Zambia

Crime persists 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, 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

Sexual crime

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.

Scams

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

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:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

Terrorism is a threat worldwide, including in Zambia.

More information:

• Terrorism

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

Flooding

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

This advice predates COVID-19 and the Australian Government's travel ban for all Australians.

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:

• General health advice

• 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:

• Medication
• Zambian Drug Enforcement Commission
• Embassy or Consulate of Zambia

COVID-19

COVID-19 is present in Zambia. Face masks must be worn in public.

HIV/AIDS

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.

Insect-borne diseases

Malaria (World Health Organization) occurs throughout the year across Zambia.

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

• chickungunya
• 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 fevers
• rabies

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.

Medical facilities

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:

• Arrested or jailed overseas

Drugs

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.

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:

• Advice for LGBTI travellers
• 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:

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

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:

• Dual nationals

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. All international airports are open. There are reports that land borders are being closed to non-essential traffic, with little or no notice.

Make sure you meet all entry and exit conditions. If you don't, the Australian Government can't help you.

While all international airports are now open, tourist visas are not being issued until further notice.

The following information may not apply while COVID-19 travel restrictions are in place.

Visa conditions

You'll need a visa to enter Zambia. Despite all international airports being opened, tourist visas are not being issued until further notice.

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.

Permits and departure levy

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:

• Zambian Department of Immigration

COVID-19

Zambian authorities have announced additional screening measures on entry for COVID-19. If you're entering Zambia by air, you are now required to provide a negative COVID-19 test result (PCR), conducted within the previous 14 days. Travellers not meeting this requirement will not be allowed into Zambia.

Anyone arriving in Zambia, including citizens, will undergo mandatory testing and quarantine for a period of at least 14 days at a government designated institution or facility at their own cost. Travellers to Zambia are not allowed to leave Zambia until the mandatory quarantine period has been completed. All international airports are open. There are reports that land borders are being closed to non-essential traffic, with little or no notice.

If you wish to return to Australia, be aware that the Australian Government has placed caps on the number of passengers and flights into each capital city. You should consult your travel agent or airline for the latest information. 

Yellow fever vaccination

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 Organisation)

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. If there's another outbreak, authorities may again ban people who arrive from affected areas.

Validity

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.

Lost or stolen 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.

Travel via South Africa

If you're travelling through South Africa, you'll need a full Australian passport. South Africa does not accept temporary travel documents.

More information:

• Travel advice for South Africa

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 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.

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

Border areas

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.

Driving permit

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.

Road travel

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:

• Driving or riding

Motorcycles

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.

Taxis

Only use registered taxis and limousines, preferably arranged through your hotel.

Public transport

There's no reliable public transport in Zambia.

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

Boat travel

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:

• Travelling by boat

Air travel

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:

• 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.

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.

Australian Honorary Consul, Lusaka

Phone: (+260) 960 706 908

Email: australian.consulate.zambia@gmail.com

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

Twitter: @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