Americans need a visa for Zambia, and there is a practical choice: the electronic visa applied for online, a visa on arrival at the main entry points, or a consular application. For anyone visiting Victoria Falls there is also a specific regional option worth knowing about.
Quick facts
The joint visa shared with Zimbabwe lets you cross between the two sides of Victoria Falls on one document, which is considerably cheaper than buying two separate visas if that is your trip.
Fees breakdown
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electronic visa | Published on the portal | Applied for before travel |
| Visa on arrival | Published tariff | At designated entry points |
| Joint Zambia-Zimbabwe visa | Published tariff | For the Victoria Falls area |
| Consular visa | Consular tariff | Through the embassy |
| Yellow fever vaccination | Charged by your clinic | By route |
The yellow fever requirement depends on where you are travelling from rather than on your nationality, and it is checked on arrival.
How to apply
- Decide which route suits your trip, including the joint visa if you are visiting the falls.
- Apply through the official government portal rather than a reseller.
- Arrange vaccinations where your route requires them.
- Carry the printed approval, since airlines check it.
- For longer stays or work, ask the embassy which category applies.
- Confirm entry requirements close to your travel date.
Required documents
- Passport valid at least six months beyond arrival.
- Completed application and photograph.
- Return or onward ticket.
- Accommodation details.
- Proof of lawful residence in the United States for third-country nationals.
- Vaccination certificate where required.
Where to apply
Online for the electronic visa, or at the embassy in Washington and the representations in Albuquerque, Denver, Los Angeles and Seattle.
Additional notes
The joint visa
If your trip is Victoria Falls, check the joint arrangement before buying two separate visas. It exists precisely for that crossing.
Only official portals
Resellers add a markup to Zambian electronic visas. The government system publishes the real price.
Zambians need no visa
Citizens travel on a Zambian passport. See the passport page for renewing one from here.
Verify close to travel
Entry arrangements in the region change. Confirm near the date.