Exercise caution — there are real risks that travellers should plan around. Political freedoms are limited and travellers should be mindful of local sensitivities.
Regional breakdown
Lusaka, the capital, sees the bulk of reported incidents for travellers. Pickpocketing, bag snatching, and vehicle break-ins happen in busy markets, around the Intercity Bus Terminal, and near Cairo Road after dark. Hotel and lodge compounds in Kabulonga and Rhodes Park are generally calmer. But walking between venues at night carries more risk than taking a booked taxi or ride-hailing car. Livingstone, the base for Victoria Falls, draws most leisure visitors. The town itself is busy but manageable, and the main tourist strip sees a steady police presence. Watch out for opportunistic theft at viewpoints, bus stops, and the border crossing into Zimbabwe. The Copperbelt towns of Kitwe and Ndola are working cities with higher reported street crime than tourist areas. And travellers passing through should keep valuables out of sight. Border regions need more care. The area near the Democratic Republic of Congo, including parts of North-Western and Luapula provinces, sits close to instability on the DRC side. The far north around Lake Tanganyika and the Nakonde crossing with Tanzania can see delays, smuggling activity, and stretched local policing. Game parks like South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi are run by experienced operators, but self-drive visitors should plan fuel, water. And communications before leaving main roads.
Recent advisory changes
The official advisory guidance last refreshed its Zambia guidance on 10 December 2025. It does not warn against travel to any part of the country right now. The most recent change covered dual nationals returning to the UK, added to the entry requirements page. The official advisory guidance still points travellers to its regional risks, safety and security, and health sections before booking. The official advisory guidance keeps Zambia at Level 1, meaning exercise normal precautions. That advisory was last reissued on 31 July 2023, mainly to remove outdated COVID-19 links rather than to flag any new security concern. No ordered or authorised departure is in place. Both governments treat Zambia as one of the more stable destinations in the region, while still flagging crime, road safety. And health risks that travellers should plan around.
What travellers should know
Road travel is the biggest practical risk. Long-distance routes between Lusaka, Livingstone, and the Copperbelt have fast traffic, heavy trucks, potholes, and limited street lighting. Driving after dark outside towns is widely discouraged by operators on the ground. Hire a driver where possible, and on self-drive trips keep to daylight hours and carry spare fuel and water. Police checkpoints are routine; stay calm, keep documents handy, and avoid handing over originals where a copy will do. Health planning matters. Most of Zambia is a malaria zone, so prophylaxis, repellent, and long sleeves after sunset are worth the effort. Yellow fever vaccination is often checked at land borders. Tap water is not reliable for drinking outside established lodges. Mobile coverage is good in cities and main tourist hubs but thins out in remote parks and border areas. So download offline maps and share your route. Register with official advisory guidance travel advice updates and the US their home government's traveller alert programme programme if relevant. And keep emergency contacts for your insurer and nearest embassy in Lusaka.