ZAMBIA is taking a major step towards enhancing its tourism sector by waiving visa requirements for 53 additional countries starting January 1, 2025. This move builds on the success of the country’s 2022 visa liberalisation initiative, which removed restrictions for major tourism markets.
With this latest policy shift, formalised under Statutory Instrument No. 78 of 2024, Zambia now grants visa-free access to nationals from 167 countries, positioning itself as one of Africa’s most accessible travel destinations.
Balancing open borders with security
President Hakainde Hichilema’s administration has emphasised that the expansion of visa exemptions will be accompanied by enhanced border security measures. This includes:
- The introduction of an Advanced Passenger Information System to monitor incoming travellers.
- The recruitment of over 900 additional immigration officers to manage visitor flows.
- The establishment of new immigration control points across the country.
This dual approach of promoting ease of entry while strengthening security aligns with the African Union’s vision for improved mobility and supports the African Continental Free Trade Area’s (AfCFTA) objectives of facilitating trade and travel across the continent.
Tourism leaders have welcomed Zambia’s decision, highlighting its potential to boost arrivals and economic growth.
‘Zambia’s commitment to removing travel barriers demonstrates a clear understanding of what the tourism industry needs to thrive,’ said Jillian Blackbeard, CEO of Africa’s Eden, a regional tourism association. ‘This move proves that a country can successfully balance tourism growth with border management.’
South Africa’s parallel visa reforms
Zambia’s progressive stance on visa access mirrors efforts in South Africa, where the government is set to introduce the Trusted Tour Operator Scheme (TTOS) in January 2025. This initiative aims to streamline visa applications for large tour groups from China and India, two key markets for South African tourism.
Under TTOS, pre-approved tour operators will benefit from:
- Faster visa processing times for groups.
- Simplified paperwork to reduce administrative delays.
- Reduced language barriers in visa applications.
Tourism stakeholders believe that South Africa’s move will attract more high-value visitors from Asia while supporting the recovery of its tourism industry.
Namibia’s opposite approach raises concerns
In contrast to Zambia and South Africa’s open-door policies, Namibia has announced new visa requirements for nationals from 31 countries, including key tourism markets. The policy, set to take effect from April 1, 2025, has sparked concerns within the regional tourism industry.
David Frost, CEO of Satsa, South Africa’s inbound tourism association, expressed disappointment at Namibia’s decision. ‘While Zambia and South Africa are leading with visa openness, Namibia is moving in the opposite direction,’ Frost noted. ‘This is especially concerning during a crucial recovery period for global tourism.’
Namibia’s visa policy change coincides with the launch of ‘Air Connect Namibia’, an initiative to boost international air access. However, industry experts warn that higher visa fees—set at N$1,600 (about $88) for non-African visitors—could counteract the benefits of improved air connectivity.
Zambia’s tourism advantage
With Zambia and South Africa championing visa liberalisation, their strategies could set a benchmark for other African nations looking to attract more international visitors.
As Zambia prepares to implement its expanded visa-free policy, industry observers predict a strong boost to tourism revenue, job creation, and overall economic growth.
By making travel simpler while ensuring robust security protocols, Zambia continues to establish itself as a model for tourism development in Africa.
