United Kingdom visa requirements for Zambians

Travel and visa requirements

Basic Travel Requirements for Zambians visiting United Kingdom

Travelers are required to fulfill the following requirements in order to apply for a Briton Visa.

  • Passport with a validity of at least 6 months from the intended period of exit from the country. 
  • The passport should have at least two blank pages for the necessary stamp.
  • Properly filled visa application form signed by the applicant.
  • Two recent passport-sized photographs with a white background. 
  • The photo should follow the specification for a visa application.
  • Original copy of bank statement from the past three months prior to the period of visa application. 
  • Travel insurance which has sufficient medical coverage.
  • The insurance should be valid for the duration of your stay in the country.
  • Proof of accommodation for the period you will be staying in the country.
  • Copy of return flight ticket.
  • Travel itinerary.

United Kingdom Visa for Zambians

Facts about United Kingdom

The United Kingdom consists of four countries which are: England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
London, the capital of the United Kingdom is a great location for tourist and it's also its largest city.

The United Kingdom is one of the largest economy based on nominal GDP and is a very popular choice destination among business people. A lot of tourists also visit the country because of the wonderful sites to visit and the rich history of the country. Tourists who visit can easily bask in the gorgeous view of many of the city’s landmarks from the Coca-cola London Eye as well as many historical sites.

London is home to a wide range of attractions: art at galleries such as the National Gallery, The National Portrait Gallery, The Tate, and the Tate Modern, amongst others. There are cultural treats in the theatres and cinema of the West End and South Bank, and the recreated home of Shakespeare in the capital, the Globe. 

The Edinburgh Castle, Stonehenge. The Georgian architecture, Roman Baths, York Minister, Canterbury Cathedral and Shakespeare's Birthplace are some interesting landmarks to visit in the UK.

With 36.115 million people visiting in 2015, The United Kingdom is the sixth top destination for tourists. This number has steadily been on the rise since 2015.

Types of United Kingdom Visa

Types of Visa Processing Time Duration of Stay
Business visa 15 - 19 days 6 months
Medical visa 3 weeks 11 months
Student visa 30 days Depending on the duration of the course.
Tourist visa 30 days 60 days
Transit visa 2 days

General Requirements for United Kingdom Visa

  • Passport with a validity of at least 6 months from the intended period of exit from the country. 
  • The passport should have at least two blank pages for the necessary stamp.
  • Properly filled visa application form signed by the applicant.
  • Two recent passport-sized photographs with a white background. 
  • The photo should follow the specification for a visa application.
  • Original copy of bank statement from the past three months prior to the period of visa application. 
  • Travel insurance which has sufficient medical coverage.
  • The insurance should be valid for the duration of your stay in the country.
  • Proof of accommodation for the period you will be staying in the country.
  • Copy of return flight ticket.
  • Travel itinerary.
United Kingdom Business visa United Kingdom Medical visa United Kingdom Student visa United Kingdom Tourist visa United Kingdom Transit visa

United Kingdom Business Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • This business visa is for people who wish to travel to Great Britain for business purposes.
  • With this visa, you can attend seminars, conferences, meetings and trade fairs.
  • You can also sign and negotiate business deals while in Great Britain.
  • You are to submit a covering letter from the inviting company stating your name and job position. 
  • Your salary level is to be included in the letter.
  • The letter should also include your travel dates and travel itinerary.
  • The duration of your stay and the details of your sponsor are to be included in the letter also.
  • The reason for your visit to Zambia must be stated in the letter and signed by an authorized person.
  • A certificate of registration of the company that is inviting you to Great Britain is also to be provided.
  • Your employer in Zambia is to provide a letter stating the awareness and allowance of your business leave.
  • You are to provide an incentive that you will be returning to Zambia at the expiration of your visa.
  • If your employer will be financing your trip, they are to also state this in the letter.
  • Proof of booked accommodation in Tanzania is also to be provided.

United Kingdom Medical Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • This visa is for Zambians who are sick and wish to travel to Great Britain solely for treatment purposes.
  • This visa is also for persons who are accompanying holders of this visa.
  • Applicants who are accompanying someone are to provide a letter stating this.
  • They are also to provide an incentive that they will be returning to Zambia at the expiration of their visa.
  • This visa is not to be used for tourism purposes.
  • This visa does not allow its holders to attend any form of lectures or training.
  • This visa is also not to be used to take up any form of employment.
  • A local medical report from a hospital in Zambia is to be provided.
  • The letter must state the applicant's medical state and problems.
  • The letter is also to state that the applicant can not get treatment anywhere in Zambia.
  • A referral letter from the hospital in Zambia is to be provided also.
  • A medical attestation from the hospital or doctor in Great Britain is to be provided.
  • The letter must state that the hospital is willing to care for and treat the patient. 
  • The letter must confirm the applicant's appointment date as well as their medical situation.
  • Proof of payment or receipt of medical fees is to be provided.
  • Medical insurance with a coverage of at least 30,000 Euros is to be provided.

United Kingdom Student Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • The Tier 4 Student (Adult) visa is for students who intend to undertake any post-16 education at a United Kingdom institution in a full-time course. 
  • The Tier 4 Student (Adult) visa allows students to participate in both short and long term courses of at least 6 months in duration.
  • An admission letter from the institution of study in the UK is to be provided.
  • You are to provide valid proof of accommodation for your duration of stay in the UK.
  • All documents submitted for this visa application must be the original copies and you are to include 2 clear photocopies for the application.
  • Documentation showing that you have been accepted into an institution in Great Britain is required.
  • You will also need to show proof that you meet the conditions for access to studying in Great Britain. This could be academic results or previously obtained learning certificates.
  • As an international student, you are to apply for a national long-stay visa which will allow you to stay longer than 6 months in the UK.
  • Applicants are to provide proof of travel insurance with a minimum coverage of 30,000 Euro covering any medical emergency for the duration of their stay.
  • A medical certificate stating that you do not carry any diseases that may endanger public health (such as Tuberculosis and other contagious diseases) is required.
  • Proof of financial sustenance for the applicant's entire stay in Great Britain is to be provided. 
  • This proof could be a valid scholarship offer, recent bank statements, a  letter attesting sponsorship and a valid ID of your sponsor.
  • You can work part-time when school is in session and full-time when the school is on a break as long as it will not affect your studies.
  • A medical certificate which must have been issued not more than 6 months to the date of application is required for this application.
  • A certificate of good conduct not more than 6 months to the date of the application is required to show that you have not been convicted of any crimes.
  • For minors, a letter of authorization signed by both parents and the original copy of their birth certificate should be presented.

United Kingdom Tourist Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • This visa is for Zambians who wish to travel to Great Britain for touris purposes.
  • This visa is also for persons who are entering into the UK for the purpose of visiting family and friends.
  • Generally, visitor visas are valid for 6 months. 
  • In some cases, they can be issued for longer periods such as 1, 2, 5 or 10 years. 
  • However, those with longer-term visas can only stay in the UK for periods of six months at a time.
  • A valid proof of accommodation for your entire stay in the UK is to be provided.
  • This could be either hotel bookings or the home address of your host.
  • If you will be staying with a family or friend, they are to write a letter stating the relationship with you.
  • In the letter, they are to also state their contacts and their home address.
  • If they are not citizens of the United Kingdom, they are to make available their residence permit.
  • They are also to provide proof of steady employment in the UK and their job position and salary level.
  • You are not allowed to work with this visa.
  • You are not allowed to use this visa for educational purposes.
  • You are to provide an incentive that you will be returning to the UK at the expiry of your visa.
  • Students are to provide a No-Objection certificate from their school in Zambia.

United Kingdom Transit Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • The visa is for applicants who wish to transit through the UK to their destination country.
  • There are two types of transit visa: Direct Airside Transit Visa and Visitor in Transit Visa.
  • A Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV) is valid for 24 hours and does not allow you to pass through the UK Border Control (i.e. you must remain ‘airside’).
  • With this visa, you are not allowed to leave the airport transit area.
  • This transit visa allows you to pass through the transit channels and requires that you depart from the same airport on the same day. 
  • The DATV is perfect if you are traveling to Europe and need to catch a connecting flight in the UK.
  • Your onward flight must be within 24 hours of your arrival in the UK.
  • You are to be in possession of your visa and travel documents for your final destination country when traveling through the UK.
  • A Visitor in Transit visa is valid for 48 hours and allows you to change terminals and pass through the UK Border Control. 
  • The Visitor in Transit visa is designed for travelers who need to re-check their luggage or catch a connecting flight at a different airport (e.g. If you land at Gatwick Airport and your onward flight departs from Heathrow Airport). 
  • You will only be allowed to stay in the UK for 48 hours.
  • If you are going to Ireland, you are eligible for this visa.
  • You are not allowed to visit family and friends with this visa or go touring with it.
  • This visa is also not meant for you to take up employment or attend courses or seminars.

United Kingdom Visa Fees

Visa Type

Sub Types

Visa Fees

Business visa

704.00 (GBP)

Medical visa

186.00 (GBP)

Student visa

636.00 (GBP)

Tourist visa

93.00 (GBP)

Transit visa

64.00 (GBP)

United Kingdom Visa Application Centres & Embassies in Zambia

Location

Address

Liusaka

5210 Independence Avenue P.O.Box 50050 15101 Ridgeway

www.gov.uk/government/world/zambia

lusakageneralenquiries@fco.gov.uk

(+260) (211) 423 200

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the official currency in Great Britain?
The currency used in Great Britain is the Pound Sterling written as GBP. It is commonly thought by people that Great Britain uses the Euro but on the contrary, Great Britain never adopted the Euro as an official currency. Some shops will sometimes accept Euros but only out of courtesy for tourists.

Can foreign students work in Great Britain?

Foreign students can work part-time jobs for as long as 20  hours a week during the semester and for as long as they want during holidays.

What is the official language in Great Britain?

The official language of the UK is the English language. There are still 4 ancient Celtic languages still surviving in the UK but not widely spoken and there are 14 indigenous languages across the British Isles.

Can I drink the tap water in Great Britain?

The water in Great Britain is recycled which makes people think it is not safe for drinking. But is actually disinfected and treated making it safe for drinking.

Can I take pictures with the guards in Buckingham palace?

Tourists are allowed to take pictures with the guard in Buckingham Palace. However, you are not to touch them or you will be dealt with severely.

How much can I take into Great Britain?

You are allowed to carry as much as you want into Great Britain as long as it does not exceed 10,000 pounds or its equivalent in any other currency.

Zambian Passport and Indian passport holder in transit to USA, do we need visa for UK?