Zambia entry requirements for Madagascar 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
As a Madagascar passport holder, you can get a visa on arrival when you land in Zambia. No need to apply in advance — just show up with your passport and pay the fee at the airport. This policy is current as of 2026.
Apply for Zambia eVisaOfficial portal: Zambia eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa-free entryYou don't need to apply for a visa in advance for tourism or business visits of up to 90 days. No visa required for stays up to 90 days | Citizens of Madagascar do not need a visa for short stays in Zambia. You may enter without a visa and stay for up to 90 days per visit. | Not required |
| Passport validityEnsure your passport doesn't expire within 6 months of your arrival, or you may be denied entry. At least 6 months validity | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry into Zambia. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesZambian immigration will stamp your passport on arrival, so you need a blank page for that. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least one blank page for entry and exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketHaving a booked onward ticket can help avoid questions about your departure plans. May be requested | Although not always required, immigration officials may ask for proof of a return or onward ticket to confirm your intention to leave Zambia before the 90-day period ends. | Recommended |
| Proof of sufficient fundsCarry bank statements or a credit card to show you can support yourself during your visit. May be requested | You may be asked to show evidence of sufficient funds to cover your stay in Zambia. The amount is not fixed, but you should have access to cash or cards for your expenses. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any online form before arrival. Not required | Zambia does not require an online arrival declaration for travelers from Madagascar. | Not required |
| E-Visa applicationSkip the e-visa process; you can just travel with your passport. Not applicable for visa-free entry | Since you are visa-free, you do not need to apply for an e-visa through the Zambia Immigration e-services portal. | Not required |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa-on-arrival fee must be paid in US dollars cash. ATMs at the airport may not dispense USD, and credit cards are not accepted. Bring crisp, undamaged bills in small denominations ($20s and $50s).
Visa validity
The standard tourist visa on arrival is valid for up to 90 days. If you need to stay longer, apply for an extension at the Department of Immigration before your visa expires.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the airport
At Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (Lusaka) or Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport (Livingstone), follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. There's usually a dedicated counter before the main passport control queue.
2
Fill out the arrival form
You'll be given a small white or yellow immigration card on the plane or at the counter. Fill in your details — passport number, flight number, accommodation address.
3
Pay the visa fee
Hand over your passport, the completed form, and the fee in US dollars cash. The officer will process payment and issue a receipt. Keep the receipt with your passport.
4
Get your visa sticker
The officer will affix a visa sticker into your passport, stamp it, and return it. Check that the validity dates and your name are correct before walking away.
5
Proceed to passport control
Join the main passport control queue. Present your passport (with the new visa) and the arrival card. You'll be asked your purpose of visit and how long you're staying. Answer briefly and honestly.
6
Collect your luggage and exit
After passport control, head to baggage claim, then customs. Unless you're carrying restricted goods, you'll walk straight through.
Download Zambia Entry Checklist
PDF · Madagascar 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 (business/tourism)
Max stay90 days per visit
ValidityUp to 3 years
CostFrom $250 (USD)
Recommended for frequent travelers. Apply at a Zambian embassy or online via e-Service portal.
Business visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from date of issue
Cost$50 (USD)
For business activities, not employment. Apply in advance or on arrival.
Study visa
Max stayDuration of course
ValidityUp to 2 years
Cost$250 (USD)
Requires acceptance letter from a Zambian educational institution.
work visa
Employment Permit
Up to 2 years, renewable
ZMW 5,000 (approx. USD 250) plus processing fees
For foreign nationals with a job offer from a Zambian employer. Requires employer sponsorship and proof of qualifications. Allows multiple entries.
investor visa
Investor Permit
Up to 2 years, renewable
ZMW 10,000 (approx. USD 500) plus processing fees
For individuals investing at least USD 250,000 in Zambia. Requires proof of investment and business plan. Includes family dependents.
student visa
Student Permit
Duration of studies, renewable annually
ZMW 2,000 (approx. USD 100) per year
For enrolled students at recognized Zambian institutions. Requires acceptance letter and proof of financial support. Allows part-time work with permission.
retirement visa
Retirement Permit
Up to 2 years, renewable
ZMW 3,000 (approx. USD 150) plus processing fees
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds (minimum USD 1,000/month). Allows residency but not employment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry, up to 90 days)Payable in cash at the port of entry. Credit cards not accepted. | $50 (USD) or equivalent in local currency |
| Visa extension (up to additional 90 days)Apply at the Department of Immigration in Lusaka before your initial 90 days expire. | 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
Transit visa required
A transit visa is required if you will leave the international transit area or stay overnight. It is issued on arrival at major airports.
Exceptions & conditions
- Citizens of countries with visa-free agreements (not applicable to Madagascar passport holders).
- Diplomatic or official passport holders may be exempt.
Transit hubsKenneth Kaunda International Airport (Lusaka) · Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport (Livingstone) · Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe International Airport (Ndola)
Health & vaccines for Zambia
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (including Madagascar). Must show certificate at entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout Zambia, especially in rural areas; prophylaxis strongly recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance is key.
CholeraModerate risk
Outbreaks occur during rainy season; ensure safe food and water.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is high risk nationwide, especially in rural and low-lying 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
Zambia 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 proof of funds.
Livingstone
Livingstone Immigration Office
Mosi-oa-Tunya Road, Livingstone
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Convenient for tourists near Victoria Falls; handles extensions and re-entry permits.
Practical information for MG 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
The standard single-entry tourist visa is around $50 USD, payable in cash (US dollars). Always bring crisp, undamaged bills — torn or marked notes may be refused. Double-entry and multiple-entry options are available at higher fees (typically $80 and $150 respectively).
Yes, you can apply for an extension at the Department of Immigration in Lusaka or Livingstone. The standard tourist visa is valid for up to 90 days. Extensions are granted on a case-by-case basis and cost around $50–$100. Start the process at least two weeks before your visa expires.
Visa on arrival is also available at major land border crossings like Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe side) and Chirundu (Zimbabwe side). The process is similar — fill out a form, pay in USD cash, and get your visa. Land borders may have fewer ATMs, so bring enough cash.
Zambia requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you're arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Madagascar is not on that list, so you generally don't need it. But if you've recently traveled to a yellow fever endemic country, carry your vaccination card.
No. The visa fee must be paid in cash — US dollars are preferred. Some border posts may accept Zambian kwacha, but the exchange rate may not be favorable. Always bring USD in small denominations ($20s and $50s).
Overstaying is taken seriously. You'll be fined approximately $30 per day overstay, payable at immigration when you leave. In extreme cases, you could be detained or banned from re-entry. Set a reminder a week before your visa expires.
Zambia does not have an e-visa system for Madagascar passport holders. The only option is visa on arrival. There is no Zambian embassy in Madagascar, so you'd need to apply at a consulate in a neighboring country — which is impractical. Just get it at the airport.
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.