Zambia to Grant Visa-Free Entry to Citizens of 53 Additional Countries Starting 2025

Zambia is making travel easier and more accessible! Starting January 1, 2025, citizens from 53 additional countries will no longer need visas to enter Zambia. This significant move aims to boost tourism and attract foreign investment, positioning Zambia as a premier travel destination.

Zambia’s Visa Waiver Initiative

On December 18, Zambia’s Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security, Jack Mwiimbu, announced this new policy. He emphasized the government’s commitment to making Zambia a top destination for tourism, business, and trade. This initiative targets a goal of three million international tourist arrivals by 2026, doubling the current numbers. In 2023, Zambia welcomed over 1.5 million tourists, setting a record.

The 53 Newly Eligible Visa-Free Countries

From January 2025, citizens from the following countries and territories will enjoy visa-free entry to Zambia:

• Albania
• Andorra
• Aruba
• Argentina
• Bhutan
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Bouvet Island
• Brunei
• Cape Verde
• Christmas Island
• Cocos Islands
• Comoros
• Cook Islands
• Costa Rica
• Dominican Republic
• Faroe Islands
• French Polynesia
• French Southern Territories
• Greenland
• Guam
• Guatemala
• Guyana
• Honduras
• Iceland
• Israel
• Laos
• Liberia
• Liechtenstein
• Macedonia
• Madagascar
• Micronesia
• Moldova
• Monaco
• Morocco
• Netherlands Antilles
• New Caledonia
• Northern Mariana Islands
• Palau
• Panama
• Papua New Guinea
• San Marino
• Sandwich Islands
• Sao Tome and Principe
• South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands
• Suriname
• Svalbard and Jan Mayen
• Switzerland
• Turkey
• Ukraine
• Vatican
• Virgin Islands
• Wallis and Futuna

This expansion increases the total number of visa-free countries to 167, significantly broadening Zambia’s international accessibility.

Driving Economic Growth Through Tourism and Trade

The Zambian Ministry of Information and Media highlights the potential economic benefits of this visa waiver. By simplifying entry requirements, the government aims to:

• Firstly, boost tourism revenue by attracting more visitors.
• Secondly, enhance trade opportunities in goods and services.
• Thirdly, create employment through increased economic activity.

Simplified Travel with Zambia’s e-Visa System

For travelers from countries still requiring a visa, Zambia offers a convenient e-visa system. This digital platform allows visitors to:

• Firstly, apply online from anywhere in the world.
• Also, upload the necessary documents.
• Lastly, pay the required fees electronically.

This user-friendly system ensures a streamlined and transparent visa application process, supporting the government’s goals of modernizing immigration services.

Advanced Passenger Information System

Zambia’s Department of Immigration plans to implement an advanced passenger information system. This system will enable pre-screening of travelers, helping to prevent inadmissible individuals from entering the country. This ensures that national security remains a priority while promoting openness.

Zambia’s Growing Accessibility

In recent years, Zambia has made significant strides to simplify entry for international travelers. By October 2022, the country had lifted visa requirements for European tourists. This latest initiative further cements Zambia’s reputation as a welcoming destination for global travelers.

Conclusion

Zambia’s expanded visa-free policy marks a bold step toward strengthening its tourism and trade sectors. By simplifying travel and enhancing security, the country is set to attract more visitors and investors, unlocking new economic opportunities. Whether for leisure, business, or trade, Zambia is ready to welcome the world in 2025!