Zambia entry requirements for Chile passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed July 3, 2026·View sources
Visa on arrival
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
Chilean passport holders get a visa on arrival in Zambia — no need to apply beforehand. This policy remains in effect for 2026 and is straightforward at major entry points like Kenneth Kaunda International Airport in Lusaka.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrivalYou do not need to apply for a visa before travel; you will receive it upon arrival in Zambia. Single-entry visa | Chilean passport holders can obtain a visa on arrival at any Zambian port of entry. The visa is valid for a single entry; the maximum stay is determined by the immigration officer at the border. No advance application is needed. | Required |
| Passport validityEnsure your passport does not expire within 6 months of your arrival date. 6 months beyond intended stay | Your Chilean passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into Zambia. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesThe visa on arrival requires a blank page for the entry stamp. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must contain at least 1 blank visa page for the visa on arrival stamp. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketHaving a return or onward ticket helps demonstrate you intend to leave Zambia before your visa expires. Proof of onward travel | Immigration officials may request proof of a return or onward ticket. It is strongly recommended to have a confirmed booking. | Recommended |
| Proof of sufficient fundsCarry cash (USD or ZMW) or a credit card to show you can support yourself during your visit. For duration of stay | You may be asked to show evidence of sufficient funds to cover your stay in Zambia. No specific minimum amount is published; carry enough for accommodation, meals, and expenses. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to complete any online or paper arrival declaration before travel. Not required | No arrival declaration form is required for entry into Zambia. | Not required |
| E-visa applicationYou do not need to apply for an e-visa; simply get the visa on arrival at the border. Not required | An e-visa is not required for Chilean passport holders; a visa on arrival is available instead. | Not required |
Cash only for visa on arrival
The visa fee must be paid in cash — no cards, no mobile payments. Bring USD in small bills ($20s and $10s). ATMs at the airport dispense Zambian kwacha, not dollars.
Visa validity starts on the day of issue
Your 30-day visa starts counting from the day you enter, not from when you apply. If you plan to stay longer, apply for an extension before day 25.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at immigration
At Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (Lusaka) or any land border, head to the 'Visa on Arrival' counter. There's usually a separate queue from visa-free nationals.
2
Fill out the arrival form
You'll get a small card to fill in — name, passport number, flight number, address in Zambia. Keep your pen handy.
3
Present documents and pay
Hand over your passport, completed form, and return ticket. Pay the visa fee in cash (USD is widely accepted — bring small bills). As of 2026, the fee is around $50 for a single-entry tourist visa.
4
Receive visa and enter
The officer will stamp your passport with the visa sticker. Check the validity dates before walking away. You're usually granted 30 days.
Download Zambia Entry Checklist
PDF · Chile Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated July 3, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business visa
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$100 USD
Requires invitation letter from Zambian company. Apply at Zambian embassy in Santiago or online via eVisa.
Multiple entry visa
Max stay90 days per visit
Validity12 months
Cost$150 USD
Available via eVisa or embassy. Good for frequent travelers.
digital nomad
Zambia Digital Nomad Visa
Up to 2 years
$250 USD application fee
For remote workers earning at least $2,000/month. Allows multiple entries and renewable annually.
Apply online retirement
Zambia Retirement Visa
5 years (renewable)
$500 USD application fee
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or savings of at least $20,000. Includes spouse and dependents.
Apply online Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry, up to 30 days)Payable in USD cash only. Exact change recommended. | $50 USD |
| Visa on arrival (single entry, up to 90 days)Available at major entry points. | $80 USD |
| Visa extension (per month, up to 3 months)Apply at Immigration Department in Lusaka or Ndola. | $30 USD per month |
| Exit fee (departure tax)No separate payment at airport. | Included in airfare |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
Invalid or damaged passport25%
No return or onward ticket20%
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
Chilean passport holders transiting through Zambia (e.g., at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport) do not need a visa if staying airside and departing within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If you need to enter Zambia (e.g., to collect luggage or change terminals), you must obtain a visa on arrival.
Transit hubsKenneth Kaunda International Airport (LUN) · Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport (LVI) · Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe International Airport (NLA)
Health & vaccines for Zambia
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (including transit >12 hours). Chile is not risk, but proof may be requested if you have recently traveled to an endemic area.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidRecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderCholeraConsider
Health risks
CholeraModerate risk
Outbreaks occur seasonally, especially in urban areas with poor sanitation.
TyphoidModerate risk
Risk from contaminated food/water.
SchistosomiasisModerate risk
Present in freshwater lakes and rivers. Avoid swimming in untreated water.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present throughout Zambia, including urban areas. Prophylaxis recommended (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine). 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
Plot No. 1, Haile Selassie Avenue, Lusaka
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Ndola
Department of Immigration – Ndola Regional Office
Corner of President Avenue and Buteko Street, Ndola
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Practical information for CL 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 = 18.22 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
As of 2026, the single-entry tourist visa on arrival costs about $50 USD. Bring small bills — they may not have change for large notes. Credit cards are not accepted at the immigration counter.
Yes, you can apply for an extension at the Department of Immigration in Lusaka (or provincial offices). Extensions are typically granted for up to 90 days total. The fee is around $50–$100 depending on duration. Start the process before your initial visa expires.
The same visa-on-arrival policy applies at all official border crossings — like Victoria Falls Bridge or Kazungula. The process is the same: fill out a form, pay the fee, get the stamp. Land borders may be less busy but have the same requirements.
Zambia requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you're arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. Chile is not a risk country, so you generally don't need it unless you've recently traveled to an endemic area. Check with your airline.
The standard visa on arrival is single-entry. If you need multiple entries (e.g., for day trips to Zimbabwe), you can request a multiple-entry visa at the immigration office in Lusaka. The fee is higher — around $150. Apply in advance if possible.
Overstaying is taken seriously. You'll be fined approximately $30 per day overstayed, and you may be barred from re-entering Zambia for a period. Always extend before your visa expires.
Yes, but keep it in small denominations ($20s and $10s). Immigration counters rarely have change. ATMs are available at the airport but may not dispense USD. Carry enough for the visa fee plus a buffer.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on July 3, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.