This advice has been reviewed and reissued. It contains new information in the Summary and under Safety and Security: Civil Unrest/Political Tension (presidential election 30 October), and Health Issues (temporary restriction on medical evacuations to South Africa). The overall level of the advice has not changed.

Summary

Safety and Security

Terrorism

Terrorism is a threat throughout the world. You can find more information about this threat in our General Advice to Australian Travellers.

Civil Unrest/Political Tension

Following the death of President Levy Mwanawasa in August, a presidential by-election took place on 30 October 2008. In the period surrounding the election, you should avoid large crowds, political rallies and demonstrations as they may turn violent.

Crime

We advise you to exercise a high degree of caution in Zambia because of the risk of serious criminal activity. Pay close attention to your personal security at all times and monitor the media for information about possible new safety or security risks.

The crime rate in Zambia is high. Armed robbery, carjacking, petty crime and residential break-ins are common throughout the country. There have been violent robberies (some involving fatalities) along the Cairo Road area of Lusaka, including Chachacha, Freedom Way and Lumumba Roads. Thieves particularly target luxury 4WD vehicles and travellers in bus and railway stations and shopping areas. Security risks increase after dark, especially in tourist areas and city centres. Avoid walking alone or travelling after dark.

Due to the very high prevalence of HIV/AIDS, victims of violent crime, especially rape, are strongly encouraged to seek immediate medical assistance.

Commercial fraud scams are common in Zambia. Individuals have been the victims of extortion after being persuaded to travel to Zambia on business. If you receive a message that sounds too good to be true - don't be fooled, it probably is. Our International Scams travel bulletin provides details on the type of scams that may originate in Zambia.

Local Travel

Border areas with Democratic Republic of Congo, Angola and Mozambique: We advise you to reconsider your need to travel to the border areas with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Angola and Mozambique. Landmines are present across these borders and can make off-road travel hazardous. Local authorities can provide advice on affected areas.

Driving in Zambia can be dangerous as many roads in rural areas are in disrepair. Bad driving habits, poorly maintained vehicles, pedestrians, animals and inadequate road lighting also pose safety risks. Traffic accidents occur regularly along the Great East Road in Lusaka. For further advice, see our bulletin on Overseas Road Safety.

When hiring a motor vehicle, you should ensure it is equipped with two metallic emergency triangles with white reflective stickers on the front and red reflective stickers on the back. Drivers face heavy fines for non-compliance. Police road blocks are common and identity documents may be requested.

The safety standards Australians might expect of tour operators are not always met especially for activities such as adventure sports. Sufficient life jackets and adequate safety equipment may not be provided. Recommended maintenance standards and safety precautions may not be observed.

Swimming in lakes and rivers is unsafe because of the possibility of being attacked by wildlife and the risk of catching water-borne diseases.

Airline Safety

Passengers on international flights to and from Australia are only allowed to carry a small amount of liquids (including aerosols and gels) in their carry-on baggage. You can find out more information at the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government website. Similar restrictions apply to flights in an increasing number of countries. Contact your airline for further information.

If you have concerns about the safety standards of a particular airline or aircraft, we recommend you research the airline or aircraft through organisations such as Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority and the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government has published fact sheets on security for air travellers. When staff at Australia's overseas missions are advised not to use particular airlines due to safety concerns, this will be included in the travel advisory.

Australian Embassy staff in Zimbabwe, for reasons of safety and reliability (particularly due to fuel shortages), are advised not to use Air Zimbabwe if at all possible (although the Embassy has no option for internal flights within Zimbabwe). The Embassy's preferred regional carriers are South African Airways and British Airways.

The European Union (EU) has published a list of airlines that are subject to operating bans or restrictions within the EU. The United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) through its foreign assessment program focuses on a country's ability, not the individual airline, to adhere to international standards and recommended practices for aircraft operations and maintenance established by ICAO.

Natural Disasters, Severe Weather and Climate

The rainy season is November to April when flooding may occur and roads may become impassable. You should monitor local media for information, follow the advice of authorities and consider leaving an area for higher ground if flooding worsens and if it is safe to do so.

Wildlife Watching

Australians are advised to maintain a safe and legal distance when observing wildlife, including marine animals and birds. You should only use reputable and professional guides or tour operators and closely follow park regulations and wardens' advice.

Money and Valuables

Before you go, organise a variety of ways of accessing your money overseas, such as credit cards, travellers' cheques and US dollars or pounds sterling cash. Check with your bank whether your ATM card will work overseas.

Credit cards are only accepted at some hotels, restaurants and shops in major urban centres. ATMs accepting international cards are only available in the capital, Lusaka. Use only reputable banks and Bureaux de Change to exchange money or use ATMs as there are counterfeit US$100 and Kwacha 50,000 notes in circulation.

Make two photocopies of valuables such as your passport, tickets, visas and travellers' cheques. Keep one copy with you in a separate place to the original and leave another copy with someone at home.

While travelling, don't carry too much cash and remember that expensive watches, jewellery and cameras may be tempting targets for thieves.

As a sensible precaution against luggage tampering, including theft, lock your luggage. Information on luggage safety is available from Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

Your passport is a valuable document that is attractive to criminals who may try to use your identity to commit crimes. It should always be kept in a safe place. You are required by Australian law to report a lost or stolen passport. If your passport is lost or stolen overseas, report it online or contact the nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate as soon as possible.

You are required to pay an additional fee to have a lost or stolen passport replaced. In some cases, the Government may also restrict the length of validity or type of replacement passports.

For Parents

If you are planning on placing your children in schools or childcare facilities overseas we encourage you to research the standards of security, care and staff training within those establishments. You should exercise the same precautions you would take before placing children into schools or childcare facilities in Australia.

Ideas on how to select childcare providers are available from the smartraveller Children's Issues page, Child Wise and the National Childcare Accreditation Council.

Local Laws

When you are in Zambia, be aware that local laws and penalties, including ones that appear harsh by Australian standards, do apply to you. If you are arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you but we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Information on what Australian consular officers can and cannot do to help Australians in trouble overseas is available from the Consular Services Charter.

Penalties for drug offences can be severe and include lengthy prison sentences and heavy fines.

Homosexual acts are illegal in Zambia and penalties include imprisonment.

Possession of pornographic material is illegal in Zambia and penalties include a jail sentence and/or deportation.

It is illegal to photograph around military zones, military assets and/or military personnel.

Some Australian criminal laws, such as those relating to money laundering, bribery of foreign public officials, terrorism and child sex tourism, apply to Australians overseas. Australians who commit these offences while overseas may be prosecuted in Australia.

Australian authorities are committed to combating sexual exploitation of children by Australians overseas. Australians may be prosecuted at home under Australian child sex tourism laws. These laws provide severe penalties of up to 17 years imprisonment for Australians who engage in sexual activity with children under 16 while outside of Australia.

Information for Dual Nationals

Zambia does not recognise dual nationality. Australian citizens holding Zambian citizenship will be regarded solely as Zambian citizens by the Zambian authorities. This may limit the ability of Australian officials to provide consular services to Australians who have retained their Zambian citizenship, particularly if they are detained or arrested.

Our Travel Information for Dual Nationals brochure provides further information for dual nationals.

Entry and Exit Requirements

Visa and other entry and exit conditions (such as currency, customs and quarantine regulations) change regularly. Contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Zambia for the most up-to-date information. Further information on visa requirements is available on Zambia's Department of Immigration Immigration website.

Health Issues

We strongly recommend that you take out comprehensive travel insurance that will cover any overseas medical costs, before you depart. Confirm that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away and check what circumstances and activities are not included in your policy. Remember, regardless of how healthy and fit you are, if you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel.

Your doctor or travel clinic is the best source of information about preventive measures, immunisations (including booster doses of childhood vaccinations) and disease outbreaks overseas. The World Health Organization (WHO) provides information for travellers and our 'Travelling Well' brochure also provides useful tips for travelling with medicines and staying healthy while overseas.

The standard of medical facilities is poor, especially in rural areas. Medical supplies are limited and some prescription medicines may not be available. In the event of a serious illness or accident, medical evacuation to a destination with the required facilities would be necessary. Medical evacuation costs could be considerable.

South African authorities have placed temporary restrictions on medical evacuations from Zambia. This follows the death of a Zambian resident evacuated to Johannesburg and the subsequent deaths of a paramedic and nurse in Johannesburg. The cause of the deaths is unknown. Zambian authorities are working with the US Center for Disease Control and tests are being carried out to determine the nature of the illness. No further cases related to the initial patient have been reported.

You may be asked by Zambian Customs to produce prescriptions for any medication brought into the country.

The rate of HIV/AIDS infection in Zambia is very high. You should exercise appropriate precautions if engaging in activities that expose you to risk of infection.

Malaria occurs widely and throughout the year in Zambia. Other insect-borne diseases (including plague and African sleeping sickness) also occur. We encourage you to take prophylaxis against malaria and take measures to avoid insect bites, including using insect repellent at all times.

Water-borne, food-borne and other infectious diseases (including cholera, typhoid, tuberculosis, hepatitis, measles and rabies) are prevalent, with more serious outbreaks occurring from time to time. We advise you to boil all drinking water or drink bottled water, and avoid ice cubes and uncooked food. Do not swim in fresh water to avoid exposure to certain water-borne diseases such as bilharzia (schistosomiasis). Seek medical advice if you have a fever or are suffering from diarrhoea.

The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) has confirmed cases of avian influenza in birds in a number of countries throughout the world. For a list of these countries, visit the OIE website. For information on our advice to Australians on how to reduce the risk of infection and on Australian Government precautions see our travel bulletin on avian influenza.

Where to Get Help

Australia does not have an Embassy or Consulate in Zambia. You can obtain consular assistance from the nearest Australian Embassy which is in Zimbabwe:

Australian Embassy
1 Green Close
Borrowdale
Harare, Zimbabwe
Telephone (263 4) 852 471
Facsimile (263 4) 870 566
Website www.zimbabwe.embassy.gov.au
Email zimbabwe.embassy@dfat.gov.au

If you are travelling to Zambia, whatever the reason and however long you'll be there, we encourage you to register with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. You can register online or in person at any Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate. The information you provide will help us to contact you in an emergency - whether it is a natural disaster, civil disturbance or a family issue.

In a consular emergency, if you are unable to contact the Embassy you can contact the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or 1300 555 135 within Australia.

In Australia, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Canberra may be contacted on (02) 6261 3305.