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Southern Africa

🇿🇲 Vaccines for Zambia

Entry requirements & recommendations for travel to Zambia

Zambia requires Yellow Fever proof if arriving from an endemic country, and malaria is endemic at high risk throughout the country, including around Victoria Falls and Livingstone — a common assumption is that being a major, well-developed tourist destination might reduce malaria risk, but this isn't the case. Hepatitis A and Typhoid are recommended generally. Rabies is worth considering for safari trips given wildlife and rural dog exposure. Schistosomiasis is a risk in the Zambezi and other fresh water bodies — relevant given how central river-based activities (rafting, cruising) are to a Victoria Falls visit. Healthcare in Lusaka and Livingstone is reasonable for routine tourist needs; remote safari areas have limited facilities with evacuation arrangements typically in place.

Medical disclaimer: This is general information only — not personal medical advice. Requirements and risks change. Always consult a qualified travel health clinic before departure.
Required for entry
Yellow Fever
Certificate required if arriving from endemic country.
💉 1 dose (lifetime)
📅 Book at least 3 weeks before travel
⚡ Effective: 10 days after vaccination. Certificate valid for life.
🛡 Protects for: Lifetime (single dose).
Required for entry
Recommended by WHO & CDC
Hepatitis A
Food and water contamination risk.
💉 2 doses
📅 Book at least 4 weeks before travel
⚡ Effective: 2 weeks after 1st dose. Full protection after 2nd dose (6–12 months later).
🛡 Protects for: 1st dose ~1 yr. 2nd dose: lifetime.
Recommended
Typhoid
Contaminated food and water.
💉 1 dose
📅 Book at least 3 weeks before travel
⚡ Effective: 2 weeks after vaccination.
🛡 Protects for: 3–5 years. Booster recommended if re-exposure.
Recommended
Rabies
Animal bites risk.
💉 3 doses
📅 Book at least 5 weeks before travel
⚡ Effective: After 3rd dose. 2nd dose 7 days after 1st, 3rd dose 21 days after 1st.
🛡 Protects for: Pre-exposure reduces post-bite treatment needed. Boosters based on blood tests.
Recommended
Disease risks
  • ⚠Malaria (high risk throughout)
  • ⚠Schistosomiasis (Zambezi, Kariba, Luangwa)
Notes: Yellow Fever required from endemic countries. Malaria prophylaxis essential. Avoid fresh water swimming (schistosomiasis).
Approximate cost per person
Required vaccines
~€74
(~$81)
per person · full courses
Yellow Fever (1 dose)€74 ($81)
Recommended vaccines
~€522
(~$568)
per person · full courses
Hepatitis A (2 doses)€140 ($152)
Typhoid (1 dose)€45 ($49)
Rabies (3 doses)€273 ($297)
Malaria tablets (4 weeks) (1 dose)€64 ($70)

💡 Approximate figures based on private European travel clinic rates (April 2026). Actual costs vary by clinic and country. Not all recommended vaccines will apply to every trip — discuss your specific itinerary with a travel health clinic.

Often combined with
South AfricaMozambiqueZimbabweMalawi
Common questions
Do I need malaria tablets for Zambia?
Yes, essential for any visit, including Victoria Falls and Livingstone. Malaria is endemic at high risk throughout Zambia with no low-risk areas — see the dedicated Victoria Falls question, as this is a common point of confusion.
Do I need vaccines for Zambia?
Yellow Fever proof is required if arriving from an endemic country. Hepatitis A and Typhoid are recommended. Malaria prophylaxis is essential for any visit, as detailed in the malaria question.
Is Victoria Falls in Zambia safe for malaria?
No — despite Victoria Falls and Livingstone being major, well-developed tourist destinations, malaria is endemic there at the same high risk level as the rest of Zambia. Antimalarial medication is just as essential for a Victoria Falls trip as for a remote bush safari. Don't let the destination's accessibility lead to underestimating this.
What healthcare is available in Zambia?
Healthcare in Lusaka and Livingstone (the gateway to Victoria Falls) is reasonable for routine tourist needs, with facilities used to dealing with visitor issues given tourism volume. More remote safari areas have limited facilities, though most safari operators have evacuation arrangements in place. Comprehensive travel insurance is recommended. Schistosomiasis is a specific risk for swimming in the Zambezi or other fresh water — worth being aware of given how central river activities are to a Victoria Falls visit.