Destination guide
Travel vaccines for Zambia
South Luangwa, the Lower Zambezi and Victoria Falls — here's what UK travellers are usually advised before visiting Zambia, including malaria and the Yellow Fever certificate rule.
Overview
What vaccinations do I need for Zambia?
For Zambia, most travellers are advised to have Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and a combined Tetanus, Diphtheria and Polio booster if they're not up to date. Depending on your trip, Hepatitis B and Rabies are often added too. Antimalarial tablets are recommended for everyone, as malaria is a risk across the whole country all year, and a Yellow Fever certificate is required if you arrive from a risk country.
These recommendations are a general guide based on UK travel-health advice from TravelHealthPro (UKHSA/NaTHNaC). Whether you're heading for South Luangwa, the Lower Zambezi or Victoria Falls, we'll confirm exactly what you need at a short consultation.
Plan ahead
Book 4–6 weeks before you fly
Malaria tablets may need starting before you travel, and any Yellow Fever certificate must be issued at least 10 days before arrival — so plan ahead. Travelling sooner? Come in anyway and we'll help.
Recommended vaccinations
Vaccines commonly advised for Zambia
Grouped by how often they're recommended. Your personal list is confirmed at consultation. Vaccine guidance is based on public health information from TravelHealthPro (UKHSA/NaTHNaC).
Hepatitis A
Most travellers
Spread through contaminated food and water — advised for nearly all trips.
Typhoid
Most travellers
Recommended for most travellers to Zambia.
Tetanus, Diphtheria & Polio
Most travellers
A combined booster is recommended if you're not up to date.
Yellow Fever (including certificate)
Certificate rule
A certificate is required if you arrive from a risk country — common on multi-country safaris. We confirm and issue it if needed.
Hepatitis B
Some travellers
Advised for longer stays, healthcare work, or possible medical/dental treatment.
Rabies
Some travellers
Often advised — rabies is present and medical help can be far away on safari.
Cholera
Some travellers
An oral vaccine is considered for higher-risk trips; safe food and water habits remain the main protection.
Dengue
Some travellers
Dengue occurs in Zambia. The dengue vaccine may be considered for travellers aged 4 and over who have had a previous, laboratory-confirmed dengue infection — bite avoidance remains essential for everyone.
Measles (MMR)
Some travellers
Make sure you have had two documented doses of MMR, as measles still circulates in many regions.
Tuberculosis
Some travellers
BCG is usually only relevant for longer stays or close community contact, typically younger travellers who have not had it before.
Entry rules — separate from your jabs
Yellow fever certificate: what Zambia requires
A yellow fever certificate requirement is a legal condition of entry — it is not the same thing as the vaccine being recommended for your health. The recommendation (when there is one) appears in the vaccine list above; the entry rule is below.
Flying direct from the UK? No yellow fever certificate needed for Zambia
Zambia only asks for a certificate (ICVP) from travellers aged 1 year+ who arrive from — or pass through — a country with yellow fever risk, and airport layovers over 12 hours in a risk country count. That catches out multi-country itineraries, so check your whole route, not just your destination.
There is no yellow fever transmission risk in Zambia itself — this rule exists purely to stop the virus being carried in from elsewhere.
Malaria & mosquitoes
Malaria in Zambia
Malaria risk is present across the whole of Zambia all year, including South Luangwa, the Lower Zambezi and Victoria Falls (Livingstone). Antimalarial tablets are recommended for all travellers, alongside mosquito-bite protection.
- Antimalarial tablets advised for the entire country, all year
- Use repellent, cover up at dawn and dusk, and sleep under nets
- Seek urgent help for any fever during or after your trip
FAQ
Zambia travel vaccines — FAQs
Getting ready for Zambia?
Book a quick consultation at our Timperley clinic near Manchester and we'll sort your vaccinations, certificate and malaria tablets for your trip.