Zambia: Direct flights to Russia

Zambian authorities are actively working to launch regular air service to Moscow. According to Zambian Tourism Minister Rodney Sikumba, direct flights could be launched within the next two to three years.

«Currently, most visitors use charter flights. But their number is limited, and we want to see regular commercial flights that will allow travel not only for tourists but also for other categories of passengers», - the minister noted.

According to the minister, the flow of tourists from Russia reaches 10,000-15,000 people per year and is gradually growing. Zambian authorities are investing in Russian-language services and emphasizing key products such as safaris, visits to Victoria Falls, and cultural programs.

Responding to a question about how much a trip to Zambia costs, Sikumba stated: «Russian tourists are usually high-end oriented; they are generous travelers. But if you want a much more economical vacation, you can spend between $50 and $100 per night with breakfast».

The minister described Zambia as one of the most peaceful and safe countries in the region. For tourists, he said, it's so peaceful that «you can sleep anywhere», and the only unexpected «guests» are sometimes monkeys.

Commenting on the work on the visa-free agreement between Russia and Zambia, Sikumba noted that the agreement has not yet entered into force. However, a simplified procedure is already in effect for Russian citizens. Russia is included in the list of 167 countries whose citizens are granted simplified entry into the country. This means that a visa is formally required, but it can be obtained online through the embassy's website or upon arrival at the airport in Lusaka, the capital of Zambia, or in other cities.