Zambia entry requirements for Romania passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 31, 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
Romanian passport holders can enter Zambia without a visa for stays up to 90 days. This policy started in 2024 and covers tourism, business, and transit. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must cover your entire stay in Zambia | Your passport needs at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps. Zambia does not require six months of validity beyond your departure date — just enough to cover your stay. Airlines sometimes enforce six months anyway, so check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Zambia | Immigration officers at Kenneth Kaunda and Harry Mwanga Nkumbula airports routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot ready on your phone. Without one, you may be denied boarding or entry. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Officers sometimes ask where you are staying, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. A hotel confirmation or a letter from your host covers this. You do not need to show it unless asked. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Immigration may ask for evidence of sufficient funds. A recent bank statement or a credit card with a reasonable limit works. There is no fixed minimum amount, but having at least $500 USD equivalent is a safe bet. | Recommended |
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you land in Zambia, not from your departure date. If it expires sooner, renew it before you go.
No visa, no fee — just show up
Romanian passport holders get 90 days visa-free. No application, no payment, no embassy visit. Just arrive with a valid passport and a return ticket.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the airport in Zambia
You'll land at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (Lusaka) or Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport (Livingstone). Follow signs to 'Immigration' — it's usually a short walk from the gate.
2
Queue at the immigration counter
Join the 'Foreign Passports' queue. Have your passport, return ticket (printed or on phone), and accommodation booking ready. The officer will stamp you in — no visa needed, no fee.
3
Collect your luggage and exit
After the stamp, head to baggage claim, then customs. You're free to enter Zambia. Keep your passport handy — you'll need it for hotel check-ins and any domestic flights.
Download Zambia Entry Checklist
PDF · Romania Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 31, 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 up to 90 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost50 USD
Apply at Zambian embassy or online; requires passport, photo, itinerary.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost80 USD
Ideal for frequent travellers; same requirements as single entry.
Business visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity3 months
Cost100 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 employer sponsorship, contract, and qualifications. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Student Permit
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~$200 USD
For enrolled students at recognized Zambian institutions. Requires admission letter, proof of funds, and health insurance.
investor visa
Investor Permit
Up to 2 years, renewable
~$1,000 USD
For individuals investing at least $250,000 in Zambia. Requires business plan, proof of investment, and registration.
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 stay)Optional for stays beyond 90 days or if visa-free is not used. | 50 USD (paid at embassy or online) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows 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
Romanian passport holders transiting through Zambia do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport, visa-free entry applies for up to 90 days.
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; 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
Prophylaxis recommended for all travellers, especially in rural areas. Use mosquito repellent and nets.
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 30123, 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 RO 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 = 18.07 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. If you need to stay longer, you must leave Zambia and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before your 90 days are up.
Zambia requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. Romania is not a risk country, so you won't need it unless you've recently traveled to an endemic area. Check with your doctor.
You'll be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at the border. Renew your passport before traveling. There are no exceptions for Romanian passport holders.
No. The visa-free entry is for tourism, business meetings, and transit only. For work or study, you need to apply for the appropriate visa or permit from the Zambian embassy before you travel.
No, there's no visa on arrival for Romanian passport holders. You either enter visa-free for up to 90 days or apply for a visa in advance if you need a different purpose or longer stay.
The local currency is the Zambian kwacha (ZMW). US dollars are widely accepted for hotels, safaris, and larger purchases, but you'll need kwacha for smaller transactions. ATMs are common in cities, but carry some cash for rural areas.
No, there is no arrival declaration required for Zambia. You just go through immigration with your passport and supporting documents.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 31, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.