Zambia entry requirements for Colombia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 25, 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
Colombian passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Zambia. Show up at the airport or land border, pay the fee in US dollars cash, and get stamped in without any prior application. As of 2025, this is the standard process for most nationalities.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Colombian passport holders can get a single-entry visa on arrival at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport in Lusaka. The fee is $50 USD (cash only, exact change recommended). Have a printed copy of your return or onward ticket ready — the immigration officer will ask to see it before issuing the visa.Apply online | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Zambia | Zambia strictly enforces the 6-month passport validity rule. If your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding by the airline and refused entry at the border. At least two blank pages are required for the visa sticker and entry stamp. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Zambia | Immigration officers at Lusaka airport always ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket before issuing the visa on arrival. A flight booking confirmation or printed itinerary showing your departure within the visa validity period works. Without it, you will not get the visa. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Zambia ready. Immigration may ask for it during the visa-on-arrival process, especially if you are staying more than a few days. A simple booking confirmation from Booking.com or similar is fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Evidence of sufficient money for your stay | Carry at least $500 USD in cash or have a bank statement showing you can cover your expenses. Immigration officers occasionally ask for proof of funds, especially if you have no return ticket or accommodation booked. A credit card with a decent limit also works. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in US dollars cash. ATMs at the airport are unreliable, and credit cards are not accepted at immigration. Bring crisp, undamaged bills — old or torn notes may be refused.
Keep your return ticket handy
Immigration officers often ask to see proof of onward travel. Have a printed copy or a screenshot on your phone. If you don't have one, they may deny entry or ask you to buy a ticket on the spot.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at immigration
At Kenneth Kaunda International Airport in Lusaka or at land borders like Victoria Falls, head to the 'Visa on Arrival' counter. There's usually a separate queue from citizens/residents.
2
Fill out the arrival form
You'll get a small white or yellow card on the plane or at the counter. Fill in your details, flight number, and accommodation address.
3
Present documents and pay
Hand over your passport, completed form, and return ticket. Pay the visa fee in US dollars cash. They'll take your photo and fingerprints.
4
Receive your visa sticker
The officer will affix a visa sticker into your passport and stamp it. Check the validity dates before walking away.
5
Proceed to baggage claim
After immigration, collect your luggage and go through customs. The whole process usually takes 20-40 minutes.
Download Zambia Entry Checklist
PDF · Colombia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 2026
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
Cost50 USD (50 USD)
Apply at Zambian embassy before travel.
Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
Cost80 USD (80 USD)
Ideal for multiple visits within validity.
Business Visa
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months
Cost100 USD (100 USD)
Requires invitation letter from Zambian company.
work visa
Employment Permit
Up to 2 years, renewable
~500 USD (500 USD)
For foreign nationals 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 (1,000 USD)
For individuals investing at least $250,000 in Zambia. Includes residency rights for family.
student visa
Student Permit
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~200 USD (200 USD)
For those enrolled in a recognized Zambian educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Payable in USD at port of entry. Valid for up to 30 days. | $50 USD (cash only) |
| Overstay fineNo maximum cap mentioned officially; avoid overstay. | $30 USD per day |
| Tourist visa (single entry, pre-arranged)Can be obtained online via eVisa system before travel. | $50 USD (equivalent) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Available via eVisa; allows multiple entries within validity. | $80 USD (equivalent) |
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
Colombia passport holders transiting through Zambia (e.g., Kenneth Kaunda International Airport) do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or passing through immigration, a visa on arrival is required.
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 Colombia). Must present certificate at entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout Zambia, especially in rural areas. Prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and semi-urban areas, especially during rainy season.
CholeraModerate risk
Outbreaks occur, especially during rainy season. Practice food and water safety.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is high throughout Zambia, especially in rural areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended. Use insect repellent and mosquito 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 1, Independence Avenue, Lusaka
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and permits. Arrive early to avoid queues.
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 CO 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
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
Single entry is $50 USD, double entry $80 USD, and multiple entry $150 USD. Pay in US dollars cash — exact change is appreciated. Credit cards are not accepted at the immigration counter.
Yes, you can extend your visa at the Department of Immigration in Lusaka or at regional offices. Extensions cost around $50 USD and can give you up to 90 days total stay. Apply before your current visa expires.
Zambia requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. Colombia is not on that list, but if you've recently traveled to a risk country, you'll need proof. Otherwise, it's not required.
Land borders like Victoria Falls (from Zimbabwe) and Chirundu (from Zimbabwe) also issue visas on arrival. The process is similar — same fee, same requirements. Expect slightly longer queues at busy crossings.
No. A single-entry visa allows one entry. If you leave Zambia (even for a day trip to Zimbabwe), you'll need a new visa to re-enter. If you plan to cross borders, get a double or multiple entry visa upfront.
The standard visa on arrival grants up to 30 days. You can extend it once inside the country for an additional 30-60 days. The total stay cannot exceed 90 days per visit.
Your passport (6+ months validity), a completed arrival card, your return or onward ticket, and proof of first night accommodation. They may also ask for proof of sufficient funds — a bank statement or credit card usually works.
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.