Safety and Security

The U.S. Embassy recommends that travelers exercise caution when traveling throughout the country. Spontaneous demonstrations occasionally take place in Lusaka and elsewhere in the country, sometimes in response to ongoing political disputes or around elections due to clashes between political groups and partisans. Remember, even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence. You should avoid the vicinity of demonstrations. You should also stay current with media coverage of local events and be aware of your surroundings at all times.

The Embassy has received several reports of the use and attempted use of “date rape” drugs on unsuspecting females in a variety of bars and restaurants. There are several “date rape” drugs on the market, and these are easily purchased or obtained in Zambia. Common symptoms of these drugs are: drunken feeling, loss of consciousness, memory problems, confusion, dizziness, excessive sweating, nausea, and loss of motor skills. Rapists use the drug to render a victim easier to attack. If you feel that you have been a victim of a "date rape" drug attack, seek medical attention immediately. The Embassy maintains a list of medical professionals.

The U.S. Embassy discourages travelers from driving off-road or on remote, lightly-used tracks near the borders with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Angola as there may still be undetected land mines and unexploded ordnance. U.S. citizens who must drive in these areas are encouraged to drive in convoys and carry satellite telephones. See our Country-Specific Information for the DRC and Angola for additional information on travel to these countries.

To stay connected:

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program so we can keep you up to date with important safety and security announcements.
• Follow the Bureau of Consular Affairs on Twitter and Facebook.
• Bookmark the Bureau of Consular Affairs website, which contains the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts as well as the Worldwide Caution.
• Follow the U.S. Embassy in Zambia on Twitter and visiting the Embassy’s website.
• In the event of an emergency, contact us at 1-888-407-4747 toll-free within the United States and Canada, or via a regular toll line, 1-202-501-4444, from other countries. Take some time before traveling to consider your personal security and checking for useful tips for traveling safely abroad.

CRIME: Travel in many sections of Lusaka, Livingstone, and most other major cities, as well as in the major game parks, is generally safe during daylight hours. However, expatriates have been the victim of armed robberies in Livingstone, Copperbelt Province, and elsewhere. Victims are seldom seriously injured but stolen property is rarely recovered.

Carjacking remains an ongoing problem, especially in Lusaka and Livingstone. In most cases, carjackers will block the rear of a victim’s vehicle while it waits to pass through a security gate into a residence and then assailants will threaten the driver and take the car. A pattern of particularly violent and aggressive carjacking appears to be developing. In recent months, there have been two identical incidents in which women were carjacked, robbed at gunpoint, abducted, beaten, and sexually assaulted. These incidents have taken place in the Libala and Ibex Hill areas in Lusaka but can occur anywhere. In each instance, the victim’s vehicle was forced to a stop and blocked by a stolen vehicle driven by four armed criminals. The perpetrators of these crimes have not been apprehended. The level of violence involved is particularly worrisome.

Drivers are advised to lock their car doors, close their windows, and remain vigilant when entering or exiting a residence.

Travelers using public transportation or visiting high pedestrian traffic areas are advised to be vigilant against robbery and pick-pocketing. Vehicle thefts and burglaries occur throughout the country, including “smash and grab” thefts from vehicles either parked or stopped at intersections or in traffic. Try not to leave valuables visible in unattended vehicles.

You should use caution when traveling near the border with the DRC. Although rebel militias are no longer active in the Katanga province of the DRC, armed criminal elements remain in the border area.

Do not buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available. Not only are the bootlegs illegal in the United States, if you purchase them you may also be breaking local law.

VICTIMS OF CRIME: If you or someone you know becomes the victim of a crime abroad, you should contact the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. We can:

Replace a stolen passport. Help you find appropriate medical care if you are the victim of violent crimes such as assault or rape. Put you in contact with the appropriate police authorities, and if you want us to, contact family members or friends. Help you understand the local criminal justice process and direct you to local attorneys, although it is important to remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime. The local equivalent to the “911” emergency line in Zambia is 999. Police response, particularly outside major cities, may be delayed due to a lack of vehicles and other resources.

Please see our information on victims of crime, including possible victim compensation programs in the United States.

The local equivalent to the “911” emergency line in Zambia is 999; however, emergency lines often do not work. Police response, particularly outside major cities, may be delayed due to a lack of vehicles and other resources.

Please see our information on victims of crime, including possible victim compensation programs in the United States.