Malawi visa policy

The Malawi visa policy is a set of rules that states the citizens of which foreign countries Malawi wants to admit.

Currently, Malawi grants visas through three application methods: a Malawi electronic visa (e-Visa), a visa on arrival, and a regular visa. The method of applying for a Malawi visa that a person requires depends on their citizenship, the purpose of travel, and the expected period of stay in the country.

The Malawi e-Visa is the most advantageous option: one can apply online and receive the approved electronic visa to Malawi via email without attending a diplomatic mission in person. The e-Visa to Malawi is available for more than 200 nationalities and can be used for tourism, business, transit, and medical treatment.

A visa on arrival can be received at the Malawi entry point. It does not require applying ahead of time but may cause some problems: the lines for on-arrival visas are long, and the traveler may be visa-denied already in Malawi.

A regular visa can be obtained only by making a personal visit to the Malawian embassy or consulate. One should apply for a regular visa if they are not eligible for other Malawi visa application methods or intend to stay in the country for a more extended period.

Also, nationals of 8 countries can travel to Malawi without a visa and stay there for up to 3 months.

The visa policy of Malawi is essential information to examine before departing for Malawi. However, every traveler should also review other Malawi entry requirements, as, without a set of required documents, it is not possible to enter the country.

Who can enter Malawi?

Malawi is open to travelers from all over the world. Every visitor, regardless of nationality, is allowed to enter Malawi if they meet the entry requirements. Citizens of 8 countries can travel to Malawi visa-free, while holders of other countries must obtain a Malawi electronic visa, a visa on arrival, or a regular visa.

Malawi has not fully lifted the COVID-19-related restrictions, so it is mandatory to follow the rules implemented by Malawi authorities and regularly check information for updates.

Entry requirements for Malawi

In accordance with Malawi entry requirements, all travelers must hold an international passport valid at least six months beyond the date they expect to enter Malawi. The non-visa-exempted nationals need to present a Malawi visa issued for their travel purpose.

Visitors aged 12 and over must show proof of a negative PCR taken 72 hours before arrival or proof of full COVID-19 vaccination with the final vaccine dose administered at least 14 days prior to travel. If travelers fail to comply with these restrictions, they will be tested for COVID-19 on arrival at their own expense.

Malawi government also requests proof of yellow fever vaccination if a person is traveling from a country with yellow fever transmission. Passengers who have recently visited countries affected by the Ebola virus may be required to undergo a health examination at a Malawi hospital upon arrival.

Travelers must declare and exchange all foreign currency upon entry into Malawi, regardless of the amount. The undeclared currency will be confiscated, and its holder will be arrested and detained.

Documents checklist for entering Malawi

According to the entry requirements of Malawi, you may be required to present the following documents upon arrival:

• a valid passport
• a Malawi visa (if applicable)
• COVID-19 vaccination proof/negative PCR test
• a yellow fever vaccination proof (if applicable)

Note: Malawi travel requirements may be announced and altered at little notice. It is highly recommended to check the official website of the Malawi government for the latest developments closer to your time of travel.

Methods of getting a visa to Malawi

Explore the three types of Malawi visas: an electronic visa, a visa on arrival, and a regular visa to Malawi.

Electronic visa (e-Visa)

The Malawi e-Visa system was launched to make the application process easier. An applicant is able to apply online: just complete a form on the website and pay the fees. One is informed through email after their Malawi e-Visa is approved.

Applicants can choose between a 30-day single-entry visa, a 6-month multiple-entry visa, and a 12-month multiple-entry visa to Malawi for tourism, business, and medical treatment. A transit e-Visa to Malawi is single-entry and allows a 7-day visit.

Visa on arrival

A visa on arrival is available at the Malawi entry ports. It stays valid for 30 days and can be extended up to a maximum period of 90 days.

Even though it does not require applying in advance, a Malawi visa on arrival has its disadvantageous: passengers often face troubles when looking for the necessary line, have to wait for hours in queues for a visa, and there is always a risk that the application for a visa on arrival will be rejected.

Regular Visa

To obtain a regular visa to Malawi, one should contact a Malawi diplomatic mission and schedule a visit – it is the only option for persons not able to use other application methods. The application process involves a visa interview with a consular officer.

The Malawi regular visa requires some hassle, but it is the only option if you are not eligible for other visa types or want to travel to Malawi for long-term purposes such as studying or working.

Countries and regions which require a visa for entry into Malawi

Review the list of countries to see whether you need a Malawi visa and which type is required for your country of citizenship:

Electronic visa (e-Visa)

• Andorra
• United Arab Emirates
• Afghanistan
• Anguilla
• Albania
• Armenia
• Argentina
• American Samoa
• Austria
• Australia
• Aruba
• Aland Islands
• Azerbaijan
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Barbados
• Bangladesh
• Belgium
• Burkina Faso
• Bulgaria
• Bahrain
• Bermuda
• Brunei
• Bolivia
• Brazil
• Bahamas
• Bhutan
• Botswana
• Belarus
• Belize
• Canada
• Cocos Islands
• Congo
• Central African Republic
• Republic of the Congo
• Switzerland
• Ivory Coast
• Cook Islands
• Chile
• Cameroon
• China
• Colombia
• Costa Rica
• Serbia
• Cuba
• Christmas Island
• Cyprus
• Czech Republic
• Germany
• Djibouti
• Denmark
• Dominica
• Dominican Republic
• Algeria
• Ecuador
• Estonia
• Egypt
• Eritrea
• Spain
• Ethiopia
• Finland
• Fiji
• Falkland Islands
• Micronesia
• Faroe Islands
• France
• Gabon
• United Kingdom
• Grenada
• Georgia
• French Guiana
• Gibraltar
• Greenland
• Gambia
• Guinea Bissau
• Guinea
• Guadeloupe
• Equatorial Guinea
• Greece
• Guatemala
• Guam
• Guyana
• Hong Kong
• Honduras
• Croatia
• Hungary
• Ireland
• India
• Iraq
• Iran
• Iceland
• Italy
• Jamaica
• Jordan
• Japan
• Kyrgyzstan
• Cambodia
• Kiribati
• Comoros
• North Korea
• South Korea
• Kuwait
• Cayman Islands
• Kazakhstan
• Laos
• Lebanon
• Saint Lucia
• Liechtenstein
• Sri Lanka
• Liberia
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Latvia
• Libya
• Morocco
• Monaco
• Moldova
• Montenegro
• Marshall Islands
• Macedonia
• Mali
• Myanmar
• Mongolia
• Macau
• Northern Mariana Islands
• Martinique
• Mauritania
• Montserrat
• Malta
• Maldives
• Mexico
• Malaysia
• Mozambique
• Namibia
• New Caledonia
• Niger
• Norfolk Island
• Nigeria
• Nicaragua
• Netherlands
• Norway
• Nepal
• Nauru
• Niue
• New Zealand
• Oman
• Panama
• Peru
• French Polynesia
• New Guinea
• Pakistan
• Poland
• Sierra Leone
• San Marino
• Somalia
• Suriname
• El Salvador
• Syria
• Swaziland
• Caicos Islands
• Togo
• Thailand
• Tajikistan
• Tokelau
• Timor Leste
• Turkmenistan
• Tunisia
• Tonga
• Turkey
• Tuvalu
• Taiwan
• Ukraine
• United States
• Uruguay
• Uzbekistan
• Vatican City
• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
• Venezuela
• British Virgin Islands
• Vietnam
• Vanuatu
• Samoa
• Yemen
• Mayotte
• South Africa
• Zambia
• Zimbabwe
• Qatar
• Palau
• Rwanda
• Portugal
• Sweden
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• Russia
• Saudi Arabia
• Brunei Darussalam
• Trinidad and Tobago
• Romania
• Paraguay
• Sudan
• United States Virgin Islands
• Turks and Caicos Islands
• South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands
• Saint Pierre and Miquelon
• Isle of Man
• Guernsey
• Solomon Islands
• Saint Martin
• Saint Helena
• Reunion
• Puerto Rico
• Jersey
• Curacao
• Cape Verde
• British Indian Ocean Territory
• Antigua and Barbuda
• Saint Barthelemy
• Sint Maarten
• Bonaire

Visa on arrival

• Benin
• Congo
• Haiti
• Indonesia
• Madagascar
• Philippines
• Singapore
• Sao Tome and Principe

Regular visa

• Angola
• Burundi
• Ghana
• Senegal
• Chad
• South Sudan
• Palestine

Visa-free access

• Israel
• Kenya
• Saint Kitts and Nevis
• Lesotho
• Mauritius
• Tanzania
• Uganda
• Seychelles

Entry requirements for children

Malawi entry requirements for children do not differ much from those for adults: everyone must have a valid passport and a Malawi visa if holding a passport of a country with no visa exemption.

Still, underage travelers do have some special entry rules. While minors from 12 to 17 must follow all the COVID-19 restrictions, children under the age of 12 do not need vaccination proof or a negative PCR test on arrival.

Additionally, minors visiting Malawi must have a birth certificate and a consent letter signed by both parents or legal guardians. If an underage person is traveling with only one parent or guardian, immigration officers may request a consent letter from the absent parent or guardian. The consent letter must be notarized, authorizing the child to travel to Malawi.

Transit information

Transiting is when a traveler passes through one country in order to get to their onward destination.

Passengers can transit through Malawi provided they show either a certificate of full vaccination against COVID-19 or a negative PCR test taken not more than 72 hours from departure.

The Malawi visa is required even for transit if your nationality is not visa-exempt. Eligible citizens can apply for a transit e-Visa to Malawi that allows a stay for 7 days and remains valid for 3 months from the issue.

Important information

• Malawi visa policy allows entry into Malawi to citizens of all countries who meet the entry requirements of Malawi.
• There are three methods of obtaining Malawi visas: an electronic visa, a visa on arrival, and a regular visa.
• Malawi e-Visa is available for tourism, business, medical treatment, and transit.
• All visitors entering Malawi must have a passport with a minimum validity period of 6 months from arrival.
• Travelers over 11 years old must present a COVID-19 vaccination proof or a negative PCR test.