A visa is required to enter Zambia. British nationals visiting Zambia for less than 90 days do not need a visa in advance, and can obtain a visa on arrival.

Effective from 1 November 2022, the Government of Zambia removed all visa fees for British passport holders visiting Zambia. British nationals travelling for tourism are permitted to stay in Zambia for a total of 90 days per calendar year.

If you are visiting Zambia, your passport should be valid for a minimum of six months from the date you arrive and have at least two blank pages.

Zambia recognizes dual nationality. However to avoid delays you should leave Zambia on the same passport you used to enter.

Zambia’s currency is the Kwacha (ZMW) and is in denominations of K100, K50, K20, K10, K5 and K2. The Kwacha is divided into 100 ngwee with coins issued in K1, 50 ngwee, 10 ngwee and 5 ngwee denominations. It’s a good idea to have low denomination notes with you if possible.

Prices are widely given in USD and GBP; both currencies that are generally accepted.

Cash and travellers cheques can be changed in cities and larger towns at branches of Barclays Bank and Standard Chartered. ATMs can be found in larger branches, accepting Visa. Foreign exchange bureaux are found in most towns.

Banks tend to open on weekdays between 08:15 and 15:30. They close at midday on Saturdays and do not open on Sundays and bank holidays.

For many Zambians, traditional fare is variations on nshima, a kind of ground maize served with meat, fish or vegetables. Visitors will find a range of international fare on offer in shops and restaurants.

Water is generally safe to drink but most visitors tend to prefer bottled water. This is widely available, and it’s always worth just checking the cap is sealed before drinking.

The rainy season is from December to March, with the higher regions seeing greater rainfall than the lowlands.

As the rains depart and the landscape dries, April and May sees evening temperatures drop. This continues through to August so pack some warm clothes for the cooler evenings. By day the weather is clear and sunny and warm.

Zambia’s high season begins in June when the landscape and roads have properly dried, days are fine and cloudless and game sightings are on the increase.

September and October see higher temperatures, with some places like the Lower Zambesi getting really hot. It’s a good time for spotting game though as animals congregate around more limited water holes.

November can be very changeable, with hot, dry days as well as the first rains.

With mild winters and searing summer heat, this is a place for light, comfortable clothing. A warm jacket of fleece will be essential for the cooler evenings.

As always, a sunhat should be considered essential, as well as sunscreen and insect repellent.

Zambia uses types C, D and G. When purchasing a travel plug, make sure it's specifically for Zambia. If it just says 'Africa', the likelihood is that it won't work. An international all-in-one plug will probably have the correct plug. Visit the Electrical Safety First website for more information.

The Zambian current is 220/240v.