Chinese Visa Policy and Requirements for Citizens of Zambia

Introduction

Visa Types and Requirements

Tourist Visa (L)

• Purpose: Tourism.
• Stay Duration: Typically allows a short-term stay, usually up to 30 days.
• Requirements: Valid passport with at least six months of validity and two blank visa pages, completed visa application form, passport photo, and proof of accommodation in China.

Business Visa (M)

• Purpose: Commercial and trade activities.
• Stay Duration: Varies based on the visa type and purpose, can be single or multiple entries.
• Requirements: In addition to the basic documents required for a tourist visa, applicants need to provide an invitation letter from a Chinese trade partner or relevant documents issued by a Chinese entity.

Work Visa (Z)

• Purpose: Employment in China.
• Stay Duration: Determined based on the work permit.
• Requirements: Valid passport, completed visa application form, passport photo, and a notice for the work permit for foreigners.

Transit Visa

• 24-hour visa-free transit: Allows domestic travel through different airports.
• 72-hour visa-free transit: Available through specific airports and ports.
• 144-hour visa-free transit: Accessible through designated airports and ports.

Visa Application Process

1. Prepare Required Documents: Gather all necessary documents based on the visa type you are applying for.
2. Complete the Application Form: Fill out the COVA visa form online at https://cova.mfa.gov.cn.
3. Submit Application: Submit your application along with the required documents to the consular office of the Chinese Embassy in Zambia.
4. Pay the Visa Fee: Pay the applicable visa fee based on the visa type and processing time.
5. Wait for Processing: The processing time varies depending on the visa type and the workload of the embassy.
6. Collect Your Visa: Once your visa is processed, collect it from the embassy during the specified visa pick-up hours.

Visa Fees

• Regular Visa Fee: The fee varies based on the number of entries and visa type. For example, a single-entry visa fee is ZMW 845, double-entry is ZMW 1125, and multiple-entry visas have higher fees.
• Expedited Service Fee: Additional fees apply for expedited processing.

Chinese Embassy in Zambia

Embassy of China in Lusaka

• Address: United Nations Avenue, 7430, Lusaka, Zambia.
• Telephone: +260-211-251169
• Fax: +260-211-251157
• Email: chinaemb_zm@mfa.gov.cn
• Website: http://zm.china-embassy.gov.cn
• Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 08:30-12:00, 14:00-17:30 (except holidays)
• Visa Application Hours: Monday to Friday, 09:00-11:30 AM (except holidays)
• Visa Pick-up Hours: Generally, visas can be picked up on the 4th business day after application. Express service is available for an additional fee.

Important Notes

• Holidays: The embassy may be closed on Zambian and Chinese public holidays. It’s advisable to check the specific holiday calendar for 2025 to plan your visit accordingly.
• Processing Time: The visa processing time can vary, so it’s recommended to apply well in advance of your planned travel dates.
• Additional Requirements: Depending on your specific circumstances, there may be additional requirements or documents needed for your visa application. Always check the latest requirements on the official embassy website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information.