PUBLIC NOTICE (Effective 24th February, 2026)

Visa on Arrival Eligibility for Designated Countries

The Government of Malawi hereby informs the general public, international partners, airlines, and all relevant stakeholders that nationals of Category Two Countries are now eligible to obtain a Visa on Arrival at all designated ports of entry into the Republic of Malawi. However, nationals of Category One Countries must obtain a visa or prior authorization before departure.

Important Guidance to Travelers

While eligible nationals may obtain a Visa on Arrival, travelers are strongly encouraged to apply for a visa prior to departure through the official evisa portal (evisa.gov.mw) in order to facilitate smoother travel arrangements, reduce processing time at ports of entry, and avoid potential delays. All travelers are required to comply with standard entry requirements and are hereby advised that the issuance of a Visa on Arrival is subject to full compliance with the provisions of the Malawi Immigration laws and regulations.

Advisory to Airlines and Other Carriers

All commercial airlines and international carriers are hereby formally advised that nationals of the Category Two Countries should be permitted to board aircraft destined for the Republic of Malawi even if they do not possess a visa prior to departure, as they are eligible for issuance of a Visa on Arrival. However, nationals of Category One Countries must obtain a visa or prior authorization before departure.

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Malawi Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services

Our Vision

  • Well Managed Migration for Malawi

Our Mission

  • To provide sound migration management and achieve timely issuance of relevant documents to eligible persons for national security and socio-economic development.

The Department exist to do the following:

  • To control people entering and leaving the country in order to uphold the security of the state
  • To issue Travel documents to eligible people in accordance with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO)
  • To process and issue Malawi Citizenship, Residence and Work Permits, and Visas in accordance with the existing policies; and
  • To monitor, track, apprehend, deport and repatriate illegal immigrants in order to promote security of the country and safeguard jobs for natives