Zambia eVisa for Sri Lanka

Zambia with its spectacular natural beauty, which is dominated by the mighty Victoria Falls, is a spectacular African adventure. The application of the Electronic Visa (eVisa) system is necessary to obtain the necessary entry permit efficiently so that travelers with a Sri Lankan passport could successfully plan their trip and enjoy the pre-regulated experience.

Sri Lankan nationals planning a trip to Zambia fall under a category that requires mandatory advance visa clearance from the Zambian authorities before travel. Unlike countries eligible for Visa on Arrival (VOA), the process for Sri Lankan citizens involves securing a letter of approval—the Visa Grant Notice—through the official Electronic Visa (eVisa) system before departing. This guide focuses on the Zambia eVisa for Sri Lanka Citizens, outlining the pre-clearance requirements, the necessary online application procedure, and essential tips for a successful submission to ensure a well-planned trip to the heart of Southern Africa.

Do Sri Lankans Need a Visa for Zambia?

Yes, a visa is mandatory for Sri Lankan passport holders to enter Zambia, and pre-approval is the primary requirement.

Sri Lankan citizens are generally classified as nationals requiring a visa prior to travel (often referred to as Category B status). This is a critical distinction: you must apply for the eVisa online, pay the necessary fee, and receive the official eVisa approval letter from the Director General of Immigration before departing from Sri Lanka. Relying on a Visa on Arrival facility is not recommended or guaranteed for this category of traveler.

What are the requirements for a Zambian tourist eVisa for Sri Lankan citizens?

The requirements for an Ordinary (Tourist) eVisa application are specific and must be met digitally using high-quality files (JPEG, PNG, or TIFF formats are preferred). The mandatory Zambia e-visa documents requirements include:

• Passport Bio Page Copy: A clear, high-resolution scan of your passport’s bio-data page. The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended date of departure from Zambia, with a minimum of two blank pages.
• Recent Applicant Photo: A current, digital passport-sized color photograph taken against a plain white background.
• Confirmed Return/Onward Air Ticket: Proof of your confirmed itinerary showing your planned exit from Zambia.
• Cover Letter: A signed personal letter 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 formal invitation letter from your host in Zambia, along with their contact details and proof of legal immigration status.

What are the required documents for a Zambian eVisa application?

Beyond the tourist requirements listed above, the required documents depend strictly on your reason for travel:

What's the typical processing time for a Zambian tourist visa application?

Since Sri Lankan citizens require mandatory advance approval, the processing time needs to be carefully monitored. The Zambian eVisa system offers competitive processing tiers to accommodate different travel timelines:It is highly recommended that you apply at least two to three weeks before your scheduled departure. This ensures sufficient time to receive your official approval letter, which is mandatory for boarding your flight.

How long is a Zambian tourist visa valid for Sri Lankan citizens?

The validity of the Zambia Tourist E-visa for Sri Lankan citizens is defined by two key factors:

• Entry Validity: The eVisa approval letter is typically valid for entry for 90 days from the date it is issued. You must enter Zambia within this 90-day window.
• Maximum Stay: Once you enter, the maximum permitted stay in Zambia for ordinary visitors and tourists is up to 90 days in any calendar year.
• Entry Types: The visa can be issued as Single Entry, Double Entry, or Multiple Entry, all generally adhering to the 90-day entry validity and stay limit.

Can a Zambian tourist visa be extended after arrival?

Yes, the stay permitted under a tourist visa can be extended, provided you apply in time.

If the immigration officer stamps your passport with a shorter initial stay (e.g., 30 or 60 days) and you wish to utilize the full 90-day entitlement for tourists in a calendar year, you must apply for an extension:

• Application Location: Apply at the nearest Department of Immigration office in Zambia.
• Crucial Rule: The extension application must be submitted before your current permitted stay duration expires. Overstaying, even by one day, results in significant fines and penalties.
• Long-Term Stay: If you plan to stay beyond the 90-day tourist limit, you must apply for a formal Visiting Permit.

What are the photo requirements for a Zambian visa?

The digital photograph is a mandatory requirement for the online application and must comply with international biometric standards to ensure acceptance:

• Clarity and Format: The photo must be a clear, high-resolution digital file (JPEG, PNG, or TIFF).
• Background: Plain white or a very light, neutral background is mandatory.
• Recency: The photo should be recent, 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 obstructions.

What are the general requirements for entering Zambia?

Beyond the pre-approved eVisa letter, all Sri Lankan citizens must adhere to these general entry requirements:

• Valid Passport: Must have at least six months of validity remaining and sufficient blank pages.
• Printed eVisa Approval: The printed copy of the official approval letter.
• Proof of Funds: Sufficient financial means to cover the duration of your stay.
• Health Requirements (Yellow Fever): Zambia requires a valid Yellow Fever vaccination certificate for travelers arriving from, or transiting for more than 12 hours through, countries with risk of Yellow Fever transmission. As Sri Lanka is generally not a risk country, this usually only applies if you transit through an African or South American Yellow Fever zone. Always confirm the latest health requirements with a travel clinic.

Are there special visa requirements for Sri Lankan citizens visiting Victoria Falls in Zambia?

If your itinerary includes visiting both the Zambian and Zimbabwean sides of Victoria Falls, the KAZA UNIVISA is the best option.

• KAZA UNIVISA Eligibility: Sri Lankan citizens are eligible to apply for this specialized tourism visa.
• Coverage: It allows multiple entries between Zambia and Zimbabwe for up to 30 days. It also covers day trips to Botswana via the Kazungula border.
• Application Route: You can apply for the KAZA UNIVISA online through the eVisa portal, but since Sri Lanka requires prior approval, applying and receiving the KAZA approval letter online is the safest route.

What services does a visa agency typically offer to assist individuals in obtaining a visa for international travel?

Professional visa agents or service providers offer crucial support, particularly for applicants like those from Sri Lanka who require mandatory advance clearance:

• Pre-submission Document Verification: Agents meticulously review every document—Passport Bio Page, Photo, Tickets, and mandatory letters—to ensure they meet the specific quality, content, and format requirements.
• Data Accuracy Check: They rigorously compare the data entered in the application form against the supporting documents, preventing rejection due to typographical errors or mismatched details.
• Compliance Guidance: They advise on specific legal requirements, such as ensuring the cover letter includes all necessary legal commitments and that the passport meets the six-month validity rule.
• Expedited Processing: They manage the application process to utilize the fastest processing tiers (Rush or Super Rush) and monitor the status closely, acting immediately if the Director General of Immigration requests supplementary information.

Can I extend my tourist visa if I overstay my welcome in Zambia?

No. Overstaying your welcome is a severe violation of Zambian immigration law and should be avoided at all costs.

While you can apply for a visa extension before your allowed stay expires (see Section 6), if you overstay, you will face serious penalties. Overstaying is typically met with:

• Heavy Daily Fines: Calculated for each day you remained illegally in the country.
• Detention: In some cases, travelers may be detained temporarily.
• Deportation: You will be deported from Zambia at your own expense.
• Future Travel Ban: A mandatory ban on future entry into Zambia.

Always track your expiry date and ensure you leave or apply for an extension well in advance.

Is the LKR 10,000 processing fee for a Zambian tourist visa currently waived?

The LKR 10,000 fee is a presumably non-government, local processing or service fee and the official government visa fee is compulsory and non-refundable.

The visa fee in USD, which is imposed by the government of Zambia, applies to all applicants of eVisa. When an agent or a third-party service in Sri Lanka talks of an LKR 10,000 processing fee, this is their personal service fee on verifying documents, submitting the form, and processing the same hastily.

Even the official Zambian government visa fee (e.g. 25 dollars Single Entry Visa) is not waivable by Sri Lankan citizens. When you use an agent, you will have to pay an official fee as well as any other third-party service fee.

Ayubowan to Zambia! (May you have a long life in Zambia!)

As a Sri Lankan citizen, securing your entry into Zambia requires careful planning due to the mandatory advance clearance. By utilizing the convenient eVisa system and ensuring your documents are meticulously prepared, you can confidently look forward to an incredible journey into the heart of Southern Africa’s breathtaking wilderness.