In a major development aimed at enhancing its global appeal, Zambia, a landlocked country in southern Africa, announced visa-free entry for citizens of 53 additional countries starting January 1, 2025. This initiative is part of the Zambian government’s broader strategy to boost tourism, attract foreign investment, and create economic opportunities.
Zambia’s Visa Waiver Initiative
Zambia’s Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security, Jack Mwiimbu, announced the new policy on December 18 and emphasized the government’s commitment to positioning Zambia as a premier destination for tourism, business, and trade.
The policy aims to double annual international tourist arrivals, targeting three million visitors by 2026. This optimistic goal builds on Zambia’s record-breaking 2023 tourist numbers, which surpassed 1.5 million.
The 53 Newly Eligible Visa-Free Countries
From January 2025, citizens of the following countries and territories will enjoy visa-free entry to Zambia:
| Countries and Territories | Countries and Territories |
|---|---|
| Albania | American Samoa |
| Andorra | Argentina |
| Aruba | Bhutan |
| Bosnia and Herzegovina | Bouvet Island |
| Brunei | Cape Verde |
| Christmas Island | Cocos Islands |
| Comoros | Cook Islands |
| Costa Rica | Dominican Republic |
| Faroe Islands | French Polynesia |
| French Southern Territories | Greenland |
| Guam | Guatemala |
| Guyana | Honduras |
| Iceland | Israel |
| Laos | Liberia |
| Liechtenstein | Macedonia |
| Madagascar | Micronesia |
| Moldova | Monaco |
| Morocco | Netherlands Antilles |
| New Caledonia | Northern Mariana Islands |
| Palau | Panama |
| Papua New Guinea | San Marino |
| Sandwich Islands | Sao Tome and Principe |
| South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands | Suriname |
| Svalbard and Jan Mayen | Switzerland |
| Turkey | Ukraine |
| Vatican | Virgin Islands |
| Wallis and Futuna |
This expansion brings the total number of visa-free countries to 167, significantly broadening Zambia’s international accessibility.
Also Read: One Visa, Five Countries: Southern Africa Unveils New Univisa for Tourists
Driving Economic Growth Through Tourism and Trade
The Zambian Ministry of Information and Media highlighted the potential economic benefits of the visa waiver. By simplifying entry requirements, the government aims to:
- Boost tourism revenue by attracting more visitors.
- Enhance trade opportunities in goods and services.
- Create employment through increased economic activity.
Simplified Travel with Zambia’s e-Visa System
For travellers from countries still requiring a visa, Zambia offers a convenient e-visa system. This digital platform allows visitors to:
- Apply online from anywhere in the world.
- Upload necessary documents.
- Pay the required fees electronically.
This user-friendly system ensures a streamlined and transparent visa application process, supporting the government’s goals of modernizing immigration services and improving the visitor experience.
Advanced Passenger Information System
To balance openness with security, Zambia’s Department of Immigration plans to implement an advanced passenger information system. This system will enable the pre-screening of travellers to prevent inadmissible individuals from entering the country, ensuring national security remains a priority.
Zambia’s Growing Accessibility
In recent years, Zambia has taken significant steps to simplify entry for international travellers. By October 2022, the country had already lifted visa requirements for European tourists. The current initiative further cements Zambia’s reputation as a welcoming destination for global travellers.
Conclusion
Zambia’s expanded visa-free policy represents a bold step toward strengthening its tourism and trade sectors. By simplifying travel and enhancing security, the country is set to attract more visitors and investors, unlocking new economic opportunities for its citizens. Whether for leisure, business, or trade, Zambia is ready to welcome the world in 2025.
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