Zambia is blessed with several natural parks teeming with wildlife (Photo: Zambia Tourism)
Nationals of 167 countries and territories now do not need a visa to enter Zambia in southern Africa as the Zambian government has expanded its list of visa-exempt countries in a move to promote tourism, business, trade, and investment.
Jack Jacob Mwiimbu, Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security, of Zambia, announced that the government had added nationals of 53 countries to the list with effect from January 1.
He said that the decision marked a significant step in the government’s ongoing efforts to open up Zambia to the world for enhanced economic growth, while ensuring the country’s security.
He added that the initiative was part of a broader vision of President Hakainde Hichilema to position Zambia as an attractive hub for international tourism, business and investment.
The visa waiver is a direct response to President Hichilema’s call for Zambia to diversify its economy and attract international visitors. By lowering barriers to entry, the government is not only aiming to increase the number of tourists but also to create new opportunities for trade and investment. The Minister pointed out that this move would unlock significant economic opportunities for the country through tourism, trade in goods and services, and job creation.
Jack Jacob Mwiimbu addressing press conference
“We are proud to announce that this new visa policy will bring the total number of countries whose nationals are exempt from visa requirements to 167. This step is in alignment with Zambia’s National Migration Policy, which emphasises that well-managed migration is crucial for sustainable economic development,” said Mwiimbu.
He added that the waiver is a continuation of the government’s efforts to make Zambia a key player in the global economy, following a similar visa waiver for 43 countries in 2022. The Minister noted that the Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security, in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, had conducted comprehensive consultations with stakeholders to ensure that the visa waiver aligns with national security concerns and the sustainable growth of Zambia’s tourism sector.
The Minister added while promoting tourism and business, the government remained acutely aware of the need to maintain national security. He said that the government planned to introduce an Advanced Passenger Information System (APIS) into Zambia’s Immigration Management System (ZIMS). This system, he explained, will allow immigration officers to pre-screen travellers before they arrive in the country, helping to identify inadmissible individuals before they embark on their journey to Zambia.
“This advanced system will help prevent risks and ensure that we can handle the increased volume of travelers efficiently. Our aim is to strike the right balance between facilitating easy travel and ensuring our national security is not compromised,” he added.