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Last Updated:
November 9, 2007 12:41
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Still Valid: November 15, 2007 23:36 EST |
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1. RECENT UPDATES The level of Travel Warning in this report has not changed. A minor editorial change has been made in Section 2. BACK TO TOP 2. WARNINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS Zambia
You are advised to exercise a high degree of caution in the country. Travellers should maintain a high level of security awareness at all times and avoid public gatherings and street demonstrations. Regional Warning
OFFICIAL WARNING: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises against non-essential travel to areas bordering the Democratic Republic of Congo ( There have been reports of landmines in the OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: We offer a registration service for all Canadians travelling or living abroad. This service is provided so that we can contact and assist you in an emergency in a foreign country, such as a natural disaster or civil unrest, or inform you of a family emergency at home. Registration can be done on-line or by contacting a Canadian government office abroad. For more information, see our FAQs on Registration of Canadians Abroad. BACK TO TOP 3. SAFETY AND SECURITY It is the responsibility of individual travellers to make informed travel choices. The Government of Canada takes very seriously the safety and security of Canadians abroad and provides credible and timely advice in its Country Travel Reports. Situations vary from country to country, and there may be constraints on government resources, which can limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide assistance, particularly in countries where the potential for violent conflict or political instability are high. In the event of a crisis situation that requires evacuation, the Government of Canada’s policy is to provide safe transportation to the closest safe location. Canada will assist Canadians in leaving a country as a last resort, when all means of commercial or personal transportation have been exhausted. This service is provided on a cost-recovery basis. Onward travel is at the individual’s personal expense. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety. The purpose of this Travel Report is to provide Canadians with up-to-date information to enable them to make well-informed decisions. Petty theft, carjackings, and burglaries are a concern, particularly in Lusaka, in other main cities and in the Copperbelt. Armed muggings and purse snatchings occur in and around bus and railway stations and some shopping areas. Ensure personal belongings and travel documents are secure. Remain alert to your surroundings. Avoid walking alone after dark. Car doors should be locked and car windows closed at all times. Police roadblocks are common throughout the country and identity documents may be requested. Avoid swimming in rivers, dams, and lakes as crocodiles are present. Tourist facilities are limited outside well-known game parks. Illegal drug trafficking occurs on a limited scale. Do not accept packages from strangers or carry parcels if you are unsure of their contents. Wild animals can pose risks. Observe all park or nature reserve regulations and instructions given by your tour guides. It is recommended to avoid swimming in lakes and rivers due to the presence of crocodiles. BACK TO TOP 4. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with the Zambian authorities and, to the best of our knowledge, was valid on August 28, 2006. However, entry and exit requirements are subject to change. It is the sole prerogative of each country to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the country or countries to be visited. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties. Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada’s Office of Protocol provides contact details for the Embassy for the Republic of Zambia and its consulates, where you can obtain further information on entry and exit requirements. A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Zambia. The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected departure from the country. Canadians must also be in possession of a visa. Visas can be obtained at ports of entry. Persons overstaying their visa may be subject to imprisonment or deportation. Tourist Visa: Required Business Visa: Required Student Visa: Required Evidence of a yellow fever vaccination is recommended. An airport tax is charged upon departure. A Certificate of Canadian Citizenship (CCC) is not a travel document. Airlines are known to refuse boarding to dual national Canadian passengers returning to Canada, travelling on a passport that requires a visa to enter Canada, regardless of whether the passenger presents a valid CCC as proof of Canadian citizenship. A Canadian passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document for the purpose of international travel. It proves your admissibility to enter Canada. Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services. Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify visa requirements for this and other countries, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders. Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order. Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada. BACK TO TOP 5. CANADIAN GOVERNMENT CONTACTS You can obtain consular assistance and further consular information at the following address: Zambia - LUSAKA, High Commission of Canada Address: 5199 United Nations Avenue, Lusaka Postal Address: P.O. Box 31313, Lusaka, Tel.: 260 (1) 25-08-33 Fax: 260 (1) 25-41-76 E-Mail: lsaka@international.gc.ca Internet: http://www.zambia.gc.ca For emergency assistance after hours, contact the High Commission of Canada in Lusaka and follow the instructions. You may also make a collect call to the Department in Ottawa at 613-996-8885. BACK TO TOP 6. LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail or death sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons. Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 5 above. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request. The procedures required in legal proceedings or police investigations may be different from the procedures in force in the Canadian legal system. Canadians wishing to undertake such proceedings can expect to face long delays and additional efforts in order to resolve their case. The Government of Canada cannot intervene in ongoing legal proceedings in other countries, unless requested to do so by local authorities. Such requests are rare. Dual nationality is not legally recognized, which may limit the ability of Canadian officials to provide consular services. Canadians should travel using their Canadian passport and present themselves as Canadian to foreign authorities at all times. The Department publishes a booklet entitled Dual Citizenship: What Travellers Should Know, specifically targeted at Canadians with dual nationality. 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. Penalties for drunk driving are severe. Visitors should always carry prescription medicine in the original container along with a copy of the prescription and 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. Homosexual activity is illegal. The possession of pornographic material is illegal in Zambia, and offenders may be jailed and/or deported. Avoid military zones. Photography of military installations is prohibited. Ask permission before photographing individuals. BACK TO TOP 7. LOCAL TRAVEL AND CURRENCY Traffic drives on the left. Turning left at a red light is prohibited. Many roads are severely potholed. Traffic accidents occur frequently throughout the country, especially on the Great East Road in Lusaka. Pedestrians, poorly lit and maintained vehicles, driving habits, and stray animals pose risks. Avoid overland travel to rural areas after dark. Vehicles must be equipped with two metallic emergency triangles, white reflector stickers in front, and red reflector stickers in back. Failure to comply may result in heavy fines. As there is no emergency service for stranded drivers, it is recommended to carry a cellular phone when travelling outside of main cities. Exercise caution when using public transportation, especially buses, which are overloaded. Taxi fares are expensive and should be paid in local currency. Do not share taxis with strangers. Rail service is limited. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended. The currency is the Zambian kwacha (ZMK). Canadian currency and traveller's cheques are not accepted everywhere. Visitors should carry cash or traveller's cheques in U.S. dollars, U.K. pounds, or South African rand. Visa credit cards are accepted in major urban centres only. Canadian currency and traveller's cheques are not widely accepted worldwide. Check with your bank for information on Automated Banking Machine ( BACK TO TOP 8. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE The rainy season extends from December to April. Rural roads may become impassable during this period. Travellers should follow regional weather forecasts and plan accordingly. BACK TO TOP 9. TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Medicine Program Web site. The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date. Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage. The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada. BACK TO TOP 10. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION Government hospitals and clinics are often understaffed and lacking supplies. Private clinics are adequate, but evacuation may be required for major medical emergencies. BACK TO TOP 11. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Returning to Canada Traveller's Checklist Health and Travel Insurance: Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes. See Canada's Health Portal. Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. Adoption: Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child from another country, you must first obtain information about the adoption regulations of the province or territory in which the child will reside. While adoption is a provincial/territorial responsibility, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is responsible for allowing an adopted child entry into Canada. Entry can be refused if the child does not hold the appropriate immigrant visa. A visa may be denied, even if the adoption has already been completed. For more information contact CIC at 1 888 242-2100 (in Canada only), check the CIC Web site or contact your provincial or territorial government. BACK TO TOP 12. ANNEX N/A BACK TO TOP |
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