2.3 Zambia Road Network

2.3 Zambia Road Network


The country shares its borders with the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Tanzania, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, Mozambique, and Angola. About one half of the population is concentrated in a few urban zones strung along the major transportation corridors, while rural areas are under-populated.

Zambia has a road network of approximately 67,671 km, of which 40,454 km is core road network and only about 15% is paved. The hub and spoke design of the road network has Lusaka as the hub. Virtually all trunk highways go through Lusaka. Traveling from the north to south or vice versa, is extremely difficult as the road conditions prevent by passing Lusaka to a great extent. 

The trading corridors are paved and in good condition.

Main trading corridors

  1. Chirundu border with Zimbabwe in the south via Lusaka to the Copperbelt Province (Ndola, Kitwe in the center north – T2 to T3). T3 continues to Mwinilunga on the Angolan border in the northwest.
  2. Chirundu border via Lusaka along the T2 to Tanzania at Tunduma.
  3. Lusaka via T4 to Chipata on the Malawi border

Secondary corridors

  1. Livingstone in the south west at the border with Botswana, Namibia and Zimbabwe to Lusaka (T1 to Lusaka - Tourism main industry).
  2. M1 from Mpika in Muchinga Province (at the intersection of T2 and M1) to the northern border with Tanzania at Mbala.

Extensive investment was made by the World Bank on the rehabilitation of about 105km of a section of trunk road between Lusaka and the Zambia/Zimbabwe border town of Chirundu, as well as the construction of Chiawa and Mufuchani bridges. 

The main natural resource is copper and the road network is integral for the export of the copper from the north central Province called the Copperbelt.  This road network from Ndola to the south will be undergoing significant investment by the Zambian Government.  Copper mining companies move copper from the Copperbelt Province by road to Ports throughout the Southern Africa region year round using all of the border crossings in the west, and south.

Secondary roads are mostly gravel or a mix of gravel/sand/dirt and subject to damage from the rainy season floods and usage.  These roads while essential for internal distribution of goods for the country are reasonably maintained.  However, the Tertiary roads require off-road capability especially in the rainy season and can be impassable, maintenance is not as regular. 

Main challenges are in the rural areas and especially along the border areas. In the south west the roads tend to be primarily sand/gravel mix and are very difficult to navigate even in the dry season.  Along the eastern border with Malawi the roads are hilly to valley bottom and subject to washout and flooding in the rainy season with only 4x4 car access for the most part.

For more information on government contact details, please see the following link: 4.1 Zambia Government Contact List.

Distance Matrix

Distances from Capital City to Major Towns (km)

 

Lusaka

Ndola

Solwesi

Chirundu

Chipata

Livingstone

Mbala

Mwinilunga

Lusaka


321

583

136

580

472

581

1614

Ndola

321


283

890

714

793

1014

368

Solwesi

583

283


1152

966

515

916

360

Chirundu

136

890

1152


841

1041

1586

1428

Chipata

580

714

966

841


1277

544

1252

Livingstone

472

793

515

1041

1277


1789

791

Mbala

581

1014

916

1586

544

1789


984

Mwinilunga

1614

368

360

1428

1252

791

984


 

Travel Time from Capital City to Major Towns (hours)

 

Lusaka

Ndola

Solwesi

Chirundu

Chipata

Livingstone

Mbala

Mwinilunga

Lusaka


4

8

1.5

6

5

10

13

Ndola

4


4

6

10

9

14

9

Solwesi

8

4


9.5

14

13

18

5

Chirundu

1.5

6

9.5


7.5

5

11.5

14.5

Chipata

6

10

14

7.5


11

15

19

Livingstone

5

9

13

5

11


15

18

Mbala

10

14

18

11.5

15

15


23

Mwinilunga

15

9

5

14.5

19

18

23


Road Security

There are no major issues with security on the roads. In border areas with DRC security issues tends to be more visibly present.

Weighbridges and Axle Load Limits

The Zambian Load Limits policy dates from 2007.  The Road Development Agency (RDA) through the Axle Load Control Unit operates the static and portable weighbridges.  It employs a Vehicle Overload Management Information System where all electronic weighbridges are linked to a database at the RDA Headquarters enabling real time monitoring and access to all weighbridges remotely.  CCTV cameras are at all weighbridges as well as speed cameras in highway roads

The Unit operates eight fixed weighbridges spread around the critical points on the road network and more expected to be commissioned in some provinces. Six of the eight weighbridges, namely Kapiri Mposhi, Kazungula, Livingstone, Solwezi, Kafue and Mpika weighbridges are electronic, while the rest namely Kafuluafuta and Mwami are mechanical.  In addition the unit has three Mobile Inspectorate teams which carry out highway spot checks using portable weighbridges.  Two Inspectorate teams are based in Lusaka and one is in the Copperbelt Province.

Axle Load Limits

Zambia Permissible Gross Vehicle Mass

Truck with 4 Axles

28 MT

Truck with 3 Axles

26 MT

Truck with 2 Axles

18 MT

Truck & Drawbar Trailer with 7 Axles

56 MT

Truck & Drawbar Trailer with 6 Axles

53 MT

Truck & Drawbar Trailer with 5 Axles

45 MT

Truck & Drawbar Trailer with 4 Axles

37 MT

Semi-trailer with 6 Axles

50 MT

Semi-trailer with 5 Axles

44 MT

Semi-trailer with 4 Axles

36 MT

Semi-trailer with 3 Axles

28 MT

 

2.3.1 Zambia Border Crossing of Mokambo

Overview

Zambian Revenue and Immigration Authorities are present at this crossing.  It is a very small post of 3 persons. Most commercial traffic originates in DRC. The road from Mufulira to the border post is in bad condition making it difficult for large commercial trucks to access it. Rehabilitation of these roads is planned for 2018.  

Border Crossing Location and Contact
Name of Border Crossing

Zambia and DRC: Mokambo Border Post

Province or District Mufulira District, Copperbelt Province
Nearest Town or City with Distance from Border Crossing

Mufulira (17 km)

Latitude -12.43609
Longitude 28.34059
Managing Authority Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA)
Contact Person Musonda N. Phiri  (+260 977 432080)

Travel Times

Nearest International Airport

Ndola – Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe International Airport (65 km)

Truck Travel Time: 3.5 hrs

Car Travel time: 1.5 hrs

Nearest Port

Dar es Salaam (2,2000 km)

Nearest location with functioning wholesale markets, or with significant manufacturing or production capacity

Ndola (65 km)

Truck Travel Time: 3.5 hrs

Car Travel time: 1.5 hrs

Other Information

There are fueling stations in the small town of Mufulira.  The road from Mufulira to the border is made of gravel and in bad condition. Rehabilitation works are on going, planed to be completed by 2022.  Very little presence of traffic at this border due to the present road conditions.  The present traffic consists mostly of cargo moving from DRC to Zambia and Zambian busses moving from Copperbelt to Luapula and Northern, and vice versa.

Hours of Operation

Everyday regardless of holidays or season

06:00 – 18:00 

Daily Capacity

Capacity could be as many as 30 trucks per day, but there are few if any cargo vehicles departing Zambia through this crossing at present.  Most cargo traffic originates in DRC (one or two trucks per day). No parking areas or lanes are provided for vehicles crossing. Photos of the small office and crossing in can be found in Annexes.   

Customs Clearance

Minimum delays occur because of Self-assessment pre-clearing routine on documentation done in advance.  Documentation requirements for food (cereals):

  1. Waybills
  2. Export permit (dependent on commodity)
  3. Certificate of Origin (COMESA/SADC)
  4. Fumigation certificate
  5. Export schedule (in case of maize)
  6. Invoice
  7. Phytosanitary certificate

For more information on customs in Zambia, please see the following link: 1.3 Zambia Customs Information.

Other Relevant Information

Waiting time is approximately a half day if all documentation is complete and correct. A toll gate for in coming and out going vehicle has been installed. The border has also a modern building block for borders operations

For more information on government contact details, please see the following link: 4.1 Zambia Government Contact List.



2.3.2 Zambia Border Crossing of Kasumbulesa

Overview

Zambian Revenue and Immigration authorities are present at this crossing.  It consists of a very small post that has no electricity and the minimal staff use solar energy to support the computer system.  No truck crossing is possible and only small 4x4 vehicles can access the area since the road is in poor condition and very difficult on the DRC side. 

Border Crossing Location and Contact

Name of Border Crossing

Zambia and DRC: Kasumbulesa Border Post

Province or District

Chililabombwe District, Copperbelt Province

Nearest Town or City with Distance from Border Crossing

Chilabombwa (16 km)

Latitude

-12.26742

Longitude

27.79628

Managing Authority / Agency

Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA)

Contact Person

Martin Banda, Station Master (+260 977 303355)

Travel Times

Nearest International Airport

Ndola – Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe International Airport (154 km)

Truck Travel Time: 4.5 hrs

Car Travel time: 3 hrs

Nearest Port

Dar es Salaam (1,980 km)

Nearest location with functioning wholesale markets, or with significant manufacturing or production capacity

Kitwe (89 km)

Truck Travel Time: 3 hrs

Car Travel time: 1.5 hrs

Other Information

There are fueling stations in Chilabombwa which is a small town 16 km from the border post.  The road from Chingola to the border was completed in 2018 but already deteriorating due to heavy usage by heavy duty trucks. Heavy truck traffic on all main roads as well as to and from the border area.  The village of Kasumbalesa is a bustling border market area where people cross the border from DRC commodity loads are moved by bicycles across the border daily, in large volumes.

Hours of Operation

Everyday regardless of holidays or season

06:00 – 18:00 

Daily Capacity

Capacity could be as many as 1300 trucks per day total, both ways. There is heavy truck traffic on all main roads as well as to and from border area, with the village of Kasumbalesa as a bustling market area where people come to buy and sell from DRC. High volumes of Cargo loads are moved by bicycle across the border daily.  Parking areas are highly congested despite onsite parking space of approximately 1800 trucks provided for trucks crossing.  Office space is new and modern built by an Israeli company working with GRZ through a PPP arrangement.  

Customs Clearance

Minimum delays occur because of Self-assessment pre-clearing routine on documentation done in advance.

Documentation requirements for food (cereals):

  1. Waybill
  2. Export permit (dependent on commodity)
  3. Certificate of Origin (COMESA/SADC)
  4. Fumigation certificate
  5. Export schedule (in case of Maize)
  6. Invoice
  7. Phytosanitary certificate

Electronic pre-clearance is available through forwarding agent and recommended. A bond is held by the agent for a fee. ZRA is the Regulatory Authority. Inspection is required for import and export by the Ministry of Agriculture and the ZRA.  There is a fee of USD 100 per foreign registered truck and (USD 20.22) for Zambian trucks. All trucks are subject to inspection upon entering or leaving the country.

For more information on customs in Zambia, please see the following link: 1.3 Zambia Customs Information.

Other Relevant Information

Waiting time is approximately a full day or more if all documentation is complete and correct. Food is inspected by the Ministry of Agriculture.  

For more information on government contact details, please see the following link: 4.1 Zambia Government Contact List.


2.3.3 Zambia Border Crossing of Jimbe

Overview

Zambian Revenue and Immigration authorities are present at this crossing. It consists of a very small post that has no electricity and the minimal staff use solar energy to support the computer system.  No truck crossing is possible, only small 4x4 vehicles as the road is in poor condition and very difficult to transit on the Angolan side.  The closest town in Angola is Souto and Lau which are approximately 310km and 363km respectively away from the border.    

Border Crossing Location and Contact

Name of Border Crossing

Zambia and Angola: Jimbe Border Post

Province or District

Ikelenge District, North Western Province

Nearest Town or City with Distance from Border Crossing

Mwinilungu Town ( 160 km)

Latitude

-11.10887

Longitude

24.02098

Managing Authority / Agency

Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA)

Contact Person

Joseph Lyalinga, Station Master (+260 973 180264)

Travel Times

Nearest International Airport

Ndola – Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe International Airport

Distance 696 km

Truck Travel Time: 25 hrs

Car Travel time: 11 hrs

Nearest Port

Lobito (1460 km), but is seldom used for commercial purposes due to the bad state of the roads.

Nearest location with functioning wholesale markets, or with significant manufacturing or production capacity

Solwezi (373 km)

Truck Travel Time: 15 hrs

Car Travel time: 7 hrs

Other Information

There are fueling stations in Mwinilunga and Solwezi.  It is recommended to fuel in Solwezi as there is limited fuel storage capacity in Mwinilunga and due to road conditions the supply is tenuous.  Mwinilunga is a small town 101 km south of the Jimbe Border Post.  

The road from Solwezi town to Mwinilunga is substandard. There are plans to rehabilitate the stretch from Mwinilunga to Ikelenge district.

Hours of Operation

Every day regardless of holidays or season 

06:00 – 18:00 

Daily Capacity

This border post is exceptionally small with no electricity, it uses solar panels to power the ZRA computer.  Minimum staffing is present and no truck movement is possible due to road conditions on the Angolan side of the border.  Road conditions from Mwinilunga are difficult as the road is under construction.  Completion of the construction works is estimated for 2018.  Road will then be a good gravel road capable of moving large trucks.  Only Immigration and small vehicles are crossing at present.  Photos of the office and the crossing can be found in Annexes.    

Customs Clearance

Delays occur when documentation is incomplete.  Documentation requirements for food (cereals):

  1. Waybill
  2. Export permit (dependent on commodity)
  3. Certificate of Origin (COMESA/SADC)
  4. Fumigation certificate
  5. Export schedule (in case of Maize)
  6. Invoice
  7. Phytosanitary certificate

Electronic pre-clearance through forwarding agent is possible and recommended.  Bond is held by the agent for fees. ZRA is the Regulatory Authority. Inspection is required for import and export by Ministry of Agriculture and ZRA.  Fee of USD 100 per foreign registered truck and ZMW 196 (USD 20.22) for Zambian trucks. All trucks are subject to inspection upon entering or leaving the country.

For more information on customs in Zambia, please see the following link: 1.3 Zambia Customs Information.

Other Relevant Information

There is no waiting time. Not recommended for cargo movement.

For more information on government contact details, please see the following link: 4.1 Zambia Government Contact List.

 

2.3.4 Zambia Border Crossing of Chavuma

Overview

Chavuma Border post has remained under-developed from the last assessment done in 2017. Trade between the two countries is mostly on agricultural and forestry products (African roots and tubers from Angola). The Zambian Revenue Authority and Immigration staff are present at this crossing.  It consists of a very small post with electricity and the minimal staff primarily manage immigration issues not cargo movement.  No truck crossing is possible, only small 4x4 vehicles are allowed as the road is in poor condition and very difficult on both sides. Closest town in Angola is Lumbala approximately 150 km away.    

Border Crossing Location and Contact

Name of Border Crossing

Zambia and Angola: Chavuma Border Post

Province or District

Chavuma District, North-Western Province

Nearest Town or City with Distance from Border Crossing

Zambezi (93 km)

Latitude

-13.00108

Longitude

22.72686

Managing Authority / Agency

ZRA

Contact Person

Augustus Ng’andu, Station Master

Phone +260978309761/+260955364349

Travel Times

Nearest International Airport

Ndola – Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe International Airport (800 km)

Truck Travel Time: 52 hrs

Car Travel time: 15 hrs

Nearest Port

Lobito (1360 km), but is seldom used for commercial purposes due to the bad state of the roads.

Nearest location with functioning wholesale markets, or with significant manufacturing or production capacity

Kitwe/Solwezi (741 km)

Truck Travel Time: 50 hrs

Car Travel time: 14 hrs

Other Information

There are fueling stations in Chavuma, Zambezi, Kabompo, Kalulushi and Kitwe.  It is wise to fuel in Kabompo or Zambezi as there is limited fuel in North-Western Province rural areas and due to road conditions the supply is tenuous.  Currently, Chavuma has a new filling station open. Zambezi is a small town 93 km south of the Chavuma Border Post. The road is mostly made of tarmac until the last 11 km to the border post when it turns to bad gravel, narrow and not transitable for large trucks.

Hours of Operation

Every day regardless of holidays or season

06:00 – 18:00

Daily Capacity

No truck movement is possible due to road conditions on both sides of the border.  Road conditions from the turn off to the border from Chavuma village are difficult as the road is made of gravel, in very poor condition and narrow.  Only immigration activity and small vehicles are crossing at present.  Photos of the office and crossing can be found in Annexes.    

Customs Clearance

Delays occur when documentation is incomplete. Documentation requirements for food (cereals):

  1. Waybill
  2. Export permit (dependent on commodity)
  3. Certificate of Origin (COMESA/SADC)
  4. Fumigation certificate
  5. Export schedule (in case of Maize)
  6. Invoice
  7. Phytosanitary certificate

Electronic pre-clearance through a forwarding agent is possible and recommended. A bond is released by the agent for a fee. The ZRA is the Regulatory Authority and inspection is required for import and export by Ministry of Agriculture and ZRA.  A fee of USD 100 per foreign registered truck and ZMW 196 for Zambian trucks. All trucks are subject to inspection upon entering or leaving the country.

For more information on customs in Zambia, please see the following link: 1.3 Zambia Customs Information.

Other Relevant Information

 There is no waiting time. Movement of cargo is not recommended.

For more information on government contact details, please see the following link: 4.1 Zambia Government Contact List.


 

2.3.5 Zambia Border Crossing of Katima Mulillo

Overview

Zambian Revenue Authority and Immigration staff are present at this crossing. It is a large office that is constantly congested with truck traffic. Access is good on tarmac roads from the north and south.  From the North the nearest major center is Mongu. The eastern roads to Mongu are functional, although the tarmac is damaged and has cracked  in some places. The access road from Livingstone via Kazungula district is in deplorable state and would take approx. 7 to 8 hrs for a truck to move over 150km road stretch. Truckers entering and exiting Katima Mulilo prefers to use Mongu road to access the capital Lusaka and other Zambian major cities.

Border Crossing Location and Contact

Name of Border Crossing

Zambia and Namibia: Katima Mulillo Border Post

Province or District

Sesheke District, Western Province

Nearest Town or City with Distance from Border Crossing

Sesheke (1 km)

Latitude

-17.47356

Longitude

24.24198

Managing Authority / Agency

Zambian Revenue Authority (ZRA)

Contact Person

Tobias Njovu, Station Master, (+260 962136336)

Travel Times

Nearest International Airport

Livingstone – Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula International Airport (215 km)

Truck Travel Time: 7 hrs

Car Travel time: 4 hrs

Nearest Port

Walvis Bay, Namibia (1,520 km)

Nearest location with functioning wholesale markets, or with significant manufacturing or production capacity

Livingstone (203 km)

Truck Travel Time: 5hrs

Car Travel time: 3hrs

Other Information

Roads are made of solid tarmac and in good condition.  This border post is congested and there is a one day wait expectation when all the correct documentation is provided. Fuel is easily available.

Hours of Operation

Every day regardless of holidays or season

06:00 – 18:00 

Customs Clearance

Delays occur when documentation is incomplete. Documentation requirements for food (cereals):

  1. Waybill
  2. Export permit (dependent on commodity)
  3. Certificate of Origin (COMESA/SADC)
  4. Fumigation certificate
  5. Export schedule (in case of Maize)
  6. Invoice
  7. Phytosanitary certificate

Electronic pre-clearance is possible through a forwarding agent and recommended.. Bond is held by the agent for fees. ZRA is the Regulatory Authority. Inspection is required for import and export by Ministry of Agriculture and ZRA.  Fee of USD 100 per foreign registered truck and  ZMW 196 for Zambian trucks. All trucks are subject to inspection upon entering or leaving the country.

For more information on customs in Zambia, please see the following link: 1.3 Zambia Customs Information.

Other Relevant Information

Waiting time is approximately a full day or more if all documentation is complete and correct. Food is inspected by the Ministry of Agriculture.  

For more information on government contact details, please see the following link: 4.1 Zambia Government Contact List.

 

2.3.6 Zambia Border Crossing of Kazungula

Overview

Zambian Revenue Authority and Immigration staff are present at this crossing. It is a large office that is constantly congested with truck traffic. Access is good on tarmac roads from the north and south.  From the North the nearest major center is Mongu.  The eastern roads to Mongu are overall in good condition , even though the tarmac is damaged and has cracked in some places. Access from Livingstone is good and the road is in good condition. Pontoon operations are still operational though the World Bank funded bridge is now completed and awaits commissioning during the month of May 2021. Once the bridge has been commissioned, it is expected that traffic will increase at this border point as it is a shorter route from Livingstone City in Zambia to the City of Johannesburg in South Africa. Its about 900km from Kazungula border to Johannesburg via Botswana.


Border Crossing Location and Contact

Name of Border Crossing

Zambia and Botswana: Kazungula Border Post

Province or District

Kazungula District, Southern Province

Nearest Town or City with Distance from Border Crossing

Livingstone (67 km)

Latitude

-17.78967

Longitude

25.26689

Managing Authority / Agency

Zambian Revenue Authority (ZRA)

Contact Person

Mr. Emerson Chisuta, Station Master, (+260 978 582323)

Travel Times

Nearest International Airport

Livingstone – Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula International Airport (73 km)

Truck Travel Time: 3 hrs

Car Travel time: 1.5hrs

Nearest Port

Durban, South Africa (1,825 km)

Nearest location with functioning wholesale markets, or with significant manufacturing or production capacity

Livingstone (67 km)

Truck Travel Time: 3 hrs

Car Travel time:1.5 hrs

Other Information

Roads are made of tarmac and in good condition. The border post is congested with a two to three day wait expected when all the documentation is presented correctly, due to slow pontoon operations. There are large parking areas but full. Fuel easily available. A bridge is under construction and its completion estimated in 2019.

Hours of Operation

Every day regardless of holidays or season

06:00 – 18:00 

Daily Capacity

This border post is very busy and trucks are lined up along the roadside with full parking areas. Average of 100 trucks per day cross both ways with about a one day wait when all documentation is correct.  Road access is good and on tarmac. The large parking areas available are full. The traffic is made of mostly heavy trucks carrying copper and other goods make up the minority of exports.

Customs Clearance

Delays occur when documentation is incomplete.  Documentation requirements for food (cereals):

  1. Waybill
  2. Export permit (dependent on commodity)
  3. Certificate of Origin (COMESA/SADC)
  4. Fumigation certificate
  5. Export schedule (in case of Maize)
  6. Invoice
  7. Phytosanitary certificate

Electronic pre-clearance is possible through forwarding agent and recommended. A bond is held by the agent for fees. The ZRA is the Regulatory Authority. Inspection is required for import and export by the Ministry of Agriculture and ZRA. A fee of USD 100 per foreign registered truck and ZMW 196 for Zambian trucks. All trucks are subject to inspection upon entering or leaving the country.

For more information on customs in Zambia, please see the following link: 1.3 Zambia Customs Information.

Other Relevant Information

The waiting time is approximately a full day or more if all documentation is complete and correct. Food is inspected by the Ministry of Agriculture. 

Kazungula Border Post, PO Box 65077 Livingstone, Tel: +260 211384000, email: advice@zra.org.zm

For more information on government contact details, please see the following link: 4.1 Zambia Government Contact List.


2.3.7 Zambia Border Crossing of Victoria Falls

Overview

This border post does not see a lot of activity. Very little parking space is available for trucks except along the roadside due to proximity to Victoria Falls tourist area. An average of 50 trucks per day cross both ways with about a 1-2 hour wait when all documentation is correct. The Zambian Govt has issued a statutory instrument (SI) to restrict the axle load passing through the Victoria falls bridge to  less than 18 tons. The move has been necessitated by the reduced life span of the Victoria Falls Bridge which could be due for rehabilitation any time soon. Heavier traffic will be rerouted to Kazungula border post once the bridge at Kazungula has been commissioned.

Roads are made of tarmac and access is good. The dry port is in Livingstone where many trucks conduct all the clearing process and have ample parking space prior to crossing at the Victoria Falls Border Post. This same dry port provides service for trucks crossing at Kazungula. The waiting time is approximately a full day if all documentation is complete and correct, including time spent at the Victoria Falls Border Post.  

Border Crossing Location and Contact

Name of Border Crossing

Zambia and Zimbabwe: Victoria Falls Border Post

Province or District

Livingstone District, Southern Province

Nearest Town or City with Distance from Border Crossing

Livingstone (1 km)

Latitude

17.55418

Longitude

25.51478

Managing Authority / Agency

Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA)

Contact Person

Hendrix Mugalu, Station Manager (+260 977480458, +260 969304563)

Travel Times

Nearest International Airport

Livingstone – Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula International Airport (14 km)

Truck Travel Time: 0.5 hrs

Car Travel time: 0.5 hrs

Nearest Port

Durban, South Africa (1,880 km)

Nearest location with functioning wholesale markets, or with significant manufacturing or production capacity

Livingstone: (1 km)

Truck Travel Time: Border Post is in Livingstone.

Car Travel time: Border Post is in Livingstone.

Other Information

Roads are made of tarmac and in good condition.  This border post is quiet with a half day waiting expected when all the documentation presented is correct.  There is little to no parking for trucks except along the main road. Fuel is easily available.  

Hours of Operation

Every day regardless of holidays or season

06:00 – 18:00

Daily Capacity

This border post is very quiet. There is very little parking space for trucks except along the roadside due to proximity to the Victoria Falls tourist area. An average of 100 trucks per day cross both ways (40 exiting and 60 entering) with about a 1-2 hour wait when all documentation is correct. Roads are made of tarmac and access is good.

Customs Clearance

Delays occur when documentation is incomplete. Documentation requirements for food (cereals):

  1. Waybill
  2. Export permit (dependent on commodity)
  3. Certificate of Origin (COMESA/SADC)
  4. Fumigation certificate
  5. Export schedule (in case of Maize)
  6. Invoice
  7. Phytosanitary certificate

Electronic pre-clearance possible and recommended through forwarding agent. A bond is held by the agent for fees. The ZRA is the Regulatory Authority. Inspection is required for import and export by the Ministry of Agriculture and the ZRA. A fee of USD 100 per foreign registered trucks and ZMW 196 for Zambian trucks. All trucks are subject to inspection upon entering or leaving the country.

For more information on customs in Zambia, please see the following link: 1.3 Zambia Customs Information.


Other Relevant Information

The dry port is in Livingstone where many trucks conduct all the clearing process and have ample parking prior to crossing at the Victoria Falls Border Post. This same dry port provides service for trucks crossing at Kazungula. The waiting time is approximately a full day if all documentation is complete and correct including time at the Victoria Falls Border Post.  GPS coordinates for Dry Port are S 17.86228, E 025.85518.

Food is inspected by the Ministry of Agriculture. 

Victoria Falls Border Post, PO Box 65077 Livingstone, Tel: +260 211383900, email: advice@zra.org.zm

For more information on government contact details, please see the following link: 4.1 Zambia Government Contact List.

 

2.3.8 Zambia Border Crossing of Nchelenge

Overview

This border post is not busy. This post pre-clears all cargo going to Chipungu Border Post.  Road access is damaged tarmac until turn off from the D79 main highway. This post also supports the Nchelenge Harbour activity on Lake Mweru. This point is on Lake Mweru with no immediate border control on DRC side. Its water gateway point to Kilwa on is on the DRC side. Waiting time is dependent upon documentation completeness. 

Border Crossing Location and Contact

Name of Border Crossing

Zambia: Nchelenge Border Post

Province or District

Nchelenge District, Luapua Province

Nearest Town or City with Distance from Border Crossing

Mansa (230 km)

Latitude

-9.344783

Longitude

28.730341

Managing Authority / Agency

Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA)

Contact Person

Mr. Bwalya Malamba, Frank, Customs Collector, Mobile: +260 964 067 319

 

Travel Times

Nearest International Airport

Ndola – Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe International Airport (560 km)

Truck Travel Time: 32 hrs

Car Travel time: 18 hrs

Nearest Port

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania (1,628 km)

Nearest location with functioning wholesale markets, or with significant manufacturing or production capacity

Mansa (230 km)

Truck Travel Time: 4.5 hrs

Car Travel time: 3 hrs

Other Information

 

Roads are good tarmac and in good condition.  Border post is a bit quiet with half day wait with correct documentation.  Little to no parking for trucks except along main road. Fuel easily available. 

Hours of Operation

Every day regardless of holidays or season

0600 – 1800 hours

Daily Capacity

This border post is a bit quiet.  Very little parking space for trucks except along the roadside.  Operates as pre-clearance for Chipungu Border Post and primary for Nchelenge Harbour activity. Average of 6 trucks per day cross both ways with about a 1-2 hour wait when all documentation is correct.  Road access is good tarmac on D79.  The post gets busier when the mines are active in DRC.    

Customs Clearance

Minimum delays occur because of Self-assessment pre-clearing routine on documentation done in advance.  Documentation requirements for food (cereals):

  1. Waybill
  2. Export permit (dependent on commodity)
  3. Certificate of Origin (COMESA/SADC)
  4. Fumigation certificate
  5. Export schedule (in case of Maize)
  6. Invoice
  7. Phytosanitary certificate


Electronic pre-clearance possible and recommended through forwarding agent.  Bond is held by the agent for fees. ZRA is the Regulatory Authority. Inspection is required for import and export by Ministry of Agriculture and ZRA.  Fee of USD 100 per foreign registered truck and US$20.20 for Zambian trucks. All trucks are subject to inspection upon entering or leaving the country.

For more information on customs in Zambia, please see the following link: 1.3 Customs Information. 

Other Relevant Information

All cargo crossing at the Chipungu Border Post must pre-clear in Nchelenge.  Road from Nchelenge to Chipungu Border Post is gravel and in poor condition with a very narrow one way bridge across the Kalungwishi River.  30MT trucks use the route. Food is inspected by the Ministry of Agriculture. 

Nchelenge Border Post, PO Box 740091 Nchelenge, Tel: +260 211381751, email: advice@zra.org.zm.

For more information on government contact details, please see the following link: 4.1 Government Contact List.


 


2.3.9 Zambia Border Crossing of Chipungu

Overview

This border post is abit quiet.  This post must have all cargo pre-cleared at Nchelenge Border Post.  Road access from Nchelenge on D79 is gravel road in poor condition with a one way narrow bridge crossing the Kalungwishi river.  Only Immigration Officers are daily at the border post.   

Waiting time is dependent upon documentation completeness that is pre-cleared in Nchelenge. 


Border Crossing Location and Contact

Name of Border Crossing

Zambia and DRC: Chipungu Border Post

Province or District

Chienge District, Luapua Province

Nearest Town or City with Distance from Border Crossing

Mansa (330 km)

Latitude

-8.50544

Longitude

28.97213

Managing Authority / Agency

Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA)

Contact Person

Mr. Frank Bwalya

Cell# 0972 754 835

 

Travel Times

Nearest International Airport

Lusaka – Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (1125 km)

Truck Travel Time: 45 hrs

Car Travel time: 23 hrs

Nearest Port

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania (1,624 km)

Nearest location with functioning wholesale markets, or with significant manufacturing or production capacity

Mansa (350 km)

Truck Travel Time: 11 hrs

Car Travel time: 6 hrs

Other Information

 

Road is good tarmac on D79 until Nchelenge when it turns to poor gravel. Very narrow one way bridge across Kalungwishi river at S -9.55152, E 29.44890.  Border post is very quiet with no wait with correct documentation pre-cleared in Nchelenge. 

Hours of Operation

Every day regardless of holidays or season

0600 – 1800 hours


Daily Capacity

This border post is very quiet.  Very little parking space for trucks except along the roadside.  Nchelenge Border Post pre-clears all cargo vehicles.  When the Mines in DRC are active, Average of 20 trucks per day cross both ways with about a 1-2 hour wait when all documentation is correct.  Road access is poor gravel north of Nchelenge on D79.      

Customs Clearance

Minimum delays occur because of Self-assessment pre-clearing routine on documentation done in advance. Documentation requirements for food (cereals):

  1. Waybill
  2. Export permit (dependent on commodity)
  3. Certificate of Origin (COMESA/SADC)
  4. Fumigation certificate
  5. Export schedule (in case of Maize)
  6. Invoice
  7. Phytosanitary certificate


Electronic pre-clearance possible and recommended through forwarding agent.  Bond is held by the agent for fees. ZRA is the Regulatory Authority. Inspection is required for import and export by Ministry of Agriculture and ZRA.  Fee of USD 100 per foreign registered truck and 196ZMW for Zambian trucks. All trucks are subject to inspection upon entering or leaving the country.

For more information on customs in Zambia, please see the following link: 1.3 Customs Information. 

Other Relevant Information

All cargo crossing at the Chipungu Border Post must pre-clear in Nchelenge.  Road from Nchelenge to Chipungu Border Post is gravel and in poor condition with a very narrow one way bridge across the Kalungwishi River.  30MT trucks use the route.

Food is inspected by the Ministry of Agriculture. 

Nchelenge Border Post, PO Box 740091 Nchelenge, Tel: +260 211381751, email: advice@zra.org.zm

.

For more information on government contact details, please see the following link: 4.1 Government Contact List.


 

2.3.10 Zambia Border Crossing of Chembe

Overview

 

This border post has a steady volume of traffic.  The crossing receives and dispatches cargo vehicles transiting from the Mokambo Border Post across DRC as well as imports and exports from DRC.  The road to access is of good tarmac on M3 from Mansa.   

Waiting time is dependent upon documentation completeness. 

Border Crossing Location and Contact

Name of Border Crossing

 

Chembe Border Post:

 Country #1: Zambia
Country #2: DRC

Province or District

Luapua Province

Nearest Town or City with Distance from Border Crossing

 

 

Mansa

90 km

Latitude

S 11.96765

Longitude

E 028.74619

Managing Authority / Agency

ZRA

Contact Person

Mr Enock Ndhlovu, Customs Collector, Mobile: +260 976407800/963660736

Travel Times

Nearest International Airport

Lusaka – Kenneth Kaunda International Airport

Distance 830 km

Truck Travel Time: 27 hrs

Car Travel time: 13 hrs

Nearest Port

Beira/Nacala/Durban/Dar es Salaam

Nearest location with functioning wholesale markets, or with significant manufacturing or production capacity

Mansa

Distance 90 km

Truck Travel Time: 3 hrs

Car Travel time: 1.5 hrs

Other Information

Road is good tarmac on M3.  Border post has a steady volume of traffic with minimum wait with correct documentation. 

Hours of Operation

Every day regardless of holidays or season

06:00 – 18:00

Daily Capacity

This border post has a steady volume of traffic.  Very little parking space for trucks is available, except along the roadside.  Approximately 70-75 trucks per day cross both ways with most in transit coming from the Zambia Mokambo Border Post.  The maximum capacity is about 100 trucks per day and there is about a 1-2 hour wait when all documentation is correct.  The road providing access is of excellent tarmac from Mansa on M3.      

Customs Clearance

Delays occur when documentation is incomplete.  Documentation requirements for food (cereals):

  1. Waybill

  2. Export permit (dependant on commodity)

  3. Certificate of Origin (COMESA/SADC)

  4. Fumigation certificate

  5. Export schedule (in case of Maize)

  6. Invoice

  7. Phytosanitary certificate

Electronic pre-clearanceis  possible and recommended through a forwarding agent.  A bond is held by the agent for and for a fee. The ZRA is the Regulatory Authority. Inspection is required  by the  Ministry of Agriculture and the ZRA for import and export.  A fee of 100 USD per foreign registered truck and 196 ZMW for Zambian trucks is required. All trucks are subject to inspection upon entering or leaving the country.

 

For more information on customs in Zambia, please see the following link: 1.3 Zambia Customs Information

 

Other Relevant Information

 

Cargo transits from and to DRC with correct documentation are done fairly smoothly.  Movement of people and private vehicles from Mokambo to Chembe are not recommended since they experience more difficulties. Photos can be found in Annexes.

 

Food is inspected by the Ministry of Agriculture. 

 

Chembe Border Post, PO Box 710712 Mansa, Tel: +260 211381752, email: advice@zra.org.zm

 

 For more information on government contact details, please see the following link: 4.1 Zambia Government Contact List


2.3.11 Zambia Border Crossing of Mpulungu

Overview

This border post has a steady volume of traffic.  The crossing receives and dispatches cargo vehicles transiting from the Mokambo Border Post across DRC as well as imports and exports from DRC.  The access by road is of good tarmac from Kasama on M1 and from Mbala on M2.  It is a gateway to Burundi (Bujumbura), Kalemie (DRC) and Kigoma (Tanzania).

There are hardly delays related to documentation as all trucks crossing either ways are requested to self-assessment through their clearing Agents, before presenting the documentation to customs officers.

Border Crossing Location and Contact
Name of Border Crossing

Zambia: Mpulungu Border Post

Province or District Northern Province, Mpulungu District
Nearest Town or City with Distance from Border Crossing Mpulungu (0 km)
Managing Authority Zambia Revenue Agency (ZRA)
Contact Person Mr Wilfred Mwanza, Station Manager, Mobile: +260 977117538/966117538

Travel Times

Nearest International Airport

Lusaka – Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (1050 km)

Truck Travel Time: 60 hrs

Car Travel time: 23 hrs

Nearest Port

Beira / Nacala / Durban / Dar es Salaam

Nearest location with functioning wholesale markets, or with significant manufacturing or production capacity

Kasama (190 km)

Truck Travel Time: 4.5 hrs

Car Travel time: 2.5 hrs

Other Information

Roads are made of good tarmac on M1 from Kasama and M2 from Mbala. The border post has a steady volume of traffic with minimum wait when all documentation is correct. 

Hours of Operation

Every day regardless of holidays or season

06:00 – 18:00

Daily Capacity

This border post has a steady volume of traffic. There is very little parking space for trucks except along the roadside outside the harbour gates. Approximately 300 truckloads per month cross both ways through the harbour. The maximum capacity is about 25 trucks per day. There is about a 1-2 hour wait when all documentation is correct. The road to access the border post is of good tarmac from Kasama on the M2 highway and M2 from Mbala. Most of the trucks accessing this borders deliver cargo from Zambia and DRC into the Mpulungu Harbour and pick loads from the same harbour.

Customs Clearance

Minimum delays occur because of Self-assessment pre-clearing routine on documentation done in advance.  Documentation requirements for food (cereals):

  1. Waybill
  2. Export permit (dependent on commodity)
  3. Certificate of Origin (COMESA/SADC)
  4. Fumigation certificate
  5. Export schedule (in case of Maize)
  6. Invoice
  7. Phytosanitary certificate

Electronic pre-clearance possible and recommended through a forwarding agent.  A bond is held by the agent for a fee. The ZRA is the Regulatory Authority. Inspection by the Ministry of Agriculture and the ZRA is required for imports and exports.  A fee of 100 USD per foreign registered truck and 196 ZMW for Zambian trucks. All trucks are subject to inspection upon entering or leaving the harbour.

For more information on customs in Zambia , please see the following link1.3 Zambia Customs Information.

Other Relevant Information

This Border Post serves cargo moving by vessel to all countries that border Lake Tanganyika.  Photos can be found in Annexes. Food is inspected by the Ministry of Agriculture. 

Mpulungu Port Border Post, PO Box 133 Mpulungu, email: advice@zra.org.zm.

For more information on government contact details, please see the following link: 4.1 Zambia Government Contact List.


2.3.12 Zambia Border Crossing of Zombe

Overview

Due to bad roads leading to Nakonda Border Post from Lusaka, some truckers are taking preference to use this border post due to the newly rehabilitated road to the border post from Mbala. This border crossing is northeast of Mbala. The road for 1 km from Mbala is good tarmac, and the joiner gravel from Mbala to the border post is in good condition.

Border Crossing Location and Contact

Name of Border Crossing

Zambia and Tanzania: Zombe Border Post

Province or District

Mbala District, Northern Province

Nearest Town or City with Distance from Border Crossing

Mbala (16 km)

Latitude

-8.68741

Longitude

31.49231

Managing Authority / Agency

Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA)

Contact Person

Mr Abel Mushili, Customs Collector, Mobile: +260 965800726

 

Travel Times

Nearest International Airport

Lusaka – Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (1050 km)

Truck Travel Time: 28 hrs

Car Travel time: 28 hrs

Nearest Port

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania (1,152 km)

Nearest location with functioning wholesale markets, or with significant manufacturing or production capacity

Kasama (170 km)

Truck Travel Time: 3 hrs

Car Travel time: 3 hrs

Other Information

 

Road to Mbala is good tarmac along the M1, from Mbala and the joiner gravel from Mbala to the border post is in good condition.

Hours of Operation

Every day regardless of holidays or season

0600 – 1800 hours

Daily Capacity

The border has grown busier in the past year after the rehabilitation of the road from Mbala. There is normally traffic of up to 30 trucks daily from and to Tanzania.

Customs Clearance

Minimum delays occur because of self-assessment pre-clearing routine on documentation done in advance.  Documentation requirements for food (cereals):

  1. Waybill
  2. Export permit (dependent on commodity)
  3. Certificate of Origin (COMESA/SADC)
  4. Fumigation certificate
  5. Export schedule (in case of Maize)
  6. Invoice
  7. Phytosanitary certificate

Electronic pre-clearance possible and recommended through forwarding agent.  Bond is held by the agent for fees. ZRA is the Regulatory Authority. Inspection is required for import and export by Ministry of Agriculture and ZRA.  Fee of USD 100 per foreign registered truck and 196ZMW for Zambian trucks. All trucks are subject to inspection upon entering or leaving the harbour.

For more information on customs in Zambia, please see the following link: 1.3 Customs Information. 

Other Relevant Information

Zombe Port Border Post, PO Box 420053 Mbala, email: advice@zra.org.zm.

For more information on government contact details, please see the following link: 4.1 Government Contact List.

2.3.13 Zambia Border Crossing of Nakonde/Tunduma (One Stop)

Overview

This border post is at the northern end of theT2 highway.  It is a combined post with Tanzania Customs to make it a one stop facility for all cargo and persons crossing the border.  The crossing is highly congested due to the lack of parking and staging areas for cargo trucks on the Zambian side. On average 350 trucks cross both ways every day.  Maximum capacity is 500 trucks per day.  Road access is tarmac from Lusaka where the condition of the tarmac is broken and deteriorating from Mpika onwards towards the border. A fair number of trucks are using the Nakonde – Mbala Road which is fairly ok, through Kasama and re-join the T2 at Mpika.

Waiting time is one day and dependent upon documentation completeness, pre-clearance and alerts. 

Border Crossing Location and Contact

Name of Border Crossing

Zambia and Tanzania: Nakonde/Tunduma One Stop Border Post

Province or District

Machinga Province

Nearest Town or City with Distance from Border Crossing

Isoka (110 km)

Latitude

-9.31665

Longitude

32.76350

Managing Authority / Agency

Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA)

Contact Person

Mr Chanda Martin, 0979888195

 

Travel Times

Nearest International Airport

Lusaka – Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (1030 km)

Truck Travel Time: 60 hrs

Car Travel time: 20 hrs

Nearest Port

Dar es Salaam (925 km)

Nearest location with functioning wholesale markets, or with significant manufacturing or production capacity

Isoka (110 km)

Truck Travel Time: 4.5 hrs

Car Travel time: 2.5 hrs

Other Information

The T2 from Lusaka is a good tarmac road. At Mpika the T2 changes to broken tarmac.

Hours of Operation

Every day regardless of holidays or season

0600 – 1800 hours

Daily Capacity

This border post is busy daily.  Very little parking space for trucks except along the roadside in queues over 3 km long.  ZRA and private truck parking areas exist along the route from the intersection with the D1 from Mbala northwards.  Approximately 350 truckloads per day cross both ways through the border.  Maximum capacity is about 500 trucks per day.  About a 2-4 hour wait when all documentation is correct, pre-clearance complete and alerts provided. 

Customs Clearance

Minimum delays occur because of Self-assessment pre-clearing routine on documentation done in advance. Documentation requirements for food (cereals):

  1. Waybill
  2. Export permit (dependent on commodity)
  3. Certificate of Origin (COMESA/SADC)
  4. Fumigation certificate
  5. Export schedule (in case of Maize)
  6. Invoice
  7. Phytosanitary certificate

Electronic pre-clearance possible and recommended through forwarding agent.  Bond is held by the agent for fees. ZRA is the regulatory authority. Inspection is required for import and export by Ministry of Agriculture and ZRA.  Fee of USD 100 per foreign registered truck and US$22.20 equivalent on Zambian trucks. All trucks are subject to inspection upon entering or leaving the harbour.

For more information on customs in Zambia, please see the following link: 1.3 Customs Information. 

Other Relevant Information

This Border Post is a unique one stop design facilitating only one place for all drivers to clear cargo.

Food is inspected by the Ministry of Agriculture. 

Nakonde/Tunduma One Stop Border Post, PO Box 430092 Nakonde, email: advice@zra.org.zm.

For more information on government contact details, please see the following link: 4.1 Government Contact List.


2.3.14 Zambia Border Crossing of Lusuntha

Overview

This border post is quiet with a few cargo trucks crossing despite the bad road conditions. The main trade between Zambia and Malawi is Tobacco. The border gets a bit busy during the crop marketing season (May – Nov). All cargo must be pre-cleared at the Mwami Border Post near Chipata for export to Malawi. The in transit operation through Malawi requires no pre-clearance in Chipata. From Chipata onwards, this crossing offers the shortest route to Nakonde for import to Tanzania or beyond.  The gravel on the road from Lundazi is in poor condition for 16 kms and until the border.

Waiting time is dependent upon documentation completeness. 

Border Crossing Location and Contact

Name of Border Crossing

Zambia and Malawi: Lusuntha Border Post

Province or District

Lundazi District, Eastern Province

Nearest Town or City with Distance from Border Crossing

Lundazi (16 km)

Latitude

-12.24485

Longitude

33.31005

Managing Authority / Agency

Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA)

Contact Person

Station Manager; Mr Zulu, Customs Collector, Mobile: +260 978011331

Travel Times

Nearest International Airport

Mfuwe International Airport (316 km)

Truck Travel Time: 6 hrs

Car Travel time: 3.5 hrs

Nearest Port

Beira, Mozambique (1,214 km)

Nearest location with functioning wholesale markets, or with significant manufacturing or production capacity

Chipata (190 km)

Truck Travel Time: 3.5 hrs

Car Travel time: 2.0 hrs

Other Information

The M12 from Chipata to Lundazi is under construction and made of good tarmac where it is complete. The road from Lundazi to the border post consists of poor gravel. The border post is quiet with minimum wait time when documentation is correct. 

Hours of Operation

Every day regardless of holidays or season

06:00 – 18:00

Daily Capacity

This border post is quiet, with a few cargo trucks crossing from Lundazi despite the road conditions.  The M12 from Chipata is under construction and made of good tarmac where complete.  All cargo must be pre-cleared at the Mwami Border Post near Chipata for export to Malawi.  In transit through Malawi requires no pre-clearance in Chipata and can be processed at the Lusuntha Border Post.  From Chipata this crossing offers the shortest route to Nakonde for import to Tanzania or beyond.  The gravel road from Lundazi is in poor condition for 16 kms and until the border.

Customs Clearance

Delays occur when documentation is incomplete.  Documentation requirements for food (cereals):

  1. Waybill
  2. Export permit (dependant on commodity)
  3. Certificate of Origin (COMESA/SADC)
  4. Fumigation certificate
  5. Export schedule (in case of Maize)
  6. Invoice
  7. Phytosanitary certificate

Electronic pre-clearance is possible and recommended through a forwarding agent.  A bond is held by the agent for a fee. The ZRA is the regulatory authority. Inspection by the Ministry of Agriculture and the ZRA is required for import and export.  A fee of 100 USD per foreign registered truck and 196 ZMW for Zambian trucks IS REQUIRED. All trucks are subject to inspection upon entering or leaving the harbour.

For more information on customs in Zambia, please see the following link: 1.3 Zambia Customs Information.

Other Relevant Information

This Border Post serves cargo moving into Malawi or in transit through Malawi. Food is inspected by the Ministry of Agriculture. 

Lusuntha Port Border Post, PO Box 530090 Lundazi, Tel: +260 211381970, email: advice@zra.org.zm.

For more information on government contact details, please see the following link: 4.1 Zambia Government Contact List.


 

 

2.3.15 Zambia Border Crossing of Mwami

Overview

This border post with Malawi is busy and has a steady volume of approximately 30 trucks per day. There are few imports and most trucks are exporting commodities such as maize, clinker and cement. There is a good tarmac road from Chipata to the border 24km away on the T4 highway.  A weighbridge is located at the border.  The order is open 24 hours only for private vehicles and persons crossing after 18:00 hours.

The waiting time is dependent upon documentation completeness.

Border Crossing Location and Contact

Name of Border Crossing

Zambia: Mwami Border Post

Malawi: Muchinji

Province or District

Eastern Province

Nearest Town or City with Distance from Border Crossing

Chipata (24 km)

Latitude

-13.75079

Longitude

32.79627

Managing Authority / Agency

Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA)

Contact Person

Mr Wilson Banda, Station Manager, +260 979 417284

Ms Mercy Kwimbo,  Deputy Station Manager

Travel Times

Nearest International Airport

Mfuwe International Airport (129 km)

Truck Travel Time: 3.5 hrs

Car Travel time: 1.5 hrs

Nearest Port

Beira, Mozambique (1,073 km)

Nearest location with functioning wholesale markets, or with significant manufacturing or production capacity

Chipata (190 km)

Truck Travel Time: 4.5 hrs

Car Travel time: 2.5 hrs

Other Information

The road from the border to Chipata is the T4 main highway.  The T4 from Lusaka to Chipata is mainly made of tarmac and under construction for the most part of it.

Hours of Operation

Every day regardless of holidays or season

06:00-18:00

hours for cargo trucks

24 hours for private vehicles and persons

Daily Capacity

This border post with Malawi is busy and has a steady volume of approximately 30 trucks per day.  Order is capable of more volume up to 100 trucks per day.  There is a good tarmac road from Chipata to the border 24 km away on the T4 highway.  A weighbridge is located at the border.  Border is open 24 hours only for private vehicles and persons crossing after 18:00 hours. Waiting time is dependent upon documentation completeness. 

Customs Clearance

This border post with Malawi is busy and has a steady volume of approximately 30 trucks per day.  The total capacity is superior, being able to achieve a volume of up to 100 trucks per day.  There is a good tarmac road from Chipata to the border 24km away on the T4 highway.  A weighbridge is located at the border.  Border is open 24 hours only for private vehicles and persons crossing after 18:00 hours.

Waiting time is dependent upon documentation completeness. 

For more information on customs in Zambia, please see the following link: 1.3 Zambia Customs Information.

Other Relevant Information

A new Border Office building is under construction near the present office.  Food is inspected by the Ministry of Agriculture. 

Mwami Border Post, PO Box 510685 Chipata, Tel: +260 216221760/211381930 email: advice@zra.org.zm.

For more information on government contact details, please see the following link: 4.1 Zambia Government Contact List.


2.3.16 Zambia Border Crossing of Chanida

Overview

This border post has a steady volume of traffic and in recent years because of the border upgrade towards one stop border point, Chanida has seen an increased volume of trucks using the border. The access from the T4 via the T6 highway is of broken tarmac from Katete and for 54 Kms though there are plans underway to work on the access road.  Most truck cargo is transiting to Beira or Nacala Port in Mozambique.  Clearance with all correct documentation and pre-alerts, takes approximately 3 hours if there are no queries from customs   

Border Crossing Location and Contact

Name of Border Crossing

Zambia: Chanida Border Post

Mozambique: Cassacatiza

Province or District

Eastern Province

Nearest Town or City with Distance from Border Crossing

 

Katete (54 km)

Chadiza (30 km )

Latitude

-14.30114

Longitude

32.34948

Managing Authority / Agency

Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA)

Contact Person

Mr Andrew Simwanza, Station Manager, Mobile: +260 977 268111

Travel Times

Nearest International Airport

Mfuwe International Airport (264 km)

Truck Travel Time: 5.5 hrs

Car Travel time: 2.5 hrs

Nearest Port

Beira, Mozambique (987 km)

Nearest location with functioning wholesale markets, or with significant manufacturing or production capacity

Katete (54 km)

Truck Travel Time:2hrs

Car Travel time:1hr


Chadiza (30 km)

Truck travel time: 1.5 hrs

Car Travel time: 1 hr

Other Information

The access road  from the T4 via the T6 highway is made of tarmac broken for 54 km from Katete. Most truck cargo is transiting to Beira or the Nacala Port in Mozambique. Transit time to Beira is approx. 2 – 3 days

Hours of Operation

Every day regardless of holidays or season

06:00 – 18:00

Daily Capacity

This border post has a steady volume of traffic with over 100 trucks crossing per day during peak season and has the ability to accept a higher volume. 

Customs Clearance

Delays occur when documentation is incomplete. 

Documentation requirements for exports food (cereals):

  1. Waybill
  2. Export permit (dependant on commodity)
  3. Certificate of Origin (COMESA/SADC)
  4. Fumigation certificate
  5. Export schedule (in case of Maize)
  6. Invoice
  7. Phytosanitary certificate

Electronic pre-clearance is possible and recommended through a forwarding agent.  A bond is held by the agent for a fee. The ZRA is the regulatory authority. The Ministry of Agriculture and the ZRA require inspections of all cargo imported and exported. A fee of 100 USD per foreign registered truck and 196 ZMW for Zambian trucks. All trucks are subject to inspection upon entering or leaving the dry port facilities.

For more information on customs in Zambia, please see the following link: 1.3 Zambia Customs Information.

Other Relevant Information

Food is inspected by the Ministry of Agriculture. Ministry of Health inspectors are present at the border. Other clearing agents present; Bollore, H&D, CML.                                                                                        

Truck parks, parking space facilities still very limited. But developments are underway. There are no warehousing facilities despite the border having huge potential for transit cargo. The border mostly facilitates imports of fertilizer and other medical goods mainly imported by USAID. As part of exports, the border facilitates movement of copper to the port of beira in Mozambique. Beira port is approximately 1000Km from Chanida border. Haulage of copper by the mines prefers this route because of its security stability unlike the Durban corridor. Chanida border also is the processing center for small border posts like Lusuntha in Lundazi district.

Contacts: Chanida Border Post, PO Box 550015 Katete, Tel: +260 211381960, email: advice@zra.org.zm.

For more information on government contact details, please see the following link: 4.1 Zambia Government Contact List.

2.3.17 Zambia Border Crossing of Chirundu

Overview

This border post is busy with a steady volume of traffic, it operates as a “one stop border post”.  It is a main crossing for the country with Zimbabwe. The road that guarantees access is made of good tarmac from Lusaka on the T2 highway.  Trucks are challenged on this route as they cross the Zambezi escarpment which is a steep grade and the cause of many accidents despite improvements to the highway. The same situation applies on the Zimbabwe side where the Zambezi escarpment is extended. Currently, this is Zambia’s second busiest border crossing point after Kasumbalesa border point (Zambia/DRC). However, there is high possibility of reduction in traffic once the Kazungula bridge is commissioned as most north and south bound truckers would prefer to use Kazungula border crossing due to its proximity to the Republic of South Africa where most cargo is coming from.

Waiting time is 24 to 48 hours depending on documentation completeness. Pre-clearance and registration as well as forwarders with e-payment capability  are essential to facilitating cargo movement.

Border Crossing Location and Contact

Name of Border Crossing

Zambia and Zimbabwe: Chirundu Border Post

Province or District

Southern Province

Nearest Town or City with Distance from Border Crossing

 Kafue (79 km)

Latitude

-16.03503

Longitude

28.84746

Managing Authority / Agency

Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA)

Contact Person

Mr Chiwama Malama, Associate Commissioner and Station Manager, Mobile: +260 976 044893

Travel Times

Nearest International Airport

Lusaka – Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (135 km)

Truck Travel Time: 6 hrs

Car Travel time: 2.5 hrs

Nearest Port

Durban, South Africa (2,017 km)

Nearest location with functioning wholesale markets, or with significant manufacturing or production capacity

Lusaka (135 km)

Truck Travel Time: 6 hrs

Car Travel time: 2.5 hrs

Other Information

Roads are made of good tarmac on the T2 to Lusaka. The border post has a steady volume of traffic with minimum wait when all documentation is correct. 

Hours of Operation

Every day regardless of holidays or season

06:00 – 22:00

Daily Capacity

This border post has a steady volume of traffic.  There is very little parking space available for trucks except along the roadside outside the gates.  Approximately 440 trucks per day cross both ways through the post.  The maximum capacity is about 500 trucks per day.  About a 24 hour wait when all documentation is correct can be expected.      

Customs Clearance

 Delays occur when documentation is incomplete. 

Documentation requirements for food (cereals):

  1. Waybill
  2. Export permit (dependent on commodity)
  3. Certificate of Origin (COMESA/SADC)
  4. Fumigation certificate
  5. Export schedule (in case of Maize)
  6. Invoice
  7. Phytosanitary certificate

Electronic pre-clearance possible and recommended through forwarding agent.  Bond is held by the agent for fees. ZRA is the Regulatory Authority. Inspection is required for import and export by Ministry of Agriculture and ZRA.  Fee of USD 100 per foreign registered truck and 196ZMW for Zambian trucks. All trucks are subject to inspection upon entering or leaving the country.

For more information on customs in Zambia, please see the following link: 1.3 Zambia Customs Information.


Other Relevant Information

Photos are not permitted within the gates of this border post. Food is inspected by the Ministry of Agriculture. 


Chirundu Border Post, PO Box 360277 Chirundu, Tel: +260 211383700, email: advice@zra.org.zm.

For more information on government contact details, please see the following link: 4.1 Zambia Government Contact List.


 

2.3.18 Zambia Border Crossing of Kariba

Overview

This border post is very quiet with little cargo traffic.  Cargo arrives via the M15 from the T2 along a narrow tarmac road that has broken tarmac in many areas.  The crossing is over the Kariba Dam across the Zambezi river.  There are some restrictions on heavy duty cargo trucks crossing the dam and authorization is required from the Zambezi River Authority. Light duty vehicles are not restricted. The dam is currently undergoing to rehabilitation works alongside the hydro power supply works on both Countries.   The Zambezi River Authority controls the dam. Very limited presence of clearing agents on this border post. There is presence of International police and immigration personnel.

Waiting time is dependent upon documentation completeness. 

Border Crossing Location and Contact

Name of Border Crossing

Zambia and Zimbabwe: Kariba Port Border Post

Province or District

Southern Province

Nearest Town or City with Distance from Border Crossing

Siavonga (10 km)

Latitude

-16.51117

Longitude

28.75867

Managing Authority / Agency

Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA)

Contact Person

M/s Angela Nkandu, Customs Collector and Station Manager, Mobile: +260 973667241

Travel Times

Nearest International Airport

Lusaka – Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (175 km)

Truck Travel Time: 9 hrs

Car Travel time: 3.5 hrs

Nearest Port

Durban, South Africa (1,998 km)

Nearest location with functioning wholesale markets, or with significant manufacturing or production capacity

Lusaka (175 km)

Truck Travel Time: 9 hrs

Car Travel time: 3.5 hrs

Other Information

 

Road is broken tarmac on M15 from the T2 turnoff. Border post is very quiet.

Hours of Operation

Every day regardless of holidays or season

06:00 – 18:00 hours

Daily Capacity

This border post is very quiet with little cargo traffic. Cargo arrives via the M15 from the T2 along a narrow tarmac road that has broken tarmac in many areas.  The crossing is over the Kariba Dam across the Zambezi river.  There are no restrictions on cargo trucks crossing the dam.   The Zambezi River Authority controls the dam.

Customs Clearance

Delays occur when documentation is incomplete.  Documentation requirements for food (cereals):

  1. Waybill
  2. Export permit (dependent on commodity)
  3. Certificate of Origin (COMESA/SADC)
  4. Fumigation certificate
  5. Export schedule (in case of Maize)
  6. Invoice
  7. Phytosanitary certificate

Electronic pre-clearance possible and recommended through forwarding agent.  Bond is held by the agent for fees. ZRA is the Regulatory Authority. Inspection is required for import and export by Ministry of Agriculture and ZRA.  Fee of USD 100 per foreign registered truck and 196ZMW for Zambian trucks. All trucks are subject to inspection upon entering or leaving the country.

For more information on customs in Zambia, please see the following link: 1.3 Zambia Customs Information.

Other Relevant Information

Food is inspected by the Ministry of Agriculture. 

Kariba Border Post, PO Box 100, Siavonga, Tel: +260 211383600, email: advice@zra.org.zm.

For more information on government contact details, please see the following link: 4.1 Zambia Government Contact List.

 

2.3.19 Zambia Border Crossing of Luangwa

Overview

This border post is quiet with minimal traffic volume to and from Mozambique and Zimbabwe on the D145, 89 km from the  Great East road T4 turn off. The main trade is Fish between Mozambique and Zambia. The Fish is meant for the coppebelt and the DRC of Katanga region. Long terms plans to put a bridge connecting the three (3) countries is yet to be implemented.  The Road is steep in places and tarmac and follows the Luangwa River.  All cargo has to transfer to small boats to cross the Zambezi or Luangwa Rivers

Border Crossing Location and Contact

Name of Border Crossing

 

Zambia: Luangwa Border Post

Mozambique: Zumbo

Zimbabwe: Feira

Province or District

Lusaka Province

Nearest Town or City with Distance from Border Crossing

Lusaka (300 km)

Latitude

-15.62098

Longitude

30.41486

Managing Authority / Agency

Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA)

Contact Person

Station Manager: +260977142010 

Travel Times

Nearest International Airport

Lusaka – Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (300 km)

Truck Travel Time: 8 hrs

Car Travel time: 3.5 hrs

Nearest Port

Beira, Mozambique (1,839 km)

Nearest location with functioning wholesale markets, or with significant manufacturing or production capacity

Lusaka (300 km)

Truck Travel Time: 8 hrs

Car Travel time: 3.5 hrs

Other Information

Road is good tarmac from the T4 and along the D 145, 89 km to the border post.  All cargo crossing to either Mozambique or Zimbabwe is by small boat.  Mostly people cross through this border post.

Hours of Operation

Every day regardless of holidays or season 

06:00 – 18:00

Daily Capacity

This border post is quiet with minimal traffic volume to and from Mozambique and Zimbabwe on the D145, 89 km from the T4 turn off.   All cargo has to be transferred to small boats to cross the Zambezi or Luangwa Rivers

Customs Clearance

Delays occur when documentation is incomplete. 

Documentation requirements for food (cereals):

  1. Waybill
  2. Export permit (dependant on commodity)
  3. Certificate of Origin (COMESA/SADC)
  4. Fumigation certificate
  5. Export schedule (in case of Maize)
  6. Invoice
  7. Phytosanitary certificate

Electronic pre-clearance is possible and recommended through a forwarding agent.  A bond is held by the agent for a fee. The ZRA is the regulatory authority and an inspection by the Ministry of Agriculture and the ZRA for any import and export. A fee of 100 USD per foreign registered truck and 196Z MW for Zambian trucks is required. All trucks are subject to inspection upon entering or leaving the harbour.

For more information on customs in Zambia, please see the following link: 1.3 Zambia Customs Information.

Other Relevant Information

Crossing of either the Zambezi or Luangwa Rivers in small boats only. 

Food is inspected by the Ministry of Agriculture. 

Luangwa Border Post, PO Box 18 Luangwa, Tel: +260 211415010, email: advice@zra.org.zm.

For more information on government contact details, please see the following link: 4.1 Zambia Government Contact List

2.3.20 Zambia Border Crossing of Sakanya

Overview

This border post has a fairly volume of traffic.  This crossing is basically one sided cargo movement from Zambia into DRC. Mostly moved items are construction material from Zambia into DRC.The road to the border is heavily dilapidated, however the contractor is already on site doing repair to Ndola. Also controls movement restricted and prohibited goods.

Waiting time is dependent upon documentation completeness. 

Border Crossing Location and Contact

Name of Border Crossing

Zambia and DRC: Sakanya Border Post

Province or District

Copperbelt

Nearest Town or City with Distance from Border Crossing

Ndola (19 km)

Latitude

-12.85875

Longitude

28.53475

Managing Authority / Agency

Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA)

Contact Person

Mr F. Mubanga

Mobile: 00977 846612/ 0971284300

 

Travel Times

Nearest International Airport

Lusaka – Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe  International Airport (23 km)

Truck Travel Time: 1 hr

Car Travel time: 30 Mins

Nearest Port

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania (1,839 km)

Nearest location with functioning wholesale markets, or with significant manufacturing or production capacity

Ndola (19 km)

Truck Travel Time: 1 hr

Car Travel time: 30 Mins

Other Information

 

Road is badly damaged to Ndola.  Border post has a small volume of traffic with minimum wait with correct documentation. 

Hours of Operation

Every day regardless of holidays or season

0600 – 1800 hours

Daily Capacity

This border post has a small volume of traffic.  No parking space for trucks except along the roadside.  Approximately 3-5 trucks per day cross both ways with most in transit from Zambia to DRC Border Post.  Maximum capacity is about 5 trucks per day.  About a 1-2 hour wait when all documentation is correct.  Road access very bad asphalt from Ndola.

Customs Clearance

Minimum delays occur because of self-assessment pre-clearing routine on documentation done in advance.  Documentation requirements for food (cereals):

  1. Waybill
  2. Export permit (dependent on commodity)
  3. Certificate of Origin (COMESA/SADC)
  4. Fumigation certificate
  5. Export schedule (in case of Maize)
  6. Invoice
  7. Phytosanitary certificate


Electronic pre-clearance possible and recommended through forwarding agent.  Bond is held by the agent for fees. ZRA is the Regulatory Authority. Inspection is required for import and export by Ministry of Agriculture and ZRA.  Fee of USD 100 per foreign registered truck and US$2.20 equivalent for Zambian trucks. All trucks are subject to inspection upon entering or leaving the country.

For more information on customs in Zambia, please see the following link: 1.3 Customs Information. 

Other Relevant Information

Cargo transits DRC with correct documentation fairly smoothly.  Movement of people and private vehicles from DRC to Zambia do not have the same experience. Food is inspected by the Ministry of Agriculture. 

email: advice@zra.org.zm

For more information on government contact details, please see the following link: 4.1 Government Contact List.