Malawi

Malawi visa guide: eVisa and immigration permits

4 visa types
checked 25 October 2026

How visas for Malawi work

Malawi's Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services, part of the Ministry of Home Affairs and Homeland Security, handles border control, visas, residence and work permits and citizenship. Visas are applied for on the official eVisa portal (evisa.gov.mw) and immigration permits on the separate ePermit portal (epermit.gov.mw). The department's headquarters are in Blantyre.

The eVisa portal's eligibility check tells you whether your nationality needs a visa. Since 24 February 2026, nationals of countries in Malawi's Category Two may obtain a visa on arrival at designated ports of entry, while Category One nationals must obtain a visa or prior authorisation before departure; the department encourages all travellers to apply online in advance.

eVisas are processed within three working days and cost USD 50 for a single entry or transit, USD 150 for multiple entry over six months and USD 250 for multiple entry over twelve months, paid online by card in US dollars. Longer stays require a permit: a temporary residence permit after a visit of up to 90 days, a study permit, an employment permit issued before entry, a business residence permit for the self-employed, or permanent residence.

Which visa do I need?

Holiday or business visit: eVisa before travel, USD 50 single entry (required in advance for Category One nationals).

Several visits in a year: multiple-entry eVisa for six months (USD 150) or twelve months (USD 250).

Staying beyond 90 days for a justified reason: temporary residence permit.

Taking up a job: temporary employment permit, applied for by the employer while you wait outside Malawi.

Investing in or running your own business: business residence permit (at least USD 50,000 from abroad).

Studying or doing research: study permit.

Visa types for Malawi

Business and self-employment

Investor visa Business residence permit (BRP)
Malawi's business residence permit lets a foreigner live in Malawi to run a business, profession or occupation as a self-employed person, partner or proprietor.
Maximum stay: Five years, renewable for successive five-year periods

Work

Work visa Temporary employment permit (TEP)
A foreigner offered a job in Malawi needs a temporary employment permit (TEP), applied for by the employing organisation while the applicant is still outside Malawi.
Processing time: Not published; contact the department if no reply after four months

Residence

Residence permit Temporary residence, study and permanent residence permits
Malawi issues a temporary residence permit to visitors who have stayed the maximum 90 days on a visitor's or business visit permit but have legitimate reasons to remain, a study permit for study or research at approved institutions, and a permanent residence permit authorising permanent residence.
Maximum stay: Visitors up to 90 days before needing a temporary residence permit

Online travel permits

e-Visa Malawi eVisa (single, multiple and transit)
Malawi's eVisa is applied for only on the official eVisa portal and processed within three working days.
Maximum stay: Visitors may reside up to 90 days before needing a temporary residence permit

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a visa for Malawi?

Use the eligibility check on the eVisa portal. Category One nationals must obtain a visa or prior authorisation before departure; Category Two nationals may also get a visa on arrival at designated ports.

How much is a Malawi eVisa?

USD 50 single entry or transit, USD 150 multiple entry for six months and USD 250 multiple entry for twelve months.

How long does the eVisa take?

Applications are processed within three working days.

Does Malawi offer a visa on arrival?

Since 24 February 2026 nationals of Category Two countries can get one at designated ports; Category One nationals must apply in advance. Check your category with the eVisa portal before travelling.

Are eVisa fees refundable?

No. eVisa fees are non-refundable, and the department may refuse without giving reasons.