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4,929 mi away
£1 ZMW 23.73
Today
11:13 am
+2h from you
Weather & climate
Weather in Zambia
Zambia
23°
Clear sky
Thu
13°
23°
Fri
12°
21°
Sat
12°
21°
Sun
12°
23°
Mon
13°
24°
Tue
14°
24°
Wed
15°
24°
SPF level in Zambia
Recommended: SPF 50+ (extreme)
Spring
SPF 50+
Summer
SPF 50+ (extreme)
Autumn
SPF 50+
Winter
SPF 50+
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Before you go
Entry requirements for Zambia
What British travellers need to know
You do not need a visa to enter Zambia as a British tourist.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your arrival date and have at least 2 blank pages.
You may stay in Zambia for a maximum of 90 days as a tourist within any 12-month period.
You must be able to show valid return or onward tickets and enough money for your stay.
You must have a certificate proving you've had a yellow fever vaccination if you are arriving from a country listed as a transmission risk.
Good to know:
On leaving Zambia, you may have to pay a 25 US dollar departure tax and a 3 dollar security charge in cash with Zambian kwacha if they are not included in your air ticket.
You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty when entering or leaving Zambia.
Safety in Zambia
Tips when travelling
Zambia is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Pre-arrange transport to avoid walking at night and stay aware of your surroundings, especially after dark.
It is illegal to possess pornographic material in Zambia, and offenders may be jailed or deported.
It is illegal to possess or use drugs, including marijuana, as it is a serious offence.
Adventure sports, including in the Victoria Falls area, carry risks, so follow safety instructions closely and ensure you have appropriate travel insurance.
It is dangerous to drive outside main towns after dark due to abandoned vehicles, pedestrians, stray animals, and vehicles without lights.
Bonus tips:
Keep valuables and original documents in a safe place and carry a copy of your passport's photo page and entry stamp.
Travel by long-distance public transport can be dangerous due to poor driving, vehicle quality, and road conditions.
Stay connected on your trip
More information
Driving in Zambia
A UK driving license is valid for up to 6 months. An international driving permit is recommended.
Side of road
left
Motorway speed limit
120 km/h
Urban speed limit
50 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.08%
Health in Zambia
Make sure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, including emergency evacuation. Check that your policy covers all activities you plan to undertake. You should also check the latest guidance from the UK government's National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) and NHS Fit for Travel website.
Vaccinations recommended before travel
Malaria is a risk in Zambia, so you should take appropriate antimalarial medication. Dengue fever and Zika virus are also present. Use insect repellent, wear long sleeves and trousers, and sleep under a mosquito net. HIV/AIDS is prevalent. Take precautions to avoid exposure. Medical facilities are limited, particularly outside Lusaka. Ensure you have sufficient supplies of any prescription medications you require.
Cards & payments
Limited, mostly in larger establishments and tourist areas.
Visa
Medium
Mastercard
Medium
American Express
Low
Lost card? Call Visa: +13039671096
Tipping in Zambia
Tipping is appreciated for good service in Zambia, but it is not mandatory.
Restaurant
10-15% of the bill
Bar/Café
Small change or rounding up the bill
Taxi
Rounding up the fare
Hotel Porter
5-10 ZMW per bag
Hotel Housekeeper
20-50 ZMW per day, left at the end of the stay
Tour Guide
5-10% of the tour price
Mobile & roaming
Post-Brexit, EU roaming agreements no longer apply. Check with your UK mobile provider for roaming charges in Zambia. Roaming can be expensive, so consider purchasing a local SIM card for more affordable rates.
Local SIM
5GB for 300 ZMW (~£12)
Network coverage
2G, 3G, 4G
Electrical in Zambia
Voltage
230V / 50Hz
Plug types
Type C, Type D, Type G
No UK adapter needed
WiFi & internet
Available in hotels, cafes, and restaurants in larger cities, but can be unreliable and slow.
Average speed
10 Mbps
Internet access is limited, especially in rural areas. WiFi is usually available in major hotels and restaurants, but the speed and reliability can vary.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
999
Police
991
Ambulance
992
Fire
993
Save 999 in your phone before travelling.
Calling Zambia
Country code
+260
To call the British High Commission in Lusaka, you would dial 00 260 211 423200.
The country code for Zambia is 260. When calling Zambia from outside the country, you need to dial the exit code of the country you are calling from, followed by the Zambia country code, and then the local number.
Languages in Zambia
UK Embassy
British High Commission Lusaka
British High Commission, Diplomatic Park, plot 5210, United Nations Avenue, Lusaka
Phone
Website
Recent updates
Entry requirements
23 days ago
Health
- Zambia may now introduce entry restrictions or health screening for travellers arriving from regions affected by Ebola.
- The World Health Organisation has declared Ebola as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
Airports in Zambia
Beaches in Zambia
Frequently asked questions
Zambia is generally considered a safe country for tourists, but petty crime, such as pickpocketing and theft, can occur, particularly in urban areas. Be vigilant, avoid walking alone at night, and keep valuables secure. It's advisable to check the UK government's travel advice for the latest updates.
British citizens generally require a visa to enter Zambia. You can obtain a visa online through the e-visa portal or apply at the Zambian High Commission in London. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay.
The best time to visit Zambia is during the dry season, from May to October. The weather is cooler, and wildlife viewing is optimal as animals congregate around water sources. The Victoria Falls are also at their most spectacular during this time.
The Zambian currency is the Zambian Kwacha (ZMW). Credit and debit cards are accepted in larger establishments, but it's advisable to carry cash, especially when travelling to more rural areas. ATMs are available in major cities, but they may not always be reliable.
Zambia has a rich cultural heritage, with traditions varying among different ethnic groups. Politeness and respect are valued. Dress modestly, especially when visiting rural areas. It is customary to greet people with a handshake. Bargaining is common in markets.
It is not generally recommended to drink tap water in Zambia. Use bottled or purified water for drinking, brushing your teeth, and making ice. Be cautious of ice in drinks from less reputable establishments.
Besides being up-to-date on your routine vaccinations, it is highly recommended to get vaccinated against Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Rabies. Consult the websites of your country's health authorities for the most up-to-date information.
Be aware of common scams such as overcharging for goods and services, particularly in tourist areas. Unofficial 'guides' may offer unsolicited assistance and then demand payment. Always agree on a price beforehand and be wary of deals that seem too good to be true.
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.