Visa & Entry

Nationals of SADC member states

Nationals of the countries of the Southern African Development Community — except countries that require Malawians to obtain a visa.

Nationals of COMESA member states

Nationals of the countries of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa — except countries that require Malawians to obtain a visa.

Nationals of 22 named countries and territories

Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Benin, Dominica, Ecuador, Fiji, Gambia, Ghana, Grenada, Haiti, Hong Kong, Jamaica, Kiribati, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, and Vanuatu.

Holders of diplomatic or service passports

Except holders from countries that require a visa from Malawian holders of diplomatic or service passports.

Holders of a laissez-passer on official business

Laissez-passer issued by SADC, COMESA, the United Nations, the African Union or the African Development Bank, while the holder travels on the official business of that organisation.

Validity starts on the date of issue

A single-entry visa must be used to enter Malawi within three months of the date it is issued — not of the date you travel. Do not apply too early.

30 days on entry

On arrival, visitors are normally given 30 days. The number of days is decided by the Immigration Officer at the port of entry.

Extension of stay

You can apply in Malawi to extend your stay by up to two further months. Apply before the first 30 days run out.

Overstaying

If you stay beyond the permitted days without an extension, you are charged US$ 25 for each day of overstay.

A visa is not a guarantee of entry

The visa allows you to travel to a port of entry within its validity. Immigration Officers may still refuse entry if the other entry requirements are not met.

If your application is refused

The Department does not have to give reasons. You may apply again, but you must submit a new application and pay the fee again.

Yellow fever certificate

Malawi requires proof of yellow fever vaccination from travellers aged one year or over who arrive from a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission. This includes travellers who spent more than 12 hours in transit at an airport in such a country — for example on a connection in Kenya or Ethiopia. Mauritius is not on the World Health Organization's risk list. Since 2016, a yellow fever certificate is valid for life.

Malaria

Malaria occurs throughout Malawi, mostly in its dangerous falciparum form, and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend preventive medicine for travellers. See a doctor or travel clinic well before departure, use insect repellent, sleep under a mosquito net, and seek medical help promptly if you develop a fever during or after your journey.

Travel insurance

Before you leave, take out travel insurance that covers medical treatment and medical evacuation for the whole journey.

Register your travel plans

Leave your itinerary and contact details with family or friends. If your government offers a registration service for citizens travelling abroad, register your trip with it. Malawian nationals living in Mauritius can register with the Consulate General.

Check official advice before you go

Shortly before departure, read the travel advice your own government publishes for Malawi and the current notices of the Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services and the e-Visa portal.

Carry the right papers

Carry your passport, the printed e-Visa approval letter if you needed a visa, and your yellow fever certificate if your route requires one. Keep copies separately from the originals.

Personal allowances

Travellers receive the usual personal allowances for goods brought into Malawi free of duty. The current quantities and values are published by the Malawi Revenue Authority; they are not repeated here because they change.

Goods beyond the allowance

Declare goods that exceed your allowance, and goods intended for sale or business use, to customs on arrival. Ask the MRA in advance which duties apply.

Restricted and prohibited goods

Weapons, drugs and some plants, animals and animal products are restricted or prohibited. Check the MRA's rules — and any permit you may need — before you pack such items.

Returning to Mauritius

When you come back to Mauritius, the Mauritian customs allowances apply. They are published by the Mauritius Revenue Authority — not to be confused with the Malawi Revenue Authority, which uses the same initials.