Zambia entry requirements for Bulgaria passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 31, 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
Bulgarian passport holders can visit Zambia visa-free for up to 90 days. No visa application needed before travel — just show up with a valid passport and proof of onward travel. This policy is in effect for 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must cover your entire stay in Zambia | Your Bulgarian passport needs at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps. Zambia does not require six months of validity beyond your departure date — just enough to cover your stay. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Zambia | Immigration officers at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Airlines check this before boarding — have your booking confirmation ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a hotel confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host ready. Officers occasionally ask for it, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Evidence of sufficient money for your stay | Carry bank statements, a credit card, or cash (USD is widely accepted). Immigration may ask how you plan to support yourself during your 90-day visit. | Recommended |
Visa-free entry is for tourism only
If you plan to work, study, or volunteer in Zambia, you need a separate visa or permit. The 90-day visa-free stay is strictly for tourism and short visits.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at immigration
At Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (Lusaka) or other entry points, join the 'Foreign Passports' queue. Have your passport, return ticket (screenshot or print), and accommodation booking ready.
2
Present documents and get stamped
Hand over your passport and any requested documents. The officer will stamp you in — usually takes 2-5 minutes. No fee for visa-free entry.
3
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, pick up your bags from baggage claim, then proceed through customs. If you have nothing to declare, use the green channel.
Download Zambia Entry Checklist
PDF · Bulgaria Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 31, 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
Validity3 months from issue
CostFree (visa-free already applies)
Visa-free entry already covers 90 days. No need to apply.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per visit
Validity6 months
CostFree (visa-free already applies)
Visa-free entry allows multiple entries within 90-day periods. No separate visa needed.
work visa
Employment Permit
Up to 2 years, renewable
~$500 USD application fee
For those with a job offer from a Zambian employer. Requires employer sponsorship and proof of qualifications.
investor visa
Investment Permit
Up to 5 years, renewable
~$1,000 USD application fee
For investors with a minimum investment of $250,000 USD in Zambia. Includes residency rights.
student visa
Student Permit
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~$200 USD application fee
For those enrolled in a recognized educational institution in Zambia. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of 15,000 ZMW (~$750 USD). Pay at immigration before departure. | 300 ZMW (~$15 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Unclear travel purpose20%
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
Bulgaria passport holders transiting through Zambia do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed
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, or if you have transited through such a country for more than 12 hours.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialRabiesConsiderCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in rural areas. Prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and semi-urban areas, especially during rainy season.
CholeraLow risk
Outbreaks occur occasionally, mainly in areas with poor sanitation.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is high risk nationwide, especially in rural areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended. Use insect repellent and bed nets.
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 proof of funds.
Livingstone
Department of Immigration – Livingstone Office
Mosi-oa-Tunya Road, Livingstone
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Handles extensions for tourists near Victoria Falls. Arrive early to avoid queues.
Practical information for BG 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 = 18.07 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. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a visa or permit before your 90 days are up. Overstaying can result in fines or a ban.
Zambia requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you are arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. Bulgaria is not a risk country, so you generally don't need it unless you've recently traveled to an endemic area. Check with your doctor.
You will likely be denied entry. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced at Zambian immigration.
Yes, the visa-free policy applies at all land border crossings and airports. Just have your passport and onward ticket ready.
No pre-arrival declaration is required. You'll fill out a simple arrival card on the plane or at the border.
The local currency is the Zambian kwacha (ZMW). US dollars are widely accepted at hotels and larger shops, but you'll get better rates using local currency. ATMs are available in cities.
Zambia is generally safe for tourists, but take standard precautions: avoid walking alone at night, keep valuables secure, and use registered taxis. The visa-free policy reflects a good bilateral relationship.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 31, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.