Zambia entry requirements for Switzerland passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
Visa on arrival
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Swiss passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Zambia. As of 2026, you simply show up at the airport in Lusaka or Livingstone, pay the fee, and get stamped in. No need to apply in advance.
Apply for Zambia eVisaOfficial portal: Zambia eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get a single-entry visa on arrival at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (Lusaka) and Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport (Livingstone). Cost is $50 USD — bring exact cash in US dollars. You'll fill in a form at the counter and pay before they stamp you in.Apply online | Required |
| Valid passport Passport validity | Your Swiss passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Zambia. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, they'll deny boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers routinely ask for proof of a return or onward flight out of Zambia. Have a printed or digital copy of your ticket ready — they may check it before stamping you in. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host ready. Immigration may ask where you're staying — a printed booking confirmation avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient funds for stay | Carry at least $500 USD in cash or have a credit card statement showing available funds. Immigration can ask how you'll support yourself during your visit. | Recommended |
Visa on arrival is straightforward
No need to apply in advance. Just show up with your passport, return ticket, and cash. The whole process takes 10–20 minutes at the airport.
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. Airlines check this before boarding. If you're close to expiry, renew first.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at immigration counter
At Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (Lusaka) or Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport (Livingstone), follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. Join the queue for foreign passports.
2
Present your documents
Hand over your passport, completed arrival card (usually given on the plane), and return ticket if asked. The officer will process your visa sticker.
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay the fee in cash (USD preferred) or by card. Keep the receipt. The whole process takes 10–20 minutes depending on queue length.
4
Get stamped and collect luggage
Once the visa is affixed and stamped, you're cleared. Proceed to baggage claim and customs.
Download Zambia Entry Checklist
PDF · Switzerland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist Visa (single entry, pre-arranged)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
CostUSD 50 (USD 50)
Apply at Zambian embassy before travel; may allow longer stay than VoA.
Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity12 months from issue
CostUSD 80 (USD 80)
Ideal for frequent travelers; must apply in advance.
Business Visa
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
CostUSD 100 (USD 100)
Requires invitation letter from Zambian company.
work visa
Employment Permit
Up to 2 years, renewable
USD 500–1,000 (application fee)
For those with a job offer from a Zambian employer. Requires employer sponsorship and proof of qualifications. Allows multiple entries.
investor visa
Investor Permit
Up to 2 years, renewable
USD 1,000–2,000 (application fee)
For individuals investing at least USD 250,000 in Zambia. Requires proof of investment and business plan. Includes residency rights.
student visa
Student Permit
Duration of studies, renewable annually
USD 200–400 (application fee)
For enrollment in a recognized Zambian educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, up to 30 days)Payable in USD cash at port of entry. Valid for tourism or business. | $50 USD (approx. CHF 45) |
| Visa on Arrival (multiple entry, up to 90 days)Available at major entry points. Requires justification for multiple entries. | $80 USD (approx. CHF 72) |
| Overstay fine (per day)Payable at immigration office before departure. Avoid overstaying to prevent bans. | $30 USD per day (approx. CHF 27), max cap $500 USD |
| Tourist visa (single entry, pre-arranged)Can be obtained from Zambian embassy abroad. Same cost as VoA but processed in advance. | $50 USD (approx. CHF 45) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry, pre-arranged)Valid for up to 90 days. Recommended for frequent travelers. | $80 USD (approx. CHF 72) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete travel documents20%
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
Swiss passport holders transiting through Zambia do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if you need to leave the airport or clear immigration, a visa on arrival is required.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsKenneth Kaunda International Airport (Lusaka) · Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport (Livingstone) · Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe International Airport (Ndola)
Health & vaccines for Zambia
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission; certificate must be presented at entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout Zambia, especially in rural areas; prophylaxis strongly recommended.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and semi-urban areas; mosquito avoidance is key.
CholeraModerate risk
Outbreaks occur during rainy season; ensure safe food and water.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is high throughout Zambia, including urban areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine) is recommended for all travelers.
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 Park, Lusaka
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and permits; bring passport, photos, and fee in cash.
Livingstone
Livingstone Immigration Office
Mosi-oa-Tunya Road, Livingstone
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Handles extensions for tourists near Victoria Falls; arrive early to avoid queues.
Practical information for CH 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
A single-entry tourist visa costs around $50 USD. Double-entry or multiple-entry options are available for higher fees (e.g., $80–$150). Pay in cash (USD or Zambian kwacha) or by credit card. Fees can change, so bring extra cash just in case.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer than the standard 30 days, you must apply for a different visa type before traveling or leave and re-enter.
Zambia requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you're arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. Switzerland is not a risk country, so you don't need it unless you've recently traveled to an endemic area. Check the latest requirements before you go.
Yes, visa on arrival is available at major land border crossings like Victoria Falls (from Zimbabwe) and Chirundu (from Zimbabwe). The process is similar to airports — have your passport and cash ready.
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry by Zambian immigration. Renew your passport before traveling. There are no exceptions for Swiss passport holders.
No online pre-registration is required. You fill out a paper arrival card on the plane or at the immigration counter. Keep it simple — just your passport details and accommodation address.
Yes, but don't flash it. Carry $50–$100 USD in small bills (no rips or marks) in a secure money belt or hidden pouch. ATMs are available at the airport but may have long queues or high fees.
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.