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 Visa Types

  • Tourist Visa
    It is a visa which is strictly issued to persons intending to enter Malawi for visits, residence or business.
  • Official Visa
    It is a visa issued to a person holding an official or a service passport on official business visit to Malawi.
  • Transit Visa
    It is a visa which is strictly issued to persons intending to transit through Malawi within a period of seven days.
  • Diplomatic Visa
    It is a visa which is issued to a person holding a diplomatic passport for official visit or mission to Malawi.
  • Courtesy Visa
    It is a visa issued to a person visiting Malawi with an invitation sent by the Government, but is not entitled to a diplomatic passport. It enables him/her to enter Malawi for the purpose of paying courtesy calls.

Note:
» The above mentioned types of visas can further be classified into single entry, multiple entry and transit entry depending on the nature of the visit.
» The single entry visa is valid for three months and can be used once upon entry into Malawi.
» The multiple entry visas are valid for six or twelve months and can be used for multiple entries within the validity period.
» The transit visa is valid for a period not exceeding seven days and can be used once.