Zambia eVisa for Egypt

Zambia, the centre of the southern part of Africa, is the world-known region in terms of its natural attractions, including the monumental Victoria Falls (Mosi-oa-Tunya) and the best safari reserves (such as South Luangwa). To people of Egypt who have the intention of visiting this wonderful attraction site, one of the first things that you must get is the travel authorization.

This is made possible by the Zambian government through its effective Electronic Visa (eVisa) system whereby Egyptian passport holders apply and obtain permission online completely. This guide on the Zambia eVisa for Egypt is specifically designed towards you, giving simple step-by-step instructions, explaining all document needs, explaining the processing time, and making sure that your move to Zambia is as easy as possible out of Egypt.

Do Egyptians Need a Visa for Zambia?

Yes, a visa is mandatory for Egyptian passport holders wishing to enter Zambia.

Egyptian citizens are required to obtain a visa for both tourism and business purposes. Critically, the Visa on Arrival (VOA) is not generally available for Egyptian nationals. Therefore, securing a pre-approved entry authorization via the official eVisa portal before your departure is essential to guarantee entry into Zambia.

How to Apply for Zambia eVisa for Egyptian Citizens

The Zambia eVisa application is performed online, offering a streamlined, digital experience:

1. Select Visa Type: Determine your purpose of travel (e.g., Ordinary/Tourist, Business, or Transit) and select the appropriate visa type (Single, Double, or Multiple Entry).
2. Application Submission: Complete the electronic application form with accurate details regarding your passport, travel itinerary, and host/accommodation.
3. Document Upload: Digitally upload all the mandatory supporting documents in the required formats (JPEG, PNG, or TIFF).
4. Review and Confirmation: Double-check every field for accuracy. Confirm and submit your application.
5. Fee Payment: Pay the non-refundable visa processing fee online using a credit or debit card.
6. Receive Approval: Once approved by the Director General of Immigration, you will receive your official eVisa approval letter via email. This letter must be printed and presented along with your passport upon arrival at the Zambian port of entry to receive the final visa sticker or endorsement.

What Documents are Needed for a Zambia eVisa Application for Egyptian Citizens?

The document requirements vary slightly by visa type but the core documents for all applications include:

• Passport Bio Page Copy: A clear, scanned copy of your Egyptian passport’s bio page. The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended departure date from Zambia and must contain a minimum of two blank pages.
• Recent Applicant Photo: A current, digital passport-sized color photograph taken against a plain white background, adhering to international photo standards.
• Confirmed Return/Onward Air Ticket: Proof of your confirmed itinerary showing your planned exit from Zambia.
• Cover Letter: A brief, signed letter from you (the applicant) addressed to the Director General of Immigration.
• Proof of Accommodation: A confirmed hotel booking for your entire stay or a signed invitation letter from your host in Zambia, including their contact details and proof of their legal immigration status.

For Zambia Business-E Visa, additional documents are required, including a covering letter from your Egyptian company, a formal invitation from the Zambian host company, and a certified copy of the Zambian host company’s Certificate of Incorporation.

Are there Travel Restrictions for Egyptian Citizens Entering Zambia Besides Visa Requirements?

Yes, beyond the visa itself, Egyptian citizens must be aware of an important health requirement and passport standards:

• Passport Validity: Ensure your passport meets the six-month validity rule and has sufficient blank pages.
• Yellow Fever Certificate: While Zambia itself is generally considered a low-risk country, the Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is often required for travelers arriving from a country with a risk of transmission (or having transited through one for over 12 hours). Although Egypt is generally not classified as a Yellow Fever risk country, it's mandatory to check the latest WHO and Zambian immigration advisories prior to departure, as transit through a high-risk country could trigger the requirement. Always consult a travel health clinic well in advance.

Can I Apply for a Zambia eVisa if I Have a Passport from Egypt?

Yes, Egyptian passport holders are fully eligible to utilize the Zambia eVisa system for various travel purposes, including:The availability of Single, Double, or Multiple Entry options provides flexibility based on your travel frequency and duration.

What Details are Needed for the Cover Letter for a Zambian eVisa?

The cover letter, addressed to the Director General of Immigration, Zambia, is a mandatory document that formalizes your request. It should be brief, professional, and contain the following essential details:

• Applicant Information: Your full name exactly as it appears on your Egyptian passport.
• Passport Details: Your passport number and nationality.
• Purpose of Visit: A clear and concise statement of the reason for travel (e.g., “tourism and sightseeing,” “attending a business conference,” or “visiting family”).
• Travel Dates: Your planned arrival and departure dates, matching the itinerary provided.
• Accommodation Confirmation: Mention of where you will be staying (e.g., “I have a confirmed booking at the XYZ Hotel in Livingstone”).
• Commitment to Compliance: A statement confirming your intent to depart Zambia as scheduled and adhere to the country’s immigration laws (e.g., not seeking employment).
• Signature: The letter must be personally signed by you.

Show Me Examples of Valid Zambian eVisa Invitation Letters

For visitors staying with a friend or family member (Ordinary Visitor) or for business travelers, a formal invitation letter from the host in Zambia is required.

Example for an Ordinary Visitor (Tourist):

• From: A host in Zambia (Zambian citizen or foreign resident with a valid permit).
• Content: Must include the host’s full name, physical address, and phone number. It confirms the host will accommodate the Egyptian visitor during their stay (with specific dates), states the purpose of the visit (visiting/tourism), and includes a copy of the host’s Zambian National Registration Card (NRC) or valid residency permit.

Example for a Business Visitor:

• From: The Zambian host company/organization.
• Content: Written on company letterhead, addressed to the Director General of Immigration. It details the purpose of the Egyptian applicant’s trip (e.g., "to negotiate a contract, audit services, training"), the applicant’s name and role, the exact duration of the activities, and confirmation that the host company takes responsibility for the visitor during their stay.

The system will require the invitation letter to be uploaded digitally, and for business, the Certified Copy of the Certificate of Incorporation of the Zambian host company is required alongside it.

How Long Does Zambia eVisa Processing Take for Egyptian Citizens?

While the official processing time is generally quick, Egyptian citizens requiring pre-approval should plan for the longest estimated time, plus buffer days.

Standard Urgent Zambia E-Visa processing times offered by services are:

Given the mandatory pre-approval requirement for Egyptian citizens, it is strongly advised to apply at least two to three weeks (14-21 days) before your departure date. This allows time for any potential requests for supplementary documents or unforeseen administrative delays.

What are the Best Places to Visit in Zambia for First-Time Travelers?

Zambia offers diverse attractions, making it perfect for first-time visitors from Egypt. Key destinations include:

• Victoria Falls (Mosi-oa-Tunya), Livingstone: This is the top attraction. Travelers can enjoy adrenaline activities like bungee jumping, scenic flights over the falls, and visiting the rainforest on the Zambian side.
• South Luangwa National Park: Considered one of Africa’s best wildlife sanctuaries, famous for its walking safaris and high concentration of leopards.
• Lower Zambezi National Park: Ideal for combining safari game drives with river activities, such as canoeing and fishing on the Zambezi River.
• Lusaka: The capital city provides a vibrant urban experience, offering markets, museums, and a glimpse into modern Zambian culture.

What's the Validity and Allowed Stay Duration for a Zambian eVisa?

The validity refers to the window in which you must enter Zambia, and the stay duration is the time you are permitted to remain in the country after entry.

• Ordinary (Tourist) Visa: Typically valid for entry for 90 days from the date of issuance. The maximum stay is usually 90 days from the date of entry.
• Business Visa: Typically valid for entry for 90 days, but the maximum stay per visit is often restricted to 30 days.
• KAZA UNIVISA: Valid for 30 days and permits a maximum stay of 30 days within Zambia and Zimbabwe.

For long-term travelers, Ordinary Visitors and Tourists are entitled to a maximum free visit of 90 days in any 12-month period, but extensions must be sought from the Department of Immigration before the initial period expires.

Can Egyptian Citizens Apply for Different Types of Zambian Visas Besides Tourism?

Yes, the online eVisa portal offers Egyptian citizens the ability to apply for visas beyond standard tourism:

• Business Visa: For attending meetings, conferences, audits, or trade exhibitions (requires host company documentation).
• Transit Visa: For travelers passing through Zambia by land transport to a third country (7-day maximum stay).
• Ordinary Visitor Visa (Family/Friend Visit): For stays longer than a hotel-based tourist trip, often requiring the host’s immigration status documents.
• KAZA UNIVISA: A special tourism visa covering Zambia and Zimbabwe.

What Responsibilities Do Travelers Have for Visa Applications?

While agents can assist, the ultimate responsibility for the application and travel compliance lies with the Egyptian traveler:

• Accuracy: Ensuring all personal data in the application precisely matches the passport bio page.
• Validity: Checking that the passport and all supporting documents (like the Yellow Fever Certificate) are valid on the date of entry.
• Compliance: Adhering to the terms of the visa once in Zambia (e.g., not overstaying, not engaging in paid employment on a tourist visa).
• Printing: Printing the eVisa approval letter and carrying it, along with the passport, to the port of entry.

Tell Me More About How Travel Agents Help Prepare Visa Documents

Professional visa agents simplify the complex document verification process. Their assistance is particularly valuable for Egyptian citizens who need mandatory pre-approval. They provide:

• Document Screening: Agents meticulously review every document uploaded (Passport, Photo, Letters, etc.) before submission. They ensure the quality, file format (JPEG, PNG, or TIFF), and content meet the stringent requirements of the Director General of Immigration.
• Form Accuracy Check: They verify that the information filled in the electronic form is consistent with the supporting documents, preventing rejection due to typographical errors or mismatched details.
• Clarification of Requirements: If a document, such as the host’s proof of status or a company letterhead, is non-compliant, the agent immediately flags it, providing clear guidance on how to correct and re-upload the file. This proactive approach saves time and reduces the chance of application delays.

Your Zambian Safari Awaits

With the Zambia eVisa system, Egyptian citizens can look forward to a straightforward application process. By planning ahead and diligently submitting all required documents, the world-class wildlife, spectacular waterfalls, and rich culture of Zambia are within easy reach!