Zambia entry requirements for Israel passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 5, 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
Israeli passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Zambia — no need to apply in advance. Just show up at the airport or land border with the right documents, pay the fee in cash, and you're in. This policy is in effect as of 2026.
Apply for Zambia eVisaOfficial portal: Zambia eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| VisaYou can enter Zambia without a visa for short visits. Visa-free entry for Israeli citizens | Israeli citizens do not need a visa for stays up to 90 days. No advance application is required. | Not required |
| Passport validityEnsure your passport does not expire within 6 months of your travel date. At least 6 months from date of entry | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of arrival in Zambia. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesZambian immigration will stamp your passport on arrival, so a blank page is necessary. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for entry stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketHaving a ticket out of Zambia helps prove you intend to leave within the allowed period. May be requested | Although not always required, immigration officials may ask to see proof of a return or onward ticket. It is strongly recommended to have one. | Recommended |
| Proof of sufficient fundsShowing you can support yourself financially during your visit is a common immigration requirement. May be requested | You may be asked to show evidence of sufficient funds for your stay. No specific amount is published, but carrying cash or a bank statement is advisable. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any online arrival form before traveling. Not required | No arrival declaration is required for entry into Zambia. | Not required |
| E-visa applicationYou can skip the e-visa process entirely. Not applicable | Since Israeli citizens are visa-exempt, no e-visa application is needed. The e-visa portal is only for nationals who require a visa. | Not required |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash. USD is widely accepted, but bring small bills ($50 or less). ATMs at the airport may not dispense USD, and credit cards are not accepted for visa payment.
Visa on arrival is not extendable
If you think you might stay longer than the granted period, consider applying for a longer-stay permit (like an employment or investment permit) before you travel. Overstaying incurs fines of $30 USD per day, up to $500 USD.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at entry point
At Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (Lusaka) or any land border, head to the 'Visa on Arrival' counter. There's usually a separate queue from citizens.
2
Present documents
Hand over your passport, completed arrival form (given on the plane or at the counter), and your return ticket if asked. The officer will check your passport validity and blank page.
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay the visa fee in cash (USD is widely accepted, sometimes local currency). As of 2026, single-entry is around $50 USD. Keep the receipt.
4
Receive visa and enter
The officer stamps or sticks the visa into your passport. Check the validity dates before walking away. Then proceed to baggage claim and customs.
Download Zambia Entry Checklist
PDF · Israel Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 5, 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:
Multiple entry visa (issued on arrival)
Max stay90 days per visit
ValidityUp to 3 years
Cost$150 (USD)
Request at port of entry; requires proof of funds and return ticket.
Business visa (issued on arrival)
Max stay90 days
ValiditySingle entry
Cost$50 (USD)
Requires invitation letter from Zambian company.
work visa
Employment Permit
Up to 2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. 500 USD)
For those with a job offer from a Zambian employer. Requires employer sponsorship and proof of qualifications.
investor visa
Investment Permit
Up to 3 years, renewable
~$1,000 USD (approx. 1,000 USD)
For investors with a minimum investment of $250,000 USD in Zambia. Includes residency rights.
student visa
Student Permit
Duration of studies, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. 200 USD)
For those enrolled in a recognized Zambian educational institution. Requires acceptance letter.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry, up to 90 days)Payable in cash at port of entry. Fee may vary slightly; check with Zambian immigration. | $50 (USD) or equivalent in ZMW |
| Visa extension (up to additional 90 days)Apply at Department of Immigration in Lusaka before current visa expires. | Approx. $250 (USD) |
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
Israeli passport holders transiting through Zambia do not need a visa if staying airside and departing within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport transit area, a visa on arrival is required.
Transit hubsKenneth Kaunda International Airport (LUN) · Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport (LVI)
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 AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout Zambia, especially in rural areas; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks in urban areas; mosquito avoidance advised.
CholeraModerate risk
Risk during rainy season; ensure safe food and water.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is high risk nationwide, especially in rural areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) recommended for all travellers.
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, Zambia
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and permits; bring passport and photos.
Livingstone
Livingstone Immigration Office
Mosi-oa-Tunya Road, Livingstone
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Near Victoria Falls; handles extensions for tourists.
Practical information for IL 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, a single-entry visa on arrival costs around $50 USD. Double-entry and multiple-entry options are available at higher fees (around $80 and $150 USD respectively). Pay in cash — USD is preferred, but local currency (Zambian kwacha) may be accepted. Keep the receipt.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before travel. The maximum stay is determined at entry (usually 30 days).
You will likely be denied entry. The 6-month validity rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before traveling.
Zambia requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. Israel is not a risk country, but if you have recently traveled to one, you'll need the certificate. Check with your doctor.
Yes, most major land border crossings (like Chirundu from Zimbabwe, or Nakonde from Tanzania) offer visa on arrival for Israeli passport holders. The process is the same as at the airport — have cash and documents ready.
Immigration may refuse entry or give you a shorter stay. Always have a confirmed onward ticket. A bus ticket to a neighboring country counts as onward travel.
Zambia does offer an e-visa, but it's not required for Israeli passport holders since you can get a visa on arrival. If you prefer to apply in advance, you can use the official Zambia e-visa portal. Processing takes 3-5 business days and costs about the same as on arrival.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 5, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.