Zambia Travel Health Guide
High risk
Zambia carries a CDC Level 1 travel health notice. Malaria risk exists throughout Zambia. Key travel vaccines: COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B.
Overall risk
High risk
Malaria
Present
Best time to visit
Year-round
Recommended vaccines
Routine Vaccines
Make sure you're up-to-date on all routine vaccines including chickenpox, tetanus, flu, MMR, polio, and shingles.
COVID-19
Stay up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccines before traveling.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A vaccine is recommended for all travelers to Zambia age 1 year and older, including infants 6-11 months.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for travelers under 60 years old. Those 60 and older may also get vaccinated.
Measles
Measles cases are rising worldwide. All travelers should be fully vaccinated with MMR vaccine, including infants 6-11 months.
Typhoid
Typhoid vaccine is recommended for most travelers to Zambia, especially if visiting rural areas or staying with friends and relatives.
Cholera
Cholera vaccination may be considered for some travelers. Cholera is rare in travelers but transmission is widespread in Zambia.
Monkeypox
Monkeypox vaccine is recommended for travelers who may engage in certain high-risk activities. Get vaccinated at least 6 weeks before travel if possible.
Rabies
Rabies is present in dogs and wildlife in Zambia. Consider pre-exposure vaccination if you'll be around animals or in remote areas where treatment may not be readily available.
Yellow Fever
Yellow fever vaccine is generally not recommended for travel to Zambia, but is required if coming from countries with yellow fever risk.
Disease risks
Malaria risk
Malaria is present in this destination. Prophylaxis medication is recommended.
Malaria risk exists throughout Zambia. Take prescription antimalarial medication as recommended by your doctor.
Emergency numbers
Police
991
Medical / Ambulance
991
Fire
993
U.S. Embassy
+260-211-357-000
More country guides
Botswana carries a CDC Level 1 travel health notice. Malaria risk exists in certain areas of Botswana. Key travel vaccines: COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B. Yellow fever vaccine is not needed if traveling directly from the US, but is required if you're coming from a country with yellow fever risk or have long layovers in such countries.
Eswatini carries a CDC Level 1 travel health notice. Malaria risk exists in eastern areas of Eswatini bordering Mozambique and South Africa. Key travel vaccines: COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B. Yellow fever vaccine is not needed if traveling directly from the US, but is required if you're coming from a country with yellow fever risk or have long layovers in such countries.
Lesotho carries a CDC Level 1 travel health notice. No malaria risk. Key travel vaccines: COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B.
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Build my Trip KitSources: CDC Travelers' Health · WHO International Travel and Health. Last updated 2026-07-31. Health conditions and entry rules change — verify with the CDC, WHO and your destination’s authorities before travel. This page is informational and not a substitute for advice from a travel-medicine provider.