Zambia

Safety and security

Emergency phone numbers

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes and providing emergency services.  Please note that it is not uncommon for landline phone numbers in Zambia to be out of service.

• Dial 991 for police.
• Dial 992 for ambulance.
• Dial 999 for unified emergency services.
• Dial 933 for toll-free domestic violence hotline.

Terrorism

Terrorists and their supporters may target U.S. citizens abroad.

Terrorists may target:

• Large public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.)
• Popular hotels, clubs, and restaurants
• Places of worship
• Schools
• Parks
• Shopping malls and markets
• Public transportation (subways, buses, trains, and commercial flights)

Demonstrations

Political activity, especially during national and local elections, can lead to civil unrest and isolated acts of violence. Spontaneous demonstrations may occur and can escalate rapidly, especially following intervention by security forces. Even protests intended to remain peaceful can become confrontational with little warning.

• Demonstrations are unpredictable. Avoid protest areas, political gatherings, and large crowds, and be prepared to adjust travel routes accordingly. 
• Past demonstrations have resulted in violence.
• Monitor local media for updates, security information, and traffic advisories.

Crime

Petty crime is common, especially in popular tourist areas. Remain alert and maintain awareness of your surroundings.

Most crimes affecting foreigners are opportunistic and nonviolent. Commonly reported incidents include:

• Theft of unattended belongings in public places, vehicles, or hotel rooms;
• Pickpocketing in crowded markets and on public transportation;
• Theft of bags and smartphones from pedestrians;
• Smash-and-grab thefts of valuables in slow traffic or parked cars;
• Confidence schemes and other forms of fraud.

More serious crimes, including armed robbery, violent assault, home invasion, and sexual assault, also occur.

Avoid walking alone in the downtown areas, densely populated residential neighborhoods, public parks, and other poorly illuminated areas, especially at night. Keep valuables out of sight, secure vehicle doors and windows, and do not leave personal belongings unattended.

Scams

Follow the Department of State guidelines to protect yourself from scams.

If you are a victim of a scam, learn how the FBI can help.  

Financial scams and internet romance scams are common in Zambia. Be careful of anyone asking for money, especially those who start a "romantic" relationship online or claim local authorities want money. Scams often begin through online posts, emails, or letters. Scammers pretend to be U.S. citizens in need of help.

Common scams include:

• Romance and online dating
• Money transfers
• Contracts with promises of large commissions.
• Work permits and job offers.

If using dating apps or websites in Zambia:

• Criminals may use dating apps to target potential victims for robbery or assault.
• Let your friends and family know where you are and consider sharing your location on your phone. 
• Meet in a popular public place.
• Tell your family or friends all the details about the person you are meeting and how you met them (which app).
• Set up and talk using a video call before agreeing to meet in person.
• Avoid locations where you can be isolated, like hotel rooms, private apartments or houses.
• Never leave food or drinks unattended at a bar or restaurant.
• Observe the preparation of your food or drink order when possible.
• Refuse offers of food or drinks from strangers.
• Have a communication plan with friends or family. Send updates to them on an agreed schedule.

Victims of crime

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes. You may report crimes to the local police by dialing 991 or 112 and contact the U.S. Embassy at + (260-) 011-357-000 or + (260-) 966-050-123.

Review our information for Victims of Crime. 

The U.S. embassy or consulate can:

• Replace a stolen or lost passport.
• Help you find medical care. 
• Assist you in how to report a crime to the police.
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent.
• Provide general information regarding the criminal justice system. 
• Provide a list of local attorneys. We do not endorse or recommend any specific attorneys.
• Provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the United States.
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States or limited medical support in cases of need.
• Help you find accommodation and options to travel home.

Sexual assault and domestic violence

• U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault or domestic violence are encouraged to contact the U.S. embassy for assistance.

Technology use abroad

Mobile devices are vulnerable to compromise, theft, and damage anywhere in the world. Follow these safe practices:

• Update all software (operating system and apps) before leaving the United States.
• Use reputable, U.S.-based VPN or VoIP applications. 
• Don’t connect to public Wi-Fi networks.
• Be cautious using dating apps abroad, as scammers often target U.S. citizens.
• Use of drones in Zambia is heavily regulated. Consult Zambian Civil Aviation Authority website for most recent information.

GPS

Prior to using GPS abroad:

• Research the safety of the route recommended by the GPS.
• It is recommended that you save maps offline in case there is a lack of cell service while traveling.
• The fastest path may not be the safest.

Tourism safety

The tourism industry is not well regulated:

• Safety inspections for equipment and facilities are rare.
• Dangerous areas and activities are not always marked with signs.
• Staff may not be trained or certified.
• If you get injured, you will likely need to travel to a major city for appropriate medical care.
• First responders cannot reach remote areas in case of emergencies.
• U.S. citizens are encouraged to have medical evacuation insurance.
• Review our information on Travel Insurance.

Adventure travel

Review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) tips for Adventure Travel.

Safety tips

If you are visiting game parks, rivers, and lakes:

• Follow all the park rules and instructions from guides. Wild animals have injured and killed tourists. 
• It’s dangerous to leave your vehicle in game parks outside of marked areas.  
• Hikers must be ready for quick weather changes and have the right clothing and supplies. 
• Avoid swimming in natural bodies of water in Zambia. These waters often carry crocodiles, hippopotamuses, and dangerous bacteria and parasites.
• Many activities, including white water rafting and swinging, require significant climbing in and out of the gorge. Report any heart condition or back injury to the operator.
• Choose a reputable operator for any adventure activity.

Local laws and customs

Criminal penalties

U.S. citizens must follow local laws. If you break local laws, even by mistake, you could be deported, arrested, or imprisoned.  

• Travelers who accidentally break local laws have been detained. Sometimes, this can be for a long time. They may also face criminal charges and even be convicted of a crime.
• You may be prosecuted in the United States for crimes committed abroad, regardless of the local law. Review the information provided by the U.S. Department of Justice about crimes against minors abroad.
• Before you start a business or a profession in Zambia, seek information from the local authorities about what permits or licenses are required. 

Drug offenses

• Possession of small quantities of an illegal substance can constitute drug trafficking in Zambia.
• A list of controlled substances in Zambia is included in the Local Resources section of the U.S. Embassy Lusaka's webpage.

Wildlife and wildlife products

• It is illegal to purchase tortoise shells, rhino horns, elephant ivory, or any items made from these materials.
• Other wildlife products, such as hippo teeth, crocodile teeth or skins, flat skins, horns, or animal bones, should only be purchased from animal product vendors licensed with Zambia’s Department of National Parks and Wildlife, which provide certification of purchase.
• If you do not have a valid and legitimate certificate for these wildlife products, this can result in a 5-year minimum prison sentence. 
• Travelers must present the items and certification of purchase in person to Department of National Parks and Wildlife officials within 45 days [prior to?] departure to obtain an export permit.
• Permits for items derived from CITES-regulated species, such as hippo or crocodile, may take a long time to obtain. They may also include additional fees, or require an import permit from a destination country.
• Wildlife products with no export permit are confiscated upon departure. The Government of Zambia prosecutes offenders to the fullest extent of the law with penalties ranging from large fines to minimum 5-year prison sentences.
• It is illegal to export game meat in any form: dried, processed, or raw.

Photography restrictions

• Taking photos of government buildings, airports, bridges, military sites, or even people in uniform is strictly prohibited and can lead to immediate arrest for espionage.

Arrest notification

• If you are arrested or detained, ask officials to notify the U.S. embassy or consulate immediately.

Detention conditions

• Detention conditions in Zambia can be harsh. Facilities are often severely overcrowded, and detainees may be held in large communal cells with limited space to sit or lie down.
• Sanitation is poor, access to clean water may be limited, and outbreaks of communicable disease can occur.
• Detention facilities may not provide prescribed or over-the-counter medications. Access to routine, emergency, and specialist medical care may also be delayed or unavailable.
• Travelers who rely on essential medication should carry an adequate supply in its original packaging, along with a copy of the prescription and any relevant medical documentation.

Counterfeit and pirated goods

Counterfeit and pirated goods are common in many destinations.

• They may be illegal according to local laws. 
• Counterfeit and pirated goods may pose significant risks to consumer health and safety. 
• You may be subject to fines or have to surrender counterfeit and pirated goods to authorities if you bring them back to the United States. 

Learn more about U.S. restrictions on counterfeit and pirated goods:

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• U.S. Department of Justice  

Faith-based travelers

Faith based travel includes pilgrimages, service projects, and mission work. Prepare for your travel using these resources: 

• Faith-Based Travel
• Volunteering Abroad
• International Religious Freedom Reports

Gay and Lesbian travelers

• Zambian law criminalizes consensual same-sex sexual activity. A conviction for engaging in “acts against the order of nature” carries a prison sentence of 15 years to life. Other offenses, including “gross indecency,” may carry prison sentences of up to 14 years.
• Social attitudes toward same-sex relationships are generally conservative. Gay and Lesbian travelers may face discrimination, harassment, or unwanted attention.
• Review our information for Gay and Lesbian Travelers.

Travelers with accessibility needs

The law in Zambia prohibits discrimination against persons with physical, sensory, intellectual, or mental disabilities. The law is not enforced.

• The most common types of accessibility may include accessible facilities, communication, access to services, and ease of movement or access.
• Expect accessibility to be limited in public transportation, lodging, communication, and general infrastructure.
• Cultural attitudes toward disability vary, but in general social acceptance of people with disabilities in public is not as common as in the United States.
• Despite some improvements in largely urban areas, physical accessibility to services remains a common problem across most of Zambia. 
• Contact the U.S. embassy in Zambia to receive a list of providers.
• Review our information on Accessibility Needs.

Students

• Review our information on Studying Abroad.

Women travelers 

• Review our information for Women Travelers.
• Review our information on Marriage.
• Review our information on Female genital mutilation and cutting (FGM/C).
• Review our information for Victims of Crime.

Human rights

• Review the Department of State’s Human Rights Report for your destination prior to traveling.

Health

Health resources

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Zambia Traveler Information provides destination specific information on prevalent diseases and vaccination recommendations.
• CDC Medical Tourism information
• World Health Organization
• Medicine and Health
• Travel Insurance

Emergency phone numbers

• Dial 992 for emergency medical services or dial 737 for a privately operated ambulance service.

Ambulance services

Ambulance services are not widely available. Training and response time of emergency responders may be poor.

• Ambulances are not equipped with advanced medical equipment. 
• Ambulances are not staffed with trained paramedics.  They often have little or no medical equipment. 
• Injured or very ill travelers might prefer to take a taxi or their own car to the nearest major hospital.  This option can be faster than waiting for an ambulance.

Medical payments and insurance

Make sure you know if your health insurance plan covers any medical expenses abroad. Most U.S. plans do not.

• The U.S. government does not pay medical bills.
• U.S. Medicare and Medicaid do not cover expenses or bills abroad.
• Most hospitals and doctors abroad do not accept U.S. health insurance.
• Medical care is not free in Zambia. If you require medical attention, you will incur expenses, even if you are treated in a public healthcare facility.
• Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments.
• Credit card payment is not always available.
• Most hospitals and medical professionals require cash payment.
• Hospitals often need payment up front or proof of insurance before providing treatment or admitting a patient. 
• Make sure you know if your health insurance plan provides coverage abroad or reimbursement of payments. The CDC provides more information on types of insurance.
• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.
• If you purchase supplemental insurance, you are responsible for seeking reimbursement from the insurance provider. Follow their instructions for filing claims. 

Vaccinations

Stay up to date with the vaccines recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

• CDC Travelers’ Health
• World Health Organization Travel Advice
• You must show an International Certificate of Vaccination or Yellow Card if you are arriving from a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission. This also applies if you have passed through for more than 12 hours through an airport in a high-risk country.

Healthcare facilities

Private medical clinics in major cities provide reasonable care. Major medical emergencies usually require medical evacuation to South Africa, Europe, or the United States. 

• The nearest air ambulances are based in South Africa.
• Government hospitals and clinics are often understaffed and lack supplies.
• Basic medical care outside of major cities is extremely limited.
• Doctors and hospitals expect immediate cash payment for health services.
• The U.S. embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals. We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.
• Public medical clinics lack basic resources and supplies. 
• Patients must cover all costs for transfer to or between hospitals.

Prescription medications

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.

• Check the Dangerous Drugs Act, or consult the Zambia Medicines Regulatory Authority to ensure the medication is legal in Zambia.
• Exercise caution when purchasing medication abroad. Pharmaceuticals are usually easy to buy with few controls.
• Counterfeit medication is common and may not work, have the wrong strength, or have dangerous ingredients. You should buy medication with the help of a medical professional and from trusted places.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have rules for bringing medication back into the United States.  If you buy medications abroad, the medications must meet CBP’s and the FDA’s requirements to bring them back legally.

The medications must also be for personal use and approved for use in the United States.

For more information:

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• Food and Drug Administration

Common diseases

Use the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended mosquito repellents and sleep under insecticide-impregnated mosquito nets. Chemoprophylaxis is recommended for all travelers even for short stays.

Zambia has a high incidence of:

• Malaria
• Rabies
• African trypanosomiasis
• Cholera
• Typhoid
• HIV
• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• African Tick-Bite Fever
• Chikungunya
• Dengue
• Tuberculosis
• Hantavirus
• Rift River Valley
• Ross River Virus Disease
• Leptospirosis
• Schistosomiasis
• Measles

Water quality and food safety

• Tap water is not safe to drink or use in cooking.
• You may want to request no ice in your drinks since it may be made using tap water.
• Make water safe by filtering, boiling, disinfecting, or distilling.
• Impure water can cause diseases like typhoid, cholera, hepatitis, and dysentery.
• Eating uncooked vegetables and fruits can make you sick.
• Local meat and poultry should be kept frozen at minus 20 degrees for 2 days  or cooked well done to avoid infection with tapeworm, trichinosis, and toxoplasmosis.
• Use of local dairy products is advised only if properly pasteurized.  Brucellosis and tuberculosis can be transmitted by unpasteurized milk.

Air quality

Air pollution can be a significant problem in many destinations abroad.

• Check NASA’s Air Quality Forecast. It uses Artificial Intelligence (AI), historical data, and global pollution modeling to generate a 3-day forecast of expected air quality in Lusaka.
• For information about common air pollutants, check the CDC’s Air Quality page.
• For information about the U.S. Air Quality Index and health guidance, check out the EPA’s AirNow.
• For general health information, visit the Medicine and Health page.

Transportation

Road conditions and safety

Vehicle travel is extremely dangerous under normal conditions but particularly at night and in inclement weather.

• Secondary roads are not well maintained. Use major roads whenever possible.
• Most roads do not have shoulders or sidewalks and are poorly lit.
• Pedestrians and livestock use the roadways.
• Passing another vehicle is dangerous given the general condition of roads.
• Look out for tree branches or other debris which local drivers often place behind their cars to indicate a breakdown or trouble.
• Cars with non-functioning headlights and taillights are a common hazard.
• Night driving is discouraged.
• There are no emergency services for stranded or injured drivers.
• Auto accident victims are vulnerable to theft by those pretending to be helpful.

Traffic laws 

You must obtain an International Driving Permit to drive in Zambia.

• Vehicles drive on the left side of the road.
• Vehicles in traffic circles travel clockwise.
• Most traffic lights in Lusaka do not work. Major intersections function like a four-way stop.
• It is illegal to turn left on a red light.
• Splashing a pedestrian as you drive through water is a traffic violation.
• You should come to a stop and pull to the side of the road if you hear sirens indicating an emergency vehicle or official motorcade.
• Use of seat belts is mandatory, as are helmets for motorcyclists.
• A child's seat is not mandatory by law but is recommended.
• It is illegal to use a cell phone while driving. The minimum fine if you are caught is equivalent to $60 USD.
• The speed limit in Lusaka is 30 mph/50 km and 60 mph/100 km outside of city limits, unless otherwise indicated.
• If you are stopped by police and asked to pay a fine, you should obtain an official receipt. You can go to the nearest police station where you can make payment.
• Drivers under the influence of alcohol who are involved in accidents are tested at Lusaka's University Teaching Hospital (UTH) and then taken to court.

Taxis and ride-shares

Taxis are available in Lusaka and other larger cities. You must negotiate and agree on the fare before the car moves. At the airport, use only the official taxis.

• It is a common norm in Zambia for taxis to pick up multiple passengers heading in the same direction. You must explicitly ask for a private ride (“short drop” in local slang). Expect a slightly higher price for a private ride.
• Rideshares are available. Local mobile apps are available for downloading.  U.S. government employees are not permitted to download the local rideshare app Yango.

Public and commercial transportation

Public transportation is mostly comprised of minibuses.

• Minibuses are often overcrowded, poorly maintained, and unreliable.
• Some buses of acceptable quality travel between Lusaka and Livingstone and the Copperbelt.
• Review our information on Driving and Transportation Safety Abroad.

Aviation safety oversight

• The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed Zambia for compliance with international standards for aviation safety oversight. FAA's website includes more information on its assessment program.

Weather and natural disasters

Weather conditions

Rain:

• Zambia’s rainy season generally runs from November through April, with the heaviest rainfall typically occurring between December and March.
• Heavy rain can cause seasonal and flash flooding, particularly in low-lying areas and floodplains.
• Roads and bridges may be damaged or submerged, and unpaved roads can become impassable, isolating some rural areas and disrupting travel.
• Severe thunderstorms accompanied by lightning, strong winds, and occasional hail can occur. Avoid outdoor activities during severe storms and do not attempt to walk or drive through floodwaters.

Heat and drought:

• Extreme heat is most likely during the hot, dry season from September through November, particularly in lower-elevation areas such as the Zambezi and Luangwa valleys. Take precautions against dehydration and heat-related illness.
• Zambia also experiences periodic droughts, which can contribute to water shortages, reduced hydroelectric generation, and prolonged power outages.

Safety tips:

• Monitor local weather forecasts and official advisories.
• Allow additional travel time during severe weather and confirm road conditions before traveling outside major urban areas. Driving can be especially hazardous at night or during inclement weather.

U.S. citizens living abroad

Living abroad resources

If you live outside the United States for a long time, you or your family may experience various life events, wish to exercise U.S. citizenship rights, or need to meet U.S. legal obligations while abroad.

• Learn how to prepare for voting in U.S. elections, the birth of a child, or getting married.
• Ensure you have a plan for healthcare and medical insurance abroad.
• Even abroad, you still have certain obligations such as paying your U.S. taxes or registering for military selective service.
• Review information on federal benefits, such as Social Security and Veterans Affairs benefits.

Embassies and consulates