Visa Requirements
Do South African citizens need a visa for Zambia?
Official Requirement
Visa-free
for South Africa citizens travelling to Zambia
Passport holders from many countries can enter Zambia without a visa for up to 90 days per 12-month period for tourism, or 30 days for business. A valid return or onward ticket and proof of sufficient funds for the stay must be demonstrated. A passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the arrival date with 2 blank pages is required.
Last checked 5 months ago (19 April 2026)
We are not a government authority. Requirements change without notice. Always verify with the official consulate link before travel.
No visa needed for this trip
South Africa passport holders can enter Zambia for short visits without a visa. Check that your passport stays valid for the whole stay, carry proof of onward travel, and confirm the current entry conditions on the official source before you fly.
Official Zambia entry requirements →
Victoria Falls
At a glance
Key facts for South African citizens visiting Zambia
- Requirement
- Visa-free
- Maximum stay
- Up to 90 days
- Official source
- Official source for this route →
Step by step
How South African citizens enter Zambia
Check your passport is valid for the whole trip. Many countries also want it valid for a period beyond your departure date, so confirm the exact rule on the official page below.
Plan a trip of 90 days or fewer. Beyond that, Zambia needs a different permission and this page does not cover it.
Carry proof of onward or return travel and of where you are staying. Border officers ask for both, and an airline can refuse boarding without them.
Check the requirement again close to your departure date. This route was last checked on 19 April 2026, and rules change without notice.
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Practical Info
Travel Essentials
Currency
Drive on
left
Language
English (official), Bemba, Nyanja, Tonga, Lozi, Chewa
Plug Types
Type C, D, G
Questions
What South African citizens ask about entering Zambia
No. South African citizens can enter Zambia without a visa for a short tourist or business visit. This was last checked on 19 April 2026.
Up to 90 days on this entry route. A longer trip needs a different permission, which this page does not cover. A border officer decides the length granted on the day.
A passport valid for the trip, proof of onward or return travel, and proof of where you are staying. Officers can ask for evidence that you can support yourself for the visit. Entry is always the officer's decision, whatever the paperwork says.
Zambia uses ZMW. Check the rate before you exchange anything at the airport, where the spread is usually widest.
Changes to this route
No changes recorded since the first check on 19 April 2026.
Full change history for this route →