Travel Vaccines and Advice for Zambia
Located in Southern Africa, Zambia is a gorgeous country that provides travellers with a glimpse at beautiful wilderness and wildlife.
Though the country is landlocked, there are three rivers flowing through Zambia. One of the most popular landmarks is Victoria Falls, which is one of the World’s Seven Natural Wonders and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are also safaris for travellers to visit, without the large crowds that often come with safaris in Kenya or South Africa.
In the cities, there are also bustling markets, delicious restaurants, and a lively nightlife.
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Zambia?
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Zambia?
What is the Climate Like in Zambia?
How Safe is Zambia?
Visiting Victoria Falls
What Should I Pack To Zambia?
Embassy of the United Kingdom in Zambia
Do I Need Vaccines for Zambia?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Zambia. The National Travel Health Network and Centre and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Zambia: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, cholera, yellow fever, rabies, polio and tetanus.
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunisations:
- Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travellers to the region, especially if unvaccinated. - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Recommended for travellers to most regions. - Tetanus –
Wounds or Breaks in Skin –
Recommended for travellers to most regions, especially if not previously vaccinated. - Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Recommended for travellers
to most regions. - Cholera –
Food & Water –
Recommended for travel to most regions. - Yellow Fever –
Mosquito –
Required if travelling from a region with yellow fever. Recommended for all travellers over 9 months of age, except travelling to the North West and Western Provinces. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-stay travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended.
See the tables below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Zambia |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travellers to the region, especially if unvaccinated. |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Recommended for travellers to most regions. |
| Tetanus | Wounds or Breaks in Skin | Recommended for travellers to most regions, especially if not previously vaccinated. |
| Typhoid | Food & Water | Recommended for travellers to most regions. |
| Cholera | Food & Water | Recommended for travel to most regions. |
| Yellow Fever | Mosquito | Required if travelling from a region with yellow fever. Recommended for all travellers over 9 months of age, except travelling to the North West and Western Provinces. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-stay travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. |
Malaria is a serious threat in Zambia. Antimalarial medication is recommended for all travellers to the region. Dengue and chikungunya are also present and can be prevented through proper use of mosquito repellents and nettings.
Rabies poses some risk to travellers of various types. Consult with a travel health specialist to learn if this vaccine is right for your trip.
Visit our vaccinations page to learn more. Travel safely with Passport Health and schedule your appointment today by calling or book online now.
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Zambia?
A visa is needed to enter Zambia. Be sure to check your visa documents, as 90 days is standard but many travellers will be authorized for less. Passports must have at least six months validity. Proof of yellow fever vaccination may be required if you are travelling from a region where yellow fever is present.
Zambia Entry Requirements |
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| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Zambia? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | |
|
| Business Visa | |
|
| Vaccinations | |
|
Sources: Embassy of Zambia and GOV.UK
What is the Climate Like in Zambia?
Zambia is a tropical country, meaning it is warm and receives a fair amount of rain. The dry season runs from May to October, meaning there is little rain and low humidity. From November to April is the wet season. During this time, you’ll experience mostly afternoon rains and high humidity.
Areas situated in lower-lying valleys, as opposed to the elevated areas in central and southern Zambia, are much hotter.
How Safe is Zambia?
Travel to areas bordering the Democratic Republic of Congo and Angola should be limited due to border conflicts and undetected land mines.
Major cities are safe during the day. But, there have been violent attacks reported. Theft or pick-pocketing is common. Travellers should be cautious whilst in-country and should stay in groups when possible.
Visiting Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls is one of the most popular destinations in Zambia. Over one hundred million cubic meters of water fall over the edge of each minute during the rainy season.
The adventurous can bungee jump off the Victoria Falls bridge, zip line across the Batoka Gorge, white water raft below the fall, experience tandem kayaking or take a beautiful helicopter flight to see the river and the land around it.
What Should I Pack for Zambia?
While an amazing country, a trip to Zambia does need some extra packing:
- Sun Cream – Zambia is very warm and travellers will likely be outside exploring the water or safaris.
- Swimsuit – Most visitors will want to visit at least one of three rivers in the country, making a kit fit for water a must.
- Money for Taxes – When leaving the country, travellers will need to pay departure taxes and security charges.
Embassy of the United Kingdom in Zambia
If you are in Zambia and have an emergency (for example, been attacked, arrested or someone has died) contact the nearest consular services. Contact the embassy before arrival if you have additional questions on entry requirements, safety concerns or are in need of assistance.
British High Commission Lusaka
5210 Independence Avenue, P.O. Box 50050
15101 Ridgeway
Lusaka
10101
Zambia
Telephone: +260 211 423 200
Emergency Phone: +260 211 423 200
Fax: +260 211 423 278
Email: LusakaGeneralEnquiries@fco.gov.uk
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