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Malawi visas

Malawi visa on arrival

A visa on arrival is described for eligible nationalities, but its availability is unclear because a notice dated 25 March 2020 says the service stopped.

Ways to get a Malawi visa on arrival

  1. Visa on arrival for eligible nationalities

    Visa on arrival

    Under the stated eligibility rule, citizens of all non-exempt countries qualify except those named in the exclusion list.

Who needs it

Travellers who need a visa and qualify for this route may obtain one on arrival under the stated eligibility rule.

Who doesn't

Travellers who qualify for visa-free entry do not need a visa on arrival.

Good to know

  • The stated visa-on-arrival rule excludes citizens of Afghanistan, Algeria, Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, China, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, India, Iran, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Qatar, Russia, Senegal, Serbia, Somalia, South Sudan, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria, Tajikistan, Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan and Yemen.
  • A notice dated 25 March 2020 says all travellers who previously qualified for a visa on arrival must get an online visa.
  • That notice does not say whether the change is permanent or temporary.
  • A separate rule says visas on arrival are available to non-exempt nationalities except those listed as excluded.
  • The government recommends the online visa system for all travellers who need a visa.

Questions

Do I need a visa on arrival for Malawi?

Travellers who need a visa and qualify for this route may obtain one on arrival under the stated eligibility rule. Travellers who qualify for visa-free entry do not need a visa on arrival.

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

The stated visa-on-arrival rule excludes citizens of Afghanistan, Algeria, Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, China, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, India, Iran, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Qatar, Russia, Senegal, Serbia, Somalia, South Sudan, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria, Tajikistan, Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan and Yemen.

Does my passport change whether I need a visa on arrival 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 visa on arrival 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 visa on arrival 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 visa on arrival 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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