Zambia entry requirements for Nigeria passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 25, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
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
Nigerian passport holders need an eVisa to enter Zambia in 2026. The process is entirely online and straightforward, but you must apply before you travel. Plan ahead to avoid delays.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply online before travel | Apply for a Zambia eVisa at the official eVisa portal before you fly. Processing takes 3–5 working days — do not book non-refundable flights until approved. Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your Nigerian passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in Zambia. No minimum validity beyond departure is required by Zambian law, but airlines may enforce 6 months — check with your carrier. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration at Kenneth Kaunda and Harry Mwanga Nkumbula airports routinely asks for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy ready — they will check the date matches your eVisa. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host letter | Have a hotel confirmation or a letter from your host with their address and phone number. Officers rarely ask, but if you arrive without a clear place to stay, they may deny entry. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Carry bank statements or a credit card showing you have enough for your stay. There is no fixed minimum, but expect questions if you look underfunded — $300–$500 USD for a short trip is a safe benchmark. | Recommended |
Apply Early — No Visa on Arrival
Nigerian passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival in Zambia. You must have an approved eVisa before you board your flight. Apply at least a week in advance.
Yellow Fever Certificate Required
Zambia requires a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate if you're arriving from Nigeria. Without it, you may be quarantined or denied entry. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa Online
Go to the official Zambia eVisa website (evisa.zambiaimmigration.gov.zm). Fill in your personal details, passport info, and travel dates. Upload a digital passport photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee with a credit or debit card. Processing usually takes 3–5 business days.
2
Receive and Print Your eVisa
Once approved, you'll get an email with your eVisa approval letter. Print a copy and also save a PDF on your phone. You'll need to show this at check-in and on arrival.
3
Prepare Your Documents for Travel
Before you leave for the airport, gather: your passport (valid 6+ months), printed eVisa, return ticket, hotel booking, and travel insurance. Keep them in an easily accessible folder.
4
Arrive at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (Lusaka) or Other Entry Points
At immigration, present your passport, eVisa approval, and return ticket. The officer will stamp your passport. The process is usually quick — expect 10–15 minutes if you have all documents ready.
Download Zambia Entry Checklist
PDF · Nigeria 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
Cost$50 USD (approx. $50 USD)
Standard eVisa for tourism; apply online before travel.
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$80 USD (approx. $80 USD)
Ideal for travelers planning multiple visits within six months.
Business Visa
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$100 USD (approx. $100 USD)
Requires invitation letter from Zambian company.
work visa
Employment Permit
Up to 2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (application fee)
For foreign nationals with a job offer from a Zambian employer. Requires a work contract and company sponsorship. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Student Permit
Duration of study, renewable annually
~$200 USD (application fee)
For enrollment in a recognized Zambian educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Permit
Up to 2 years, renewable
~$1,000 USD (application fee)
For individuals investing at least $250,000 USD in Zambia. Requires proof of investment and business plan.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for a single-entry tourist eVisa. | $50 USD (approx. $50 USD) |
| eVisa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | $80 USD (approx. $80 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa validity. | $30 USD per day (max $300 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete application20%
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
Nigeria passport holders transiting through Zambia do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if you need to enter the country (e.g., to change airports or collect luggage), you must obtain an eVisa.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa may transit without visa for up to 48 hours.
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 for travelers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission, including Nigeria.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout Zambia, especially in rural areas; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks in urban areas; use mosquito repellent.
CholeraLow risk
Risk during rainy season; ensure safe food and water.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in all regions. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended for all travelers.
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 No. 1, Independence Avenue, 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 NG 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
Processing usually takes 3–5 business days. Apply at least a week before your trip to be safe. The official website is evisa.zambiaimmigration.gov.zm.
The standard eVisa fee is around $50 USD for a single-entry tourist visa. Fees are subject to change, so check the official portal for the current amount.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a new visa or a different permit before your current one expires.
Yes, Zambia requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever, which includes Nigeria. Carry your yellow card.
You will likely be denied entry and sent back on the next flight. There is no visa on arrival for Nigerian passport holders. You must have the eVisa approved before you travel.
The standard eVisa is for single entry only. If you plan to leave and re-enter Zambia, you'll need a new eVisa each time.
Your eVisa application will be rejected. You must renew your passport first. The 6-month validity is calculated from your date of entry into Zambia.
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.