Zambia Waives Visa Requirements for Nationals of 53 Countries to Boost Tourism

December 25, 2024
Namati Nshinka
Uncategorized

LUSAKA, 18^th December 2024 – In a move to enhance Zambia’s status as a leading destination for tourism, business, trade, and investment, Honourable Jack Jacob Mwiimbu SC., MP, Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security, held a press briefing to announce the waiver of visa requirements for nationals of 53 countries. This announcement, which coincided with the International Migrants Day, marked a significant step in the Government’s ongoing efforts to open up Zambia to the world for enhanced economic growth, while ensuring the country’s security.

Flanked by the Permanent Secretary under the Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security, Mr. Josephs Rikki Akafumba, the Director General of Immigration, Dr. Japhet M. Lishomwa, and the Director General of the Zambia Tourism Agency, Mr. Matongo Matamwandi, the Minister revealed that the visa waiver would take effect on 1^st January 2025. He added that the decision which was in accordance with Statutory Instrument No. 78 of 2024, would see nationals from 53 countries no longer required to obtain a visa to visit Zambia.

Honourable Mwiimbu emphasized that the initiative was part of a broader vision of His Excellency President Hakainde Hichilema to position Zambia as an attractive hub for international tourism, business, and investment.

A Strategic Step for Tourism and Economic Growth

The visa waiver is a direct response to President Hichilema’s call for Zambia to diversify its economy and attract international visitors. By lowering barriers to entry, the Government is not only aiming to increase the number of tourists but also to create new opportunities for trade and investment. The Minister pointed out that this move would unlock significant economic opportunities for the country through tourism, trade in goods and services, and job creation.

“We are proud to announce that this new visa policy will bring the total number of countries whose nationals are exempt from visa requirements to 167,” said Honourable Mwiimbu. “This step is in alignment with Zambia’s National Migration Policy, which emphasizes that well-managed migration is crucial for sustainable economic development.”

He added that the waiver is a continuation of the Government’s efforts to make Zambia a key player in the global economy, following a similar visa waiver for 43 countries in 2022. The Minister noted that the Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security, in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, had conducted comprehensive consultations with stakeholders to ensure that the visa waiver aligns with national security concerns and the sustainable growth of Zambia’s tourism sector.

National Security and Immigration Management

While promoting tourism and business, the government remains acutely aware of the need to maintain national security. Honourable Mwiimbu underscored the Government’s commitment to safeguarding the country’s borders, citing the planned introduction of an Advanced Passenger Information System (APIS) into Zambia’s Immigration Management System (ZIMS). This system, he explained, will allow immigration officers to pre-screen travelers before they arrive in the country, helping to identify inadmissible individuals before they embark on their journey to Zambia.

“This advanced system will help prevent risks and ensure that we can handle the increased volume of travelers efficiently,” said Mr. Mwiimbu. “Our aim is to strike the right balance between facilitating easy travel and ensuring our national security is not compromised.”

He also highlighted the Government’s recent efforts to enhance migration management. Over the past two years, the Department of Immigration has recruited 714 immigration assistants and 193 border guards, a move aimed at addressing past manpower shortages and improving post-entry management.

Additionally, the Department of Immigration has expanded its geographical presence with the gazetting of four new internal immigration controls in Chongwe, Maamba, Kalumbila, and Chililabombwe, along with two new border controls at Lonshi and Lumi. These additions will enhance the enforcement of immigration laws, particularly in under-served regions.

The 53 Countries Exempted from Visa Requirements

The 53 countries whose nationals will no longer require a visa to enter Zambia include:

Albania
American Samoa
Andorra
Argentina
Aruba
Bhutan
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bouvet Island
Brunei Darussalam
Cape Verde
Christmas Island
Cocos (Keeling) Islands
Comoros
Cook Islands
Costa Rica
Dominican Republic
Faroe Islands
French Polynesia
French Southern Territories
Greenland
Guam
Guatemala
Guyana
Honduras
Israel
Iceland
Laos
Liberia
Liechtenstein
Macedonia
Madagascar
Micronesia
Moldova
Monaco
Morocco
Netherlands Antilles
New Caledonia
Northern Mariana Islands
Palau
Panama
Papua New Guinea
San Marino
Sandwich Islands
Sao Tome and Principe
South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands
Suriname
Svalbard and Jan Mayen Islands
Switzerland
Turkey
Ukraine
Vatican City State
Virgin Islands
Wallis and Futuna Islands

This expansion of the visa waiver policy aligns with Zambia’s broader goals of integrating further into the global economy and making the country more accessible to the international community.

A Vision for the Future

The Government’s focus remains on ensuring that the visa waiver is not only a tool for economic growth but also a strategic initiative to position Zambia as a global destination for business and leisure. Honourable Mwiimbu emphasized that Zambia’s Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security is committed to facilitating legitimate travel while remaining vigilant in protecting the country’s security.

“This policy marks a critical step in realizing Zambia’s vision of becoming a leading hub for international tourism, trade, and investment. We will continue to foster opportunities for growth while prioritizing the safety and well-being of all Zambians,” concluded Honourable Mwiimbu.

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