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Is it safe to travel to Zambia 2023?

Zambia - Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions If you decide to travel to Zambia: Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency. Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter. Follow the U.S. Embassy in Zambia on Facebook and Twitter.



Travel to Zambia was generally considered safe throughout 2023 and remains so in early 2026, with most major governments advising travelers to "Exercise Normal Safety Precautions." Zambia is often cited as one of the most stable and peaceful countries in Africa. The primary concerns for tourists are opportunistic crimes like pickpocketing or bag snatching in crowded urban areas like Lusaka and Livingstone. While violent crime against tourists is rare, it is recommended to avoid walking alone after dark and to keep valuables out of sight. From a health perspective, Zambia is a malaria-prone region, so taking prophylaxis and using insect repellent is essential. In 2023, there were occasional localized outbreaks of cholera and anthrax in rural areas, leading to advisories to drink bottled water and avoid raw meat. The border regions with the Democratic Republic of Congo and Angola require a higher degree of caution due to the risk of unexploded landmines and sporadic unrest, but the main tourist hubs like Victoria Falls and South Luangwa National Park remain safe and highly welcoming to international visitors.

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Zambia's public transportation system, mostly minibuses and taxis, provides a decent means of getting around. In general, it's relatively safe to use during the day, but it can be unreliable due to unexpected delays or breakdowns. Like in any country, it's always crucial to be alert and cautious.

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HIV is the leading cause of death in Zambia. Through the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), CDC works with Zambia to build a sustainable, high-impact national HIV response to accelerate progress toward HIV epidemic control.

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While there are some areas that may be unsafe for women to travel alone, overall the country is generally safe for female travelers. It's important to do your research before traveling and take necessary precautions such as avoiding walking alone at night or in isolated areas.

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Tourists and any person visiting friends and/or relatives in Zambia coming into the country without evidence of a negative SARS CoV2 PCR test conducted within the previous 72 hours, will not be allowed into the county.

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In order to obtain visa on arrival, the visitor must have full information of his/her host and be in a provide physical address where he/she will be staying for the duration of their stay.

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You should begin taking antimalarial tablets before arriving in a malaria-risk area as guided by your travel health professional. Some tablets need to start a few days before you travel, whilst others may need to be started a week or more before travel.

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