Understanding how much the Zambia eVisa costs before you apply helps you budget your trip and avoid surprises. This guide breaks down every fee associated with the Zambia eVisa application, from the official government charges to optional processing speed add-ons. All figures reflect the latest rates published by the Zambia Department of Immigration.
Official Zambia eVisa Fees by Visa Type
The Zambia Department of Immigration sets statutory fees for each visa category. These are the base charges every applicant must pay regardless of how or where they apply.
Single Entry Visa Fee
The single entry visa costs $50 USD in statutory fees. With the standard card payment administrative surcharge of $0.50, the total comes to $50.50. This visa is valid for 90 days and allows one entry into Zambia.
Double Entry and Multiple Entry Visa Fees
Both the double entry and multiple entry visas carry a statutory fee of $80 USD each. The card payment administrative fee adds $0.80, bringing each total to $80.80. The double entry visa permits two entries within its validity period, while the multiple entry visa allows unlimited entries during the visa’s validity.
Transit Visa and Day Tripper Fees
For travelers passing through Zambia, the transit visa costs $25 USD ($25.28 with the administrative surcharge). It allows a stay of up to 7 days. The day tripper visa is the most affordable option at just $10 USD ($10.10 total), designed for visitors entering Zambia for a single day.
Tourist, Student, and Business Visa Fees
The fee for tourist, student, and business visas depends on the entry type selected. A single entry tourist or student visa costs $50, while double and multiple entry options cost $80 each. Business visas follow the same fee structure but are valid for 30 days instead of 90 days. If you need detailed visa requirements for any of these categories, we cover those separately.
| Visa Type | Statutory Fee (USD) | Admin Fee | Total (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Entry | $50.00 | $0.50 | $50.50 |
| Transit Entry | $25.00 | $0.28 | $25.28 |
| Double Entry | $80.00 | $0.80 | $80.80 |
| Multiple Entry | $80.00 | $0.80 | $80.80 |
| KAZA UniVisa | $50.00 | $0.50 | $50.50 |
| Day Tripper | $10.00 | $0.10 | $10.10 |
Zambia eVisa Fee Breakdown: Statutory vs Administrative
What Is the Statutory Fee?
The statutory fee is the base charge set by the Zambian government for each visa type. This amount goes directly to the Zambia Department of Immigration and is the same for all applicants. The statutory fee is defined by immigration regulations and can only be changed through official government channels.
Administrative Fees for Card and Mobile Money Payments
When you pay through the official portal, a small administrative surcharge is added to cover payment processing. For card payments, this is approximately 1% of the statutory fee. Mobile money payments may carry slightly different administrative rates. These surcharges are minimal – ranging from $0.10 to $0.80 depending on the visa type – and do not significantly impact the total cost.
Processing Speed Options and Additional Costs
The processing time for your Zambia eVisa depends on which option you choose. Understanding these costs helps you decide whether to apply early or pay for faster processing.
Standard Processing (No Extra Cost)
Standard processing through the official portal has no additional fee beyond the statutory and administrative charges. Processing typically takes 5-15 working days depending on application volume and completeness. This is the recommended option if your travel date is more than three weeks away.
Rush and Super Rush Processing Fees
Third-party visa services offer expedited processing at additional cost. Rush processing (7-10 working days) adds approximately $59 to the total fee. Super rush processing (5-7 working days) adds around $99. These faster options are offered by private agencies, not the official Zambia immigration portal. If you use the official portal, all applications are processed in the order they are received.
KAZA UniVisa Fee and Cost Savings
KAZA UniVisa vs Separate Zambia and Zimbabwe Visas
The KAZA UniVisa costs $50 USD and grants entry to both Zambia and Zimbabwe with a single visa. If you plan to visit Victoria Falls from both sides or travel between the two countries, this represents significant savings compared to purchasing separate visas. A single entry Zambia visa ($50) plus a Zimbabwe visa ($30-$55) would cost $80-$105 in total, making the KAZA UniVisa the more economical choice. The KAZA UniVisa is valid for 30 days with multiple entries between the two countries. It is available to citizens of over 60 eligible countries.
Payment Methods for Zambia eVisa Fees
Credit and Debit Card Payments
The official Zambia immigration portal accepts Visa and Mastercard for eVisa fee payments. All transactions are processed in US Dollars. Your bank may charge an international transaction fee or currency conversion fee on top of the visa cost, so check with your card provider before paying.
Mobile Money and Digital Wallet Options
The official portal also supports mobile money payments as an alternative to card payments. Third-party visa services may accept additional payment methods including PayPal and other digital wallets. Keep in mind that third-party services charge their own service fees on top of the government visa fees.
Zambia eVisa Fees vs Visa on Arrival Costs
The statutory fees for the eVisa and the visa on arrival are identical – you pay the same government rate whether you apply online or at the border. The key difference is convenience. With an eVisa, your visa is pre-approved before you travel, so you can skip the visa queue at the airport. The visa on arrival requires completing paperwork and waiting in line at the port of entry. For most travelers, the eVisa is the preferred option because it reduces uncertainty and speeds up the arrival process.
Fee Refund Policy and Important Notes
Non-Refundable Fee Policy
All Zambia eVisa fees are non-refundable once processing begins. This applies even if your application is rejected, withdrawn, or if you decide not to travel. For this reason, it is essential to review the visa requirements carefully and ensure you meet all eligibility criteria before submitting your application and making payment.
How to Verify Current Fees Before Applying
Fees are set by the Zambia Department of Immigration and may change without prior notice. Before applying, always verify the latest rates on the official website at zambiaimmigration.gov.zm. The figures in this guide were verified against the official fee schedule, but rates can be updated at any time by the authorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the Zambia eVisa cost for US citizens?
US citizens pay the standard statutory fee of $50 for a single entry visa or $80 for a double/multiple entry visa, plus a small administrative surcharge. Third-party services charge additional service fees on top of these amounts.
Is the Zambia eVisa fee refundable?
No. All Zambia eVisa fees are non-refundable once processing begins, including in cases of application rejection. Review all requirements before applying to avoid losing your fee.
What is the cheapest Zambia visa option?
The day tripper visa at $10 USD is the cheapest option, but it only allows a single day visit. For longer stays, the transit visa at $25 is the most affordable multi-day option.
How much is the KAZA UniVisa?
The KAZA UniVisa costs $50 USD and covers entry to both Zambia and Zimbabwe for 30 days with multiple entries between the two countries.
Do I need to pay extra for rush processing?
Standard processing through the official portal has no extra fee. Rush processing through third-party services costs an additional $59, while super rush processing costs an additional $99.
Are Zambia visa fees the same for all nationalities?
The statutory fees set by the Zambia Department of Immigration are the same for all nationalities. However, third-party service fees and bank currency conversion charges may vary.
This article was prepared by The evisazambia.info editorial team. All fee information was sourced from the Zambia Department of Immigration official portal. Fees are subject to change – always verify current rates before applying.
