Zambia Updates Visa Fees

If you were hoping 2026 would be the year everything got cheaper… Zambia would like a quick word.

In a statement released on January 1st, 2026, Zambia’s Department of Immigration announced that several visa fees have officially increased. No drumroll, no apology letter — just a quiet “new year, new prices.”

Nothing about Zambia has changed (it’s still stunning, friendly, and wildly underrated), but the cost of certain visas now comes with a little extra sting.

The New Visa Prices (Deep Breath)

Here’s how things now look if you do need a visa:

• Single-entry visa: USD 50 (Previously USD 25 — yes, that’s a full price glow-up)
• Double-entry visa: USD 80 (Up from USD 40 — also doubled, also noticed)
• Multiple-entry visa: USD 80 (Up slightly from USD 75 — barely a blink)
• KAZA Univisa: USD 50 (Unchanged and still a great deal)
• Day Tripper visa: USD 10 (Still the cheapest thing in international travel)

So while some visas have clearly hit the gym, others have chosen to remain exactly as they were.

Need more information about traveling to Zambia?

The Process Is Still Easy (Small Mercies)

Thankfully, Zambia didn’t decide to make the application process harder too. Travelers can still apply online via the official e-visa platform at eservices.zambiaimmigration.gov.zm.

That means:

• No embassy queues
• No mysterious paper forms
• No printing things “just in case”
• Apply online, upload your details, pay the fee, and wait — ideally while planning your safari instead of stressing about paperwork.

Before You Panic: You Probably Don’t Even Need a Visa

Here’s the plot twist: most travelers don’t need a visa for Zambia at all.

Back in December 2024, Zambia scrapped visa requirements for 53 additional nationalities, making the country one of the most visa-friendly destinations in the region.

As of now, citizens from 165 countries and territories can enter Zambia visa-free — including most of Europe, the UK, the US, Canada, Australia, and a long list of places that proves Zambia really does love visitors.

So while the fee increase matters, there’s a very good chance it doesn’t apply to you.

Why the Price Hike?

While no official explanation came with confetti or footnotes, visa fee increases usually mean system upgrades, admin costs, and keeping immigration services running smoothly — not a sudden desire to scare tourists away.

Zambia is still very much open for business, leisure, adventure, and waterfall selfies.

The Bottom Line

Yes, some visa fees have gone up.
No, Zambia hasn’t suddenly become difficult to enter.
And yes, it’s still absolutely worth the trip.

If you need a visa, budget a little extra.
If you don’t, enjoy the win.

Either way, Zambia remains one of Africa’s most welcoming destinations — just with slightly pricier paperwork for a few travelers.