United States of America visa requirements for Zambians

Travel and visa requirements

Basic Travel Requirements for Zambians visiting United States of America

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

  • A passport valid more than 6 months from your intended exit from the USA.
  • The passport should have at least two blank pages.
  • A properly completed visa application form.
  • Four passport-sized photographs with a white background.
  • Bank statement for the last three months.
  • Travel insurance valid throughout your entire stay in the USA with medical coverage.
  • Accommodation proof for the period of the applicant's stay.
  • A copy of the return flight ticket.
  • Travel itinerary.

United States Of America Visa for Zambians

Facts about United States Of America

The United States of America is one of the main tourist destinations in the world. You cannot truly see all the country has to offer in one trip. If you have exhausted the things to see in a particular location, the next location brings up a fresh array of things to see. The country has beautiful scenery, entertainment options, magnificent architecture, great tourist sites and so much more. No matter what you are interested in doing, you are sure to get it in the United States of America. National Parks, casinos, beaches, historical sites, movie theatres, trade fairs, shopping malls, restaurants, nightlife are just some of the things you can do in the country. Make sure you enjoy the rollercoaster of fun during your time here.
 
Tourism in the USA is a large industry that contributes greatly to the American economy. The United States of America is the country that attracts the third-largest number of tourists behind France and Spain and this may be attributed to the fact that tourists stay longer in the United States more than they do in France and Spain. The country plays host to about 78 million tourists yearly. Since Donald Trump got elected, the number of tourist visits in the United States has dropped by 4% and has led to the loss of about 40,000 jobs.
 
Citizens of Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, Caymans, Australia, Belgium, Brunei, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, South Korea, New Zealand, etc can gain entry to the United States of America visa-free for a certain period of time.

Types of United States Of America Visa

Types of Visa Processing Time Duration of Stay
Tourist visa 5 - 15 days 180 days
Student visa 5 - 15 days. Depending on the course duration.
Work visa 5 -15 days. 3 years.

General Requirements for United States Of America Visa

  • A passport valid more than 6 months from your intended exit from the USA.
  • The passport should have at least two blank pages.
  • A properly completed visa application form.
  • Four passport-sized photographs with a white background.
  • Bank statement for the last three months.
  • Travel insurance valid throughout your entire stay in the USA with medical coverage.
  • Accommodation proof for the period of the applicant's stay.
  • A copy of the return flight ticket.
  • Travel itinerary.
United States Of America Tourist visa United States Of America Student visa United States Of America Work visa

United States Of America B1 (Business) Visa. Eligibility & Requirements

  • The business visa also known as a B-1 visa, is for those looking forward to travel to the USA for business purposes.
  • This visa is only eligible for persons between the ages of 19 and 79.
  • You are eligible for the B-1 visa if you will be participating in business activities of commercial or professional nature in the United States.
  • You can meet with business associates with this visa type.
  • You can travel for scientific, professional or business conventions or attend conferences with this visa.
  • You can negotiate and sign contracts with this visa.
  • You can also participate in short-term training or internships.
  • The B-1 business visa is valid for six months but can be extended to a year.
  • You are to provide proof that you will return to Zambia at the expiration of your visa or you will be denied of this visa.
  • Applicants are not allowed to take their spouse or children while traveling to the USA on a B-1 visa.
  • This visa could also pass for a transit visa to those who are transiting through the USA.
  • You are to provide a letter of invitation from the company you are visiting in the US detailing the purpose and duration of your trip. 
  • Your job position and salary level should also be stated in the letter.
  • A letter from your employer stating that your business leave has been approved is to be also submitted. 
  • You are also to submit payslips from the last three months.
  • Proof of sufficient funds to cover the expenses of the trip and your stay in the United States is required.
  • You are to submit proof that you have a residence outside the United States in which you have no intention of abandoning, as well as other binding ties which will ensure your return home at the end of the visit.

United States Of America B2 (Tourist) Visa. Eligibility & Requirements

  • Tourist travelers are the only eligible candidates for this visa.
  • This visa is also for you if you are traveling for the holidays or wish to visit family and friends.
  • You can tour various parts of the USA with this visa.
  • You can participate in social events hosted by various organizations in the US.
  • You can also use this visa to seek/receive medical treatments in the US.
  • You may participate in events or contests related to music or sports for which you will not receive a monetary payment.
  • You can enroll in short courses/ classes in which you shall not receive credit. For example, art classes.
  • All applicants between the ages of 14 and 79 years old must go through the US tourist interview at the US Embassy they are applying in.
  • Proof of financial means must be provided by applicants or their sponsors. 
  • Applicants must provide bank statements to prove they have the finances to stay in the US and can spend at least $266 per day during your stay in the US.
  • Travelers must provide ties to their home country.
  • You are to provide an incentive that shows you will be returning to Zambia on or before the expiration of your visa.
  • You are to provide your social media details.
  • Criminal records or a letter from the police stating that you do not have a criminal record.
  • Documents relevant to your prior visits must also be provided but this only applies if you have visited the US before.

United States Of America Student Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • The student's visa is for those who are looking to study in the United States.
  • There are four types of student visas.
  • The F-1 visa is for students applying for a program that requires more than 18 hours of study in a week. This includes all undergraduate and graduate programs.
  • If you want to attend a college, university, elementary school, high school, seminary or language training course, the appropriate visa type is the F-1 visa.
  • You can take up on-campus work with restrictions.
  • The J-1 visa or Exchange Visitor Visa is for students, visiting scholars or lecturers pursuing an exchange program. 
  • For example, Fulbright scholars and many students on short-term study abroad programs from foreign universities will travel to the U.S. on a J-1 visa.
  • It is also given to candidates who have been sponsored by companies.
  • The M-1 visa is a type of student visa reserved for vocational and technical schools. 
  • It is for those attending a vocational or technical course or other non-academic institutions.
  • While the process remains similar to an F-1 visa, the difference is that on entering, the M-1 visas are time-stamped and students cannot overstay their visit.
  • You may not work until you have completed your study program in the USA.
  • The Q-1 visa is for participants in an international cultural exchange program.
  • The school you intend to attend and the course of study will determine what category of student visa you will be applying for.
  • You should have applied to study in the institution of choice and must have been accepted before you can apply for and be issued any of the categories of the student visa.
  • The admission letter from the institution you have been admitted to be submitted.
  • It is mandatory to provide proof of accommodation for your stay in the USA.
  • Minors should ensure that their parents sign the application form.

United States Of America Work Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • This visa is for Zambians who wish to take up any form of paid employment in the USA.
  • You are to specify in your contract how long you will be working in the US.
  • There are various types of work visa such as the H, I, L, O, and P visas.
  • The H-1 visa or temporary worker visa is the most important division of the H visas. 
  • The other categories of the H visa are H-2 (for seasonal workers), H-3 (for training) and H-4 (for spouse and children of H-1, H-2, and H-3 visa holders).
  • The L-1 visa (Intracompany transfers Visa) is of two types- the L-1A (Managers and Executives) and L-1B (Specialized Knowledge) visas.
  • The I visa (media and journalist visa) allows journalists and those who work in the information or media sector to enter into the United States for media-related jobs only.
  • The O/extraordinary abilities visa is for foreigners who have extraordinary abilities and high educational degrees.
  • The O-1 visa is of two types, O-1A (for extraordinary abilities in education, business, science, and athletics) and O-1B (for extraordinary abilities in film or television industry or in arts).
  • The P visa (visa for athletes) is meant for Zambians in sports, performances, entertainment and culture who are visiting the United States for a performance.
  • There are four types of P visa which are P-1, P-2 visa, P-3 visa and P-4 visa.
  • Non-Zambians are to provide proof of their residence permit.
  • Proof of paid visa application fees must be provided.
  • You are to provide an incentive that you will return to your country after your work with the exception of H-1B and L visa.
  • If you are applying for a L visa, you will need to have a filled I-129S form which should be taken along with you for your visa interview.
  • Visa interviews are generally required for applicants between the ages of 14 and 79 years but not for those younger or older than this range.
  • Spouses and children of various work visa categories can accompany work visa holders.
  • You are to provide a letter from your employer stating awareness of your leave.
  • This letter should also contain your job position and salary level.

United States Of America Visa Fees

Visa Type

Sub Types

Visa Fees

Tourist visa

B1 (Business) visa.

B2 (Tourist) visa.

160.00 (USD)

160.00 (USD)

Student visa

160.00 (USD)

Work visa

190.00 (USD)

United States Of America Visa Application Centres & Embassies in Zambia

Location

Address

Lusaka

Eastern end of Kabulonga Road Ibex Hill P.O. Box 31617

zm.usembassy.gov

-

(+260) 211 357 000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the official language in the US?

The United States has never had an official language at the federal level. However, 32 states of the United States have adopted what has been called the English-only movement which is the legislation granting official status to English. Common languages spoken throughout the 13 colonies included Dutch, French and German, not to mention the many languages spoken by Native Americans.

Is there a maximum amount I can carry into the US?

You are allowed to carry a maximum of 10,000USD into the US without declaring it to customs.

Is the US safe to visit for tourists?

There have been issues of gun violence in the US over the years so tourists are advised to be careful at all times and call 911 in cases of emergency.

Is the tap water in US drinkable?

The tap water in the US is safe and healthy to drink.