General Information on Travelling in Zambia
Travelling to Zambia
International flights to Lusaka are provided by the following carriers:
Where possible our set departures are linked to the British Airways timetable.
For internal flights we recommend Proflight
Visas
In November 2008, Zambia's new president, Mr Rupiah Banda, announced a decrease of the tourist visa fee charge to USD 50 to encourage more visitors to Zambia. This replaces the previous full visa rates, which in turn replaced the visa waiver scheme.
All visitors are required to purchase a tourist visa. Please visit the Zambian Immigration Website for full information. For guidance, the visa rate for single entry is USD 50, and USD 80 for multiple entries.
Most nationals can purchase their visas upon arrival. Please have correct money and amounts in $5 and $10 notes. (With "big heads" - see money). Some nationals do have to obtain a visa before arriving in Lusaka such as Greek, Turkish, Indian, Chinese.
Important tip
Please ensure you check the visa stamp in your passport when at the immigration desk. Ensure that you have been given enough days. There have been a number of incidences where the days were short and you will be fined heavily on departure (currently $250 per person per day overstayed). We recommend you ask for 30 days in Zambia which is the maximum for a tourist visa. You will need to extend this in the country if you are staying longer.
Airport Departure Tax
- International departure tax: US$ 25
- Domestic airport tax: US$ 8
Meet and Greet Service
If you are arriving in Lusaka from an international or domestic flight, you will be met and assisted by a representative from Tours Africa. The representative will assist you with immigration, check-in for your connecting flight, payment of departure tax, and any other assistance you may need.
Their contact number in Zambia is: 021 127 1070.
Lusaka Hotel Accommodation
Robin Pope Safaris is happy to book hotel accommodation when an overnight stay in Lusaka is required.
Medical
All visitors should be medically insured. Robin Pope Safaris does insure for medical evacuation but not for medical services.
Malaria - protection imperative.
Tetanus and the hepatitis vaccinations are recommended.
It is advisable to know your blood group type in case of emergency.
Money
Travellers cheques and cash are accepted. Visa credit cards are becoming more widely accepted but not in remote areas and should not be relied on except in major towns. (Note – Amex, Diners rarely accepted, Mastercard is sometimes accepted in towns). RPS do not accept credit cards. US dollars are easier to change than sterling. USD notes should be recent, and should have "large heads". Old notes with "smaller heads" (except One Dollar Bills) are not accepted ANYWHERE in Zambia.
RPS will take Visa for emergencies at Nkwali, but remember, everything is included so you should not need to use this facility.
Tipping
Is not expected but always enthusiastically received if you are happy with the service. We suggest you tip your guides directly, and leave the staff tip with the management to be shared out. When asked 'how much' I say from US$5 to US$10 per person per night at camps.
Voltage
220-240 A.C. Hairdryers cannot be used at camps with generators, but video battery recharging is fine. See Camp Information for details of which camps are on mains, and which have generators.
Insurance
We advise that luggage is fully insured. We highly recommend full Trip Cancellation Insurance - we do need to charge cancellation fees as stipulated. Robin Pope Safaris bears no responsibility for any delays, loss, injury, illness, death, cancellation of flights, change of itinerary and retains the right to alter or cancel a safari with just reason. All guests are advised to insure fully.
Photography
Please be sensitive when photographing local people and their villages. Ask the guide or the villagers first. Be careful when photographing public buildings and persons in uniform - again, ask first.
