Zambia Travel Safety

Precautions

Remain alert to your surroundings and maintain a high level of personal security awareness. Avoid showing signs of affluence. If you suspect you are being followed, go directly to the closest police station or public area. Avoid walking alone after dark. Keep car doors locked and windows closed at all times. Theft often occurs at traffic chokepoints by thieves reaching through unlocked doors, open windows or unsecured cargo. Avoid using ATMs at night, have a friend to watch the area during your transaction, if possible as Thieves sometimes follow people after they withdraw money from banks or ATMs.

Road safety

Many roads are severely potholed. Traffic accidents occur frequently throughout the country, especially on Lusaka's Great East Road. Pedestrians, poorly lit and maintained vehicles, driving habits and stray animals pose risks. Avoid overland travel to rural areas after dark. As there is no nation-wide emergency service for stranded drivers, you should carry a cellular phone when travelling outside of main cities.

Taxis

Taxi fares are expensive and should be paid in local currency. Do not share taxis with strangers.

Public transportation

Exercise caution when using public transportation, especially buses, which are often overloaded.

Women's safety

Zambia is generally safe, women travelling alone should maintain personal security awareness. Women, particularly foreigners may be subject to unwanted male attention and catcalls in certain places. Be vigilant if approached by strangers seeking assistance and exercise common precautions throughout your travel.

Crime

Petty crimes such as pickpocketing, purse snatchings and vehicle break-ins are common, particularly in and around bus and railway stations, nightclubs, some shopping areas in Lusaka, Copperbelt towns, other main cities and tourist centres. Ensure personal belongings and travel documents are secure at all times. Serious crimes such as armed muggings, home invasions and sexual assault occur, particularly after dark. The use of "date rape" drugs at bars and restaurants occurs in Lusaka. Carjackings are a concern, particularly in urban areas, on the roads to and from Lusaka and on the roads in Copperbelt. Police roadblocks are common throughout the country. Police officers can request to see identity documents.

LGBT

Homosexuality is illegal in Zambia and those caught engaging in homosexual acts can be sentenced to long terms of imprisonment and heavy fines. LGBT travellers should carefully consider traveling to Zambia.

Illegal or restricted activities

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. Don't carry non-prescription medication containing diphenhydramine, such as Benadryl, as this ingredient is on the Zambian list of controlled substances. 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. 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. The possession of pornographic material is illegal in Zambia. Offenders may be jailed and/or deported. Ask permission before photographing individuals and photography of military installations is also prohibited.

Driving

Traffic drives on the left. An International Driving Permit is recommended. Vehicles must be equipped with two metallic emergency triangles, and white reflector stickers in front and red reflector stickers in back. Failure to comply may result in heavy fines. Turning left at a red light is prohibited. Penalties for drunk driving are severe. The use of a cell telephone while driving is prohibited.