8 Things To Avoid While Visiting Zambia

When travelling to a new country, it is expected that you have an understanding of the rules you should follow. This guide should help you in your understanding of what not to do, how to avoid getting in difficulty, and how to not ruin your trip to the beautiful country called Zambia.

Never, Ever carry marijuana

Although it was in the news at one time that Zambian government was considering legalizing marijuana for medical use, it is still illegal to produce, sell and possess cannabis. In fact, the possession of less than an ounce of a narcotic or soft drug could result in a jail sentence of up to 25 years. If you’re planning on travelling with any cough medication, the ingredients should also be checked beforehand as one of the key components of most cough syrup is banned in Zambia.
Do not wear clothing related to police or military personnel

Zambia’s State Security Act, CAP 111, Section 6(1)(a) states that, “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.” I think that all the explanation this needs
Never slander the president

Even though Zambia is a democratic state, it’ll do you good as a visitor 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.
Do not 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 involve yourself in the killing of wildlife

Zambia is blessed with an abundance of wildlife which 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”.
Don’t get drunk in public

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 other public place of any horse, cattle, 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 warrant and is liable to a penalty not exceeding seven hundred and fifty penalty units, or to imprisonment with or without hard labor for a period not exceeding three months.”
Do not possess illegal diamonds and emeralds

Seeing as Zambia is the third biggest producer of emeralds in the world, it’s a great place to buy the precious stone. Even though there are legitimate companies that sell emeralds in the country, the black market is very active and this makes it hard to trace the source of the emeralds. According to Chapter 32 of the penal code of Zambia, “Any person who, without the written permission of the Chief Mining Engineer, has in his possession or disposes of any diamond or emerald shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.”
Never carry forged currency

You should be aware of how to tell fake currency from real currency in any country but this is more important in Zambia because according to the Zambian penal code, “Any person who, without lawful authority or excuse, the proof whereof lies upon him makes, uses, or knowingly has in his custody or possession any paper intended to resemble and pass as special paper such as is provided and used for making any currency note or bank note is guilty of a felony and can be arrested and when convicted, jailed for seven years.”