GoZambia Visa Requirements

Visa Entry

The Zambian Immigration Department has included China in the list of countries that do not require a visa to enter, and requires those entering from the airport to hold a valid return ticket. Those entering by land and water must have sufficient funds to stay and leave Zambia. Individuals entering for commercial purposes are eligible for visa free entry once within 12 months, with a maximum stay of 30 days. Visitors entering for tourism purposes can enjoy visa free entry once within 12 months, with a maximum stay of 90 days.

In practice, the immigration office at Zambia port generally stamps foreigners with a stay period of less than 30 days. If you need to continue staying in the account after expiration, you need to apply for an extension at the immigration office or visit the immigration office website（ https://evisa.zambiaimmigration.gov.zm ）Apply for the corresponding type of residence permit. Chinese citizens should pay attention to checking the stamped and handwritten stay period on their passport by the immigration authorities at the port of entry, in order to avoid overstaying due to negligence.

Special reminder: Entry requires a valid passport. It should be noted that visa free entry does not guarantee entry, and immigration officials at the Zan Port have the final decision on whether to allow entry. People who rely on tourism and business visa free access to seek employment in Zambia may be denied entry.

For details on entry procedures and residence permits, please refer to the website of the Embassy of Zambia in China or the website of the Zambia Immigration Bureau: http://www.zambiaimmigration.gov.zm .

Phone number of the Embassy of China: （010）65321554、65321778。

Customs epidemic prevention and control

According to the Zambian Customs Management Act, customs officers have the right to inspect passengers' luggage. If excess or prohibited items are found and not reported, they will be fined, confiscated, or handed over to the court for trial and sentenced to imprisonment. When entering the country, the airport usually checks whether the passenger's luggage matches the baggage ticket, and the passenger should keep the checked baggage ticket properly.

The following items are prohibited: counterfeit currency or other illegal currency; Drugs; Yellow audiovisual products, films, publications, etc; Items produced by prisoners; Pirated goods; Anesthetic drugs and pickled foods; Firearms, ammunition, spring knives, daggers; Certain rare animals and plants and their products; Ivory and ivory products; Stolen and forged items.

Zambia's risk level is blue (low risk)

public security

Zambia has a relatively mature political system, a stable political situation, relatively good social security, no terrorist attacks or threats, and no anti-government armed groups. Residents can possess firearms through legal means. We have good relations with neighboring countries and have never had a war with any other country in history. But malignant robbery cases do occur from time to time. In recent years, there has been an increase in robbery incidents targeting Chinese citizens and businesses, some of which even endanger the lives of the victims. In addition, the traffic accident rate in Zambia is relatively high, so whether traveling by car or self driving, special attention should be paid to traffic safety.

Chinese citizens living in Zambia need to strengthen their awareness of safety precautions and take necessary measures to prevent theft, robbery, and intrusion. It is safer to go out during the day, but theft should be prevented. Do not place valuable items or handbags in a prominent position inside the car. Avoid excessive exposure of personal financial status on weekdays, and try to avoid going out alone at night. Doors and windows in work and residential areas should be equipped with protective devices and locked at night. Try to avoid living alone.

natural disaster

Zambia has fewer natural disasters. During the rainy season from November to March of the next year, it is necessary to pay due attention to the adverse effects of lightning and rainstorm.

FDA

The local food hygiene is generally good, and food should be cooked thoroughly. The hygiene conditions of some Chinese restaurants and high-end Western restaurants in large shopping places are still acceptable.

Urgent Help

Alarm: 991.

Please refer to the Zan Police Bureau website for contact information of police officers in various provinces and regions

http://www.zambiapolice.gov.zm/index.php/contacts

Emergency contact information for consular protection of the Embassy in Zambia:

Consular document consultation hotline: 00260-9777127700260-211251169

Consular protection contact number: 00260-977790322

Insurance email: consulate_zmb@mfa.gov.cn

Consular document acceptance time: 9:00-11:30 am every Monday to Friday

Embassy website: http://zm.chineseembassy.org/chn/

Appointment for Replacement and Reissue of Chinese Passport: Chinese Consular APP

Embassy Address: Plot 7430，United Nations Avenue，P.O.Box 31975，Lusaka，Zambia

air traffic

There is currently no direct flight between Zambia and China, and there are connecting flights between the two countries via Dubai, Doha, Nairobi, Addis Ababa, Johannesburg, and other destinations.

Lusaka, Ndola, Livingston, and Mfuwe have international airports. In August 2021, the renovation and expansion projects of Kenneth Kaunda International Airport in Lusaka and Simon Mwansa Kapwepuwe International Airport in Ndola, which were undertaken by the Chinese side, were delivered as scheduled, providing assistance to Zambia in improving its aviation infrastructure and building a regional aviation hub. The distance from Lusaka International Airport to the city center is about 25 kilometers, with only one road and no public transportation. You can rent a car or take a taxi from the airport (ride hailing apps include YANGO, etc.). The journey from the airport to the city center takes about 40-50 minutes during non peak hours.

land transport

Zambia's land transportation includes railways and highways.

Highways are one of the main modes of transportation in Zambia, accounting for over 80% of the country's total freight volume. Domestic highways can lead to major cities in all 10 provinces. International highways provide access to eight neighboring countries including Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Zimbabwe, Namibia, as well as major ports in southern Africa such as Dar es Salaam, Durban, Beira, and Whale Bay Port. The total length of Zan Highway is about 67700 kilometers, of which government managed roads account for more than 50%, and the rest are privately managed. There is no true expressway, and non main roads are mostly dirt roads with relatively poor road conditions.

The Zambian railway network accounts for approximately 15% of the total freight volume and can connect to seven major ports in Africa, namely Dar es Salaam in Tanzania, Beira and Nacala ports in Mozambique, and East London, Port Elizabeth, Durban, and Cape Town in South Africa. There are three main railways in Zambia. The first is the Tanzania Zambia Railway, which has an operating mileage of about 886 kilometers; The second is Zambia Railway, with an operating mileage of about 1280 kilometers; The third is the Chipata Muchingi Railway jointly built by Zambia and Malawi, which connects the border cities of Chipata in Zambia and Muchingi in Malawi, and ultimately connects to the port of Nacala in Mozambique. In September 2023, Zambian President Hicklema paid a state visit to China, and the heads of state of China and Zambia reached an important consensus on supporting the upgrading and renovation of the Tanzania Zambia railway in accordance with the principles of marketization and commercialization.

Special travel reminder: Zambia is a member of the Commonwealth, and vehicles should drive on the left lane according to British driving and traffic management rules. However, on certain sections of the road, vehicles inside the roundabout must yield to vehicles outside the roundabout, and special attention should be paid. In recent years, the traffic situation in Zambia has gradually improved, but the overall road conditions still need improvement, with most road intersections lacking traffic signals. Pedestrians and animals often appear on the roadside, so be extra careful when driving, pay attention to traffic signs, and avoid driving too fast.

water communication

Zambia is a landlocked country, and sea transportation generally passes through Dar es Salaam Port in Tanzania, Durban Port in South Africa, or Beira Port in Mozambique, with land connections. Mpulungu Port, located on the south bank of Lake Tanganyika, is the only port in China with a daily throughput of 1000 tons. It mainly exports corn, cement, sugar, and steel products.

Urban transportation

There is no subway within Zambia. All buses in the city stop by hand and do not have fixed boarding and alighting stations or route signs. The cost depends on the distance; There are more private cars in major cities.

major city

Lusaka, the capital of Zambia, is located on the central plateau with an average elevation of 1279 meters. It is the political, economic, cultural, and transportation center of Zambia. The area is 360 square kilometers and the climate is mild.

Livingston, a major tourist city belonging to the Southern Province, is located approximately 480 kilometers southwest of Lusaka and about 10 kilometers from Victoria Falls. Located on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe. During the colonial period, it was the capital of Zambia. Named after British missionary David Livingston. The main attractions include Victoria Falls, Zanjin Boundary Bridge, etc.

The two main cities in Copperbelt Province are Ndola and Kitwe, which are important economic centers in Zambia.

Commodity prices

1、 Products

（1） Mineral resources. Zambia has abundant mineral resources, mainly copper, and is the fourth largest copper producing country in the world, known as the "country of copper mines". The proven copper reserves are 19 million tons, accounting for about 6% of the world's total reserves, and the per capita possession ranks first in the world. Other non-ferrous metal deposits include cobalt, zinc, lead, nickel, platinum, manganese, tin, and iron. Among them, cobalt, as a copper associated mineral, ranks second in reserves in Africa. The total proven reserves of lead-zinc mines are approximately 4.96 million tons, with a grade of 15% lead and 25% zinc, making it one of the regions with the richest lead-zinc grades and reserves in the world. Iron reserves are relatively abundant, with proven reserves of about 900 million tons. Non metallic mineral resources include limestone, phosphate, potassium (sodium) feldspar, wollastonite, marble, granite, and sodalite. In addition, Zambia also has various gemstones. In addition to diamonds, there are emeralds, topaz, amethyst, emerald, malachite, garnet, tourmaline, etc. Among them, emerald production accounts for over 20% of the world's total production.

The mining industry is relatively developed and is one of the main pillars of the national economy. Its main body is the mining and smelting of copper and cobalt mines. The Zan government attaches great importance to the development of the mining industry.

（2） Forest resources. About 45% of the country's territory is covered by forests, and commercially exploited and exportable woods include excellent woods such as rosewood, dragon blood wood, teak, rosewood, rosewood, rosewood, bergamot, siliceous wood, and blackwood.

（3） Crops. Agriculture is an important sector of Zambia's national economy. Zambia has 43.2 million hectares of arable land, accounting for 58% of the country's land area, of which 39 million hectares are medium to high production areas. Currently, only about 15% of Zambia's arable land has been developed, and the main crops include corn, peanuts, cotton, cassava, and tobacco. Praise the abundant resources of freshwater and pasture, and the great potential for the development of freshwater fish farming and animal husbandry. The farmland in Zan generally lacks irrigation systems, and the disaster resistance of crops is weak.

2、 Economic situation and prices

Most of Zambia's daily industrial consumer goods need to be imported from neighboring countries such as South Africa. In recent years, Zambia's retail industry has developed well, and the supply of daily necessities can meet the demand.

The main economic indicators for 2022 are as follows (data source from the World Bank website):

Gross Domestic Product: 29.78 billion US dollars.

Per capita Gross Domestic Product: 1487.9 US dollars.

Economic growth rate: 4.7%.

Unemployment rate: 6.1%

Inflation rate: 11%.

3、 Currency and exchange rate

The currency of Zambia is "KWAcha". The exchange of Kwacha is relatively free, and in general, currencies such as US dollars, British pounds, euros, and South African rand can be cashed at any time. The Chinese yuan and Kwacha can be directly exchanged at the Zambia branch of Bank of China, while other banks have not yet opened RMB exchange services. In November 2023, the exchange rate of the US dollar to the Kwacha will be around 1:22.

4、 Taxation

The Zambian Ministry of Finance is responsible for formulating national tax policies and adjusting tax rates annually according to the needs of macroeconomic development. The Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) is the regulatory body responsible for managing and collecting various types of taxes (including tariffs) by the government.

The main tax categories include direct taxes (corporate income tax, personal income tax, and other taxes based on personal income), tariffs, consumption tax, value-added tax, mineral resource tax, and asset transfer tax. Please refer to the website of Zan Taxation Bureau for specific tax rates https://www.zra.org.zm/tax-information/ .

5、 Payment method

Cash payment is mainly used in Zambia. Internationally recognized bank cards can be used at major banking institutions, large hotels, and shopping malls.

6、 Banking and Finance

The Bank of Zambia is the central bank of Zambia and the country's highest financial regulatory body, established in 1964. The primary function of the bank is to issue legal tender and maintain currency stability; Develop financial policies to ensure a sound financial system; Acting as a banking operator and financial advisor; Manage and supervise various commercial banks.

Currently, there are 17 commercial banks in Zambia, including both foreign and domestic banks. Standard Chartered Bank of the United Kingdom, Standard Bank of South Africa, Citibank of the United States, and others have all set up branches in Zambia.

Zambia Bank of China was established in 1997, becoming the first Chinese financial institution to enter Africa and the only Chinese bank in Zambia. Bank of China Zambia holds a subsidiary license and has branches in Lusaka and Kitwe, with a registered capital of 100 million US dollars. It can provide fully licensed financial services and was designated as a RMB clearing bank by the central banks of China and Zambia in 2015.

Other major financial institutions in Zambia include the Development Bank of Zambia, the National Savings and Credit Bank, the Housing Credit Union, leasing companies, and foreign currency exchange offices, as well as nine insurance companies including Prudential Group.

Insurance Medical

1、 Epidemic diseases

The common epidemic diseases in Zambia include malaria, AIDS, cholera, tuberculosis, diarrhea, dysentery, venereal diseases, measles, typhoid and leprosy. In 2021, the AIDS infection rate of Zambian citizens over 15 years old will be about 11% (data source: Zambian Center for Disease Control and Prevention).

Zambia is a country with a high incidence of malaria. Usually, attention should be paid to taking mosquito prevention measures, such as using mosquito nets, spraying mosquito repellent, etc., which can also to some extent avoid contracting malaria. Once physical discomfort occurs, immediate medical examination should be sought. After confirming the diagnosis of malaria, medication and rest can be taken under the guidance of a doctor, and generally recovery can be achieved. Do not blindly or excessively take medication based on suspected symptoms, in order to avoid life-threatening situations. During the rainy season every year, which is a period of high incidence of cholera, it is important to closely monitor the progress of the epidemic, understand prevention and control knowledge, pay attention to personal hygiene, especially food and water hygiene, and avoid traveling to areas with severe outbreaks. Once discomfort occurs, medical attention should be sought immediately.

2、 Medical institutions

Zambia's medical equipment is relatively rudimentary, and some drugs are lacking. The basic conditions of general hospitals are usually poor, with a shortage of medical staff and medication. China has been sending foreign medical aid teams to Zambia since 1978, with members distributed in key hospitals in major cities of Zambia. In addition, there are multiple Chinese doctor clinics in major cities in Zambia.

The capital city of Lusaka has the largest public hospital in the country: the University Teaching Hospital of Zambia (UTH). The emergency hotline is 00260-211-251451.

In addition, the Levi Mwanavasa Hospital where my aid medical team is located and the Tri Service General Hospital where my aid military medical team is located can also provide emergency assistance to Chinese citizens suffering from major illnesses.

In Kitwe City, Copperbelt Province, the China Zambia Friendship Hospital, which belongs to the Zambia China Economic and Trade Cooperation Zone, has Chinese doctors and certain medical conditions.

3、 Medical insurance

The local insurance industry has a certain scale. Chinese citizens and enterprises can choose insurance brokerage companies to purchase personal or medical insurance on their own.

Customs taboos

In Zambia, female hosts generally do not receive guests; Taboo to use the left hand to deliver things, using only the left hand has the intention of insulting people; Women generally do not shake hands with men. If they take the initiative to reach out, the man will reach out and shake hands again, but it is not advisable to tightly grip or hold hands for a long time. Zambians avoid others passing behind them, believing it to be impolite, and passing in front of them is the proper etiquette. Taboo of "13", believing that "13" is a number that symbolizes bad luck and can bring disaster to people. It is taboo for others to point fingers at oneself and make inappropriate remarks, as this is an intolerable behavior and a form of contempt and insult towards others. It is taboo for someone to make a fist with their right hand and wave their arm towards them, as this gesture in Zambia is an expression of "curse and abuse" towards people.

Zambian men usually use the "African style" handshake to express warmth and friendliness, which involves shaking hands in a common position, then clasping the jaws of the tiger once (such as wrist wrestling), and then shaking hands again in the common position; Male friends or business partners who call each other "brothers" often use this handshake method.

Communications Power

The Internet is relatively popular in Zambia. The general government and enterprise offices have Internet access. The network speed is average and the network fee is expensive.

The mobile network standard is the same as that of China Mobile and China Unicom. The mobile and China Unicom standard phones used in China can be directly matched with local SIM cards in Zambia.

The country code for international long-distance calls in Zambia is 00260. To make a thumbs up call from China or other countries to a local phone number: 00260+local phone number (excluding the 0 in front of the phone number), if you should dial 00260-97770000; Or 00260+local area code (excluding the 0 in front of the area code, the area code for the capital city of Lusaka is 0211)+landline (fax) number. If needed, dial 00260-211-250000.

Local phone calls in Zambia: Use landline to make calls, directly dial the other party's mobile phone number (including the preceding 0) or landline number (area code must be added when making calls to other provinces). When using a mobile phone to make a call, the area code must be added to the other party's landline phone. When making a call to the other party's mobile phone, direct dialing (including the preceding 0) is allowed.

Airtel and MTN are the larger local operators.

Please refer to the tariff standards of major telecom operators for the cost of making Chinese phone calls on Zan Roaming with a Chinese mobile phone number.

China Unicom roaming tariff webpage:

http://wap.10010.com/mobileService/international/RoamTariff.htm?worldValue=00060049&isNewNumber=&continentValue=

China Mobile roaming tariff webpage:

https://www.10086.cn/roaming/country/indexc.html?country_id=201

China Telecom roaming tariff webpage: https://manyou.189.cn/newgm/country.do?idCode=zby269  

The local power supply has a British style interface (i.e., delta), which is different from China; The voltage is 220-250 volts.

contact information

Phone/Fax (Area Code: 00260)

Ministry of Internal Affairs

211-254336

website: www.mohais.gov.zm/

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

211-252666 / 252668

Email: mofaic@grz.gov.zm

Website: www.mofaic.gov.zm/

Ministry of Agricultural Cooperation

211-253933

Email: pcd@maff.gov.zam

Website: www.agricultural.gov.zm/

Ministry of Mining and Mineral Development

211-237306

Email: info@mmmd.gov.zm

website: www.mmmd.gov.zm/

ministry of labour and social security

211-221432

Email: info@mlss.gov.zm

website: www.mlss.gov.zm

Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry

211-228301

Department of Justice

211-251251

website: www.moj.gov.zm/

immigration office

211-255282

website:

www.zambiaimmigration.gov.zm/

eservices.zambiaimmigration.gov.zm/ 

taxation bureau

211-382831, 382819

Email: advice@zra.org.zm

website: www.zra.org.zm/

tourism administration

211-229087

website: www.zambiatourism.com/contact/

Contact information for the headquarters and commercial office of the Chinese Embassy in Zambia

http://zm.china-embassy.gov.cn/chn/sgxx_0/lxfs_132025/202208/t20220827_10756566.htm  

Zambia Bank of China

211-238686, 238688

website: www.bankofchina.com/zm/