Zambia entry requirements for South Korea passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 15, 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
South Korean passport holders can visit Zambia visa-free for up to 90 days. This policy is in effect for 2026, making travel straightforward for tourism or short business trips.
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. No minimum validity period beyond your departure date is required by Zambian immigration, but airlines may enforce a 6-month rule — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your outbound booking ready — they will check the date matches your visa-free 90-day limit. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a hotel confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host in Zambia. Officers rarely ask for it, but having it ready avoids delays at the desk. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient cash or bank statement | Zambian immigration can request proof you can support yourself during your stay. Have a bank statement or credit card showing access to at least $500 USD equivalent — most travellers never get asked, but it's a standard fallback question. | Recommended |
Visa-free entry is straightforward
South Korean passport holders do not need to apply for a visa in advance. Just show up with a valid passport and a return ticket. No fees, no forms.
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Make sure your passport has at least 6 months of validity left from your entry date. Airlines may also check this before boarding.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at immigration counter
At Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (Lusaka) or other entry points, join the 'Foreign Passports' queue. Have your passport and return ticket ready.
2
Present documents
Hand over your passport and any requested documents. The officer will check your passport validity, blank page, and may ask for your return ticket or accommodation proof.
3
Receive entry stamp
If everything is in order, the officer stamps your passport with a 90-day visa-free entry. No fee is charged. Keep the stamp visible for your departure.
Download Zambia Entry Checklist
PDF · South Korea Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 15, 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 date
CostFree (visa-free entry applies)
Visa-free entry already covers 90 days; this option is for those who need a visa for other reasons.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months
CostFree (visa-free entry applies)
Not typically needed for South Korean passport holders due to visa-free access.
Long-stay visa (e.g., work/study)
Max stayVaries by permit
ValidityUp to 2 years
CostVaries (approx. $100–$500 USD)
Requires employer or institution sponsorship; apply through Zambian embassy.
work visa
Employment Permit
Up to 2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (application fee)
For foreign nationals with a job offer in Zambia. Requires employer sponsorship and proof of qualifications. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Student Permit
Duration of study, renewable
~$200 USD (application fee)
For those enrolled in a recognized educational institution in Zambia. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Permit
Up to 3 years, renewable
~$1,000 USD (application fee)
For individuals investing a minimum amount (e.g., $250,000 USD) in Zambia. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)No fee required for visa-free entry; this option is for longer stays or if visa is needed. | Free (visa-free entry applies) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Not applicable for visa-free entry; listed for reference. | Free (visa-free entry applies) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are charged daily; maximum cap may apply. | 300 ZMW (~$15 USD) per day |
| Stay extension (if applicable)Visa-free entry is not extendable; overstay is the only option for longer stays. | Unknown |
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
South Korean passport holders do not require a transit visa to change planes at Zambian airports, provided they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsKenneth Kaunda International Airport (LUN), Lusaka · Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport (LVI), Livingstone · Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe International Airport (NLA), Ndola
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, etc.)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Malaria is prevalent throughout Zambia, especially in rural areas; prophylaxis is strongly recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Dengue outbreaks occur, particularly in urban areas; use mosquito repellent.
CholeraModerate risk
Cholera outbreaks occur during rainy season; practice food and water safety.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is high throughout Zambia, including urban areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is 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
Plot 1, Independence Avenue, Lusaka
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and permits; bring passport, photos, and supporting documents.
Livingstone
Department of Immigration – Livingstone Office
Mosi-oa-Tunya Road, Livingstone
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Handles visa issues for tourists visiting Victoria Falls.
Practical information for KR 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 = 18.92 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. If you need to stay longer, you would need to apply for a different visa type before traveling.
No, there is no formal requirement to show proof of funds for South Korean passport holders entering visa-free. However, having a credit card or some cash (USD or Zambian kwacha) is practical for your stay.
You will likely be denied entry. The rule is strict: your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. Renew your passport before traveling.
Yes, the visa-free policy applies at all official entry points, including land borders (e.g., from Zimbabwe at Victoria Falls). The same 90-day limit and passport validity rules apply.
If you are transiting and will not clear immigration (staying airside), you generally do not need a visa. But if you plan to leave the airport, the visa-free entry applies for up to 90 days.
No, there is no separate arrival declaration required for visa-free entry. You simply present your passport at immigration.
The local currency is the Zambian kwacha (ZMW). US dollars are widely accepted at hotels and larger businesses, but for small purchases you'll need kwacha. ATMs are available in cities.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 15, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.