Is Zambia Safe to Travel to in 2026?

Zambia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued an urgent travel advisory on 1st March 2026 warning citizens to avoid Gulf region travel as military conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran escalates across the Middle East.

The landlocked southern African nation of 19.6 million remains relatively stable for international visitors, though crime levels in urban centres continue to pose risks. Major changes to visa requirements implemented in 2025 have simplified entry procedures for tourists.

Tourist infrastructure around Victoria Falls and major national parks operates normally. The Zambian kwacha has stabilised at approximately 25 to the US dollar following economic reforms in 2025.

The Current Situation

Zambia's government confirmed on 1st March that all nationals in Gulf states should "stay indoors and avoid military installations" according to Reuters reporting from Lusaka. The advisory specifically covers citizens in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated the directive applies to an estimated 2,400 Zambian nationals working across the Gulf region, primarily in healthcare, construction and domestic services. Xinhua reported that emergency evacuation protocols remain under review pending conflict developments.

President Hakainde Hichilema's administration has maintained diplomatic neutrality regarding the US-Israel-Iran crisis whilst prioritising citizen safety. The conflict has not directly impacted Zambia's borders, which span 5,664 kilometres with eight neighbouring countries including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania and Angola.

Copper mining operations, which account for 70% of export earnings, continue without disruption across the Copperbelt Province. The country's three international airports - Kenneth Kaunda, Harry Mwanga Nkumbula and Mfuwe - maintain regular flight schedules to regional destinations.

Regional Safety Breakdown

The Southern Province, containing Victoria Falls and Livingstone, experiences Zambia's highest tourist volumes with approximately 400,000 annual visitors. Petty crime targeting tourists occurs frequently within 2 kilometres of the falls, particularly after sunset.

Lusaka Province presents moderate risks concentrated in townships including Kanyama, Matero and Chilenje. Armed robberies increased 23% in 2025 according to Zambia Police Service statistics, with incidents clustering along the Great East Road corridor.

The Copperbelt Province maintains heightened security around mining operations in Kitwe, Ndola and Chingola. Industrial accidents rather than violent crime pose primary risks to travellers in this region.

Eastern Province faces elevated risks due to porous borders with Malawi and Mozambique. Drug trafficking and vehicle theft incidents occur along the 847-kilometre Malawi border, particularly near Chipata.

Western Province experiences seasonal flooding between December and April that renders multiple roads impassable. The region recorded three tourist deaths from drowning in 2025 during flood periods.

Northern Province contains excellent wildlife viewing but limited medical facilities. The nearest trauma centre lies 380 kilometres from Kasanka National Park in Ndola.

Crime & Safety

Violent crime rates remain below regional averages, with 4.2 homicides per 100,000 population in 2025 compared to South Africa's 36.4 rate. However, opportunistic theft targeting tourists has increased significantly.

Vehicle hijackings cluster around shopping centres in Lusaka's Rhodespark and Kabulonga suburbs, with 67 reported incidents in 2025. The FCO confirmed that hire cars with foreign registration plates face particular targeting.

Sexual assault cases involving foreign nationals rose 31% in 2025, with incidents concentrated in Livingstone's backpacker accommodation areas. Police response times average 47 minutes in urban areas and exceed two hours in rural regions.

Cybercrime has emerged as a growing threat, with tourist-targeted credit card fraud increasing 89% since 2024. ATM skimming devices were discovered at 14 locations across Lusaka in late 2025.

Road traffic accidents caused 89 tourist casualties in 2025, representing a 15% increase from the previous year. The Great North Road between Lusaka and Ndola accounts for 34% of serious incidents involving foreign nationals.

Entry Requirements & Practicalities

Visitors from 70 countries including the United Kingdom, United States, European Union nations and Commonwealth countries receive visa-free entry for stays up to 90 days within any 12-month period. The policy, implemented on 1st January 2025, replaced previous visa requirements costing $50.

Yellow fever vaccination certificates remain mandatory for travellers from endemic countries. The World Health Organisation recommends hepatitis A, typhoid and meningitis vaccinations for all visitors.

Malaria risk exists year-round below 1,200 metres altitude, affecting 85% of Zambian territory. Prophylaxis medication should commence one week before arrival and continue four weeks after departure.

Currency regulations permit visitors to import unlimited foreign currency but require declaration of amounts exceeding $5,000. Credit card acceptance remains limited outside major hotels and tour operators.

Medical insurance covering evacuation costs up to $100,000 is essential, as local facilities cannot handle serious trauma cases. The University Teaching Hospital in Lusaka provides the highest standard care, though equipment shortages persist.

What Travellers Should Do Now

Register with your embassy upon arrival, as demonstrated by current Gulf region evacuation preparations. British nationals should contact the High Commission in Lusaka, whilst Americans register with the embassy's American Citizen Services unit.

Avoid demonstrations and political gatherings, particularly around the National Assembly building and party headquarters in Lusaka. The 2026 local elections scheduled for August may trigger protests.

Maintain comprehensive insurance covering medical evacuation, as regional facilities cannot handle complex procedures. Evacuation to South Africa costs approximately $25,000 for serious cases.

Book accommodation through established operators rather than informal arrangements, especially in Livingstone where unlicensed facilities lack adequate security. Confirmed tourist deaths in unregistered accommodation totalled seven in 2025.

Monitor regional developments affecting transport links, as conflicts in neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo occasionally disrupt border crossings at Kasumbalesa and Mokambo.

Key Facts:

  • Zambia offers visa-free entry for 70 countries for stays up to 90 days since January 2025
  • Government issued urgent advisory for citizens in Gulf region amid US-Israel-Iran conflict on 1st March 2026
  • Violent crime rate of 4.2 per 100,000 population remains well below regional average
  • Yellow fever vaccination mandatory for arrivals from endemic countries; malaria prophylaxis essential