The new policy is part of Zambia’s ambitious plan to double annual international tourist arrivals, targeting three million visitors by 2026.  

The Chief Executive Officer of Africa’s Eden Tourism Association, Jillian Blackbeard, welcomed the move, calling it a significant step toward economic growth and regional integration. “Zambia has now made 167 countries exempt from visas, representing over 85% of the world. This eliminates the difficulty of crossing borders and makes tourism much easier and more transparent,” she said.  

The visa waiver is expected to have widespread economic benefits for Zambia, with increased tourist arrivals driving growth in the tourism industry and its related value chains.  

“With more tourists visiting, the economic benefits extend beyond hotels and flights. Tourism impacts the entire supply chain, from local vendors to service providers. For every dollar spent by a tourist, approximately $1.75 gets circulated within the local economy, and under favorable conditions, this can double,” Blackbeard explained.  

To balance open borders with security, Zambia has deployed an additional 900 immigration officers across its borders. “The government is saying, ‘We are open to visitors, tourism, and the economic benefits they bring, but we are also managing our country’s safety and stability,’” Blackbeard added.  

The policy is also expected to benefit the broader Southern African Development Community (SADC) region. Blackbeard noted that many international tourists visiting Zambia often travel to neighboring countries, creating a ripple effect in regional tourism.  

“About 67% of visitors to the region travel to multiple countries. A tourist might visit South Luangwa in Zambia, then Botswana to see the Chobe, and finally South Africa to explore Cape Town. This interconnected tourism boosts economic activity across the region,” she said.  

However, contrasting visa policies within the region could pose challenges. While countries like Zambia, Botswana, and South Africa are liberalizing their visa regimes, others, such as Namibia and Zimbabwe, are adopting stricter measures. Namibia plans to introduce reciprocal visa requirements from April 1, 2025, with fees of up to $88 for many travelers, a move Blackbeard described as counterproductive.  

“It’s a tale of two approaches in Southern Africa. Some countries are opening up to the world, while others are closing off. This disparity makes it harder to market the region as a unified travel destination,” she said.  

--ChannelAfrica--