Handy to know

Currency: Zambian kwacha (ZK1000 = R1.50)
Fuel: Leaded and unleaded petrol and diesel are available in large centres only.
Malaria risk: High
Emergency numbers: 999 (general); 991 (police and ambulance); 993 (fire brigade)
SA consulate: Cheetah Road 26D, Kabulonga; 00260 211 26 0999; lusaka.political@foreign.gov.za
High Commission in SA: 012 326 1847/54; info@zambiapretoria.net; www.zambiapretoria.net
More information: www.zambiatourism.com; 00260 211 22 9087

Documents required

Visa: Not required for SA citizens
International driver’s licence: Yes
Inoculation certificate: Hepatitis A and B and tetanus inoculations are advised.
Medical insurance: Recommended
Vehicle insurance: Third-party insurance must be purchased at the border; ZK112000 (±R170) for a vehicle and ZK 50000 (±R75) for a trailer, unless you have Comesa or SADC cover.
Vehicle registration documents: Yes
Clearance certificates: To bring a vehicle into Zambia you must get a temporary import permit (TIP) or, depending on the country of origin of the vehicle, a CPD. A CPD is not compulsory, but recommended if the vehicle is to remain in Zambia for longer than three months. Your verhicle must have police clearance. Get it from your local police station.

At the border post

Cost: The carbon emission tax depends on the engine size: 2001-3000cc: R230; 3001cc and above: R300; council levy R50 per car; road tax $20 (payable in dollar); at the Kazungula border post a levy of R7 per car and R15 per 4x4 is payable as well as a ferry fee of R180 (light vehicles) or R210 (medium-sized vehicles); other ferry fees are about $20 (it’s cheaper if you pay in US dollar); if you’re entering Zambia from Tanzania, you have to pay road tax of R7; R10 car levy paid on exit.
Equipment: Two emergency triangles (must be on a metal plate) and reflector stickers (two small white rectangular strips on left- and right-hand side on front bumper and two small red square strips on back bumper); If you’re carrying jerry cans with fuel it is compulsory to have a fire extinguisher.
ZA sticker: It isn’t required, but if you’re travelling to Zambia via Botswana, you will need one.
What may I take in? 400 cigarettes or 450g tobacco; 2.5 litre beer, wine or spirits; 30ml perfume.
What else? Firearms are restricted.
Border post times: Victoria Falls 06.00-22.00; Kariba 06.00-20.00; most other border posts 06.00-18.00

Originally published in DO #42 Jan-Feb 2011