Zambia entry requirements for Qatar 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
Qatari passport holders can visit Zambia visa-free for up to 90 days. This policy is in effect for 2026, making travel straightforward for tourism or business. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from your date of entry.
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 Doha (DOH) may ask to see your passport before boarding — they rarely enforce the 6-month rule for Zambia, but having at least 3 months remaining avoids any pushback. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Zambia | Immigration officers at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (LUN) routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your outbound booking ready — they check this before stamping you in. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Officers may ask where you're staying, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. A hotel confirmation or a letter from your host covers this — no need to book the whole stay, just the first few nights. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Immigration can request evidence of sufficient funds — around $500 USD or equivalent in cash, bank statement, or credit card. I've rarely seen this enforced for short visits, but having a bank statement on your phone avoids delays. | Recommended |
Visa-free entry confirmed
Qatar passport holders can enter Zambia without a visa for up to 90 days. This policy is active as of 2026. No application or fee is needed before travel.
Passport validity is critical
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry. This is strictly enforced. If your passport expires sooner, renew it before you go.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the airport or border
At Kenneth Kaunda International Airport in Lusaka or any land border, head to the immigration queue for foreign passports. Have your passport and return ticket ready.
2
Present documents to immigration officer
Hand over your passport and any requested documents. The officer will check your passport validity, blank page, and may ask for your return ticket or accommodation details.
3
Receive entry stamp
Once approved, the officer stamps your passport with a visa-free entry valid for up to 90 days. Confirm the allowed stay duration on the stamp before leaving the counter.
4
Collect luggage and proceed
After immigration, collect your checked luggage from the carousel, then head to customs. If you have nothing to declare, use the green channel.
Download Zambia Entry Checklist
PDF · Qatar 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, extendable
Validity3 months from issue date
CostZMW 1,500 (~$60 USD)
For those who want a formal visa or need to stay longer; apply at Zambian embassy.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
CostZMW 3,000 (~$120 USD)
Allows multiple entries; useful for frequent travellers.
Business visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity3 months from issue date
CostZMW 2,000 (~$80 USD)
Requires invitation letter from Zambian company.
work visa
Employment Permit
Up to 2 years, renewable
ZMW 5,000 (~$200 USD) plus processing fees
For those with a job offer from a Zambian employer. Requires employer sponsorship and proof of qualifications. Allows long-term residence.
investor visa
Investor Permit
Up to 3 years, renewable
ZMW 10,000 (~$400 USD) plus investment proof
For individuals investing at least $250,000 USD in Zambia. Requires business plan and proof of funds. Grants residency and work rights.
student visa
Student Permit
Duration of study, renewable annually
ZMW 2,000 (~$80 USD) per year
For enrollment in a recognized Zambian educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of financial support.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayOverstaying beyond 90 days incurs a daily fine; maximum cap may apply. | ZMW 300 (~$12 USD) per day |
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
Qatar passport holders transiting through Zambia do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
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 transmission risk; proof of vaccination may be requested.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Malaria is prevalent throughout Zambia, especially in rural areas; prophylaxis recommended.
CholeraModerate risk
Outbreaks occur during rainy season; practice food and water safety.
SchistosomiasisModerate risk
Risk from swimming in freshwater lakes and rivers; avoid contact with untreated water.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round, with highest risk in rural areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly 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
Nasser Road, 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 extensions for tourists visiting Victoria Falls.
Practical information for QA 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. You must leave Zambia before the 90 days are up. If you need to stay longer, you would need to apply for a different visa type before your current stay expires.
Zambia requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. Qatar is not a risk country, so you generally do not need it if traveling directly from Qatar. However, if you have recently visited a risk country, you must show proof of vaccination.
Yes, the visa-free policy applies at all official entry points, including land borders from Tanzania, Malawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, Angola, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The same 90-day limit applies.
You will likely be denied entry. Immigration officers strictly enforce the 6-month validity rule. Renew your passport before traveling.
No, there is no mandatory online arrival declaration for Qatar passport holders. You simply fill out a paper arrival card on the plane or at the border.
No, the visa-free entry is for tourism, business visits, or short-term stays only. For work or study, you must apply for the appropriate visa or permit before traveling.
The local currency is the Zambian kwacha (ZMW). US dollars are widely accepted at hotels and larger businesses, but you'll get better rates using local currency. ATMs are available in cities, but carry some cash for rural areas.
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.