Zambia entry requirements for Saudi Arabia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 25, 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
Saudi Arabian passport holders can enter Zambia without a visa for stays up to 90 days. This visa-free policy has been in place since 2024 and applies to tourism, business, and transit visits. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date.
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. Airlines at Jeddah and Riyadh check this before boarding — if your passport expires before you leave Zambia, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Zambia | Immigration officers at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Budget airlines like Ethiopian Airlines and Kenya Airways enforce this strictly at check-in — have a printed or digital copy ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Zambia. Officers at immigration may ask where you are staying — having a booking reference speeds things up. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during the stay | Have bank statements or a credit card showing access to at least $500 USD. Immigration rarely asks for this for short stays, but it is a legal requirement under Zambian immigration rules. | Recommended |
Visa-free for 90 days
Saudi passport holders can stay up to 90 days without a visa. This is a straightforward entry — no application, no fee. Just ensure your passport is valid for 6+ months from arrival.
Overstaying is costly
Overstaying even one day can result in a fine of around 300 ZMW per day. If you think you might need more time, plan to leave before day 90 or apply for an extension well in advance.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents
Before you leave, check your passport validity (6+ months from arrival), print or save your return ticket and first night's accommodation confirmation. Get travel insurance and a local SIM/eSIM if you want.
2
Arrive at a Zambian port of entry
You'll land at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (Lusaka) or Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport (Livingstone). Follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Passport Control'.
3
Queue at immigration
Join the queue for foreign passport holders. Have your passport, return ticket (screenshot or print), and accommodation confirmation ready. The officer will stamp your passport with a 90-day visitor entry.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After the stamp, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. You're free to enter Zambia. No visa or arrival declaration form needed.
Download Zambia Entry Checklist
PDF · Saudi Arabia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 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
CostFree (visa-free entry available)
Visa-free entry already covers 90 days; no need to apply unless staying longer.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months
CostFree (visa-free entry available)
Not typically needed for short visits; visa-free entry is sufficient.
work visa
Employment Permit
Up to 2 years, renewable
ZMW 5,000 (~$250 USD) application fee
For foreign nationals with a job offer in Zambia. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Department of Immigration. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Student Permit
Duration of study, renewable annually
ZMW 2,000 (~$100 USD) application fee
For those enrolled in a recognized educational institution in Zambia. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Investor Permit
Up to 3 years, renewable
ZMW 10,000 (~$500 USD) application fee
For individuals investing a minimum of $250,000 USD in Zambia. Requires business plan and proof of investment. Allows residence and work.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap may apply; check with immigration. | 300 ZMW (~$15 USD) per day |
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
Saudi Arabia passport holders transiting through Zambia do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsKenneth Kaunda International Airport (Lusaka) · Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport (Livingstone)
Health & vaccines for Zambia
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (e.g., parts of Africa or South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout Zambia, especially rural areas; prophylaxis recommended.
DengueModerate 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 high risk in all regions, especially rural areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended.
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, Haile Selassie 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
Useful for visitors near Victoria Falls. Same services as Lusaka.
Practical information for SA 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
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 visa extension at the Department of Immigration in Lusaka before your 90 days expire. Extensions are not guaranteed.
Zambia requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you're arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Saudi Arabia is not a risk country, so you generally don't need it unless you've recently traveled to an endemic area. Check with your doctor.
No. The 90-day visa-free entry is for tourism, business meetings, or transit. If you plan to work, volunteer, or study, you need to apply for the appropriate visa or permit before travel.
Overstaying is a violation of immigration law. You may face a fine, detention, or deportation. The fine is typically around 300 Zambian kwacha per day overstayed, but can be higher. Always leave before your 90 days expire.
No. There is no arrival declaration or online registration required for Saudi passport holders. Just show up with your passport and documents.
Yes, the visa-free policy applies at all official ports of entry, including land borders with Tanzania, Malawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, Angola, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The same 90-day limit applies.
No. For stays longer than 90 days, you must apply for a visa or permit at a Zambian embassy or consulate before travel. There is no visa on arrival for longer stays.
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.