Malawi Entry and Travel Requirements
Entry requirements to Malawi are a set of rules that travelers should be familiar with before traveling to Malawi. These requirements stipulate the necessary documents that must be prepared and obtained before departure.
One of the most necessary documents to enter Malawi is a valid passport. Each traveler must ensure that their passport will not expire for at least 6 months.
Malawi's visa policy distinguishes between different types of visas. Depending on the traveler's nationality, the reason for the trip and the desired length of stay in the country, different types of visas may be required. Travelers can choose between Malawi tourist visas, official visas, courtesy visas, transit visas and diplomatic visas.
Malawi tourist visas can be issued for short-term tourist, business, transit or medical purposes. Eligible travelers can apply for a tourist visa by applying online.
Additionally, some nationalities can also apply for a visa on arrival. However, this visa option has some disadvantages as there are often long queues at border control points.
Some countries cannot apply for a Malawi visa online or at the border. This is why they must go to the nearest Malawi embassy or consulate to apply for a visa in person. Additionally, some Malawi visas require an embassy visit, regardless of the individual's nationality. For example, work visas must be issued directly from the Malawi diplomatic mission. Finally, some nationalities may benefit from visa-free entry into Malawi. However, they are only allowed to visit the country without a visa for short-term tourism and recreational activities.
The Covid-19 pandemic has also forced Malawi authorities to introduce certain protective measures to minimize the risk of the virus spreading in the country. Most of these restrictions have been lifted. However, to enter Malawi, all travelers must still provide an electronically verifiable vaccination certificate or a negative test (PCR test taken 72 hours previously).
Important:
Due to the constantly evolving Coronavirus situation around the world, the rules of participation may change rapidly. Make sure you stay up to date with the latest news.
Who can enter Malawi?
Malawi welcomes all international visitors. Depending on their nationality and Covid-19 vaccination status, they may have to meet different entry requirements.
Document checklist for entry into Malawi
- valid passport
- Malawi Visa
- Electronically verifiable Covid-19 vaccination certificate (if vaccinated)
- Negative PCR test taken 72 hours before arrival (unvaccinated only)
- Travel insurance (optional)
Testing, Vaccination, and Quarantine Requirements
Request an inspection
All arriving travelers, including Malawian nationals, who are fully vaccinated and can provide electronically verifiable proof of vaccination no longer need to take a Covid-19 PCR test first upon departure. However, those who are not fully vaccinated must present a PCR test no earlier than 72 hours before they are expected to arrive in the country.
Vaccination required
Malawi allows entry of fully vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers. However, those who are able to provide a vaccination certificate will not need to present a Covid-19 test before departure.
Quarantine required
Malawi allows entry of fully vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers. However, those who are able to provide a vaccination certificate will not need to present a Covid-19 test before departure.
Quarantine required
Currently, there are no quarantine requirements in place in Malawi. However, visitors should monitor their health for symptoms of Covid-19 after arriving in the country.
Traveling from Malawi
On 1 May 2022, the requirement for travelers leaving Malawi to produce a negative Coronavirus (PCR) test was lifted.
Currently, testing and vaccination requirements upon departure are determined by the country of the next or final destination to which the traveler plans to travel from Malawi.
Traveling to Malawi
Visitors to Malawi should familiarize themselves with the latest immigration requirements. These requirements include coronavirus restrictions as well as other rules put in place before the pandemic. You must have all necessary travel documents, including passport and visa.
Most Covid-related regulations have been repealed. From the beginning of June 2022, people can enter Malawi with a vaccination certificate or with a negative Covid-19 (PCR) test taken within 72 hours before expected arrival in Malawi. These regulations apply to all tourists, including Malawian citizens aged 12 years and over.
Don't forget to check out the latest travel advice for Malawi. Participation rules, especially those related to Covid-19, are subject to change at short notice.
Entry Rules for Children
Children from 12 to 17 years old
They must follow the entry regulations applicable to adult travellers: they must provide valid proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours before arriving in Malawi.
Children under 12 years old
Children under 12 years of age can enter Malawi unconditionally (without proof of vaccination or a negative Covid-19 test certificate) when accompanied by a vaccinated parent or guardian.
Transit through Malawi – rules during the Covid-19 pandemic
Transit through Malawi is permitted for travelers who can present valid proof of vaccination status or a negative PCR test result taken no earlier than 72 hours before the scheduled departure time.
If you plan to transit through Malawi, be sure to check your airline's requirements. Also refer to the entry conditions introduced in the country of your final destination.
Visa requirements
Electronic Visa for Malawi
In 2019, the Malawi government introduced an e-visa system that allows some visitors to obtain a visa without a single visit to the embassy.
There are four types of e-visas that differ in terms of travel purpose, number of permitted entries into the country, permitted length of stay as well as the validity period of the approved visa. Malawi eVisa can be issued for tourism, business, transit or even medical purposes.
Learn more about the Malawi eVisa and check your eVisa eligibility here.
Malawi visa upon arrival
Malawi offers Visa on Arrival services to eight different countries whose citizens can apply for a visa on arrival. Malawi VoA is issued as a single entry permit allowing you to stay in the country for a maximum period of 30 days. There are two types of visas for entering Malawi: Visitor Permit (VP) or Business Visit. VP holders cannot participate in any travel-related activities. In return, BV is for commercial purposes only. You may not use these visas for purposes other than those authorized. Travelers who need to apply for a visa when arriving in Malawi should be patient as they will often have to wait in line to enter the country for hours. The process of obtaining a VoA will require providing certain supporting documents, including a valid passport and yellow fever vaccination certificate.
If you are eligible for a Malawi eVisa, you should choose this option to avoid wasting time applying for a visa upon arrival in Malawi.
Citizens of the following 8 countries must apply for a visa when visiting Malawi:
- Light
- Congo
- Haiti
- Indonesia
- Madagascar
- Philippines
- Sao Tome and Principe
- Singapore
Malawi Embassy or Consular Visa
Citizens of some countries are only required to obtain a Malawi visa from the embassy, even for short-term travel.
There are only 7 such nationalities that require an embassy or consulate visa in Malawi, including:
- Angola
- Burundi
- Chad
- Ghana
- Palestinian territory
- Senegal
- southern Sudan
Additionally, some types of Malawi visas are only issued at the embassy or consulate, for example work visas. Any visitors planning to visit Malawi for purposes other than those covered by an e-visa will need to make an appointment at the embassy and apply in person for the appropriate visa, regardless of nationality.
Malawi's diplomatic missions are present in many capitals around the world. If there is no Malawi diplomatic representation in your country, you will need to go to the nearest country where you can apply for an embassy or consulate visa.
Please note that applying for a regular visa can take several weeks. Consider submitting your visa application in advance so that your documents are approved on time. Please contact the embassy closest to your country for more detailed information.
Visa-free countries
According to Malawi's visa policy, some countries are exempt from visa entry with a maximum stay of 90 days. Visa-free stays are allowed only for tourism and leisure activities.
Visitors wishing to stay longer in Malawi or with other travel needs, such as for work or non-tourism activities, will need to obtain an appropriate visa.
The full list of visa-free countries for Malawi includes:
- Israeli
- Kenya
- Lesotho
- Morris
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Seychelles
- Tanzania
- Uganda
Malawi Passenger Locator Form
Authorities in Malawi no longer require travelers to complete a Passenger Locator Form before arriving in the country.
Travel Insurance
There is no authorized travel insurance in Malawi. However, every traveler is always advised to purchase a comprehensive travel insurance policy that best suits their travel needs. Nowadays, it makes sense to consider choosing an insurance policy with Covid-19 cover.
