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Visamundi service: €39 incl. VAT
Consular fee: 50 USD
Electronic visaVisamundi service: €39 incl. VAT
Consular fee: 50 USD
Electronic visaVisamundi service: €39 incl. VAT
Consular fee: 150 USD
Electronic visaVisamundi service: €39 incl. VAT
Consular fee: 250 USD
Electronic visaOften nicknamed the "Warm Heart of Africa", Malawi charms travellers with the kindness of its people, the raw beauty of its landscapes and the richness of its wildlife. To enjoy it with peace of mind, however, you now need to plan entry formalities carefully: for most travellers, the safest route is to apply for an e-Visa before departure through the official portal.
01 · The essentials
Travel planning starts with the administrative side. Since 3 January 2026, Malawi has reintroduced visa requirements for many international travellers, including several nationalities that had previously benefited from a waiver, such as France, Belgium, Switzerland, Canada and the United States.
The official system now separates travellers into two groups: Category One countries, whose nationals must obtain a visa or prior authorisation before travelling, and Category Two countries, whose nationals may still receive a visa on arrival at designated ports of entry.
Even for travellers eligible for visa on arrival, the Government of Malawi strongly recommends an online application before departure through evisa.gov.mw to reduce delays and avoid boarding issues.
02 · How it works
Gather all required supporting documents before opening the form. Check passport validity, photo compliance, consistency of travel dates and the availability of accommodation evidence or extra documents for minors where relevant.
Access the official evisa.gov.mw portal. Enter your personal details, passport data, stay dates in Malawi, purpose of travel and any other requested information. Review every field carefully.
Import the required documents on the platform, especially the photo, passport copy and accommodation evidence. If you are travelling with minors, also add the extra supporting documents relevant to the file.
Once the form is complete and the documents uploaded, pay the fee in USD by card. As a guide, the official platform lists USD 50 for transit or single entry, USD 150 for multiple entry over 6 months, and USD 250 for multiple entry over 12 months.
After submission, the Malawian authorities process your application. The usual published timeframe is around 3 working days, but it can take longer if the file is incomplete or during busy periods.
When the visa is approved, you receive an approval letter by email. Print this document and keep it with your passport throughout the trip.
On arrival in Malawi, present your printed approval letter, your passport and any other supporting documents if required. The authorities then finalise your admission into the country.
The official portal mentions roughly three working days of processing when the application is complete.
03 · Who needs it
Since the tightening announced at the start of 2026, Malawi once again requires a visa for many travellers who had benefited from the 2024 waiver policy. European, Canadian, US and UK travellers are among those affected again.
Some exemptions remain. The brief provided here cites the following exempt nationalities in particular: South Africa, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Benin, Botswana, Dominica, Ecuador, Eswatini, Fiji, Gambia, Ghana, Grenada, Haiti, Hong Kong, Israel, Jamaica, Kenya, Kiribati, Lesotho, Malaysia, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Nauru, Uganda, the Philippines, the Dominican Republic, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Seychelles, Singapore, Tanzania, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
The safest approach is still to check your status with the official eligibility tool before booking, because your passport category determines whether you must secure an e-Visa before departure or whether a visa on arrival remains possible.
A visa or prior authorisation is required before boarding.
Visa on arrival is possible at designated ports of entry, but an online application is still recommended.
It must be printed and shown on arrival; without it, the trip may be disrupted.
Proof may be required if you transited for more than 12 hours or stayed in an endemic country before arrival, even though it is not requested for the e-Visa filing itself.
04 · Why go
Far from mass tourism, Malawi offers an intimate and welcoming travel experience that fully justifies its nickname, the "Warm Heart of Africa". The country stands out as much for the kindness of its people as for the diversity of its landscapes, between lake shores, mountain massifs, high plateaus and restored wildlife reserves.
Whether you want to dive into the turquoise waters of Lake Malawi, look for the Big Five in revived parks or hike to spectacular summits, the country lends itself to an authentic and memorable adventure.
A vast inland sea listed by UNESCO, famous for its clear waters, golden beaches, Cape Maclear, Nkhata Bay and extraordinary aquatic biodiversity.
One of Africa's major conservation success stories, now offering the Big Five in a more intimate safari setting.
Along the Shire River, this is prime territory for elephants, hippos, crocodiles and birdlife, with unforgettable sunset boat safaris.
Mount Mulanje attracts trekkers, while the Nyika Plateau offers high-altitude landscapes, zebras, antelope and an almost Scottish atmosphere.
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