Zambia entry requirements for Madagascar 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
As a Madagascar passport holder, you can get a visa on arrival when you land in Zambia. No need to apply in advance — just show up with your passport and pay the fee at the airport. This policy is current as of 2026.
Apply for Zambia eVisaOfficial portal: Zambia eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Available at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport and other ports of entry | Get your visa on arrival at Lusaka's Kenneth Kaunda International Airport. Pay the fee in USD cash — single entry costs $50, multiple entry costs $80. Have your passport photo ready, and expect a 5-10 minute processing window at the counter.Apply online | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date | Your passport needs at least 6 months of validity from the day you leave Zambia. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. Carry a photocopy of the bio page separately. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Zambia | Immigration officers at Lusaka airport routinely ask for a printed or digital onward ticket. A same-day bus ticket to a neighboring country works, but a flight booking is cleaner. If you are overlanding, have a clear itinerary showing your exit route. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host in Zambia. Officers rarely ask for it, but having it ready avoids delays. A simple booking.com printout with your name and dates is fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient cash or card for your stay | Have at least $500 USD equivalent in cash or a credit card with available limit. ATMs in Lusaka dispense Zambian kwacha, but USD cash is preferred for visa fees and park entry. A bank statement from the last month works as backup. | 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 credit cards are not accepted. Bring crisp, undamaged bills in small denominations ($20s and $50s).
Visa validity
The standard tourist visa on arrival is valid for up to 90 days. If you need to stay longer, apply for an extension at the Department of Immigration before your visa expires.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the airport
At Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (Lusaka) or Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport (Livingstone), follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. There's usually a dedicated counter before the main passport control queue.
2
Fill out the arrival form
You'll be given a small white or yellow immigration card on the plane or at the counter. Fill in your details — passport number, flight number, accommodation address.
3
Pay the visa fee
Hand over your passport, the completed form, and the fee in US dollars cash. The officer will process payment and issue a receipt. Keep the receipt with your passport.
4
Get your visa sticker
The officer will affix a visa sticker into your passport, stamp it, and return it. Check that the validity dates and your name are correct before walking away.
5
Proceed to passport control
Join the main passport control queue. Present your passport (with the new visa) and the arrival card. You'll be asked your purpose of visit and how long you're staying. Answer briefly and honestly.
6
Collect your luggage and exit
After passport control, head to baggage claim, then customs. Unless you're carrying restricted goods, you'll walk straight through.
Download Zambia Entry Checklist
PDF · Madagascar 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 stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
CostFree (USD 0)
Available on arrival; no advance application needed.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
CostFree (USD 0)
Also available on arrival; allows multiple entries within validity.
Long-stay visitor visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year from issue date
CostZMW 2,500 (approx. USD 125)
Requires pre-approval from Zambia Immigration; suitable for longer tourism or visiting family.
work visa
Employment Permit
Up to 2 years, renewable
ZMW 5,000 (approx. USD 250) plus processing fees
For foreign nationals 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
ZMW 10,000 (approx. USD 500) plus processing fees
For individuals investing at least USD 250,000 in Zambia. Requires proof of investment and business plan. Includes family dependents.
student visa
Student Permit
Duration of studies, renewable annually
ZMW 2,000 (approx. USD 100) per year
For enrolled students at recognized Zambian institutions. Requires acceptance letter and proof of financial support. Allows part-time work with permission.
retirement visa
Retirement Permit
Up to 2 years, renewable
ZMW 3,000 (approx. USD 150) plus processing fees
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds (minimum USD 1,000/month). Allows residency but not employment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)Madagascar passport holders can obtain a visa on arrival for tourism at no cost for up to 30 days. | Free (USD 0) |
| Tourist visa (single entry, pre-arranged)No fee required for visa on arrival; pre-arranged single entry visa also free. | Free (USD 0) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Multiple entry visa on arrival is also free for Madagascar passport holders. | Free (USD 0) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are charged daily; maximum cap may apply but is not publicly specified. | ZMW 300 per day (approx. USD 15) |
| Stay extension feeExtension of stay beyond 30 days is possible at immigration offices for a fee. | ZMW 1,000 (approx. USD 50) |
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
Madagascar passport holders transiting through Zambia do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. For land transit or leaving the airport, a visa on arrival is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa may transit without visa for up to 48 hours airside.
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 yellow fever risk (including Madagascar). Must show certificate at entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout Zambia, especially in rural areas; prophylaxis strongly recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance is key.
CholeraModerate risk
Outbreaks occur during rainy season; ensure safe food and water.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is high risk nationwide, especially in rural and low-lying 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
Zambia Department of Immigration Headquarters
Plot 1, Independence Avenue, Lusaka
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and permits; bring passport, photos, and proof of funds.
Livingstone
Livingstone Immigration Office
Mosi-oa-Tunya Road, Livingstone
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Convenient for tourists near Victoria Falls; handles extensions and re-entry permits.
Practical information for MG 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 standard single-entry tourist visa is around $50 USD, payable in cash (US dollars). Always bring crisp, undamaged bills — torn or marked notes may be refused. Double-entry and multiple-entry options are available at higher fees (typically $80 and $150 respectively).
Yes, you can apply for an extension at the Department of Immigration in Lusaka or Livingstone. The standard tourist visa is valid for up to 90 days. Extensions are granted on a case-by-case basis and cost around $50–$100. Start the process at least two weeks before your visa expires.
Visa on arrival is also available at major land border crossings like Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe side) and Chirundu (Zimbabwe side). The process is similar — fill out a form, pay in USD cash, and get your visa. Land borders may have fewer ATMs, so bring enough cash.
Zambia requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you're arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Madagascar is not on that list, so you generally don't need it. But if you've recently traveled to a yellow fever endemic country, carry your vaccination card.
No. The visa fee must be paid in cash — US dollars are preferred. Some border posts may accept Zambian kwacha, but the exchange rate may not be favorable. Always bring USD in small denominations ($20s and $50s).
Overstaying is taken seriously. You'll be fined approximately $30 per day overstay, payable at immigration when you leave. In extreme cases, you could be detained or banned from re-entry. Set a reminder a week before your visa expires.
Zambia does not have an e-visa system for Madagascar passport holders. The only option is visa on arrival. There is no Zambian embassy in Madagascar, so you'd need to apply at a consulate in a neighboring country — which is impractical. Just get it at the airport.
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.