How to Apply for a Zambian eVisa: A Complete Guide for Beginners

Planning your first trip to Zambia? If you’re headed to Livingstone to see Victoria Falls, or Mfuwe for a safari in South Luangwa, or exploring the Lower Zambezi’s serene riverfront lodges, you’ll need a Zambian eVisa before you travel (read on to find out which of the visa types you’re eligible for). 

Thankfully, the Zambian eVisa system is simple once you understand what documents to prepare and how the online portal works.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know, from visa types, fees, processing timelines, and a detailed walkthrough of the application process.

Zambian eVisa Types Explained

Zambia issues different visa types based on nationality and travel plans. For most tourists, these are the most relevant:

Single Entry Visa

Ideal for travellers who will enter Zambia once and remain in the country until departure. If your entire itinerary is within Zambia, this is the easiest and cheapest option.

Double Entry Visa

This allows you to leave and re-enter Zambia once. It’s useful for travellers who plan to:

• Cross to Zimbabwe for Victoria Falls activities and return to Zambia
• Take a day trip to Chobe National Park in Botswana
• Stay in Zambia but cross borders for adventure activities

Many travellers staying around the Victoria Falls region prefer the Double Entry Visa because of how intertwined activities are between Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Botswana.

Multiple Entry Visa

Best for travellers who expect to enter and exit Zambia several times. This is less common for standard holidays and more relevant for business travellers or multi-country safari itineraries.

There are also other visa categories that apply in specific situations. For instance:

Transit Visa

This is meant for people just passing through Zambia on their way elsewhere. You don’t intend to stay long or use Zambia as your main destination; you’re simply transiting across the country.

When to use it:

• You enter Zambia by land (or port), but your final destination is another country.
• You expect to stay only a few days (or up to a week) before continuing your journey.
• You don’t plan to do tourism or sightseeing, just travel through.

Key details to note:

• The Transit Visa is valid for a short period (often up to 7 days)
• Has a fee (similar to the regular visa cost) 

Day Tripper Visa

The Day Tripper Visa is for very short visits, usually less than 24 hours. It’s issued at the point of entry and exit, and is designed for travellers who want to cross into Zambia quickly, then leave the same day.

When to use it:

• You’re staying outside Zambia (for example, in Zimbabwe or Botswana) but want to cross into Zambia for a few hours, maybe for a quick visit to a market, a waterfall, or another attraction.
• You plan to exit through the same border post you entered and don’t plan to have a multi-day stay inside Zambia.
• You do not need hotel bookings or long-stay arrangements; entry and exit happen on the same day.

Key details to note:

• The Day Tripper Visa is valid only when entry AND exit are via certain border posts (e.g. Victoria Falls border or Kazungula border). 
• The fee is small compared to tourist visas (about US $10)

So this visa is handy if you’re doing a “border hop”. For example, you’re staying in Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) but want a quick taste of Zambia and return the same day.

KAZA UniVisa

This is perhaps the most interesting visa type for travellers exploring Southern Africa broadly. The KAZA UniVisa was designed to simplify travel around the Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA TFCA), which includes parts of Zambia and Zimbabwe for now (and aims to eventually include more countries in Southern Africa). 

What it does:

• It allows you to travel between Zambia and Zimbabwe on a single visa, with multiple entries.
• It permits day-trips into neighbouring Botswana via the Kazungula border (useful for visiting places like Chobe National Park) while you’re based in Zambia or Zimbabwe.

Who it’s great for:

• Travellers who want to see the Falls from both sides (Zambian and Zimbabwe) without buying separate visas.
• Those planning a regional trip: Zambia ➝ Zimbabwe ➝ Botswana (e.g. Victoria Falls ➝ Chobe safari ➝ back).
• Safari and nature travellers who want flexibility without visa hassles at each border crossing.

Key details to note:

• KAZA UniVisa costs around US $50.
• It typically allows stays across both countries for up to 30 days (within a 12-month period), though exact rules can vary.
• You can get it at major Zambian airports (e.g. Lusaka or Livingstone) or border posts such as Victoria Falls and Kazungula. Check that your first port of entry is eligible.

Important caveat: Most African travellers, including Nigerians, are not eligible for the KAZA UniVisa. Check the official eligibility list here before planning around it.

Who Needs a Zambian eVisa?

Travellers fall into three categories:

1. Visa-free nationalities. Check eligibility here.
2. Visa on arrival nationalities. Check eligibility here.
3. Nationalities that must apply before travelling. Check eligibility here.

If your nationality falls into the third category, the eVisa is the fastest, easiest option. Even travellers who qualify for visa on arrival sometimes choose the eVisa to avoid airport queues.

How to Apply for a Zambian eVisa (Step-by-Step Guide)

The visa application process is done entirely online. Here’s the full breakdown in simple, practical language.

Step 1: Create Your Online Account

Visit the official Zambia eVisa portal and register a user account.
Your account allows you to apply for:

• Yourself
• Children under 16 (added under an adult’s application)
• A client or dependent (as a representative)

Make sure to verify your email before proceeding.

Step 2: Log In and Start a New Application

Once logged in:

• Go to My Workplace
• Select the visa you want
• Click Apply for Visa
  

You’ll enter your basic travel details (intended date of entry, port of entry, and purpose of travel). Click Next to continue.

Step 3: Complete the Application Form

The core of the process is Form 16. You’ll be asked to fill in:

• Your passport information
• Contact details
• Address of stay in Zambia (You can add the address of the hotel you booked here)
• Travel dates
• Purpose of your visit

You’ll then upload supporting documents. All uploads must be in image format, preferably JPG or PNG. Convert any PDF files into an acceptable format using tools like ILovePDF or PDFtoPNG.

Typical uploads include:

• Passport biodata page
• Passport-size photo
• Flight booking (the portal lists this as optional, but it wouldn’t hurt to submit one. You don’t have to pay for the flight)
• Hotel reservation or host details
• A typed letter addressed to the Director General of Immigration (more information about this below)
• Any additional documents relevant to your case

Make sure your files are clear, readable scans.

Step 4: Review Your Application

The system generates a PDF preview. Read it carefully to make sure the information is correct, as this is exactly what the immigration officer will see. If everything looks correct, click Confirm.

Step 5: Make Your Payment

You’ll receive an electronic bill. Choose Pay Online, and you’ll be redirected to the bank’s payment portal.

A few important notes:

• Disable any pop-up blockers so the payment page loads correctly
• You can pay using a debit or credit card
• Fees are:
  • $25 for Single Entry
  • $40 for Double Entry

Once successful, you’ll be taken to your receipt page.

Step 6: Download Your Receipt

Save the receipt PDF.  A copy is also emailed to you, but it’s best to keep your own backup.

Step 7: Final Submission

After payment, click Finish. Your application will automatically move from Draft to Submitted.

Step 8: Track Your Application

You can log in anytime to check your status. Your application will move through:

• Draft
• Submitted
• Approved or Rejected

You don’t need to contact immigration unless instructed.

If at any point during the application you drop off before completing the payment, you can go back to Draft and pick up from where you left off. 

Step 9: Download Your Approval Letter

Once approved, you’ll get an email with your approval letter. You can also access the approval letter by going back to the application portal:

• Open the case file
• Go to Outgoing Documents
• Download your Approval Letter

Print this letter as you’ll need it upon arrival.

Zambia eVisa Processing Time

The official processing time is 7–8 working days, but it may take longer during busy seasons. Apply at least 2 weeks before travel, and ideally sooner if travelling during holiday periods.

What to Include in Your Letter to the Director General of Immigration

Your application must include a simple typed letter addressed to:

The Director General of Immigration, Zambia

The body of the letter should include:

1. An introduction that includes your full name and passport number
2. Your nationality
3. Purpose of travel (e.g., tourism)
4. Intended travel dates
5. Your accommodation address in Zambia
6. A short confirmation that you will obey immigration laws
7. Your contact details
8. Your signature

Keep it short and clear. 

What to Expect When You Arrive in Zambia

At the airport or land border, you must present:

• Printed eVisa approval letter
• Payment receipt
• Passport valid for at least 6 months
• Accommodation confirmation (if asked)
• Return or onward travel ticket (if asked)

The immigration officer will then issue your physical visa sticker.

How Long Can You Stay in Zambia

Tourists are permitted up to 90 days per year. However, immigration officers may stamp fewer days depending on your itinerary and discretion. If you need more time, you can request a free extension at the nearest immigration office.