CONTENT|CONTENU

TRAVEL REPORT
Zambia

1. RECENT UPDATES

The level of Travel Warning in this report has not changed.

Section 2 has been updated (removal of H1N1 screening measures information).

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2. WARNINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Zambia

Exercise normal security precautions

Exercise high degree of caution

Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid all travel

Canadians should exercise a high degree of caution, avoid public gatherings and areas where demonstrations may occur, monitor local news reports and follow the advice of local authorities. They should ensure valuables, passports and other travel documents, are secure at all times and avoid showing signs of affluence.

Regional Warning

Exercise normal security precautions

Exercise high degree of caution

Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid all travel

OFFICIAL WARNING: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises against non-essential travel to areas bordering the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Angola and Mozambique. The possibility of border conflicts and/or presence of refugees and armed combatants make these areas potentially dangerous and unstable. Carjacking and armed assaults also pose a risk.

The risk of landmines is high in Zambia's border areas with Angola and Mozambique and travellers should exercise caution when venturing off the main roads in these areas. Canadians contemplating overland and cross-border travel should seek advice from local authorities and the High Commission of Canada in Lusaka (see section 5 below).

OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: We offer a registration service for all Canadians travelling or living abroad. This service is provided so that we can contact and assist you in an emergency abroad, such as a natural disaster or civil unrest, or inform you of a family emergency at home. Registration can be done on-line or by contacting a Canadian government office abroad. For more information, see our FAQs on Registration of Canadians Abroad.

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3. SAFETY AND SECURITY

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. Travellers are responsible for their own personal safety. The Government of Canada takes the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provides credible and timely advice in its Travel Reports. In the event of a crisis situation that requires evacuation, the Government of Canada’s policy is to provide safe transportation to the closest safe location. Canada will assist Canadians in leaving a country or a region as a last resort, when all means of commercial or personal transportation have been exhausted. This service is provided on a cost-recovery basis. Onward travel is at the individual’s personal expense. Situations vary from one location to another, and there may be constraints on government resources, which can limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide assistance, particularly in countries or regions where the potential for violent conflict or political instability are high.

Crime

Petty crime such as pickpocketing, purse snatching, vehicle and hotel break-ins are a concern, particularly in Lusaka, in other main cities and in the Copperbelt towns and tourist centres. Carjackings are a problem, particularly in urban areas and on the roads to and from Lusaka. Armed muggings and purse snatchings occur in and around bus and railway stations and some shopping areas. Ensure personal belongings and travel documents are secure and remain alert to your surroundings. Avoid walking alone after dark.

Car doors should be locked and car windows closed at all times. Police roadblocks are common throughout the country and identity documents may be requested.

Demonstrations

Demonstrations and strikes are common. Canadians should monitor local developments, avoid crowds and demonstrations as they can turn violent without notice. They should also follow the advice of local authorities.

General Safety Information

Illegal drug trafficking occurs on a limited scale. Do not accept packages from strangers or carry parcels if you are unsure of their contents.

Wild animals can pose risks. Observe all park or nature reserve regulations and instructions given by your tour guides. It is recommended to avoid swimming in lakes and rivers due to the presence of crocodiles.

Tourist facilities are limited outside well-known game parks.

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4. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS

It is the sole prerogative of each country or region to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries or regions have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) to be visited. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties.

The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with the Zambian authorities. However, these requirements are subject to change at any time. It is the traveller's responsibility to check with the Embassy for the Republic of Zambia and its consulates for up-to-date information.

A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Zambia. The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected departure from the country. Canadians must also be in possession of a visa. Persons overstaying their visa may be subject to imprisonment or deportation.

Tourist Visa: Required
Business Visa: Required
Student Visa: Required

Evidence of a yellow fever vaccination is required if arriving from infected areas.

An airport tax is charged upon departure.

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A Certificate of Canadian Citizenship is not a travel document. A Canadian passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document available to Canadians for the purpose of international travel. Canadian citizens returning to Canada who present other documents, such as a Certificate of Canadian Citizenship, birth certificate, provincial driver’s licence, or foreign passport, instead of a Canadian passport, may face delays or be denied boarding by transport companies.

Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.

Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify all visa requirements for this and other destinations, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.

Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries or regions may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country or region without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.

Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries or regions do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.

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5. CANADIAN GOVERNMENT CONTACTS

You can obtain consular assistance and further consular information at the following address:

Zambia - LUSAKA, High Commission of Canada
Address: 5199 United Nations Avenue, Lusaka, Zambia
Postal Address: P.O. Box 31313, Lusaka, Zambia,
Tel.: 260 (211) 25-08-33
Fax: 260 (211) 25-41-76
E-Mail: lsaka@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.zambia.gc.ca

For emergency assistance after hours, contact the High Commission of Canada in Lusaka and follow the instructions. You may also make a collect call to the Emergency Operations Centre in Ottawa at 613-996-8885. Dial 00883 first to reach an operator.

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6. TRAVEL HEALTH

The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Health Web site.

The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.

Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.

The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.

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7. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

Medical care is not up to Western standards. Government hospitals and clinics are often understaffed and lacking supplies. Private clinics are adequate, and evacuation may be required for major medical emergencies.

Water-borne and food-borne diseases are prevalent in Zambia. Boil all drinking water or drink bottled water, and avoid ice cubes and raw and undercooked food.

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8. LAWS AND CUSTOMS

You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail or death sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons.

Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 5 above. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.

The procedures required in legal proceedings or police investigations may be different from the procedures in force in the Canadian legal system. Canadians wishing to undertake such proceedings can expect to face long delays and additional efforts in order to resolve their case. The Government of Canada cannot intervene in ongoing legal proceedings in other countries or regions, unless requested to do so by local authorities. Such requests are rare.

Dual nationality is not legally recognized, which may limit the ability of Canadian officials to provide consular services. Canadians should travel using their Canadian passport and present themselves as Canadian to foreign authorities at all times.

The possession or use of narcotics, including soft drugs such as marijuana, is strictly prohibited. Convicted offenders could face stiff penalties including long jail sentences and/or deportation.

NOTE: Do not carry non-prescription medication containing diphenhydramine, such as Benadryl, as this ingredient is on the Zambian list of controlled substances. Some travellers have been charged with drug trafficking and have been incarcerated.

Prescription medicine should always be carried in the original container along with a copy of the prescription and ensure that both the generic and trade names of the drug are included. A doctor's note describing why you are taking the medication is also recommended. Failure to do so could result in arrest and imprisonment.

Homosexual activity is illegal.

The possession of pornographic material is illegal in Zambia, and offenders may be jailed and/or deported.

Avoid military zones. Photography of military installations is prohibited. Ask permission before photographing individuals.

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9. TRAVEL AND CURRENCY

Traffic drives on the left. Turning left at a red light is prohibited. Many roads are severely potholed. Traffic accidents occur frequently throughout the country, especially on the Great East Road in Lusaka. Pedestrians, poorly lit and maintained vehicles, driving habits, and stray animals pose risks. Avoid overland travel to rural areas after dark.

Vehicles must be equipped with two metallic emergency triangles, white reflector stickers in front, and red reflector stickers in back. Failure to comply may result in heavy fines.

Penalties for drunk driving are severe.

As there is no emergency service for stranded drivers, it is recommended to carry a cellular phone when travelling outside of main cities. However, the use of a cellular telephone while driving is prohibited.

Exercise caution when using public transportation, especially buses, which are overloaded. Taxi fares are expensive and should be paid in local currency. Do not share taxis with strangers. Rail service is limited.

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended.

See our FAQ on transportation in order to verify if national airlines meet safety standards.

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The currency is the Zambian kwacha (ZMK). Canadian currency and traveller's cheques are not accepted anywhere in Zambia. Visitors should carry cash in U.S. dollars, U.K. pounds, or South African rand. Major credit cards are accepted in larger supermarkets, restaurants, stores and hotels in large urban centres only.

Canadian currency and traveller's cheques are not widely accepted worldwide. Check with your bank for information on automated banking machine (ABM) services outside Canada. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ABMs around the world. Verify with your financial institution whether your bank card can be used with ABMs abroad. Some countries use chip and/or personal identification number (PIN) technology for credit cards. Check with your bank to find out if your credit card will be accepted abroad. Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. ABMs should be used during business hours inside a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.

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10. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE

The rainy season extends from December to April. Rural roads may become impassable during this period. Travellers should follow regional weather forecasts and plan accordingly.

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11. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Returning to Canada

Traveller's Checklist

Health and Travel Insurance: Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.

Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.

Adoption: Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child abroad, you must first obtain information about the adoption regulations of the province or territory in which the child will reside. While adoption is a provincial/territorial responsibility, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is responsible for allowing an adopted child entry into Canada. Entry can be refused if the child does not hold the appropriate immigrant visa. A visa may be denied, even if the adoption has already been completed. For more information contact CIC at 1 888 242-2100 (in Canada only), check the CIC Web site or contact your provincial or territorial government.

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12. ANNEX

N/A

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