Zambia Visa-Free Policy Extended to 53 More Countries
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The new Zambia visa policy became effective on January 1, 2025, and has increased the total number of visa-exempt nations to 167. By streamlining entry requirements, Zambia aims to strengthen its position as a hub for leisure and business travelers.
Countries Benefiting from the Zambia Visa Waiver
The newly added countries span various continents, reflecting Zambia's commitment to fostering global connections around the globe.
Nationals of the following countries won’t be required to obtain a visa to enter Zambia:
- Albania
- American Samoa
- Andorra
- Argentina
- Aruba
- Bhutan
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Bouvet Island
- Brunei
- Cape Verde
- Christmas Island
- Cocos Islands
- Comoros
- Cook Islands
- Costa Rica
- Dominican Republic
- Faroe Islands
- French Polynesia
- French Southern Territories
- Greenland
- Guam
- Guatemala
- Guyana
- Honduras
- Iceland
- Israel
- Laos
- Liberia
- Liechtenstein
- Macedonia
- Madagascar
- Micronesia
- Moldova
- Monaco
- Morocco
- Netherlands Antilles
- New Caledonia
- Northern Mariana Islands
- Palau
- Panama
- Papua New Guinea
- San Marino
- Sandwich Islands
- São Tomé and Príncipe
- South Georgia
- Suriname
- Svalbard and Jan Mayen
- Switzerland
- Turkey
- Ukraine
- Vatican
- Virgin Islands
- Wallis and Futuna
This expansion is part of Zambia's broader vision to position itself as a destination for tourism, business, trade, and investment.
By introducing an inclusive visa-free policy, the country anticipates increased international interest and collaboration.
Zambia eVisa
Although Zambia is introducing more and more countries to join the visa-free waiver, some nationalities are still required to obtain a suitable visa before travel.
If you come from an eligible country, apply for a Zambia eVisa using our intuitive and reliable website. The online visa application is quite simple and consists of three easy steps:
- Filling out the application form with personal details.
- Submitting the required documents to the website.
- Waiting for a visa approval to be delivered by email.
The entire process shouldn’t take you more than 10–15 minutes to complete. A great convenience is that you can make the application from anywhere and anytime.
Implications for Tourism and Investment
The expansion of the Zambia visa waiver is expected to significantly boost international tourist arrivals, with projections aiming for three million visitors annually by 2026.
The change is also expected to unlock economic opportunities through increased tourism, trade in goods, and the creation of job positions.
To manage the anticipated influx of visitors while maintaining national security, the Zambian government plans to implement an Advanced Passenger Information System (APIS). This system will enable immigration officers to pre-screen travelers before arrival, ensuring efficient processing and enhanced border security.
Zambia’s efforts are complemented by initiatives to diversify its tourism offerings.
From wildlife safaris in world-renowned national parks to cultural experiences that highlight the rich heritage of the Zambian people, the country offers a variety of attractions.
Regional Context and Future Outlook
Zambia's visa policy expansion aligns with regional trends to enhance mobility and economic integration.
Neighboring countries are adopting varied approaches; for instance, South Africa is set to launch its Trusted Tour Operator Scheme to facilitate tourism, while Namibia plans to implement new visa requirements for 31 countries starting April 2025.
This initiative also aligns with the goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area, positioning Zambia as a more accessible and attractive destination.
In summary, Zambia's extension of visa-free access to 53 additional countries marks a significant step toward strengthening its global ties, boosting tourism, and attracting foreign investment.