Zambia is a Commonwealth common law jurisdiction, which makes documents from the United States comparatively easy to use: they are in English, and the legal concepts translate. What they still need is certification, and Zambia has not traditionally used the apostille, so confirm the route with the receiving institution.
Quick facts
Not needing a translation removes a cost and a delay that most countries in this directory impose, so a Zambian file is usually cheaper to prepare than an equivalent one for a francophone or arabophone country.
The chain
| Step | Who does it | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Notarisation | U.S. notary public | For private documents |
| State certification | Secretary of State | Of the issuing state |
| Federal authentication | U.S. Department of State | Where required |
| Consular legalisation | Embassy of Zambia | Where required |
| Zambian documents | Authorities in Lusaka | Obtained locally |
As with everything at this embassy, ask by email and put the purpose in the subject line. It is how the consular section routes work internally.
How to prepare a document
- Ask the receiving institution in Zambia exactly what it requires.
- Order a certified copy, or have the private document notarised.
- Obtain the state certification, and the federal one where needed.
- Email the consular section about its step and the fee.
- Post the file as instructed, tracked.
- Follow up by email only.
Required documents
- Original document with the certifications attached.
- Copy of your identification.
- National Registration Card number where relevant.
- Payment as the consular section directs.
- Prepaid tracked return envelope.
What the embassy does
It handles passports and travel documents, legalises documents, issues visas, registers Zambian nationals abroad and assists citizens in difficulty.
Additional notes
English helps
No translation is required in either direction, which is a real saving.
Ask before paying
Whether an apostille satisfies the receiving office is worth one email.
Order two copies
Documents that travel to Lusaka are slow to replace.
Never certify a photocopy
The certification attaches to an original or a certified copy from the record keeper.