Malawi

🇲🇼

Phone Code

+265

Capital

Lilongwe

Population

20 Million

Native Name

Malawi

Region

Africa

Eastern Africa

Timezone

Central Africa Time

UTC+02:00

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Money & CurrencyVisa OverviewVisa TypesImportant NotesCitiesEmbassies abroadEmbassies in country

Malawi is a landlocked country in southeastern Africa known as the 'Warm Heart of Africa' for the legendary friendliness of its people. Dominated by Lake Malawi (Lake Nyasa), which covers one-third of the country, Malawi is a water-focused destination with freshwater beaches, snorkeling, and island-hopping. Lilongwe, the capital since 1975, is a modern planned city. Malawi was a British colony (Nyasaland) until independence in 1964 and is a member of the Commonwealth. English is an official language alongside Chichewa. Malawi is one of Africa's poorest countries but also one of the safest and most stable, with a peaceful democratic transition in 2020. Visitors are drawn to Lake Malawi's crystal-clear waters and beaches (UNESCO World Heritage Site), Cape Maclear and Nkhata Bay backpacker hubs, Likoma Island in Mozambican waters, freshwater snorkeling with colorful cichlid fish (800+ species endemic to lake), Liwonde National Park elephants and hippos, Nyika Plateau high-altitude grasslands, Mount Mulanje hiking (third-highest peak in Africa), traditional villages and culture, and warm, welcoming people. Malawi offers lake relaxation, affordable travel, wildlife, and authentic African hospitality.

Visa Requirements for Malawi

Malawi offers visa on arrival for most international visitors at airports and major land borders, but fees are relatively high. Single-entry tourist visas cost $75 USD for most nationalities, with processing at entry points. E-visas are available online through the official portal (www.immigration.gov.mw/evisa) for same or slightly higher fees, allowing pre-approval. Citizens of some Commonwealth countries (UK, Canada, Australia, South Africa, etc.) and SADC member states can enter visa-free for 30-90 days depending on agreements. US citizens need visa on arrival ($75). Passport must be valid for 6 months. Yellow fever certificate required if arriving from yellow fever endemic countries. Malawi's visa system is straightforward but costs can add up for travelers - e-visa recommended to avoid long queues at Lilongwe Airport. Extensions available at Immigration Department offices. Despite being one of Africa's poorest countries, Malawi maintains relatively efficient visa procedures.

Common Visa Types

Visa on Arrival (Tourist)

30 days single entry; costs $75 USD for most nationalities; available at airports and major border crossings; requires passport (valid 6 months), yellow fever certificate (if from endemic area), return ticket, proof of accommodation; payment in USD cash; processing 30-60 minutes; can have long queues.

For tourism for most nationalities, obtained at Kamuzu International Airport (Lilongwe) or major land borders.

E-Visa (Tourist/Business)

30 days single entry; costs $75-100 USD depending on type; apply at www.immigration.gov.mw/evisa; processing 5-7 business days; requires passport scan, photo, travel itinerary, yellow fever certificate (if applicable); print e-visa approval; faster entry at airport.

For tourism or business, applied for online before travel to speed up entry process.

Visa-Free Entry (Commonwealth/SADC)

30-90 days depending on nationality; UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and others eligible; passport valid 6 months required; no visa fee; yellow fever certificate if from endemic area; extendable.

For citizens of some Commonwealth countries and SADC members who can enter without visa.

Visa Extension

Extensions possible; apply at Immigration Department in Lilongwe, Blantyre, or Mzuzu before visa expires; costs ~$50-100 for 30-60 day extension; requires passport, application, reason for extension, proof of funds, accommodation; processing few days.

For visitors wishing to extend stay beyond initial 30 days.

Important Travel Information

Passport validity: Must be valid for at least 6 months from entry date. Blank pages required for stamps.

Yellow fever certificate: Required if arriving from yellow fever endemic countries (Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, etc.). Not required if arriving directly from non-endemic countries (Europe, North America). Strictly enforced. Bring physical certificate.

Visa costs add up: $75 visa on arrival is expensive by African standards (Kenya e-visa $50, Tanzania $50). Consider e-visa to avoid airport queues. Budget for visa costs when planning trip. Multiple entry visas cost more.

Cities with missions

Where this country maintains embassies or consulates

Lilongwe
States & Regions in Malawi

Explore different regions and their cities.

Hosted missions

Embassies in Malawi

These foreign embassies and consulates are based here. Choose a mission to open its in-depth guide and contact details.

Key origin countries

United Kingdom in Malawi

All countries by continent

Planning your Malawi lake adventure?

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