Zambia entry requirements for Iceland 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
Icelandic passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Zambia. Arrive at any international airport or land border, pay the fee in cash, and receive a single-entry visa valid for up to 90 days. This policy is in effect as of 2026.
Apply for Zambia eVisaOfficial portal: Zambia eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Single entry, 30 days | Get your visa on arrival at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (Lusaka) and Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport (Livingstone). Bring 50 USD in cash for the visa fee — the payment counter does not accept cards. Have a printed copy of your hotel booking and return ticket ready, as the visa officer will ask for both before issuing the stamp.Apply online | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay | Your passport needs at least 6 months of remaining validity from the date you enter Zambia. Airlines check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. Two blank pages are required for the visa stamp and entry stamp. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Zambia | Immigration officers at Lusaka and Livingstone airports routinely ask for a printed or digital copy of your onward ticket. If you are flying out to a neighboring country, a bus or train ticket may also be accepted — but a flight booking is safest. Without proof of onward travel, you may be refused entry. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation letter | Have a printed hotel confirmation for at least the first few nights of your stay. If staying with friends or family, carry an invitation letter with their address and phone number. Immigration officers occasionally ask for this at the visa-on-arrival counter. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement | Officers may ask how you plan to support yourself during your stay. Carry at least 500 USD in cash or a recent bank statement showing sufficient balance. Credit cards are widely accepted in cities, but cash is king for park fees and rural areas. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in US dollars cash. ATMs at the airport may not dispense USD, and card payments are rarely accepted. Bring crisp, undamaged bills — torn or marked notes may be refused.
Single entry only
The visa on arrival is single-entry. If you leave Zambia (even for a day trip to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe), you'll need to pay for a new visa when you return. Plan your itinerary accordingly.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at immigration
At Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (Lusaka) or any other entry point, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. There's usually a separate counter for visa issuance.
2
Present documents
Hand over your passport, completed arrival card (given on the plane or at the counter), and return ticket. The officer will ask for your purpose of visit and accommodation details.
3
Pay the fee
Pay the visa fee in US dollars cash. Single-entry is $50. Keep the receipt — you may need it when leaving.
4
Receive visa and enter
The officer stamps your passport with the visa. Check the validity dates before leaving the counter. Then proceed to baggage claim and customs.
Download Zambia Entry Checklist
PDF · Iceland 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, 90 days)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$50 USD (approx. 50 USD)
Apply at Zambian embassy before travel.
Tourist Visa (multiple entry, 1 year)
Max stay90 days per visit
Validity1 year
Cost$80 USD (approx. 80 USD)
Ideal for frequent travellers.
Business Visa (single entry, 90 days)
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 (application fee)
For those with a job offer from a Zambian employer. Requires employer sponsorship and proof of qualifications.
investor visa
Investor Permit
Up to 5 years, renewable
~$1,000 USD (application fee)
For individuals investing at least $250,000 USD in Zambia. Includes family dependents.
student visa
Student Permit
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~$200 USD (application fee)
For enrollment in a recognized Zambian educational institution. Requires acceptance letter.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, 30 days)Payable in USD cash at port of entry. | $50 USD (approx. 50 USD) |
| Visa on Arrival (multiple entry, 30 days)Available at major entry points. | $80 USD (approx. 80 USD) |
| Stay extension (per month)Apply at Immigration Department before current visa expires. | $30 USD (approx. 30 USD) per month |
| Overstay fine (per day)Maximum cap of $500 USD. | $20 USD (approx. 20 USD) per day |
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
Iceland passport holders transiting through Zambia do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if leaving the airport, a visa on arrival is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
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, or if transiting through such a country for more than 12 hours.
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. Use mosquito repellent.
CholeraModerate risk
Risk during rainy season (November–April). Drink bottled or boiled water.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is high risk nationwide, especially in rural areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended. Use DEET repellent and sleep under mosquito 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
Nasser Road, Lusaka
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Main office for 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.
Practical information for IS 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
The single-entry visa on arrival costs $50 USD. You must pay in cash, preferably exact change. US dollars are preferred; other currencies may be accepted at a poor exchange rate.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer than 90 days, you must apply for a different visa type before traveling, such as a visitor's visa from a Zambian embassy.
Zambia requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you are arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. Iceland is not a risk country, so you generally don't need it unless you've recently traveled to an endemic area. Check the latest requirements before you go.
Yes, the visa on arrival is available at all international land borders, including the Victoria Falls border post from Zimbabwe and the Kazungula border from Botswana. The process is the same as at airports.
You will likely be denied entry. The 6-month validity rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before traveling.
No, it's a single-entry visa. If you leave Zambia (e.g., to visit Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe), you'll need to pay for a new visa on return. Consider a multiple-entry visa if you plan to cross borders frequently.
Usually 15–30 minutes at Lusaka airport, but can be longer during peak hours. Have your documents ready and cash in hand to speed things up.
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.