A volcano erupted on White Island, New Zealand on 9 December 2019. Follow the instructions of local authorities. Updates are available from the New Zealand Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management.
Call 999.
Call 999 or go to the hospital.
Call 999 or go to the local police station.
Exercise normal safety precautions in Zambia overall.
Exercise normal safety precautions
Use common sense and look out for suspicious behaviour, as you would in Australia.
Reconsider your need to travel to border areas with the Democratic Republic of Congo, Angola and Mozambique.
Reconsider your need to travel
Do your research and check that your insurer will cover you. If you do travel, take extra safety precautions.
Reconsider your need to travel to border areas with:
the Democratic Republic of the Congo due to the threat of armed criminal gangs
Angola and Mozambique due to landmines in the area
See Safety
Crime is common. Security risks increase after dark, especially in tourist areas and city centres. Stay alert to your surroundings. Avoid walking alone or travelling after dark.
Avoid all demonstrations, political rallies and large public gatherings as they can turn violent.
There have been violent robberies (some involving fatalities) along the Cairo Road area of Lusaka, including Chachacha, Freedom Way and Lumumba Roads. Keep vehicle doors locked, windows up and valuables out of sight, even when moving.
Date-rape drugs have been used in bars and restaurants in Lusaka. Always keep a close eye on your food and drinks. If you're not sure it's safe, leave it.
Commercial fraud scams are common in Zambia. Don't send money to anyone in Zambia until you've undertaken proper checks.
Full travel advice: Safety
Medications containing diphenhydramine are illegal in Zambia.
The rate of HIV/AIDS infection in Zambia is high. Take steps to reduce your risk of exposure to the virus. If you're the victim of a violent crime, see a doctor straight away.
Malaria and other insect-borne diseases occur. Use insect repellent.
Cholera and other infectious diseases are common. Boil all drinking water or drink bottled water in rural areas. Avoid contact with animals. Don't swim in fresh water.
The standard of medical facilities in Zambia is poor and medical supplies are limited. Make sure you know your blood type. Carry a medical kit.
Full travel advice: Health
You are subject to all local laws and penalties.
Zambian authorities don't always contact the Australian Embassy when they detain or arrest Australians. If you're detained, ask to contact an Australian Embassy consular official.
Police and border officials can ask to see your passport and immigration stamp or visa at any time. They could detain or arrest you if you don't have them.
Same-sex sexual activity is illegal in Zambia.
Full travel advice: Local laws
You need a visa to enter Zambia. For short stays of under 90 days, get a 30-day visa when you arrive. You can extend it twice. In other cases, you'll need to apply for an entry visa before you go.
You need a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate if you're arriving from a country with widespread yellow fever.
If you're travelling from an Ebola-affected area, you may be subject to a medical check at the Zambian border.
Landmines and other remnants of war make Zambia's borders with the Democratic Republic of Congo, Angola and Mozambique unsafe. Off-road travel is dangerous. Ask local authorities about possible routes.
Full travel advice: Travel
The Consular Services Charter tells you what the Australian Government can and can't do to help when you're overseas.
For consular help, contact the Australian Consulate in Lusaka.
You can also get help from the Australian Embassy in Harare.
Full travel advice: Local contacts
Crime persists throughout Zambia including:
carjacking
petty crime
home break-ins
Security risks increase after dark, especially in tourist areas and city centres.
Pickpockets and bag snatchers target tourists.
Thieves also target travellers in:
luxury 4WD vehicles
bus and railway stations
shopping areas
There have been violent robberies, some involving fatalities, along the Cairo Road area of Lusaka, including:
Chachacha Road
Freedom Way
Lumumba Road
To protect yourself from crime:
stay alert to your surroundings
avoid walking alone or travelling after dark
keep vehicle doors locked, windows up and valuables out of sight, even when moving
avoid changing money in busy public areas
Date-rape drugs have been used in bars and restaurants in Lusaka.
To help protect yourself:
always keep a close eye on your food and drinks
never accept food, drink, chewing gum or cigarettes from strangers
if you're not sure if it's safe, leave it
If you're the victim of a violent crime, including rape, see a doctor straight away. HIV/AIDS is common.
Business fraud scams are common in Zambia. People have been cheated after being persuaded to travel to Zambia on business.
To avoid a potential scam:
be alert if you're approached by someone in Zambia who you don't know
don't send money to anyone until you've made proper checks
If you're the victim of a scam, get legal help.
Don't travel to Zambia to get your money back.
Credit card fraud occurs.
To protect yourself from fraud:
always keep sight of your card when paying for goods or services
make sure credit cards are swiped no more than necessary
check that carbon copies are destroyed
Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent.
To protect yourself during period of unrest:
monitor the media for possible unrest
avoid demonstrations, political rallies and large public gatherings
More information:
Local transport and tour operators don't always follow safety and maintenance standards. This includes for adventure activities, such as rafting at Victoria Falls.
If you plan to do an adventure activity:
check if your travel insurance policy covers it
ask about and insist on minimum safety requirements
always use available safety gear, such as life jackets or seatbelts
If proper safety equipment isn't available, use another provider.
Getting too close to wildlife can be dangerous.
Swimming in lakes and rivers is unsafe because wildlife could attack you.
To protect yourself from wildlife:
respect wildlife laws
keep a safe and legal distance when looking at wildlife
don't swim in lakes or rivers
only use well-known and professional guides or tour operators
follow park rules and the advice of wardens
Zambia experiences severe weather, including flooding.
The rainy season is from November to April. Roads may become impassable because of flooding.
To protect yourself if flooding occurs:
keep your passport in a safe, waterproof place
closely monitor local media and other sources such as the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System
keep in touch with friends and family
be ready to change your plans
try to find higher ground if you safely can
Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave. Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.
If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.
If you're not insured, you may have to pay many thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.
Confirm:
what activities and care your policy covers
that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away
Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition.
See your doctor or travel clinic to:
have a basic health check-up
ask if your travel plans may affect your health
plan any vaccinations you need
Do this at least eight weeks before you leave.
More information:
International travel and health (World Health Organization)
Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.
Medications containing diphenhydramine are regulated in Zambia.
If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Zambia. Take enough legal medication for your trip.
Always carry a copy of your prescription and a dated letter from your doctor saying:
what the medication is
how much you take
that it's for personal use
If you don't carry your prescription, you could be arrested and jailed.
More information:
The rate of HIV/AIDS (World Health Organization) infection in Zambia is high.
Take precautions if engaging in activities that expose you to the virus.
Malaria (World Health Organization) occurs throughout the year across Zambia.
Other insect-borne diseases, including these listed by the World Health Organization:
To protect yourself from disease:
use insect repellent at all times
wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing
make sure your accommodation is mosquito-proof
Speak to a doctor if you develop a fever, muscle pain, a rash or severe headache.
Waterborne, foodborne and other infectious diseases are common, including these listed by the World Health Organization:
Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.
A cholera outbreak that began in October 2017 in Zambia has resulted in approximately 5,900 cases and 114 deaths by May 2018. The outbreak affected seven of the ten provinces in Zambia.
The Zambian Government has introduced measures to reduce the spread of cholera.
To protect yourself from illness:
drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids in rural areas
avoid ice cubes in rural areas
avoid raw and undercooked food, such as salads
avoid contact with animals
don't swim in fresh water
If you're bitten or scratched by an animal, get medical help straight away.
Get medical advice if you have a fever or diarrhoea.
The standard of medical facilities in Zambia is poor, especially in rural areas.
Medical supplies are limited. Some prescription medicines may not be available.
Know your blood type. Carry a sterile medical kit, including needles and dressings.
Most doctors and hospitals require up-front cash payment.
If you become seriously ill or injured, you'll need to be evacuated to a place with better facilities. Medical evacuation can be very expensive.
You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.
If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.
Zambian authorities don't always contact the Australian Embassy when they detain or arrest an Australian citizen.
If you're detained, you have the right to contact an Australian Embassy consular official.
More information:
Penalties for drug-related crimes are severe. They include long prison sentences and heavy fines.
More information:
Police and border officials can ask to see your passport and immigration stamp or visa at any time. They could detain or arrest you if you don't have them.
Always carry your passport and visa or immigration permit. You can get certified copies from the issuing office.
In Zambia, it's illegal to:
perform same-sex sexual acts
have pornographic material
take photos of military areas, buildings or personnel
buy or trade in endangered wildlife products, such as ivory and rhino horn, without a licence
More information:
Wildlife trade (Department of the Environment and Energy)
Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.
More information:
Officially, Zambia recognises dual nationals. In practice, authorities may not recognise a second nationality.
In Zambia, dual nationals can't yet apply to have their other nationality recognised.
If you're both an Australian and Zambian national, local authorities may consider you a Zambian national. This limits the consular services we can give if you're arrested or detained. Enter and exit on the same passport.
More information:
Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders.
Make sure you meet all entry and exit conditions. If you don't, the Australian Government can't help you.
You'll need a visa to enter Zambia.
If you're visiting for fewer than 90 days, you can get a 30-day 'KAZA visa' when you arrive. You can get a KAZA visa if you enter via:
Lusaka or Livingstone international airports
Livingstone land border with Zimbabwe
Kazungula land border with Botswana
You can use the KAZA visa:
to travel between Zambia and Zimbabwe
for day trips into Botswana
In other cases, you'll need to get a visa before you travel.
You're allowed two 30-day extensions on entry visas.
Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the nearest embassy or consulate for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.
If you plan to stay for more than 90 days, you'll need a National Registration Card.
To work in Zambia, including as a volunteer, you'll need a work permit. For more details please see Zambian Department of Immigration.
To live in Zambia, you'll need a residence permit. For more details please see Zambia Immigration Zambian Department of Immigration.
If you don't comply with these or other immigration rules, authorities may detain you.
Some Zambian immigration agents may issue fake documents. Make proper checks before and after using a local agent to get a visa or permit.
If you fly within or out of Zambia, you'll need to pay the National Airports Corporation levy. The levy isn't often included in airline tickets. You'll have to pay the levy in US dollars or Zambian Kwacha.
More information:
You'll need a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate if you're arriving from a country where there's widespread yellow fever.
More information:
Countries with a risk of yellow fever (PDF) (World Health Organization)
If you're travelling from an Ebola-affected area, you may be subject to a medical check at the Zambian border.
Zambian authorities have refused entry to people arriving from Ebola-affected countries. If there's another outbreak, authorities may again ban people who arrive from affected areas.
Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for six months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.
Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.
You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than six months.
The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.
Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.
Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.
If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:
In Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service.
If you’re overseas, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate.
If you're travelling through South Africa, you'll need a full Australian passport. South Africa does not accept temporary travel documents.
More information:
The local currency is the Zambia Kwacha (ZMW).
Declare any ZMW and foreign currency over $US5000 when you arrive and depart. This covers all forms of currency, not only cash.
You must use ZMW to pay in Zambia. It's against the law to quote or pay in foreign currency for local goods or services. If you do, you could be fined or jailed for 10 years.
Use well-known banks or currency exchange companies to change or withdraw money. Fake $US100 and ZMW notes are common.
Zambian banks and foreign exchange agents won't accept US banknotes issued before 2000.
Zambia revalued its currency in 2013. Old notes are not accepted. Make sure you receive correct and legal notes.
Only ATMs in Lusaka accept international cards.
Some hotels, restaurants and shops in major urban centres accept credit cards. Many companies charge a fee to use a credit card.
Credit card fraud occurs in Zambia. See Safety
There are landmines and other explosives near Zambia's borders with:
Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
Angola
Mozambique
These may not be marked.
Off-road travel in these areas is dangerous.
If you travel to these border areas despite the risks, ask local authorities about the safest routes.
To drive in Zambia you need both:
a valid Australian driver's licence
an International Driving Permit (IDP)
You must get your IDP before leaving Australia.
You're five times more likely to be killed in a motor vehicle accident in Zambia than in Australia.
Hazards include:
poor driving habits
pedestrians and animals on roads
poorly maintained vehicles and roads
not enough lighting
Traffic accidents often happen along the Great East Road in Lusaka.
Cars in Zambia must carry two metallic emergency triangles with white reflective stickers on the front. Red reflective stickers must appear on the back.
Drivers must carry identity documents.
If you want to take a vehicle into Zambia, you'll need to get a temporary import permit.
You'll also need to buy third-party insurance at the border. If you're not the owner of the vehicle, you must have a letter from the owner saying you can use the vehicle in Zambia.
Police road blocks are common.
If you plan to drive:
check you have enough insurance cover
get to know local traffic laws and practices
if you hire a vehicle, make sure it has emergency triangles
avoid driving after dark in rural areas
Always carry ID, such as your driver's licence, when driving.
More information:
Ask your travel insurer if your policy covers you when using a motorbike or similar vehicle. Your policy may not cover you for accidents in these vehicles.
Always wear a helmet.
Only use registered taxis and limousines, preferably arranged through your hotel.
There's no reliable public transport in Zambia.
Avoid long-distance buses. They are poorly maintained and often overloaded.
Travelling on river boats is dangerous. They can be overloaded and lack necessary lifesaving gear.
Always wear a life jacket, even if others don't.
More information:
DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.
Check Zambia's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.
More information:
Depending on what you need, contact your:
family and friends
travel agent
insurance provider
employer
airline
Call 999.
Call 999 or go to the hospital.
Call 999 or go to the local police station.
Police response, particularly outside major cities, may be slow due to lack of resources.
Always get a police report when you report a crime.
Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.
Contact your provider with any complaints about tourist services or products.
Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.
Phone: (+260) 960 706 908
Email: australian.consulate.zambia@gmail.com
1 Green Close
Borrowdale
Harare, Zimbabwe
Phone: +263 24 2853 235 55 or +263 24 2852 4716
Fax: +263 24 2870 566
Website: zimbabwe.embassy.gov.au
Email: zimbabwe.embassy@dfat.gov.au
Facebook: Australian Embassy, Zimbabwe
Twitter: @AusEmbZim
Check the Embassy website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.
In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:
+61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
1300 555 135 in Australia
Be the first to know official government advice when travelling.