Navigation
Select Country
Map Layers
Zambia
- Road safety and non-violent crime are the most persistent concerns foreign nationals encounter in Zambia.
- Violent crimes occur in Lusaka and other cities, though these rarely affect foreigners; vehicular crime and armed robberies are a latent concern.
- Travelers should be cautious on roads due to varying conditions and generally poor road safety standards, especially during the rainy season.
Risk Factors
- National crime rates are low by regional standards. Pickpocketing and bag-snatching are common in crowded markets and tourist locations. Avoid displaying valuables and keep belongings close at hand.
- Police reporting indicates Lusaka and Copperbelt provinces have higher rates of crime than other areas in Zambia. Street gangs operate throughout Lusaka and other cities, including areas popular with expatriates and tourists. It is prudent to avoid traversing urban areas on foot after dark.
- High-density, low-income areas such as Chalala, Bauleni, Kamwala, Kalingalinga, Kanyama, Chibolya, Libala, and Chainda in Lusaka are more prone to serious crimes.
- The Mufulira – Ndola road in Lusaka is a hotspot for vehicular crime, particularly targeting four-wheel-drive vehicles.
- Armed robberies involving firearms or bladed weapons are relatively rare and mainly affect locals. If confronted, do not resist a robbery attempt, as it is more likely to escalate to violence.
- Attacks related to distrust of foreign nationals can pose risks. Social media rumors and unverified reports can prompt waves of xenophobic violence. Recently, Chinese, Rwandan, and Somali nationals have been targeted.
- There are elevated crime risks in rural areas of Copperbelt Province and regions near the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) border, where armed groups operate. Stay on main roads near official border crossings.
- Road conditions deteriorate sharply outside urban centers; many roads are poorly maintained and lack adequate lighting, increasing the risk of accidents, especially at night. A well-maintained, 4WD vehicle driven by a reputable guide is crucial for overland travel.
- During the rainy season from December to April, road conditions deteriorate quickly resulting in potholes and road hazards.
- Public transportation such as minibuses (kombis), trains and public buses often do not meet international safety standards.
- Official taxis (generally light blue or gray) are generally safe. However, taxis arranged by a hotel or through ride-sharing apps (e.g., Yango or Go) are often more reliable. Do not permit the taxi to be shared with a stranger.
- Protests are usually peaceful but can escalate into violence, particularly at opposition rallies. Smaller protests occur around universities, government buildings, and police stations, causing localized travel disruption.
- Lusaka is often the main focus of unrest, especially during election cycles. Bypass large gatherings and monitor alerts to stay abreast of developments.
- Security forces are poorly trained in public order policing and may use aggressive tactics, such as tear gas and baton charges, to disperse crowds.
- Zambia experiences seasonal flooding, particularly in the Zambezi, Chambeshi, and Luangwa river basins during the rainy season from November to April. These floods can impact road travel and increase health risks such as waterborne diseases.
- The dry season from April to October is more suitable for wildlife tourism due to better observation conditions.
- Zambia occasionally experiences moderate-to-low intensity earthquakes, mostly in rural areas, causing limited damage and disruption.