Zambia Abolishes Tourist Visa Requirement for EU Citizens to Boost Tourism

Lusaka, Zambia – As of 1 October 2022, Zambia has abolished tourist visa requirements for citizens of the European Union, including Slovenia, as part of its long-term strategy to position itself as one of Africa’s leading tourism destinations.

The visa waiver forms part of Zambia’s National Tourism Strategy (2018–2038), which aims to strengthen the country’s tourism sector and attract more international visitors. Tourism is currently one of Zambia’s fastest-growing economic sectors, generating approximately US$1.8 billion in revenue in the previous year.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Zambia experienced steady growth in visitor arrivals. More than 1.07 million international tourists visited the country in 2018, representing a 6.2% increase over the previous year, while arrivals reached 1.2 million in 2019. The pandemic, however, severely disrupted the industry, leading to significant job losses due to global travel restrictions.

The government views the removal of visa requirements as an important step in supporting the sector’s recovery while encouraging tourism, investment and business travel. Zambia is among the first African countries to introduce visa-free entry for EU tourists following the pandemic.

The Zambia Tourism Agency, established in 2015, continues to promote the country internationally and regulate the tourism industry. Zambia has intensified its marketing efforts through diplomatic missions abroad, international tourism partners and participation in major travel exhibitions, including ITB Berlin, FITUR Madrid and the Vakantiebeurs tourism fair in the Netherlands.

In recent years, the government has also invested in tourism infrastructure, including the reopening of a national airline, reforms to the country’s visa system and the development of two modern international airports in Lusaka and Livingstone. Additional funding has been allocated to the country’s Northern Province, home to numerous waterfalls, national parks, cultural heritage sites and traditional ceremonies.

President Hakainde Hichilema has repeatedly highlighted tourism as a key driver of economic growth.

“Tourism is big business, but we haven’t marketed Zambia well in the past,” the president said during a recent budget address.

Zambia is internationally known for its rich natural and cultural attractions. These include the Victoria Falls, one of the world’s largest waterfalls; Livingstone Island, where explorer David Livingstone first viewed the falls; Lake Tanganyika, Africa’s deepest lake and one of the world’s longest freshwater lakes; and Kasanka National Park, which hosts one of the world’s largest mammal migrations, with millions of fruit bats gathering annually.

Beyond its natural attractions, Zambia is recognized for its cultural diversity, with 72 ethnic groups, and for its longstanding reputation as one of Africa’s most peaceful countries, having never experienced a civil war.

By simplifying entry requirements, improving infrastructure and expanding international promotion, Zambia aims to increase visitor numbers and strengthen tourism as a major contributor to economic development and employment.

Source: AllAfrica, Zambia Waives Visa Requirements for EU Tourists (7 October 2022).