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-   -   Zambia Visa (https://www.fodors.com/community/africa-and-the-middle-east/zambia-visa-993435/)

christo Sep 29th, 2013 09:00 PM

Zambia Visa
 
Hi Folks,

Going to Zambia this winter and determined we need tourist visas as Canadians.
My question is should we get on arrival at Livingston airport or get in advance from the embassy ? Seems to be same price.

We will need double entry as we are taking the Zambezi Queen in between time in Livingston .

Thanks in advance.

sandi Sep 30th, 2013 08:20 AM

For countries that permit visitors to purchase Visa on arrival, this is preferred by most. This way you don't have Passport out of their control, usualy required photos which aren't required if on site (vs if sent to Embassy), the cost of mailing registered to/from.

Of course you can contact the Embassy re the double entry if short cruise on boat. But, wouldn't your Tour Operator be able to provide this info? Ask. And if the TO doesn't have the answer, request that they check on your behalf.

Be aware though that most Embassies (regardless country) do advise visitors it's best to purchase prior, mainly because they prefer the money, not because it's the law.

sdtravels Oct 2nd, 2013 01:56 AM

We got our visas in advance. We figured that at the border there would be a line of people trying to do the same thing and we knew we would not have much time. We thought we would save time by getting it in advance. When we got to the airport in Zambia there was only one line for passport control. Did we save time? Maybe some but not much, I think people buying visas had to go to a second line. It was definitely worth getting the visa in advance for all the other countries we were in, but Zambia?...not sure. Might be worth cost of postage and photos.

christo Oct 3rd, 2013 08:51 PM

Thank you both.
Maybe just flip a coin on this one but I will check with Zambezi Queen for their advice.

wildlifepainter Oct 10th, 2013 12:46 PM

We (US citizens) just did this last month and it was very easy at the Lusaka airport on arrival. Our transfer company rep took us to the VIP line and we were done in minutes. We also crossed to Namibia for a river cruise on the Ichobezi Safariboat for 3 nights and loved it. We even saw lions at Elephant Bay.

diannelovestravel Aug 11th, 2015 05:06 AM

Hi Christo!

As Canadians, you can get the KAZA UNIVISA available at entry for $50 USD. This is valid for 30 days and allows you to cross the borders of Zimbabwe and Zambia as often as you like. Clients have had no issues that I am aware of purchasing it upon arrival. But if you are more comfortable with buying it in advance, that can be done as well.

Enjoy your travels!
Dianne
Africa Direct USA


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