Zambia

There's crime throughout Zambia, including:

• armed robbery
• 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, in Lusaka and on the roads in the Copperbelt region.

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
• keep your valuables, including your passport and other travel documents in a secure place
• do not carry large amounts of cash or valuables unnecessarily or exchange money in busy public places.

Drink spiking

Methanol poisoning

Sexual crime

Date-rape drugs have been used in bars and restaurants in Lusaka.

To help protect yourself:

• always keep an eye on your food and drinks, never leave them unattended
• 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 immediately. HIV/AIDS is common.

Scams

Business fraud scams are common. 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 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 try to get your money back.

Credit card fraud

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

Cyber security

Spontaneous demonstrations are common. Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent.

To stay safe during a period of unrest:

• monitor the media for possible unrest
• avoid demonstrations, political rallies and large public gatherings
• follow the advice of authorities

More information:

• Protests and civil unrest

Terrorism is a threat worldwide. Terrorist attacks could occur anywhere and at any time. Be alert to possible threats, especially in public places. 

If there’s a terrorist incident, leave the area if it’s safe to do so and follow the instructions of local authorities. 

More information:

• Terrorism

Local transport and tour operators don't always follow safety and maintenance standards, including adventure activities like 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.

Be aware that waterways that look clean may be contaminated.

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:

• closely monitor local media and other sources, such as the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System
• try to get to higher ground if it's safe to do so
• keep in touch with friends and family
• be ready to change your plans
• keep your passport in a safe, waterproof place

More information:

Medications containing diphenhydramine, such as Benadryl, are regulated in Zambia. If your medication is illegal in Zambia, ask your doctor in Australia about alternatives.

You could be arrested and jailed if you don't carry your prescription.

• Zambian Drug Enforcement Commission

Mpox

There's currently an outbreak of mpox in parts of Africa. Mpox can be fatal and can be transmitted to humans through physical contact with an infectious person, infected animals or contaminated materials.

Symptoms may include:

• rash, fever, sore throat and headaches
• muscle aches and back pain
• low energy
• swollen lymph nodes

Seek professional medical advice on Mpox vaccines.

Maintain strict hygiene standards. Avoid physical contact with anyone who has Mpox.

See a doctor if you feel unwell and isolate from others if you develop any Mpox symptoms.

More information:

• Mpox

HIV/AIDS

The rate of HIV/AIDS infection is high.

Take precautions if engaging in activities that expose you to the virus.

If you're the victim of a violent crime, including rape, see a doctor immediately.

Anthrax

Outbreaks of anthrax occur affecting both rural and urban provinces. Avoid dead animals or carcasses. Purchase meat from reputable sources, and do not eat raw or undercooked meat. Avoid animal products that could have been sourced from animals that may have died of natural causes. If you suspect that you may have come into contact with anthrax, seek urgent medical advice.

Insect-borne diseases

There is a high risk of malaria throughout the year across Zambia. Consider medication to prevent malaria. Consult your doctor about which medication to take and for how long. 

Other insect-borne diseases, including those listed by the World Health Organization:

• chikungunya
• plague
• African sleeping sickness

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.

Other health risks

Waterborne, foodborne and other infectious diseases are common, including these listed by the World Health Organization:

• cholera
• typhoid
• tuberculosis
• hepatitis
• measles
• viral haemorrhagic fever
• rabies

Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.

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 rivers or lakes
• be aware that waterways that look clean may be contaminated and that fish sourced from contaminated waterways may also be affected

If you're bitten or scratched by an animal, get medical help immediately.

• Get medical advice if you have a fever or diarrhoea.

Copperbelt Province – Precautions against heavy metal poisoning

A toxic waste spill into the Mwambashi stream ecosystem in February 2025 has caused severe environmental damage and may cause serious risks to public health in the Chambishi, Mwambashi and Kitwe areas of the Copperbelt Province. 

If you travel to the affected area:

• follow local public health and environmental guidance regarding water safety and food
• only use water that is known to be safe for drinking, bathing or cooking (boiling water does not remove heavy metals)
• don't eat fish sourced from or which may have passed through the affected area
• seek medical attention if you are concerned about any symptoms you may have.

Ask your doctor about health risks and vaccines before you go.

More information

• Infectious diseases

There’s no agreement between Australia and Zambia for free healthcare. Tourists must pay for all medical care, even if they need to stay in hospital or be evacuated. This can be very expensive. Make sure your travel insurance covers you. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

The standard of medical facilities in Zambia is poor, especially in rural areas.

Medical supplies are limited. Some prescription medicines may not be available.

Most doctors and hospitals require up-front cash payment.

If you become seriously ill or injured, you may need to be evacuated to a place with better facilities, such as South Africa, Europe or the United States. 

Zambian authorities don't always contact the Australian Embassy in Harare when they detain or arrest an Australian citizen.

If you're detained, ask to contact the Australian Honorary Consulate in Lusaka or the Australian Embassy in Harare.

More information:

• Arrested or jailed overseas

Drugs

Possession of small quantities of an illegal substance can constitute drug trafficking. Penalties for drug-related crimes are severe. They include long prison sentences and heavy fines.

More information:

• Carrying or using drugs

Other laws

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.

It's illegal to:

• have pornographic material
• take photos of government buildings, military areas and buildings or personnel
• buy or trade in endangered wildlife products, such as tortoise shells, ivory and rhino horn, or any products made of these materials without a licence

Same sex relationships are illegal. If convicted, you could face long terms of imprisonment. 

More information:

• Advice for LGBTQIA+ travellers
• Wildlife trade 

Zambia recognises dual nationals. 

Local authorities may consider you a Zambian national if you're both an Australian and Zambian national. This may limit the consular services we can give if you're arrested or detained. You should enter and exit the country using the same passport.

More information:

• Advice for dual nationals

Visa conditions 

Australian passport holders do not require a visa to enter Zambia. Ordinary visitors and tourists can enter for 90 days in any period of 12 months from the day of first entry into Zambia. 

Business visitors can enter for 30 days in any period of 12 months. Business visitors may be required to present a letter of invitation from the sponsoring organisation. 

If arriving by air, you must have a valid return air ticket. If you're arriving by land or water, you must have enough funds for your stay and departure from Zambia.

A KAZA UNVISA is valid for travel between Zambia and Zimbabwe and day trips to Botswana through the Kaungula border. You can get a KAZA UNVISA if you enter via:

• Lusaka or Livingstone international airports
• Livingstone land border with Zimbabwe
• Kazungula land border with Botswana

You can also apply for a KAZA UNVISA online. It costs US$50 and is valid for 30 days.

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Information on entry and visa requirements can be found at For Visitors – Zambia Department of Immigration, or contact the nearest high commission embassy or consulate of Zambia for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.

Departure levies and permits

If you fly within or out of Zambia, you must pay the National Airports Corporation levy. The levy is usually included in the cost of your international flight ticket but if not, you'll have to pay the levy in US dollars or Zambian Kwacha.

To work in Zambia, including as a volunteer, you'll need an employment permit. For more details, please see the Zambian Department of Immigration.

To live in Zambia, you'll need a residence permit. For more details, see the 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.

More information:

• Zambian Department of Immigration

Yellow fever vaccination

You'll need a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Zambia if you're arriving from a country where there's widespread yellow fever.Some airlines may want to see one when you leave.

Find out about returning to Australia after exposure to yellow fever.

More information:

• Countries with a risk of yellow fever

Ebola virus

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. When there are outbreaks, authorities may ban people arriving from affected areas.

Validity

To enter Zambia, you must have 6 months remaining validity on your passport and have at least 3 blank pages. If you don't, you may be denied entry. If you're travelling to multiple African countries on one trip, ensure you have enough blank pages to accommodate the requirements of all countries you plan to visit.

You can end up stranded if your passport does not have at least 6 months remaining validity.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

Lost or stolen passport

Travel via South Africa

If you're travelling through South Africa, South African authorities do not accept provisional travel documents. South African authorities do accept Australian emergency passports. 

Strict rules apply to a child aged under 18 years travelling through South Africa. 

Check out our travel advice for South Africa. 

Passport with 'X' gender identifier

The local currency is the Zambia Kwacha (ZMW).

Declare any ZMW and foreign currency over USD5000 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 reputable banks or currency exchange companies to change or withdraw money. Fake USD100 and ZMW notes are common.

Zambian banks and foreign exchange agents won't accept US banknotes issued before 2000.

ATMs are available in main cities but may not accept international cards.

Most 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.

Local restrictions

Land borders may be closed to non-essential traffic with little or no notice. 

Border areas

There may be 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. 

Take care when travelling in rural parts of Zambia close to the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The border is not demarcated and there is a risk of inadvertently illegally entering DRC.

If you travel to these border areas despite the risks, ask local authorities about the safest routes.

Driving permit

To drive you need both:

• a valid Australian driver's licence (digital driver’s licences may not be accepted)
• an International Driving Permit (IDP)

You must get your IDP before leaving Australia.

Road travel

Hazards include:

• poor driving habits
• pedestrians and animals on roads
• poorly maintained vehicles and roads
• not enough lighting and vehicles with no lights

Emergency services are unreliable. Police roadblocks are common.

Drivers must carry identity documents.

Cars must carry two metallic emergency triangles with white reflective stickers on the front. Red reflective stickers must appear on the back.

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

More information:

• Driving or riding

Motorcycles

Ask your travel insurer if your policy covers you using a motorbike or similar vehicle. Your policy may not cover you for accidents in these vehicles.

Always wear a helmet.

Taxis 

Only use registered taxis and limousines, preferably arranged through your accommodation. Don't share a taxi with strangers.

Public transport

There's no reliable public transport.

Avoid long-distance buses. They are poorly maintained and often overloaded.

Minibuses are also unsafe, poorly maintained and overloaded. Minibus drivers do not always respect traffic laws.

Boat travel

Travelling on riverboats is dangerous. They can be overloaded and lack necessary lifesaving gear.

Always wear a life jacket, even if others don't.

More information:

• Travelling by boat

Air travel

Check Zambia's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

More information:

• Air travel

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider
• employer
• airline

Fire and rescue services

Call 999.

Medical emergencies

Call 999 or go to the hospital.

Police

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.

The Australian Government aims to provide high quality consular assistance. There are limits to what we can do. Read the Consular Services Charter to understand how we can assist you overseas.

Australia has an Honorary Consulate in Lusaka, Zambia. It can provide limited consular help.

Australian Honorary Consulate, Lusaka

Dr Tiza Chipungu
May Building, Gallery Office Park, Lagos Rd, Rhodes Park
Lusaka, Zambia

Phone: +260 779 108 449
Email: australian.consulate.zambia@gmail.com

The Australian Embassy in Harare, Zimbabwe, can also provide consular assistance to Australians in Zambia.

Australian Embassy, Harare

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
X: @AusEmbZim

Check the Embassy website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

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