Zambia eVisa for Georgia

The country of great safari adventure and the mighty Victoria falls, Zambia is a growing attraction by tourists who are interested in exploring the real African adventure. The Georgia citizens are able to access this great country in a simplified process of flexible visa processes, which are mainly the electronic visa (eVisa) system.

Georgian passport holders planning a trip to the heart of Southern Africa, particularly Zambia, have several convenient visa options available, including the eVisa and Visa on Arrival (VOA). This guide focuses on the Zambia eVisa for Georgia citizens, explaining the requirements, the application process, and answering key questions to help you prepare for a seamless and enjoyable trip.

Do Georgian Citizens Need a Visa for Zambia?

Yes, Georgian citizens require a visa to enter Zambia.

However, Georgian passport holders are fortunate to be categorized as eligible for two easy entry options:

1. Electronic Visa (eVisa): Applied for and approved online before travel.
2. Visa on Arrival (VOA): Obtainable upon arrival at major Zambian ports of entry.

While the VOA offers spontaneity, applying for the eVisa in advance is highly recommended. Pre-approval guarantees entry authorization, minimizing processing time and any uncertainties upon arrival at the border crossing or airport.

What documents are needed for a Zambian eVisa for Georgian citizens?

The document requirements are generally the same whether you choose the eVisa or the VOA route. For the online eVisa application, all Zambia e-visa documents requirements must be submitted digitally (JPEG, PNG, or TIFF formats are universally accepted) and must be clear and legible.

For a standard Ordinary (Tourist) eVisa, Georgian applicants need:

• Passport Bio Page Copy: A clear, high-resolution scan of your Georgian passport’s bio-data page. The passport must be valid for a minimum of six months beyond your intended date of departure from Zambia and must have at least two blank pages.
• Recent Applicant Photo: A current, digital passport-sized color photograph.
• Confirmed Return/Onward Air Ticket: Proof of your confirmed flight itinerary showing your planned exit from Zambia.
• Cover Letter: A signed letter from the applicant addressed to the Director General of Immigration, outlining the purpose and dates of the trip.
• Proof of Accommodation: A confirmed hotel booking for your entire stay, or a signed formal invitation letter from your host in Zambia, including their contact details and legal immigration status proof (if staying with friends/family).

For Business Visas, additional corporate documentation is mandatory, including a company letter from your Georgian organization and a certified copy of the Zambian host company’s Certificate of Incorporation.

What are the requirements for visa extensions in Zambia?

Yes, the stay permitted under an Ordinary (Tourist) eVisa can typically be extended, provided you apply before your initial entry period expires.

• Maximum Stay: Ordinary visitors and tourists are generally granted up to 90 days of visit in any calendar year.
• Procedure: If you wish to stay longer than the initial period stamped in your passport (e.g., beyond the first 30 or 60 days of your visit), you must apply for an extension at the nearest Department of Immigration office in Zambia.
• Timeline: The application for extension must be submitted before your current permitted stay duration expires.
• Long-Term Stay: For stays exceeding the 90-day tourist limit, you would generally need to apply for a formal Visiting Permit.

When is yellow fever vaccination needed for travel to Zambia?

Zambia itself is generally considered to have a low risk of Yellow Fever transmission. However, the vaccination certificate may still be required based on your itinerary:

• Transit/Origin Requirement: A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is required for travelers aged 1 year or over if they are arriving from, or have transited for more than 12 hours through, an airport in a country with a risk of Yellow Fever transmission.
• Check Transit Points: Georgian citizens should verify the status of any countries they transit through on their way to Zambia, as the requirement is often triggered by transit through high-risk zones (primarily in certain parts of Africa and South America).
• Validity: The vaccination must be administered at least 10 days before travel to be valid, though certificates issued after July 2016 are generally considered valid for life. Always check the current list of risk countries and consult a travel health professional.

What are the typical processing times for a Zambian visa application for Georgian citizens?

Georgian citizens are eligible for quick processing times through the eVisa system. The processing tiers available are:It is highly recommended that Georgian travelers apply at least two weeks before their scheduled departure to account for potential administrative queries or delays, ensuring they receive the eVisa approval letter well ahead of time.

Are there specific photo requirements for a Zambian visa application?

Yes, the digital photograph submitted online must meet specific criteria to avoid application delays. These Zambia E-visa photo requirements specifications align with international biometric standards:

• Clarity and Format: The photo must be a clear, sharp, high-resolution digital file (JPEG, PNG, or TIFF).
• Background: Plain white or a very light, neutral background.
• Recency: Taken within the last six months to reflect your current appearance.
• Facial Requirements: Full-face view, head centered, with a neutral expression (no smiling), and no shadows. Eyeglasses are generally discouraged unless medically necessary, and headwear is only permitted for religious reasons.

How does the Zambian Visa on Arrival process work at airports for Georgians?

As Georgian citizens are eligible for the VOA, they can choose to apply upon arrival at major ports of entry, such as Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (Lusaka) or Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport (Livingstone).

1. Form Completion: You may be required to fill out a paper application form if you did not apply online.
2. Document Presentation: Present your valid Georgian passport, confirmed onward ticket, and proof of accommodation.
3. Payment: Pay the visa fee (cash in USD is highly recommended) to the immigration officer.
4. Issuance: The officer will affix the visa sticker or endorsement in your passport, granting you entry and specifying the allowed duration of stay (up to 90 days for tourism).

While convenient, this process can involve waiting in line, which is why pre-approving the eVisa is often preferred.

What's the cover letter for a Zambian visa supposed to include?

The cover letter, addressed formally to the Director General of Immigration, Zambia, is a crucial supporting document. It should be signed and contain the following essential components:

• Applicant Identification: Your full name and passport number, matching your Georgian passport exactly.
• Purpose of Visit: A concise statement of why you are visiting (e.g., "tourism and sightseeing, including Victoria Falls and a safari").
• Travel Details: Your precise planned arrival and departure dates, and the name/address of your confirmed accommodation or host.
• Commitment Statement: A declaration confirming your intention to abide by all Zambian immigration laws, specifically that you will depart the country on time and will not engage in any form of employment while on a tourist or visitor visa.

What activities are recommended in Zambia for a 30-day trip?

For a 30-day trip, Georgian travelers can comfortably cover Zambia’s major highlights, focusing on wildlife, culture, and nature:

• Week 1: Victoria Falls & Livingstone: Spend 5–7 days exploring the Falls, taking scenic flights, visiting the Livingstone Museum, and engaging in adventure sports like rafting or gorge swinging.
• Week 2-3: South Luangwa National Park: Dedicate 7–10 days to a safari experience, focusing on walking safaris (Zambia’s specialty) and game drives. This park is renowned for leopard sightings.
• Week 4: Lower Zambezi & Lusaka: Spend 5 days in the Lower Zambezi National Park, combining game viewing with river activities (canoeing or boat safaris). Finish with a few days in the capital, Lusaka, for market visits and cultural exposure before flying out.
• Optional: If time and budget allow, utilize the KAZA UNIVISA to include a quick trip across the border to visit the Zimbabwean side of Victoria Falls or take a day trip to Chobe National Park in Botswana.

What common visa application mistakes can agents help avoid?

Professional visa agents play a vital role in quality assurance, helping Georgian citizens navigate common pitfalls that lead to application delays or rejection:

• Mismatched Data: Ensuring that every detail—name, passport number, dates—on the application form is identical to the data on the uploaded passport copy.
• Document Quality: Verifying that all uploaded digital files (photos, passport bio page, tickets) are clear, high-resolution, and correctly formatted (JPEG, PNG, or TIFF).
• Insufficient Validity: Checking that the passport meets the minimum six-month validity requirement beyond the travel dates.
• Missing Letters: Ensuring that mandatory letters (Cover Letter to the Director General of Immigration or Invitation Letter from a host) are correctly addressed, signed, and include all required content.
• Payment Issues: Guiding the applicant through the secure payment portal to prevent transaction errors that halt the processing step (Step 5 of the application process).

By mitigating these risks, agents help expedite the approval process and ensure a smoother preparation phase for your Zambian adventure.

Mshvidobit to Zambia!(Peace to Zambia!)

As a Georgian citizen, you have excellent, flexible options for securing your entry into Zambia. By utilizing the convenient eVisa system, and preparing your documents according to the required specifications, you can look forward to trading the Caucasus mountains for the Zambezi wilderness with complete peace of mind.