The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication assesses Zambia at Level 1, indicating travelers should exercise normal precautions.

Overall Crime and Safety Situation

The U.S. Embassy in Lusaka does not assume responsibility for the professional ability or integrity of the persons or firms appearing in this report. The American Citizens’ Services unit (ACS) cannot recommend a particular individual or location, and assumes no responsibility for the quality of service provided.

Review OSAC’s Zambia-specific page for original OSAC reporting, consular messages, and contact information, some of which may be available only to private-sector representatives with an OSAC password.

Crime Threats

There is considerable risk from crime in Lusaka. Criminality continues to affect ordinary citizens, diplomats, and visitors alike. The use of firearms and edged weapons during the commission of many crimes is common; visitors should not resist if confronted.

The most commonly reported crimes against Westerners in Lusaka are non-violent confrontations characterized as crimes of opportunity (e.g. theft of unattended possessions in public places or hotel rooms, confidence scams). Pickpockets operate in crowded markets and on public transportation. Visitors have reported snatch attacks of bags and smartphones on busy city streets, as well as smash-and-grabs of valuables from idle vehicles in traffic and from parked cars. Other crimes, including thefts, violent attacks, including home invasions/robberies, and sexual assaults have occurred on many occasions. Criminals often follow their intended victims from banks, nightclubs, and ATMs, and rob them at gunpoint on the street or upon arrival at their residence. Walking alone is not advisable in the downtown areas, high-density residential neighborhoods referred to locally as a “compound”, public parks, and other poorly illuminated areas—especially at night.

In Lusaka’s high-density residential neighborhoods or compounds (e.g., Chalala, Bauleni, Kalingalinga, Kanyama, Chibolya, Chainda), groups of criminals commit crimes that go uninvestigated due to a lack of police resources. Criminal gangs do not limit their crimes to the compounds; they often victimize residents, including foreigners, in wealthier neighborhoods. While Zambian citizens are more often the victims of residential crimes, burglary and theft also affect foreigners, despite countermeasures. Westerners and other foreigners are viewed as especially lucrative targets to thieves, often for no other reason than their perceived wealth.

Crime is not confined to late-night hours. Robberies involving the use of deadly weapons does occur in Lusaka during daylight hours and in populated areas; for example, there was a fatal knife attack in the vicinity of the U.S. Embassy in 2017. Carjackings are uncommon.

U.S. citizens occasionally report theft of money and property from locked hotel rooms. This type of crime is usually an inside job perpetrated by hotel employees and housekeeping staff. No hotel in Zambia – even upscale establishments – is immune. Even the small safes provided by the hotel are vulnerable; do not rely on them for the security of your high-value items.

The occurrence of credit card theft and fraud is low in comparison to the United States and South Africa. Zambia is generally a cash economy; however, credit card terminals exist in major shops, hotels, most supermarkets, and some restaurants. Travelers should enable PINs for all transactions, and check statements shortly after transactions occur. For more information, review OSAC’s report, The Overseas Traveler’s Guide to ATM Skimmers & Fraud.

Money laundering is present to facilitate other criminal activities throughout Zambia.

Cybersecurity Issues

Cybercrime is an increasing problem in Zambia, according to various media reports. Although the rate of personal computer ownership is about 50 percent, many citizens have smartphones and regularly access social media where online scams are prevalent. Advance-fee fraud schemes are prevalent throughout Africa, including in Zambia, and pose a danger of grave financial loss. These scams begin with unsolicited communication (usually e-mails, texts, or WhatsApp messages) from strangers who promise quick financial gain, often by transferring large sums of money or valuables out of the country, but then require payment a series of "advance fees," such as fees for legal documents or taxes. The final payoff does not exist; the purpose of the scam is simply to collect the advance fees.

A common variation is the scammer’s claim to be a refugee or émigré of a prominent family or a relative of a present or former political leader who needs assistance in transferring large sums of cash.  Still other variations appear to be legitimate business deals that require advance payments on contracts. Sometimes victims are convinced to provide bank account data, credit card information, and financial authorization used to drain their accounts; as a result, they incur large debts against their credit and lose their savings.

Another common scam in Zambia is the “black money” or “wash wash” scam, in which con artists attempt to obtain money from a victim by persuading him/her that piles of banknote-sized paper in a trunk or a safe are actually U.S. currency notes that have been dyed to avoid detection by authorities. The fraudster then persuades the victim to pay fees and purchase chemicals to remove the dye, with the promise of a share in the proceeds.

The best way to avoid becoming a victim of any scheme is by using common sense. Research any unsolicited business proposal thoroughly before committing any funds, providing any goods or services, or undertaking any travel. It is virtually impossible to recover money lost through these scams. For more information, review OSAC’s report, Cybersecurity Basics.

Transportation-Safety Situation

Road Safety and Road Conditions

Road safety is an even more significant threat to persons residing in or visiting Zambia than crime. Vehicle travel is extremely hazardous under normal conditions, but particularly at night and during inclement weather. Zambia has an average of 50 fatalities per 100,000 residents (by comparison, the highest metropolitan rate in the U.S. is 17.8 fatalities per 100,000 residents). The most recently available annual Zambia Police Service statistics reported approximately 1,400 traffic deaths. However, evidence collected by the World Health Organization (WHO) suggests underreporting of Zambia’s road deaths by almost 200%. Approximately 55% of fatal accidents occur during hours of darkness, according to the Zambia Road Transport and Safety Agency. These statistics are likely to decrease within Lusaka’s city limits and along other primary transit routes with the installation of new speed cameras and the imposition of costly speeding fines (~$30 USD per incident) that may discourage poor driving behavior.

Defensive driving is a must. Local drivers often exhibit little regard for pedestrians, other motorists’ right-of-way, bicycle traffic, speed limits, or general safe driving practices. Many local drivers routinely ignore traffic laws. Pedestrian deaths are a major problem, given that virtually all streets and roads lack sidewalks or overhead lighting. Traffic moves on the left side, so it is essential to look right before crossing the street on foot or pulling on to a road in a vehicle. Stop signs and other traffic signage are not present, so approach intersections with caution. Drunk driving is a major concern. There are no emergency services for stranded or injured drivers, and auto accident victims are vulnerable to theft by those pretending to be helpful. Road conditions are even worse in outlying or rural areas. This is especially true during the rainy season (December-April) when roads deteriorate at a rapid rate, causing extensive potholes and other road hazards.

Local security forces commonly set up impromptu roadblocks that may or may not be officially sanctioned. Drivers stopped at these roadblocks may be subjected to a road permit, insurance, and/or safety inspection of their vehicles. Police may check for required road safety equipment (e.g. reflective triangles, fire extinguisher, and first aid kit) and test the vehicle’s lights and brakes. Those who do not have the required equipment or otherwise fail the inspection may receive fines.

A visitor may drive with a valid foreign driver’s license unless they are in Zambia for more than 90 days. Rental car companies are increasingly common; most vehicle rates include a driver. For more information on self-driving, review OSAC’s reports, Driving Overseas: Best Practices and Road Safety in Africa.

Public Transportation Conditions

Operators of many small passenger vans drive aggressively, passing dangerously on shoulders or in opposing traffic lanes. Avoid public mini-buses, which are normally overcrowded and poorly maintained. Many vehicles are in poor mechanical condition, with worn tires and broken/missing tail, brake, and head lights. Official taxicabs are generally safe, but some lack seat belts. Cabs found at the major hotels tend to be more reliable. To avoid confrontation or fleecing, negotiate rates with the driver prior to embarkation. Do not share taxis with strangers. If you are going to be in Zambia for a few days, it is possible to work out an arrangement with most taxi drivers for daily transportation for the duration of your visit. Ensure that you obtain the driver’s name, telephone number, national registration card number, and license plate.

For more information, review OSAC’s report, Security in Transit: Airplanes, Public Transport, and Overnights.

Terrorism Threat

Local, Regional, and International Terrorism Threats/Concerns

There is minimal risk from terrorism in Lusaka. The government of the Republic of Zambia (GRZ) is sensitive to the threat of terrorism, and engages with international partners to combat this issue. However, visitors should carefully consider attendance of any large public gatherings that could become attractive targets for terrorists. The GRZ is not a state sponsor of terrorist activities, and does not permit foreign fighters to transit the country. However, transnational terrorism is a concern throughout Africa, as increased law enforcement and anti-terrorism activities in the Horn of Africa have the potential to force terrorist organizations to seek targets in areas outside their traditional sphere of operations.

Political, Economic, Religious, and Ethnic Violence

There is a moderate risk of political violence in Lusaka. General elections in August 2016 saw President Edgar Lungu win re-election to a second five-year term, narrowly defeating his rival by just under 3%. Although the results were credible, media coverage, police actions, and legal restrictions heavily favored the ruling party and prevented the election from being genuinely fair. The pre-election and post-election periods featured limits on press freedom and political party intolerance resulting in sporadic violence across the country. In the campaign period preceding the election, police frequently harassed opposition supporters and denied free assembly. Police regularly arrested opposition candidate supporters indiscriminately, dispersed public gatherings with lethal force, allowed ruling party gatherings to proceed, and failed to interdict supporters aiming to disrupt opposition rallies. Tensions between the ruling and main opposition party remain, amid efforts by international and domestic actors to bring about dialogue and necessary reforms.  

In July 2018, one U.S. Embassy vehicle received damage while local staff were near a polling station monitoring Lusaka’s mayoral elections. According to eyewitnesses, a drunken cadre gathered outside a political campaign center threw an empty bottle of liquor and broke the rear windshield in what appeared to be a non-specific attack against U.S. interests. There was no police investigation.

Civil Unrest

Spontaneous demonstrations take place throughout the country. Police often exacerbate tense situations. One local student died in a non-violent student demonstration at the University of Zambia in October 2018 when police responded by firing tear gas canisters into student residence halls, reportedly creating a fire in the student’s dorm room; an investigation is underway. Police have continued the trend of supporting ruling party events and attempting to thwart opposition or civil society events critical of the government. Avoid any large crowds, demonstrations, or political activities. Stay current with local events, and remain aware of surroundings when traveling in Zambia.

Post-specific Concerns

Critical Infrastructure 

Only 31% of the country connects to the national power grid. Water resource mismanagement and deteriorating infrastructure have had negative impacts on Zambia’s hydropower-dependent electricity generation and transmission, causing occasional blackouts.

Zambia’s telecommunications and internet infrastructure is substandard and of limited availability outside of urban areas and large towns. Approximately 75% of the Zambian population has access to cell phones, but less than 1% has a landline. This makes telephonic communication difficult, dependent upon coverage areas, and prone to cell tower or system overloading. 

For more information, review OSAC’s report, Satellite Phones: Critical or Contraband?

Personal Identity Concerns

Zambia presents a challenging environment for individuals with physical disabilities.

Same-sex sexual activity is illegal in Zambia. Although there have been no incidents involving LGBTQI members of the U.S. citizen community, police have attempted to arrest openly gay citizens and foreigners. Traditional cultural norms and conservative tendencies permeate Zambian society and, as a result, there is often LGBTQI intolerance.

Gender-based violence also continues to be a significant problem in Zambia.

Drug-related Crimes

Possession of more than 0.5 grams of an illegal substance can constitute drug trafficking in Zambia.

The Zambian Drug Enforcement Commission has detained a number of U.S. citizens for possession of antihistamines and other over-the-counter medications that contained small quantities of diphenhydramine, an ingredient on Zambia’s list of controlled substances. U.S. citizens have been charged with drug-trafficking offenses, had their passports confiscated, and have been fined or jailed. While government officials have told the Embassy that travelers may carry certain over-the-counter medications with a doctor’s prescription, U.S. citizens visiting Zambia should consider leaving such medications behind. For more information, refer to OSAC’s report, Traveling with Medications.

Police Response

Zambian police units do not perform at the level of a U.S. police force in terms of capability, responsiveness, discipline, or professionalism. Zambia Police Service is almost solely a reactive force and demonstrates rather poor proactive law enforcement techniques and initiative to deter or investigate crime. Police often lack equipment, resources, training, and personnel to respond to calls for assistance or other emergencies. Police response times can be long, if they respond at all. Lack of adequate transportation is often cited as an excuse for slow/no response.

Most crimes go unreported and/or uninvestigated. The police have a poor record of solving serious crimes. Inadequate legislation and investigation results in the lack of prosecution or large numbers of acquittals. Corruption occurs at all levels, resulting in an ineffective legal and justice system. Vigilantism is present as a result.

Low pay and morale create an environment in which bribes of even a few dollars can make allegations or charges disappear. Attempt to cooperate and follow the instructions of police at checkpoints to avoid problems. Do not pay bribes, comply with requests for a “gift,” or pay on-the-spot fines. If an officer persists, comply with instructions, identify yourself as a U.S. citizen, obtain the officer’s name and badge number, and politely ask to speak with a supervisor and/or request further processing occur at police headquarters. Police will issue an official receipt for all legitimate fines.

How to Handle Incidents of Police Detention or Harassment

Zambian police officers must notify the U.S. Embassy when arresting a U.S. citizen; however, they consistently fail to do so. If arrested, be certain to assert this right and demand to speak with a representative from the U.S. Embassy by calling +260 (0) 211-357-000, or +260 (0) 966-864-030 after normal business hours. 

Crime Victim Assistance

Zambia Police Service: 991 or 112 on local phones

Police/Security Agencies 

The major law enforcement agencies are the Zambia Police Service (a nationwide police force responsible for traditional policing and investigations), Immigration, Customs, the Drug Enforcement Commission, the Anti-Corruption Commission, and the Department of National Parks and Wildlife.

There is no dedicated “Border Patrol.” Border security alternates between whichever law enforcement agency may have a presence at a border post at any given time.

Medical Emergencies

Medical facilities fall critically short of U.S. standards in terms of cleanliness and quality of treatment. Many lack adequate equipment or properly trained staff, and possess limited to non-existent screening and testing capabilities. Trauma care is extremely limited; only use local hospitals in the event of an extreme medical emergency. Misdiagnosis, unreliable treatment, and improper use of drugs are commonplace.

Many medications are in short supply, of inferior quality, or fraudulent. When traveling with prescription medications, carry a doctor’s prescription and ensure that the medication is in its original bottle. Bring your own supply of medications. In the event you need over-the-counter medication, antibiotics, allergy remedies, or malaria prophylaxis, contact the U.S. Embassy's American Citizen Services (ACS) Unit to receive general information about reliable pharmacies.

Visitors with serious health concerns, and those who are on blood thinners (with the exception of aspirin), should not travel to Zambia.

Contact Information for Available Medical Services 

For medical assistance, refer to the Embassy’s Medical Assistance page.

Insurance Guidance

Most healthcare facilities require patients to pay before being admission or treatment, and require them to settle the bill in full with cash prior to discharge. Most medical facilities accept debit/credit cards, but some only accept cash. Foreigners are commonly charged a higher rate than local residents for most medical services.

All travelers to Zambia should purchase insurance to cover medical evacuation in case of a serious accident, injury, or illness. Medical evacuation can cost thousands of dollars, depending on the severity of the situation; ensure your policy provides sufficient coverage. For more information, refer to OSAC’s report, Medical Evacuation: A Primer.

Country-specific Vaccination and Health Guidance

See a physician prior to traveling, to ensure you have appropriate immunizations and precautions, including medications for malaria prophylaxis. Receive current vaccinations prior to arrival. Take properly prescribed anti-malarial medication when traveling outside of Lusaka; begin taking malaria prophylaxis prior to arrival and hand-carry enough medication for the duration of their visit. Remember that Zambia’s HIV rate is among the highest in the world. Gastrointestinal diseases, malaria, and rabies pose real risk to travelers. Infectious diseases such as cholera are common throughout the country during the rainy season. Risk of yellow fever and dengue may exist in remote Western and Northwestern provinces.

The CDC offers additional information on vaccines and health guidance for Zambia.

OSAC Country Council Information

The Country Council in Lusaka meets on an ad-hoc basis. Interested private-sector security managers should contact OSAC’s Africa team with any questions.

U.S. Embassy Location and Contact Information

Embassy Address and Hours of Operation

The U.S. Embassy is located at the eastern end of Kabulonga Road, on Ibex Hill. 

Normal business hours: Monday-Thursday, 0730-1700; Friday, 0730-1200.

Embassy Contact Numbers

The main telephone number is +260 (0) 211-357-000. 

Duty Officer: +260 (0) 966-864-030

Post One: +260 (0) 211-357-000 x7221

Embassy Guidance

All U.S. citizens should enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) prior to traveling to Zambia.

Additional Resources

Zambia Country Specific Information