Zambia entry requirements for Croatia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 20, 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
Croatian passport holders can visit Zambia visa-free for up to 90 days. This policy is in effect as of 2026, so you can skip the embassy visit and just book your flight.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport must be valid for at least the length of your stay in Zambia. Carry a photocopy of the bio-data page separately in case of loss. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Zambia | Immigration officers at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport and Livingstone Airport routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Airlines check this before boarding. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Zambia. Officers may ask for it if your stay seems unclear. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Carry bank statements, a credit card, or cash (USD is widely accepted). Officers rarely ask, but having proof avoids delays. | Recommended |
Visa-free entry confirmed
Croatian passport holders can enter Zambia without a visa for up to 90 days. No application, no fee — just show up with a valid passport and a return ticket.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you arrive in Zambia, not from your departure date. If it expires sooner, renew it before you travel.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at immigration
At Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (Lusaka) or Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport (Livingstone), follow signs to 'Foreign Passports'. Join the queue for visa-free arrivals.
2
Present your documents
Hand over your passport, boarding pass, and return ticket. The officer will check your passport validity and blank page. Answer any questions about your stay (purpose, duration, where you're staying).
3
Get stamped in
The officer will stamp your passport with a 90-day entry permit. No fee is charged. Keep the stamp visible — you'll need it when you leave.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. You're free to enter Zambia.
Download Zambia Entry Checklist
PDF · Croatia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 20, 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, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost50 USD
Apply at Zambian embassy or online; requires passport, photo, and fee.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay90 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost80 USD
Ideal for frequent travellers; same application process.
Long-stay visa (business/study)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year
CostVaries (approx. 200 USD)
Requires sponsorship from employer or educational institution.
work visa
Employment Permit
Up to 2 years, renewable
~500 USD
For foreign nationals with a job offer in Zambia. Requires employer sponsorship and proof of qualifications.
student visa
Student Permit
Duration of study, renewable annually
~200 USD
For those enrolled in a recognized educational institution in Zambia. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investment Permit
Up to 5 years, renewable
~1,000 USD
For individuals investing a minimum of $250,000 in Zambia. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are assessed at immigration upon departure; maximum cap may apply. | 300 ZMW (~$15 USD) per day |
| Tourist visa (single entry) – if needed for longer stayAvailable for those who need to stay beyond 90 days or re-enter. | 50 USD |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry) – if neededAllows multiple entries within validity period. | 80 USD |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
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
Croatian 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
Transit hubsKenneth Kaunda International Airport (Lusaka) · Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport (Livingstone)
Health & vaccines for Zambia
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialRabiesConsiderCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout Zambia, especially in rural areas; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance is key.
CholeraLow risk
Outbreaks occur during rainy season; practice food and water safety.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is high risk nationwide, especially in rural areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended.
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 30130, 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 HR 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 = 18.88 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. You must leave Zambia before the 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. Croatia is not a risk country, so you likely won't need it unless you've recently traveled to an endemic area. Check the latest requirements before you go.
You cannot extend the visa-free stay. For longer stays, you'd need to apply for a visa or permit before traveling — contact the Zambian embassy in Zagreb or apply online through the eVisa system (if available for your purpose).
Yes, the visa-free policy applies at all land borders as well. You'll go through the same process at the border post. Just make sure your passport is valid and you have a return ticket.
No, there is no official requirement to show proof of funds for Croatian passport holders. However, having a credit card or some cash (USD or Zambian kwacha) is practical for your stay.
Overstaying can lead to a fine (around 300-600 ZMW per day) and potential difficulties when leaving or re-entering. In serious cases, you could be banned from Zambia. Always leave on time.
No, you don't need one since you get visa-free entry. But if you need a different visa type (e.g., for work or study), you can apply through the Zambian eVisa portal at evisa.zambiaimmigration.gov.zm.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 20, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.