of Immigration has recruited 714 immigration assistants and 193 border officers over the past two years.

• Expanded Immigration Controls: The enforcement of immigration laws, particularly in underserved regions, will be enhanced by the gazetting of four new internal immigration controls in Chongwe, Maamba, Kalumbila, and Chililabombwe, as well as two new border controls at Lonshi and Lumi.

“Opening doors to the world, Zambia welcomes you with open arms and endless opportunities.”