All travellers should have an understanding of the rules they are expected to follow before a visit to any new country. With that in mind, this guide should help you understand what not to do, how to avoid getting in trouble, and how to not ruin a trip to the beautiful southern African country of Zambia.
Never wear clothing similar to police or military personnel
Ever worn a cop or soldier uniform for Halloween? Don’t bring it with you to Zambia. According to the State Security Act, CAP 111, Section 6(1)(a) of the Laws of Zambia, “any person without lawful authority who uses or has in his possession, imports or manufactures any uniform of the Defence Force or the Police Service or any other official uniform or any dress closely resembling the same as likely to deceive or falsely represent himself to be a person who has been entitled to wear any such uniform, shall be guilty of an offence and liable of conviction to imprisonment for a minimum of fifteen years.”
Never defame the president
Although Zambia is a democratic state, as a visitor to Zambia, it is advisable to not comment on political issues. Insulting or defaming the president could lead to arrest under the ‘Defamation of The President Law’ and you’d be liable to jail time for up to three years. It is also advisable not to wear political regalia as a visitor to Zambia for safety reasons.
Never send nudes
Sexting may be seen as a harmless act by some, especially if it’s only to your significant other, but sending nude images in Zambia is considered pornography. According to the Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority (ZICTA), “Under Section 102 of the Electronic Communications and Transactions ACT transmission or receiving of pornography is prohibited. A person who commits an offence under the provisions of the said ACT is liable upon conviction to a fine of ZMW36 Million (approximately $3 USD million) or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding 10 years or both.”
Never get drunk publicly
There are plenty of bars and nightclubs in Zambia where one can have a drink and a good time, but according to Chapter 180 of the Zambian Penal Code, “any person who is found drunk in public and acting in a disorderly way or who is drunk while in charge on any highway or railway or another public place of any horse, cattle, the steam engine, locomotive, wagon, van, carriage or any other vehicle, other than a motor vehicle, or who is drunk when in possession of any loaded firearms, may be arrested without a warrant and is liable to a penalty not exceeding seven hundred and fifty penalty units, or to imprisonment with or without hard labour for a period not exceeding three months.”
Never get involved in trophy hunting
Zambia has a great abundance of wildlife which unfortunately makes it a target for poachers. According to the Zambia Wildlife Authority (ZAWA), Act 14 of 2015, “illegal possession of trophies such as elephant ivory and rhino horn are punishable with sentences of between five and ten years imprisonment with no option of a fine”. Other animals included in the list are tortoises and tusks of any animal.
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