Located in southern Africa, the developing nation of Zambia is a frequent destination for volunteer mission and humanitarian teams. With an estimated population of 12.9 million, Zambia has a life expectancy rate under 39 years. Seventy-five percent of the workforce is engaged in agriculture. It is also one of the poorest countries in the world with a per capital annual income of $1,500.
Recent immigration changes require that visitors coming to do volunteer work hold a business visa rather than a tourist visa. Business visas require a letter of invitation from the Zambian organization that is sponsoring the volunteers. U.S. citizens who engage in volunteer activities on our tourist visa are subject to fines and removal. For visa applications and additional information, visit the Zambian Embassy website at http://www.zambiaembassy.org/visa.html.
The Zambian government requires that you have at least two blank visa pages in your passport. Passports also must be valid for at least six months after the intended date of departure. Visitors are required to carry their original or certified copy of their passport and immigration permit at all times. Certified copies must be obtained from the immigration office that issued the permit.
Travelers to Zambia should note that certain over the counter medicines containing diphenhydramine, like Benadryl, are not allowed to be brought into the country. This is considered a controlled substance and U.S. citizens have been fined and jailed for possessing it. The U.S. State Department recommends leaving all over the counter medicines at home. Prescription medicines should be in their original bottles and properly labeled. Bringing the actual doctor’s prescription is also recommended.
Malaria is endemic in Zambia, so proper precautions are recommended for travelers. For additional health information, visit http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/zambia.aspx.
Ministry Travel offers special discounted airfares for missionary and humanitarian groups traveling to Zambia. Request a free, no-obligation airfare quote by visiting http://www.ministrytravel.com/contact/quote-request.shtml.