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Zambia Opens Doors: Visa-Free Travel Extended to 53 Nations Including Morocco
Zambia has announced a significant expansion of its visa-free policy, adding 53 new countries including Morocco to its exemption list effective January 1, 2025. This strategic move brings the total number of visa-exempt countries to 167, as revealed by Home Affairs Minister Jack Mwiimbu during a Lusaka press briefing on December 18.
The initiative aligns with President Hakainde Hichilema's vision to enhance Zambia's appeal as a destination for tourism, business, and investment. The country has already demonstrated strong tourism growth, recording 1.9 million visitors by November 2024, with expectations to exceed 2 million by year-end. Tourism officials project reaching 3 million international arrivals by 2026.
This policy builds upon Zambia's previous visa exemptions for European tourists implemented in October 2022. The country leverages its natural attractions, including Victoria Falls, 20 national parks featuring walking safaris, and Zambezi River adventures, to draw visitors.
The announcement coincides with Morocco's expanding global mobility efforts in 2024. Morocco has secured similar agreements with Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan, allowing mutual 30-day visa-free stays. Thailand also granted Moroccan tourists 60-day visa-free entry starting June 2024. These developments have improved Morocco's Henley Passport Index ranking to 68th globally and first in the Maghreb region, with access to 72 destinations worldwide.