Visa

ZAMBIA VISA POLICY KEY FIGURES

Zambia waived visa requirements for nationals of 53 additional countries effective January 1, 2025, under Statutory Instrument No. 78 of 2024, bringing the total number of countries whose nationals are exempt from Zambian visa requirements to 167.

Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security Jack Mwiimbu said the waiver, following an earlier exemption for 43 countries in 2022, was part of President Hakainde Hichilema’s broader vision to position Zambia as an attractive hub for international tourism, business and investment.

The 2024 Visa Waiver

Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security Jack Jacob Mwiimbu announced on December 18, 2024 the waiver of visa requirements for nationals of 53 countries, effective January 1, 2025, under Statutory Instrument No. 78 of 2024^[1]. The waiver brought the total number of countries whose nationals are exempt from Zambian visa requirements to 167, building on a similar waiver for 43 countries in 2022^[1].

Policy Rationale

Minister Mwiimbu said the initiative was part of President Hakainde Hichilema’s broader vision to position Zambia as an attractive hub for international tourism, business and investment, in alignment with Zambia’s National Migration Policy, which holds that well-managed migration is crucial for sustainable economic development^[1]. The Ministry framed the move as unlocking economic opportunities through tourism, trade in goods and services, and job creation^[1].

Investment Opportunities

A visa-exempt list now covering 167 countries, alongside the Ministry of Tourism’s own reported international arrivals growth, points to a lower-friction entry environment for visitors, investors and business travellers than at any point in recent years, detailed further alongside arrivals data on the dedicated Tourism page^[1].

Last Update: September 2026

References

1. Zambia Department of Immigration, Zambia Waives Visa Requirements for Nationals of 53 Countries to Boost Tourism, December 2024