How safe is Zambia for travelers?

What the advisories actually say

• The FCDO advises against travel to no part of Zambia. Its advice was still current at 10 September 2026 and was last updated on 1 June 2026.
• Global Affairs Canada rates the country "take normal security precautions", with one regional exception below.
• That makes Zambia unusual in its neighbourhood, and it is the reason this page is a normal arrival guide rather than an advisory page.

The one regional warning

• Canada advises a high degree of caution within 20 km of the borders with Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Mozambique. Zambia was declared landmine-free in 2009, but mines and unexploded ordnance may remain. Stay on main roads and paved surfaces, avoid ditches, shoulders and unmarked trails, and cross only at official crossings.
• The FCDO's single regional warning is the DRC border, which is not demarcated in rural areas: you can walk into the DRC illegally without meaning to. Legitimate crossings there are generally safe.
• Cross-border crime from the DRC has pushed crime up on the Zambian side.

Crime

• Daylight travel in the larger cities and the major game parks is generally safe. After dark is a different question, and both governments say so.
• Pre-arrange transport rather than walking at night. Keep windows closed and doors locked, ignore anyone flagging you down, and watch for carjackers at locked gateways at night or where an object has been put in the road.
• Violent crime, including armed robbery and carjacking, is concentrated in Lusaka and the Copperbelt, and the risk is higher after dark.
• Drink spiking happens in Lusaka bars, restaurants and nightclubs. Do not leave a drink unattended or accept one from a new acquaintance.
• Carry a copy of the passport photo page and the entry stamp, and keep the original somewhere safe. Local authorities may ask for identification at any time.

Laws that catch visitors out

• Photographing sensitive sites is an arrestable offence. Army barracks and government buildings are named by the FCDO; Canada adds airports, ports, military sites and people in uniform. If in doubt, do not take the picture.
• Possession of pornographic material is illegal, and offenders may be jailed or deported.
• Drug possession, including cannabis, is illegal and trafficking penalties are severe.
• Drones need authorisation from the Zambian Civil Aviation Authority.
• Buying, selling or trafficking protected wildlife or its parts brings prosecution, a fine or a prison sentence. That includes souvenirs.
• Importing or exporting gemstones, precious metals and base minerals needs a Ministry of Mines permit, which is enforced.

LGBT+ travellers

• Same-sex sexual activity is illegal in Zambia. The two governments describe the maximum differently: the FCDO says anyone convicted can get a long prison sentence, Canada says up to life imprisonment. Read that range as the range.
• Canada also records discrimination, harassment and violence, advises against public displays of affection, and says LGBT+ travellers should carefully consider the risks of travelling to Zambia.

On the road and in the bush

• Fatal crashes are common, particularly on the Great East Road, the Great North Road and Kafue Road, and pedestrians are often involved. Canada says there are no ambulances to assist in the event of a road accident, and that police and emergency help is limited or unavailable in rural areas.
• Driving outside the main towns after dark is dangerous: abandoned vehicles, pedestrians, stray animals and cars with no lights.
• Minibuses are overcrowded, poorly maintained and badly driven. Intercity buses run by reputable companies are the safer option.
• Police checkpoints are common. Only national police may set one up. If asked to pay an on-the-spot fine, ask for the written fine to pay later, or offer to go to the nearest police station.
• Wild animals, including venomous snakes, kill people, and the FCDO says so in those words. Do not swim in lakes and rivers.
• Adventure sports around Victoria Falls have caused serious accidents and deaths, and the standard of medical care varies. Check what your insurance covers before you book the gorge swing.