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Weather & climate
Weather in Zambia
Zambia
27°
Overcast
Thu
18°
27°
Fri
17°
27°
Sat
18°
28°
Sun
19°
30°
Mon
19°
30°
Tue
19°
30°
Wed
20°
29°
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
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your arrival date and have at least 2 blank pages.
British passport holders do not need a visa to enter Zambia for tourism.
You must be able to show valid return or onward tickets and enough money for your stay.
Tourists can stay in Zambia for a total of 90 days in any 12 month period.
If you plan to travel between Zambia and Zimbabwe, you can get a KAZA UNIVISA which costs 50 US dollars and is valid for 30 days.
Good to know:
If you are arriving from a country where yellow fever is a risk, you must have a vaccination certificate to enter Zambia.
When leaving by air, you may need to pay a departure tax of 25 US dollars and a 3 US dollar security charge in Zambian kwacha if they are not included in your ticket.
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.
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.
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
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.
UK Embassy
British High Commission Lusaka
British High Commission, Diplomatic Park, plot 5210, United Nations Avenue, Lusaka
Phone
Website
Frequently asked questions
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.