What Is the Zambia Visa on Arrival?
The Zambia visa on arrival is an entry permit issued directly at select airports and land border crossings for eligible travelers. Rather than applying in advance through a Zambian embassy or the online eVisa portal, qualifying nationalities can obtain their visa stamp at the immigration desk upon reaching Zambia. The visa on arrival serves as a convenient option for tourists, business visitors, and transit passengers who prefer to handle their entry paperwork at the port of arrival. For a complete overview of all visa options, see our complete eVisa Zambia guide.
Eligible Countries for Zambia Visa on Arrival
Not every nationality can obtain a visa on arrival in Zambia. The Zambia Department of Immigration maintains a specific list of countries whose passport holders may apply for this visa at ports of entry. Citizens of all other nationalities must apply for an eVisa online before traveling.
Complete List of Eligible Nationalities
The following countries are eligible for Zambia visa on arrival, according to the official Zambia Department of Immigration:
| Country | Country | Country |
|---|---|---|
| Belarus | Kazakhstan | Peru |
| Bolivia | Mexico | Puerto Rico |
| Brazil | Mongolia | Russia |
| Burundi | Myanmar (Burma) | Rwanda |
| Chile | Nicaragua | Saint Pierre and Miquelon |
| Colombia | Paraguay | Thailand |
| Congo, DR | US Minor Outlying Islands | Uruguay |
| Cuba | Djibouti | Venezuela |
| Ecuador | El Salvador | Western Sahara |
| Eritrea | Georgia | |
| Ghana | Haiti |
Holders of diplomatic or official passports from any country may also obtain a visa on arrival regardless of their nationality.
Countries That Need an eVisa Instead
Travelers from countries not listed above – including citizens of India, China, Pakistan, Nigeria, and many others – must apply for an eVisa online before departing for Zambia. The eVisa application is processed through the official portal at eservices.zambiaimmigration.gov.zm. Check our guide on Zambia visa requirements for full details on documents needed for the eVisa.
Zambia Visa on Arrival Fees and Types
Zambia offers several visa categories at ports of entry, each with different fees, validity periods, and entry allowances. All fees are payable in US dollars.
| Visa Type | Fee (USD) | Validity | Entries |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Entry | $25 | 90 days | 1 |
| Double Entry | $40 | 90 days | 2 |
| Multiple Entry | $75 | 90 days | Unlimited |
| Transit | $25 | 7 days | 1 |
| Day Tripper | $10 | Same day | 1 |
The Multiple Entry visa is available only through the eVisa facility and at Zambia Immigration Headquarters – it is not typically issued at ports of entry. The Day Tripper visa has specific location restrictions, covered below.
Documents Required for Visa on Arrival
When approaching the immigration desk at a Zambian port of entry, you must present the following:
- A valid passport with at least 6 months of remaining validity from your date of entry
- At least 3 full blank pages in your passport for stamps
- A completed visa application form (available at the immigration desk)
- Proof of accommodation or your host’s physical address in Zambia
- A valid return or onward air ticket (required for air arrivals)
- Sufficient funds to cover your stay and departure from Zambia
- Visa fee in US dollars
If you are arriving by land or water, immigration officers may ask for proof of sufficient funds rather than a return ticket. Having your host’s full name, address, and contact details readily available will speed up the process.
Where to Get Your Visa on Arrival in Zambia
Not every entry point into Zambia offers visa on arrival services. The approved locations are limited to specific international airports and major land border crossings.
Airports Offering Visa on Arrival
- Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (LUN) – Lusaka, the capital city’s main international airport
- Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport (LVI) – Livingstone, the gateway to Victoria Falls
Land Borders Offering Visa on Arrival
- Victoria Falls Border – Between Zambia and Zimbabwe at Victoria Falls town
- Kazungula Border – Between Zambia and Botswana, near the Chobe region
If you plan to enter Zambia through a different border crossing, you should obtain an eVisa in advance. For guidance on processing times, see our article on Zambia eVisa processing time.
Visa on Arrival vs eVisa: Which Should You Choose?
Both the visa on arrival and the eVisa grant the same entry permissions into Zambia, but they differ in convenience, timing, and process. Your choice depends on your travel style and planning preferences.
When to Choose Visa on Arrival
- You are traveling spontaneously and did not apply online in advance
- You are arriving at one of the four approved ports of entry
- You prefer handling paperwork in person rather than online
- You have all required documents and USD cash ready at the border
When to Choose the eVisa
- You want pre-approved entry before boarding your flight
- You prefer shorter immigration queues upon arrival
- You are entering Zambia through a port of entry that does not offer VOA
- You want to avoid any uncertainty about eligibility at the border
- You are applying for a Multiple Entry visa
For travelers who value certainty, the eVisa eliminates the risk of delays or complications at the immigration desk. Learn more about the eVisa application process in our detailed guide.
Day Tripper and Transit Visas
Zambia offers two specialized visa types at ports of entry for travelers with short stays.
The Day Tripper visa costs USD 10 and is designed for tourists visiting Zambia for less than 24 hours. It is currently available only at the Victoria Falls and Kazungula border controls. This visa also applies if you are visiting Zambia from a neighboring country and plan to return within 24 hours – for example, crossing from Zimbabwe to see the Zambian side of Victoria Falls.
The Transit visa costs USD 25 and allows a maximum stay of 7 days for travelers passing through Zambia overland to reach a third country. This visa is available at all ports of entry that offer visa on arrival services.
If you plan to visit both Zambia and Zimbabwe, the KAZA UniVisa may be a better option at USD 50, allowing multiple entries between both countries for up to 30 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a visa on arrival in Zambia?
The visa on arrival process at Zambian airports typically takes 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the queue. At land borders, processing may be faster during off-peak hours. Having your documents and USD fee ready will speed up the process.
Can I extend my Zambia visa on arrival?
Yes, visa extensions are possible through the Zambia Department of Immigration headquarters in Lusaka. You should apply for an extension before your current visa expires to avoid overstaying penalties.
Do children need a separate visa on arrival?
Children traveling with adults typically need to be included in the adult’s application or may need their own visa depending on their nationality. Persons below 16 years of age cannot apply for an eVisa independently, so the visa on arrival is the more practical option for families with children.
Can I pay for my visa on arrival by credit card?
Payment methods vary by port of entry. US dollars in cash are accepted everywhere. Some airports may accept credit or debit cards, but this is not guaranteed. It is strongly recommended to carry the exact fee amount in USD cash.
What happens if my visa on arrival is denied?
If your visa on arrival application is denied, you will not be permitted to enter Zambia. You may be asked to return on the next available flight or transit. To avoid this situation, consider applying for an eVisa in advance, which provides pre-approval before you travel.
Is the visa on arrival available 24 hours at Zambian airports?
Immigration desks at international airports operate during flight arrival times. If you are arriving on a late-night or early-morning flight, immigration services should still be available, but processing may take longer during off-peak hours.
Should I get a visa on arrival or an eVisa?
If you prefer convenience and certainty, apply for an eVisa before your trip. If you are arriving spontaneously at an approved port of entry with all documents ready, the visa on arrival works well. Both options grant the same visa types and validity periods.
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This article was prepared by The evisazambia.info editorial team. Information sourced from the Zambia Department of Immigration (zambiaimmigration.gov.zm). Last updated: July 2026.
