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General Information
Visitors from or passing through a yellow fever and
cholera zone (most of tropical Africa and South
America) must be able to produce a valid Interna-
tional Certificate of Vaccination. Air travellers who
only pass through the airports of such a zone are
exempt from the requirement. See Health Interna-
tional / MARS, and Speciality Emergency Services
for Medical Rescue Services.
A yellow fever certificate is mandatory if you are trav-
elling from an infected area. Vaccinations for chol-
era, tetanus and yellow fever are also advised.
If you are visiting Zambia for a couple of weeks or so
and don’t plan to spend time staying in rural villages,
or urban neighbourhoods, or don’t plan on travelling
by local transport, then no pre-departure vaccina-
tions are necessary. In this case Malaria will be the
greatest danger you will be faced with. However it
can be avoided with proper preventative precautions
and medications.
If you are planning on staying longer in the country,
vaccinations are then highly recommended. Yellow
fever vaccinations are good for ten years and con-
fer high immunity. Yellow fever is a monkey-based
disease but is spread via mosquitoes. Outbreaks
are very rare, and the vaccination alone offers pro-
tection. You may be required to show you’re your
international immunization certificate as a proof of
receiving a yellow fever vaccination when entering
the country. Vaccinations against Typhoid, Hepatitis
A&C are also advised if you are to stay for a long
period of time.
Malaria is a common disease in Zambia. There is no
vaccination for malaria and precautionary measures
should be taken to minimize the risk: for a short stay,
it is highly advisable to take anti malaria tablets. Ma-
laria is virulent in the low-lying areas of the country
that include most of the popular wildlife destinations.
Taking preventative anti-malaria pills two days be-
fore arrival in the malaria prone zone and for two
weeks after leaving the malaria infected region is the
usual way travellers stave off malaria.
For a longer term stays, tablets can be harmful for
the liver and it is preferable to take preventive meas-
ures such as sprays and mosquito nets.
High fever, headache, stiffness, pain in the joints and
deep fatigue are the common symptoms for Malaria.
At any sign of the above symptoms, you should go
for a malaria test and go to see a doctor (See Busi-
ness Resources Section).
Tap water in the major towns is purified and perfectly
safe to drink. In the more remote areas always boil
it first, except if you’re staying at a lodge or hotel
where drinking water is boiled already. However,
bottled water is always preferred safe option and is
available in all major towns.
Travellers should carry an adequate supply of their
prescribed medicines with them, even though phar-
macies in the major centres now carry a wide range
of medicines and first aid accessories. There are
some emergency pharmacies open after hours or
Sundays in Lusaka as well.
Security
For the most part, Zambians are very friendly and
helpful which contributes to the Zambian reputa-
tion as being one of the safest countries in Africa.
As far as personal safety is concerned, one could
easily hitchhike alone throughout the country without
a problem.
However, petty theft is as common as any major
city where unemployment is high. Be very aware
of your surroundings when walking around carrying
anything of value, there are pickpockets through-
out the city. Never leave your vehicle unlocked and
never change money on the streets. Carry minimum
amounts of cash on your person, and keep it hidden
away, or in a money belt. If possible, do not leave
your car unattended. These are less pressing issues
in rural areas.
ENTRY VISA REQUIREMENTS AND
EXTENSIONS
Entry Visa requirements for Diplomats, United Na-
tions Personnel accredited to Zambia:
Gratis or official visas could be obtained at Zambian
Missions Abroad or Ports of entry on presentation of
letters of accreditation.
Delegates coming to Zambia on confirmed govern-
ment business:
Delegates from International Organisations coming
to Zambia could obtain entry visas at Zambian Mis-
sions Abroad or Ports of entry provided they produce
official invitation letters.
Tourists:
All tourists will be issued with visas at ports of entry
to Zambia or at Zambian Mission Abroad for a maxi-
mum of 90 days per year.
Private Visitors:
Nationals of countries that require visas to enter