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4 ways to enter

Malawi visas

Malawi tourist visa

Visitors may qualify for visa-free entry. Other visitors can apply for an online visa, while some may qualify for a visa on arrival.

Ways to get a Malawi tourist visa

  1. Visa-free entry

    No visa needed

    Citizens of the listed countries and territories travelling on ordinary passports qualify.

    Stay
    Up to 30 days, with an extension of a further 60 days possible. Maximum total stay: 90 days.
    Fee
    An extension requires payment of fees. The amount is not stated.

  2. Regional visa-free entry

    No visa needed

    Citizens of countries in the Southern African Development Community or the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa qualify.

    Stay
    Up to 30 days.

  3. e-Visa (online visa)

    eVisa

    Travellers who do not qualify for visa-free entry can use the online visa system.

  4. Visa on arrival

    Visa on arrival

    Citizens of countries that are not visa-exempt may qualify, except those on the exclusion list.

Who needs it

Visitors who do not qualify for a visa exemption need a visa.

Who doesn't

Citizens of the listed visa-exempt countries and territories can visit for up to 30 days. Separate exemptions also cover citizens of two regional groups.

Good to know

  • To extend an ordinary passport visa-free stay, apply and pay the required fees.
  • The maximum stay under that extension rule is 90 days.
  • The government recommends the online visa system for all travellers who need a visa.
  • Visa-free entry for several nationalities was cancelled on 3 January 2026.

Questions

Do I need a tourist visa for Malawi?

Visitors who do not qualify for a visa exemption need a visa. Citizens of the listed visa-exempt countries and territories can visit for up to 30 days. Separate exemptions also cover citizens of two regional groups.

What are the ways to get a tourist visa for Malawi?

There are 4 options: Visa-free entry (no visa at all); Regional visa-free entry (no visa at all); e-Visa (online visa) (an online visa); Visa on arrival (a visa at the border).

Who can go to Malawi without a tourist visa?

Citizens of the listed countries and territories travelling on ordinary passports qualify. Citizens of countries in the Southern African Development Community or the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa qualify.

Can I apply online for Malawi?

Yes: e-Visa (online visa). Travellers who do not qualify for visa-free entry can use the online visa system.

How long can I stay on a Malawi tourist visa?

Visa-free entry: up to 30 days. An extension of a further 60 days is possible, for a maximum stay of 90 days.

What rules do I have to follow on a Malawi tourist visa?

To extend an ordinary passport visa-free stay, apply and pay the required fees. The maximum stay under that extension rule is 90 days.

Does my passport change whether I need a tourist visa for Malawi?

Yes. Rules depend on the country that issued your passport. Open the Malawi visa page and choose your passport for a plain answer.

Can a tourist visa for Malawi be refused?

Yes. Officials can refuse a visa or entry, even after you apply. Give true answers, bring the documents asked for, and keep proof of your onward trip and money.

Where do I check the latest Malawi tourist visa rules?

On Malawi's official immigration or foreign ministry website, or at its embassy. Rules change, so check close to your trip.

Can I change my tourist visa once I am in Malawi?

Often you cannot switch visa type inside the country. Ask the immigration office before you travel if you might need to.

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