Zambia entry requirements for Bangladesh passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 25, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
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

Bangladeshi passport holders need an eVisa to travel to Zambia. You must apply online before you travel — there are no visa-on-arrival options for Bangladeshi nationals. As of 2026, the eVisa is the only way to get entry clearance.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
eVisa application
Apply before travel
Apply for a Zambia eVisa at the official eVisa portal before you fly. Processing takes 3 to 5 working days, and you'll receive an approval letter by email. Print that letter and carry it with your passport to present at immigration in Lusaka or Livingstone.Apply for eVisaRequired
Valid passport
Must be valid for the duration of stay
Your Bangladesh passport needs at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps. Zambia does not enforce a six-month validity rule beyond your stay, but airlines may still check for six months — confirm with your carrier before departure.Required
Return or onward ticket
Proof of departure from Zambia
Immigration officers at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport routinely ask for a confirmed onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a bus/train ticket to a neighboring country ready.Required
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or host invitation
Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Zambia. Officers may ask for it if you arrive without a clear itinerary, especially if you're staying more than a week.Recommended
Proof of funds
Show you can cover your stay
Have bank statements or a credit card ready to demonstrate you have at least $500 USD equivalent for your trip. Immigration rarely asks, but budget airlines flying into Zambia sometimes check at check-in.Recommended
Apply early — no visa on arrival
There is no visa-on-arrival option for Bangladeshi nationals. You must get your eVisa approved before you travel. Don't risk showing up without one — you'll be denied boarding.
Keep digital copies of everything
Save your eVisa approval, passport bio page, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation as PDFs on your phone and in cloud storage. If you lose your printed copy, you can still show the digital version at immigration.

What happens at the border

1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official Zambia eVisa portal (evisa.zambiaimmigration.gov.zm). Fill in the application form, upload a scanned copy of your passport bio page and a passport-sized photo. Pay the fee online with a credit or debit card. Processing usually takes 3–5 business days, but can be faster.
2
Receive and print your eVisa approval
Once approved, you'll get an email with your eVisa approval letter. Print a copy and save a PDF on your phone. You'll need to show this at check-in and on arrival in Zambia.
3
Arrive at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (Lusaka) or other entry points
At immigration, present your passport, printed eVisa, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation. The officer will check your details and stamp you in. The process usually takes 5–10 minutes if your documents are in order.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After clearing immigration, collect your bags from the carousel and proceed through customs. If you have nothing to declare, use the green channel. Taxis and ride-hailing services are available outside the terminal.
Download Zambia Entry Checklist
PDF · Bangladesh Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 2026
Download PDF

Staying longer & fees

Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:

Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$50 USD (approx. 6,000 BDT)

Standard eVisa for tourism, non-extendable.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days total
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$80 USD (approx. 9,600 BDT)

Allows multiple entries, each stay up to 30 days.

Business visa
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months
Cost$70 USD (approx. 8,400 BDT)

Requires invitation letter from Zambian company.

work visa
Employment Permit
Up to 2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. 60,000 BDT)
For those with a job offer from a Zambian employer. Requires contract and company sponsorship. Allows long-term stay.
student visa
Student Permit
Duration of studies, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. 24,000 BDT)
For enrolled students at recognized Zambian institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Permit
Up to 3 years, renewable
~$1,000 USD (approx. 120,000 BDT)
For individuals investing a minimum of $250,000 in Zambia. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
ServiceCost
eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for Bangladesh passport holders applying online.$50 USD (approx. 4,200 BDT)
eVisa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period.$80 USD (approx. 6,700 BDT)
Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap specified; avoid overstay.$30 USD per day (approx. 2,500 BDT)

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

Bangladesh 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
Exceptions & conditions
  • Holders of a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa may transit without visa for up to 48 hours.
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; certificate must be presented.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk

Present throughout Zambia, especially in rural areas; prophylaxis recommended.

Dengue feverModerate risk

Occasional outbreaks in urban areas; use mosquito repellent.

CholeraLow risk

Risk in areas with poor sanitation; ensure safe food and water.

Malaria risk: high

Prophylaxis recommended for all travellers, especially in rural and lowland areas.

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
P.O. Box 30231, 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 near Victoria Falls.

Practical information for BD 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 = 18.6 ZMW
updated May 29
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
Police999
Medical992
US EmbassyFind contact

Frequently asked questions

Processing typically takes 3–5 business days, but can be as fast as 24 hours. Apply at least a week before your trip to be safe. There is no expedited option.
The eVisa fee varies depending on the type (single entry vs multiple entry). As of 2026, a single-entry eVisa costs around $50 USD. Payment is online via credit or debit card.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave Zambia and reapply for a new eVisa from outside the country.
Zambia requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you are arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. Bangladesh is not on that list, so you generally don't need it. But if you've recently traveled to an endemic country, carry your certificate.
Yes, the eVisa is valid for entry at all official border posts, including land crossings from Tanzania, Malawi, Zimbabwe, and others. Just present your printed eVisa at the border.
Rejections are rare but can happen if your documents are incomplete or if there are errors in your application. You'll receive an email explaining the reason. You can reapply with corrected information. There is no appeal process.
Officially, proof of funds is not required for Bangladeshi passport holders. However, it's wise to carry a credit card or some cash (USD or Zambian kwacha) to cover your stay, just in case you're asked.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 25, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.