Single-entry visa for Zambia
Recently the governments of Zambia and Zimbabwe announced the availability of a uniform visa or ‘univisa’ that will allow visitors to purchase one $50 visa for entry into both countries. Previously, the combined cost for two single-entry visas to countries would be $80; $50 for Zambia and $30 for Zimbabwe. Costs are even higher if you need to purchase a double-entry visa (for instance if you are staying in Zambia and just crossing into Zimbabwe for a day trip). Citizens from more than 40 countries are eligible for this visa, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Russia and Australia.
The univisa will is good for 30 days, provided you stay within the two countries. You can cross the border as many times during these 30 days. Border crossings between Zambia and Zimbabwe can be made at the Victoria Falls Bridge, Chirundu and Kariba. A day trip to Botswana will not void the visa, but an overnight stay will and require you to get a new visa. This is the perfect opportunity to combine a trip to both sides of Victoria Falls with a day trip to Chobe National Park in Botswana.
Victoria Falls from the Zambian side
The main goal of this new program is to draw more tourists to the two countries, especially in the Victoria Falls area. Victoria Falls is worth seeing from both sides – both countries offer unique views and experiences and now it is easier than ever to move between the two countries. The univisa is available at the following entry points: Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (Lusaka), Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula International Airport (Livingstone), Victoria Falls International Airport, Harare International Airport as well as Kazungula and Victoria Falls Border Posts. While some border posts have electronic payment options, it is best to have cash (U.S. dollars) on hand as well.
The new visa is one element of the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA TFCA); which is one of the world’s largest conservation areas. The KAZA TFCA covers 444,000 square kilometers (171,429 square miles) in Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe. This visa program is a pilot for the KAZA Univisa program. If it is deemed successful in the next six months, Angola, Botswana and Namibia will join the program, and there is a possibility for further expansion to other southern African nations in the future. For more information on the KAZA TFCA, visit their website at http://www.kavangozambezi.org/. By introducing a univisa, it is hoped that tourism will increase to the area’s attractions, including Victoria Falls, the Okavango Delta, the Zambezi River and several national parks, including Kafue National Park and Liuwa Plain National Park in Zambia.
We are very excited about this new visa program and hope that it will encourage more tourists to visit both Zambia and Zimbabwe, especially at Victoria Falls. This univisa has a lot of potential for the entire KAZA TFCA, and even across the region.
Zambia 