Zambia
Visa
Quickly obtained at the border. Single entry USD 50, multiple entry USD 80.
Arrival
From Malawi
45 min. in total. In addition to the visas in USD we had to pay Carbon Tax (app. € 24) and community tax (app. € 3.60) in Kwatcha. Later we found out that in addition we should have paid road tax ($30) as well.
Departure
To Botswana
10 min. Nothing specifically checked.
Carnet
Stamped without checking the car. The entry date was before the start date of the (new) carnet, but that was no issue.
Insurance
TourInsure. Not checked at the border.
Money
ATMs accepting VISA widely available, Maestro at some ATM's
Diesel
App. € 1.20 per liter. Outside the main cities filling stations are far (75 km) apart.
Corruption
One incident: after we changed lanes illegaly we were stopped and taken to the police station. There we were charged with two more offences for a total fine of 800 kwatcha. After completing paperwork the police officer accompanied us back to the car and offered the choice to pay 800 kwatcha with receipt or 200 without.
Roads
Main road from Malawi to Lusaka had relatively many potholes, the road west of Lusaka to the Botswana order was excellent.
Other
We left Zambia by crossing the Zambezi into Botswana. This is an infamous border crossing with long waiting times, but we crossed within 15 min.
Quickly obtained at the border. Single entry USD 50, multiple entry USD 80.
Arrival
From Malawi
45 min. in total. In addition to the visas in USD we had to pay Carbon Tax (app. € 24) and community tax (app. € 3.60) in Kwatcha. Later we found out that in addition we should have paid road tax ($30) as well.
Departure
To Botswana
10 min. Nothing specifically checked.
Carnet
Stamped without checking the car. The entry date was before the start date of the (new) carnet, but that was no issue.
Insurance
TourInsure. Not checked at the border.
Money
ATMs accepting VISA widely available, Maestro at some ATM's
Diesel
App. € 1.20 per liter. Outside the main cities filling stations are far (75 km) apart.
Corruption
One incident: after we changed lanes illegaly we were stopped and taken to the police station. There we were charged with two more offences for a total fine of 800 kwatcha. After completing paperwork the police officer accompanied us back to the car and offered the choice to pay 800 kwatcha with receipt or 200 without.
Roads
Main road from Malawi to Lusaka had relatively many potholes, the road west of Lusaka to the Botswana order was excellent.
Other
We left Zambia by crossing the Zambezi into Botswana. This is an infamous border crossing with long waiting times, but we crossed within 15 min.
