Malawi Visa Requirements
Visas to Malawi; Complete guide to visa application to Malawi, Who Requires A Visa to Malawi, Malawi Tourist and Travel Visa Requirements, Time Required For Visa Processing – Visa Issuing Authorities in Malawi
Just like other sovereign nations, a Visa is a mandatory requirement for anyone traveling to Malawi, including children. One should ensure its possession before planning to enter Malawi unless exempted. Visitors from other countries are advised to check current applicable visa fee/visa extension fees with their local embassies in their respective countries or contact the issuing authorities in Malawi before their visit.
Visa Application Requirements
– Correctly filled-out application form
– Two (2) recent passport size photos
– Passport valid for 6 months with at least two blank pages
– Fee, payable by cash, postal order or banker’s draft (cheques are not accepted)
– Proof of sufficient funds to cover applicant’s expenses for the duration in the country.
Note: All visitors to Malawi must be in possession of return tickets (or funds in lieu) and sufficient funds to support themselves. The granting of a visa is not a guarantee of entry.
Passport holders of the following countries DO NOT need visas when traveling to Malawi
Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belgium, Belize, Botswana, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Cyprus, Denmark, Dominica, Fiji, Finland, Gambia, Germany, Ghana, Grenada, Guyana, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Jamaica, Kenya, Kiribati, Lesotho, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Maldives, Malta, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Nauru, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Papua New Guinea, Portugal, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon Isles, South Africa, Swaziland, Sweden, Tanzania, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, Uganda, USA, Vanuatu, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
NOTE: All nationals from countries not included above DO REQUIRE a visa to Malawi.
VISA TYPES
Tourist Visa
– Original, signed passport valid for 6 months beyond stay, with at least one blank visa page available for visa stamp(s)
– Two (2) visa application forms per applicant properly completed and signed. Signature must be original on each application and match the signature in the passport. Inappropriately filled-out forms may delay the processing of your visa.
– Two (2) recent 2 x 2 passport type photographs, in color, front view and with a white background.
– Proof of sufficient funds to cover applicant’s expenses for the duration in the country.
– The applicant must have confirmed return or onward tickets as well as documents required for their next destination.
Business Visa
– Original, signed passport valid for 6 months beyond stay, with at least one blank visa page available for visa stamp(s)
– Two (2) visa application forms per applicant properly completed and signed. Signature must be original on each application and match the signature in the passport. Inappropriately filled-out forms may delay the processing of your visa.
– Two (2) recent 2 x 2 passport type photographs, in colour, front view and with a white background.
– Evidence of adequate funds to cover applicant’s expenses while in the country
– Computer generated flight itinerary from the airline or a travel agency or copy of airline ticket.
– The applicant must have confirmed return or onward tickets as well as documents required for their next destination.
– A letter of invitation from host party in Malawi explaining the relationship to the applicant and the purpose of travel. The letter must state the duration of stay, place of stay, and contact details.
– Letter from employer or sponsor, on company letterhead, introducing the applicant, indicating the applicant’s employment status with the company also stating the purpose of visit. The business letter must also indicate who will be financially responsible for the applicant.
Note: Nationals that are exempted from a Visa requirement do not require a Business Visa.
Transit Visa
– Original, signed passport valid for 6 months beyond stay, and with at least one blank visa page available for stamp(s)
– Proof of departure by an onward airline ticket.
– Valid onward destination visas (if applicable).
– Applicants must hold a visa or a permit for permanent or temporary residence for final destination.
For visa processing in Namibia contact the following address;
–Malawian Embassies and High Commissions
Processing Period
Visa applications are processed on Mondays only from 11:00hrs to 15:00hrs
Collection of visas is on Thursdays from 11:00hrs to 15:00hrs
Closed on Malawian Public Holidays
Important Notices
– Passport and visa requirements are liable to change at short notice. Travelers are advised to liaise with their embassy or consulate for any other new developments and updates before their Malawi travel. This also makes the process of applying for a visa a lot simpler.
– Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
– Applicants must have confirmed return or onward tickets as well as documents required for their next destination.
– Check with your travel agent or airline in case you have connecting flights overseas as part of your journey to Malawi. It may require a separate transit visa en-route Malawi.


