Visa & Passport

All visitors are required to carry a passport that is valid for six months beyond the date of entry. There should be sufficient blank pages for any visas as well as for entry stamps upon arrival. Generally speaking, you'll need the following in order to apply for a Zambia visa - although the requirements can change from time to time:

• a completed application form
• two passport-sized photos
• a valid passport
• fee (payable in cash or by postal order)
• self-addressed, stamped letter if applying by mail
• letter of invitation from Zambian host, confirming the purpose of the visit
• proof of the Zambian host's immigration status
• proof of return/onward journey
• proof of sufficient funds for length of stay in Zambia

The visa process is often simplified for tourists travelling on pre-arranged package tours for stays of up to 14 days but your nearest Zamiban consulate or embassy, or a visa shop or service in your hometown will be best able to advise you.

Health

Requirements
It is imperative that you obtain malaria prophylactics before entering Zambia. When purchasing these, please tell your doctor or pharmacist which areas in Zambia you intend visiting. Start your course at least 24 hours before entering Zambia and continue taking the pills for six weeks after leaving the country. If you suffer from side effects, try taking your pills at night or after dinner as this usually minimises the effect of the symptoms.

Take precautionary measures to prevent contact with mosquitoes: sleep under a bed net or in a room/tent with mosquito proofing (remember to keep the flaps zipped at all times); spray your accommodation with insecticide; make use of a mosquito-repelling lotion or stick; and wear long sleeve clothing, trousers and socks when outside at night.

An International Certificate of Vaccination against yellow fever is required for visitors to northern and western Zambia. Immunisation against Hepatitis A and B and tetanus is recommended. Visitors from or passing through a yellow fever and cholera zone must be able to produce a valid certificate of immunisation. Air travellers who only pass through the airports of such a zone need not worry about this.

Swimming in dams and rivers should be avoided as the water may be infected with bilharzia. If you are canoeing or rafting and cannot avoid the water, this isn't a problem - just remember to towel off as soon as possible.

Medical Services
Health care in the major towns (particularly Lusaka and Livingstone) is good, but is limited in remote areas, including game parks. Cash payment is required for medical services, therefore it is essential your medical insurance covers your trip to Zambia. It is advisable to bring any medicines that you may require and a first aid kit since you will not have access to pharmacies in the areas you may be visiting.

Safety

Crime is prevalent in the cities of Zambia, but most tourist areas are unaffected. Areas along the borders may be unsafe, particularly the Great East road along the Mozambique border, the northern border with the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the border with Angola.

General Info

Water
Tap water in Zambia is said to be safe to drink, but bottled water can be purchased if preferred and is recommended. Rather be safe than sorry.

Social Conventions
Shaking hands is the normal form of greeting. If you are visiting a more remote area, expect to be met with curiosity. Gifts may be offered to you as a sign of friendship or respect. Never refuse such a gift. To honour the giver accept the gift with both hands and thank them warmly.

Photography
Most Zambians will be only too pleased to let you photograph them, provided you ask permission first. You may find that this results in a lot of posed, smiling portraits. If you are looking for a more natural shot ask for permission, shoot a few photographs and wait for a while. This will give them time to get back to their normal routine and not focus so much on the camera. A silent shutter is also a good idea. Never take any photographs of any military or governmental institutions.

What to Pack

Generally, casual comfortable clothing is suitable throughout the year in Zambia.

The most practical items to pack for safari are:

• Khaki, brown, green and beige colours
• Light cotton tops and cotton trousers
• Shirts with long sleeves (even in summer, they will protect you from the sun and from mosquitoes)
• T-shirts
• Shorts or a light skirt
• Jeans or safari trousers for evenings and cooler days
• Sweater or fleece
• Heavy jacket for game drives (especially during the winter months)
• Socks
• Comfortable walking shoes/boots
• Sun block, sunglasses and insect repellent are essential
• Hat
• Torch (when staying at bush camps)
• Swimsuit as some lodges have a plunge pool
• Light, compact raincoat during the rainy months

Layers are most practical for the fluctuating day/night temperatures of Zambia. Dull and/or neutral colours are more suitable for safari, white is not practical. It is best to pack hardy, durable clothing.

Best time for visiting Zambia ...

• best time: June - October
• good time: March - May