Zambia Travel Health Guide for US Travelers
A physician-reviewed health and safety guide for Americans traveling to the Republic of Zambia
As of March 2026, the U.S. Department of State advises Americans to Exercise Normal Precautions in Zambia. Zambia is generally a safe and welcoming destination. Standard precautions against petty crime and health risks are recommended. Always check the latest advisory at travel.state.gov before departing.
Before You Travel to Zambia
Zambia is a premier safari destination known for Victoria Falls (Mosi-oa-Tunya), the Zambezi River, South Luangwa National Park, and abundant wildlife. While tourism infrastructure is well-developed at lodges and camps, healthcare outside Lusaka is limited. Plan to see a travel medicine physician at least 4-6 weeks before departure.
Visit a Travel Clinic
See a travel medicine physician 4-6 weeks before travel. Yellow fever vaccine is required if arriving from an endemic country (and recommended by the CDC for all travelers). Malaria prophylaxis is essential for all itineraries.
Travel Insurance
Purchase comprehensive travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage. Healthcare is limited outside Lusaka. Serious conditions may require evacuation to South Africa. Safari lodges are often remote.
Water & Food Safety
Tap water is not safe to drink outside of treated hotel/lodge supplies. Use only sealed bottled or treated water. Safari lodges typically provide purified water. Avoid ice from unknown sources.
Cash & Payments
Zambian Kwacha (ZMW) is the local currency. US dollars are widely accepted at lodges and tourist areas. Credit cards accepted at major hotels and lodges. ATMs available in Lusaka and Livingstone. Hospitals require upfront payment.
Yellow Fever in Zambia
Malaria in Zambia
Recommended: Atovaquone/Proguanil (Malarone), Doxycycline, or Mefloquine. Start before arrival and continue after leaving as directed. Combine with bite prevention.
Any fever after visiting Zambia — up to one year after returning — should be evaluated urgently with a malaria test. Inform your physician of your travel history. Malaria can be fatal within 24-48 hours without treatment.
Recommended Vaccines for Zambia
Required from endemic areas. CDC recommends for all travelers. Single dose, lifelong protection.
Transmitted through contaminated food and water. Strongly recommended for all travelers.
Spread through blood and body fluids. Recommended given limited healthcare and risk of emergency procedures.
Cholera outbreaks occur, particularly in rainy season and urban areas. Oral vaccine recommended for extended stays or travel to affected areas.
Healthcare in Zambia
Lusaka
Private facilities like Care for Business Clinic and Medland Hospital offer reasonable care. Public University Teaching Hospital is under-resourced. English is widely spoken in medical settings.
Livingstone (Victoria Falls)
Livingstone has a general hospital and private clinics. Quality is limited. Safari lodges have basic first aid. Serious conditions require evacuation to Lusaka or South Africa.
Evacuation
Medical evacuation to South Africa is frequently required for serious conditions. Services like SES (Speciality Emergency Services) operate in Zambia. Evacuation can cost $25,000-$100,000+ USD without insurance.
Emergency Numbers
US Embassy Lusaka
Eastern end of Kabulonga Road, Ibex Hill, Lusaka
Phone: +260 211 357-000
zm.usembassy.gov
US State Dept 24/7
For US citizens in distress abroad:
From US/Canada: +1-888-407-4747
From abroad: +1-202-501-4444
Other Health & Safety Risks
Present in freshwater throughout Zambia including the Zambezi, Lake Kariba, and rivers near safari camps. Do not swim, wade, or bathe in freshwater. Only swim in chlorinated pools.
Common. Drink only bottled or treated water. Eat freshly cooked food. Carry ORS and standby antibiotics prescribed by your doctor.
Zambia has a high HIV prevalence. Practice safe sex. Ensure sterile equipment for medical procedures. Blood supply safety may be limited.
Wildlife
Zambia is renowned for walking safaris. Follow guide instructions at all times. Hippos and crocodiles are present in all waterways. Elephants can be aggressive. Never approach wildlife on foot without a qualified guide.
Tick Bite Fever
Common on walking safaris and bush activities. Use insect repellent, tuck pants into socks, and check for ticks after outdoor activities. Treatable with doxycycline.
Tsetse flies are present in some safari areas (South Luangwa, Lower Zambezi). Wear neutral-colored clothing (avoid blue and black). Use repellent. Tsetse fly bites are painful but treatable if infection occurs.
Pre-Departure Checklist
- See a travel medicine physician 4-6 weeks before departure
- Get Yellow Fever vaccine — required from endemic areas, recommended by CDC for all
- Obtain antimalarial medication — essential for all areas
- Get recommended vaccines: Hep A, Typhoid, Hep B, Rabies, Cholera
- Update routine vaccines: MMR, Tdap, Polio booster, Flu, COVID-19
- Purchase travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage
- Enroll in STEP at step.state.gov
- Pack DEET repellent (30%+), mosquito net, sunscreen, and all medications
- Carry US dollars and Zambian Kwacha in cash
- Drink only bottled or treated water
- Do not swim in freshwater — schistosomiasis and crocodile risk
- Wear neutral-colored clothing on safari (avoid blue/black for tsetse flies)
- Save: Police 999 | Ambulance 991 | US Embassy +260 211 357-000
