Zambia entry requirements for Israel 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
Israeli passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Zambia. No need to apply in advance — just show up at the airport or land border with the right documents. This policy is in effect as of 2026.
Apply for Zambia eVisaOfficial portal: Zambia eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Apply for visa on arrival | Get your visa on arrival at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (Lusaka) and other land borders. Pay the visa fee in US dollars cash — single entry is $50 USD, double entry $80 USD, multiple entry $150 USD. Have your passport photo ready.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for 6 months beyond your stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Zambia. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers routinely ask for proof of a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight itinerary ready — they may deny entry if you cannot show onward travel. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a printed copy of your hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host. Immigration may ask for it, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show sufficient cash or card | Have at least $500 USD in cash or a credit card with available balance. Officers may ask to see proof of funds to cover your stay — especially if you are staying longer than a few days. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash. USD is widely accepted, but bring small bills ($50 or less). ATMs at the airport may not dispense USD, and credit cards are not accepted for visa payment.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at entry point
At Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (Lusaka) or any land border, head to the 'Visa on Arrival' counter. There's usually a separate queue from citizens.
2
Present documents
Hand over your passport, completed arrival form (given on the plane or at the counter), and your return ticket if asked. The officer will check your passport validity and blank page.
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay the visa fee in cash (USD is widely accepted, sometimes local currency). As of 2026, single-entry is around $50 USD. Keep the receipt.
4
Receive visa and enter
The officer stamps or sticks the visa into your passport. Check the validity dates before walking away. Then proceed to baggage claim and customs.
Download Zambia Entry Checklist
PDF · Israel 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)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$50 USD (approx. 50 USD)
Apply online or at embassy; allows longer stay than VoA.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity12 months from issue
Cost$80 USD (approx. 80 USD)
Ideal for frequent travellers; must leave and re-enter.
Business visa
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months
Cost$100 USD (approx. 100 USD)
Requires invitation letter from Zambian company.
work visa
Employment Permit
Up to 2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. 500 USD)
For those with a job offer from a Zambian employer. Requires employer sponsorship and proof of qualifications.
investor visa
Investment Permit
Up to 3 years, renewable
~$1,000 USD (approx. 1,000 USD)
For investors with a minimum investment of $250,000 USD in Zambia. Includes residency rights.
student visa
Student Permit
Duration of studies, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. 200 USD)
For those enrolled in a recognized Zambian educational institution. Requires acceptance letter.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)Israeli passport holders can obtain a visa on arrival at no cost for up to 90 days. | Free (USD 0) |
| Tourist visa (single entry, pre-arranged)Optional pre-arranged visa for those who prefer to apply in advance. | $50 USD |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | $80 USD |
| Overstay finePenalty for overstaying visa-free period. | $30 USD per day, max $500 USD |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete 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
Israel passport holders transiting through Zambia do not need 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 yellow fever risk; certificate must be presented.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout Zambia, especially in rural areas; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks in urban areas; mosquito avoidance advised.
CholeraModerate 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) recommended for all travellers.
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
P.O. Box 30231, Lusaka, Zambia
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and permits; bring passport and photos.
Livingstone
Livingstone Immigration Office
Mosi-oa-Tunya Road, Livingstone
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Near Victoria Falls; handles extensions for tourists.
Practical information for IL 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
As of 2026, a single-entry visa on arrival costs around $50 USD. Double-entry and multiple-entry options are available at higher fees (around $80 and $150 USD respectively). Pay in cash — USD is preferred, but local currency (Zambian kwacha) may be accepted. Keep the receipt.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before travel. The maximum stay is determined at entry (usually 30 days).
You will likely be denied entry. The 6-month validity rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before traveling.
Zambia requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. Israel is not a risk country, but if you have recently traveled to one, you'll need the certificate. Check with your doctor.
Yes, most major land border crossings (like Chirundu from Zimbabwe, or Nakonde from Tanzania) offer visa on arrival for Israeli passport holders. The process is the same as at the airport — have cash and documents ready.
Immigration may refuse entry or give you a shorter stay. Always have a confirmed onward ticket. A bus ticket to a neighboring country counts as onward travel.
Zambia does offer an e-visa, but it's not required for Israeli passport holders since you can get a visa on arrival. If you prefer to apply in advance, you can use the official Zambia e-visa portal. Processing takes 3-5 business days and costs about the same as on arrival.
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.