High commission
British High Commission Lilongwe
Off Convention Drive
Malawi visa requirements for British citizens
British citizens get a visa on arrival in Malawi, for up to 90 days.
Passport
GBR
United Kingdom
Going to
MWI
Malawi
Visa on arrival
Confirmed Category Two nationals can apply at entry points that offer this service.
- Visa
- On arrival
- Max stay
- 90 days (3 months)
- Fee
- US$50
- Last updated
- 11 November 2026
What to do
Bring the arrival fee in cash, in a widely accepted currency, plus a passport photo.
Have your return or onward ticket and accommodation details ready.
Queue at the visa-on-arrival desk before immigration in Malawi.
Ways into Malawi
Check if you need a visa before you travel.
Visa not requiredRegional visa-free visitSome people from SADC or COMESA countries can visit without a visa.
- Stay
- 30–90 days
- Fee
- Free
How to apply
- Confirm your country lets Malawians enter without visas.
- Show your travel document at the border.
- Being from a SADC or COMESA country alone does not qualify you.
- Apply and pay to request 60 more days.
eVisaOnline visa applicationUse the official website to check eligibility and apply for your visa.
- Fee
- 50–250 USD, plus online fee
- Processing
- 3 days
How to apply
- Check eligibility and the documents needed.
- Create an account, fill in the form and upload files.
- Pay with a Visa or Mastercard credit or debit card.
- Download and print your approval.
Documents required
- Passport details
- Photo
- Travel details
- Other files requested online
- Visas are processed centrally online, not by the High Commission.
- Travel with the passport used to apply.
- Processing takes working days; stay and visa dates depend on the visa chosen.
eVisaSingle-entry tourist visaApply online for 1 visit, including a short business visit.
- Stay
- 30–90 days
- Valid for
- 90 days
- Fee
- US$50
- Processing
- 3 days
- Entries
- Single
How to apply
- Create an account and fill in the online form.
- Upload the files requested and pay online.
- Print your approval before travel.
Documents required
- Passport details
- Photo
- Travel details
- Other files requested online
- Printed approval
- Travel with the passport used to apply; processing takes working days.
- Apply and pay to request 60 more days.
eVisa180-day multiple-entry tourist visaApply online for a visa that lets you enter more than once.
- Stay
- 30–90 days
- Valid for
- 180 days
- Fee
- US$150
- Processing
- 3 days
- Entries
- Multiple
How to apply
- Choose the 180-day multiple-entry visa online.
- Fill in the form and upload the files requested.
- Pay online and print your approval.
Documents required
- Passport details
- Photo
- Travel details
- Other files requested online
- Printed approval
- Visa dates do not set your stay; processing takes working days.
- Apply and pay to request 60 more days.
eVisa365-day multiple-entry tourist visaApply online for a visa that lets you enter more than once.
- Stay
- 30–90 days
- Valid for
- 365 days
- Fee
- US$250
- Processing
- 3 days
- Entries
- Multiple
How to apply
- Choose the 365-day multiple-entry visa online.
- Fill in the form and upload the files requested.
- Pay online and print your approval.
Documents required
- Passport details
- Photo
- Travel details
- Other files requested online
- Printed approval
- Visa dates do not set your stay; processing takes working days.
- Apply and pay to request 60 more days.
Visa on arrivalVisa on arrivalConfirmed Category Two nationals can apply at entry points that offer this service.
- Stay
- 30–90 days
- Fee
- US$50
How to apply
- Confirm Category Two status with Malawi Immigration before travel.
- Apply at an entry point that offers this service.
- Pay the fee and complete immigration checks.
- The High Commission lists 50 USD for a single-entry arrival visa.
- It says to pay on arrival in US dollar cash.
- The guide gives no confirmed country list; check before travel.
- Apply and pay to request 60 more days.
Sources (16)Last updated 11 November 2026
- Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services — Visa
- Official Malawi e-Visa portal — Application instructions
- Official e-Visa portal — Visa types and February 2026 arrival notice
- Official e-Visa portal — Frequently asked questions
- Official e-Visa portal — Eligibility wizard
- Malawi Embassy Brussels — January 2026 immigration amendment regulations
- Malawi Embassy USA — Visas
- Malawi High Commission London — Visa
- Malawi High Commission India — Historical September 2016 visa notice; not used for current nationality eligibility
- Malawi Department of Tourism — Visa arrangements; country-table inconsistencies noted
- Immigration — Visitor, business and other permits
- Immigration — Student permit
- Immigration — Temporary employment permit
- Immigration — Business residence permit
- Immigration — Temporary residence permit
- Official Malawi e-Permit portal
Embassies for this trip
For lost passports and emergencies.
Coming from United Kingdom
- Plugs GAdapter for some
- MoneyMWK MK
- Time+10h
- DrivingOn the leftSame as home
- LanguageEnglishSpoken at home too
- Emergency997 police998 ambulance
Planning your Malawi trip
Best time to go: May to July is dry and cooler. The rainy season usually starts in mid-October or early November and lasts until March.
- Lake MalawiThis vast lake fills part of the Rift Valley and forms much of Malawi's eastern border.
- Mulanje MassifA large mountain wilderness rises above the Phalombe Plains. Its highest peak, Sapitwa, reaches about 3,000 metres.
- Zomba PlateauThis high plateau has impressive scenery and a gently rolling top that is accessible by road.
- Nyika National ParkMuch of the high Nyika Plateau is protected here. Its rolling grasslands are a distinctive northern landscape.
Scams to watch for in Malawi
- Pickpocketing in bars and nightclubsThieves take money or valuables while you are distracted during a night out.
- Bribe requests at police checkpointsSome officers seek money or goods in exchange for letting a vehicle pass. They may question a local driver or passengers to work out what they can get from you. Travellers rushing to the airport can face extra pressure. Genuine traffic checks and fines also occur.
- Mugging and robberyA robber uses threats or force to take money or belongings. Walking alone at night increases your exposure.
About Malawi
Malawi is a landlocked republic in southeastern Africa, along the west shore of Lake Malawi.
- Capital
- Lilongwe
- Money
- Malawian kwacha (MK)
- Languages
- English, Chichewa
- Time zone
- UTC+02:00
- Cars drive on the
- left side
- Calling code
- +265
Other Europe passports
Going to Malawi
Easier trips nearby
Places close to Malawi with simpler entry for you.
Questions
Do british citizens need a visa for Malawi?
British citizens get a visa on arrival in Malawi, for up to 90 days.
How long can british citizens stay in Malawi?
Up to 90 days each visit with the visa on arrival rule. Staying longer can mean a fine or a ban from coming back.
Can I get the Malawi visa at the airport?
Yes. British citizens get the visa when they land in Malawi. Carry cash for the fee, a passport photo, your return ticket and hotel details.
Do malawian citizens need a visa for the United Kingdom?
Malawian citizens need a visa for the United Kingdom, from its embassy or consulate.
Do other Europe passports get easier entry to Malawi?
Finland, Ireland, Norway, Sweden Albania, and 5 more can enter without applying before they travel.
Which countries near Malawi are easier for british citizens?
Mauritius, Mozambique, Rwanda, Seychelles Zambia, and 3 more let british citizens in without applying before travel.
What should I carry to Malawi?
Bring the arrival fee in cash, in a widely accepted currency, plus a passport photo. Have your return or onward ticket and accommodation details ready.
What money is used in Malawi?
Malawian kwacha (MK). Carry some cash for arrival, especially if a visa fee is paid at the border.
What language do people speak in Malawi?
English and Chichewa.
How strong is the United Kingdom passport?
It ranks #7 and reaches 155 destinations without applying ahead.
Reviewed by @snuck