Zambia entry requirements for United Arab Emirates passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
No visa required
90 days
Max stay
90 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
UAE passport holders can enter Zambia without a visa for stays up to 90 days. This policy has been in place for years and continues through 2026. Just bring your passport and a return ticket.
Apply for Zambia eVisaOfficial portal: Zambia eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport needs to be valid for at least the length of your stay in Zambia. Airlines at Dubai and Abu Dhabi check this before boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Zambia | Immigration officers at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport regularly ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or show it on your phone. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host. Officers may ask for it if you look unsure about where you're staying. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have a bank statement or cash equivalent to roughly $500 USD for your stay. Officers rarely ask, but it's a standard entry requirement. | Recommended |
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you land in Zambia, not from your departure date. If it expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding.
No visa, no fee, no fuss
UAE passport holders get 90 days visa-free at no cost. No application, no appointment, no payment. Just show up with a valid passport and a return ticket.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (Lusaka) or Harry Mwanga Nkumbula (Livingstone)
Most UAE flights land at Lusaka. Follow signs to 'Immigration' — there's a dedicated queue for visa-free arrivals. Have your passport, boarding pass, and return ticket ready.
2
Present your passport and supporting documents
Hand over your passport (valid 6+ months) and your return/onward ticket. The officer may ask your purpose of visit (tourism/business) and where you're staying. Answer clearly.
3
Receive your entry stamp
The officer stamps your passport with a 90-day visitor entry. No fee, no forms. The whole process takes 5–10 minutes if you have everything ready.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, collect your bags from the carousel, then proceed through customs (green channel if nothing to declare). You're in Zambia.
Download Zambia Entry Checklist
PDF · United Arab Emirates Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
CostApproximately $50 USD (fee may vary)
For those who prefer a visa in advance or need to stay longer than 90 days.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months
CostApproximately $80 USD
Allows multiple entries; useful for travellers planning to leave and re-enter Zambia.
Business visa
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months
CostApproximately $100 USD
For business-related visits; requires invitation letter from Zambian company.
work visa
Employment Permit
Up to 2 years, renewable
Approximately $500 USD (application fee)
For foreign nationals with a job offer from a Zambian employer. Requires employer sponsorship and relevant qualifications. Allows long-term residence.
investor visa
Investor Permit
Up to 2 years, renewable
Approximately $1,000 USD
For individuals investing a minimum of $250,000 USD in Zambia. Provides residence and work rights. Requires proof of investment and business plan.
student visa
Student Permit
Duration of study, renewable annually
Approximately $200 USD
For those enrolled in a recognized educational institution in Zambia. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
retirement visa
Retirement Permit
Up to 2 years, renewable
Approximately $500 USD
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of sufficient pension or savings. Allows residence but not employment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay finePay at immigration office before departure. | ZMW 300 (~$15 USD) per day, max ZMW 15,000 (~$750 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Zambia
No transit visa needed
UAE passport holders transiting through Zambia do not require a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsKenneth Kaunda International Airport (Lusaka) · Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport (Livingstone)
Health & vaccines for Zambia
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialRabiesConsiderCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout Zambia; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance advised.
CholeraLow risk
Risk during rainy season; ensure safe food and water.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is high risk nationwide, especially in rural areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended. Use mosquito repellent and nets.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Lusaka
Department of Immigration – Headquarters
Plot No. 1, Off Great East Road, Olympia, Lusaka
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and permits; bring passport, photos, and fee.
Livingstone
Livingstone Immigration Office
Mosi-oa-Tunya Road, Livingstone
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Handles visa issues for tourists visiting Victoria Falls.
Practical information for AE travellers
Country basics
CapitalLusaka
LanguageEnglish
Driving sideLeft-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 90 days.
Money
CurrencyZambian kwacha (ZMW)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 18.22 ZMW
Time zone
Local timeUTC+2
vs New York+7h
vs Los Angeles+10h
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,D,GTypes C (Europlug), D (old British), and G (British rectangular) are used.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; use bottled or boiled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
No. The visa-free entry is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave Zambia and re-enter (a 'visa run') or apply for a different visa type before travel.
Zambia requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you're arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. UAE is not a risk country, so you don't need it if you're flying directly from the UAE. If you've recently been to a risk country, carry your certificate.
No. The visa-free entry is strictly for tourism, business meetings, or short visits. Any paid work, volunteering, or study requires a separate visa or permit obtained before travel.
Overstaying is taken seriously. You'll be fined per day overstay (around 300 ZMW per day, roughly $15 USD) and may be banned from re-entering. Always leave before your stamp expires.
No. There is no online arrival declaration for Zambia. You'll fill out a simple paper landing card on the plane or at immigration. Keep a pen handy.
Yes, the same visa-free rules apply at all official land border crossings (e.g., from Botswana, Zimbabwe, Tanzania). Just have your passport and return ticket ready.
The local currency is Zambian kwacha (ZMW). US dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas, but you'll get better rates using local currency. ATMs are available in cities. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.