Zambia Airways Tightens Entry Rules for Johannesburg Flights: Return Ticket Now Essenti

Travellers flying from Zambia to South Africa via Zambia Airways are now required to adhere to stricter entry protocols, following the airline’s implementation of a new mandatory return or onward ticket policy. Effective from 14 October 2025, this directive affects all flights between Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (LUN) in Lusaka and OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg, and is designed to ensure greater compliance with South African immigration regulations and facilitate smoother border crossing processes.

Zambia Airways has clarified that this policy is specifically targeted at foreign nationals travelling to South Africa, while South African citizens are exempt. The airline will enforce the rule strictly at check-in: passengers who fail to present a valid return or onward ticket will not be allowed to board. This development is a direct response to recurring incidents where travellers have been denied entry by South African immigration authorities for not providing proof of onward travel or sufficient means to support their stay. Each time an individual is refused entry, airlines are left responsible for the cost of repatriation and other related expenses—a risk that Zambia Airways is now proactively mitigating.

The new enforcement policy introduces several key changes to the passenger journey. All non–South African nationals departing Lusaka for Johannesburg must now show clear evidence of return travel or a confirmed onward journey. The requirements are particularly strict for those holding one-way tickets:

Travellers planning to return to Zambia or continue their journey by road must be able to demonstrate their capability to purchase a return ticket should they be denied entry at the South African border. In addition, these passengers will be required to accept full financial liability for any expenses incurred as a result of being deemed inadmissible (commonly referred to as INAD), including the costs of repatriation and any holding facility charges. Before departure, such travellers must sign an indemnity form, acknowledging their understanding and acceptance of these terms.

This move by Zambia Airways is part of a broader effort to align more closely with South African immigration protocols, reflecting a growing trend in the region towards stricter cross-border compliance and risk management. For the African travel sector, this policy shift serves as a reminder of the evolving regulatory landscape and the need for heightened awareness around travel documentation and entry requirements—especially for those operating and booking multi-destination itineraries within southern Africa.

While the new rule may add an extra layer of planning for passengers, it is primarily aimed at ensuring a more seamless travel experience and reducing the likelihood of disruption. The airline’s leadership has been clear that the adjustment is not only about protecting operational integrity but also about safeguarding the interests of passengers, who benefit from clarity and predictability when navigating border formalities. By taking these preventative steps, Zambia Airways hopes to minimise the number of travellers stranded at border posts or incurring unexpected costs due to incomplete documentation or misunderstandings about entry criteria.

For African tour operators and those designing travel products that include South Africa as a destination, this change highlights the importance of proactive communication and customer education. Ensuring that all outbound passengers are fully briefed on the need for a return or onward ticket—and the consequences of non-compliance—will be essential in maintaining a smooth workflow and protecting the reputation of both the airline and its partners. This is particularly pertinent for group travel, MICE movements, and multi-stop journeys, where a single missing piece of documentation can delay or disrupt an entire itinerary.

The implications reach beyond individual bookings. The adoption of stricter documentation verification measures is likely to influence how other regional carriers approach risk management and regulatory compliance, especially as intra-African air travel continues to recover and expand. As governments and airlines work together to streamline passenger flows and reduce instances of inadmissibility, best practices will increasingly focus on pre-departure screening, passenger education, and close collaboration with immigration authorities at both origin and destination points.

In the context of the wider African aviation landscape, Zambia Airways’ new policy can be seen as part of a broader shift towards enhanced security, efficiency, and risk reduction. These measures are expected to become more common as regional and global travel volumes rebound and as authorities strive to balance the twin goals of facilitating tourism and ensuring border integrity. For travel professionals, staying informed about such developments—and updating clients accordingly—will become an ever more critical part of day-to-day business operations.

As the industry looks ahead, the success of this initiative in reducing the number of inadmissible passengers and associated financial losses will be closely watched by both competitors and regulatory bodies. It is likely that other carriers serving high-traffic regional routes will consider similar policies, particularly where immigration rules are subject to frequent change or where there is a history of compliance challenges. This evolving environment underscores the need for travel businesses across Africa to remain agile, informed, and responsive to regulatory trends.

Ultimately, Zambia Airways’ updated entry requirements for flights to Johannesburg represent a pragmatic response to real-world operational risks and a proactive step towards greater alignment with international travel standards. For industry stakeholders, the message is clear: as Africa’s air transport network continues to evolve, a focus on compliance, transparency, and passenger preparedness will be essential in delivering reliable, hassle-free journeys and safeguarding the future growth of the region’s tourism and aviation sectors.