Malawi eVisa

The eVisa portal's eligibility wizard tells applicants whether their nationality needs a visa. Since the public notice effective 24 February 2026, nationals of Category Two countries may also obtain a visa on arrival at designated ports, while Category One nationals must have a visa or prior authorisation before boarding. Whatever the category, the department strongly encourages applying online before departure to avoid delays at the border.

The Category One list published on the eVisa portal names the countries whose nationals require a visa well in advance or prior authorisation. Airlines are told to board Category Two nationals without a visa, but not Category One travellers, so a Category One passenger without an approved eVisa can be refused boarding. The Department of Immigration also states that Malawi visas can only be applied for online and that nobody should travel before the eVisa has been obtained.

The Department describes five visa types. The tourist visa, for visits, residence or business, is valid for three months and can be used once. The transit visa covers a transit of seven days and can also be used once. Official, courtesy and diplomatic visas, each valid for three months and for one use, are for holders of official or diplomatic passports and for guests invited by the Government of Malawi.

The form asks for the traveller's details exactly as on the passport data page, travel details, a photograph and supporting documents. Uploads must be scans, not camera photos. The eVisa carries the particulars of the passport used in the application, and you must travel on that passport.

The portal lists USD 50 for a transit visa, USD 50 for single entry, USD 150 for multiple entry over six months and USD 250 for multiple entry over twelve months. The visa fee and a convenience fee are paid online by Visa or Mastercard credit or debit card, in US dollars. Fees are non-refundable, including when an application is refused.

The Department's own visa fees page shows USD 75 for a single-entry visa, while the eVisa portal's FAQ shows USD 50; the other amounts (USD 50 transit, USD 150 and USD 250 multiple entry) match. The amount charged is the one displayed in the portal at payment.

Create an account, complete the form, pay and wait for the email confirmation. The department processes applications within three working days and may refuse without giving reasons. The approval letter is available in your account and by email; print it, because a copy is mandatory before travelling and it must be shown at passport control. Validity runs from the date of issue, and officers at the port of entry may still refuse entry. Support is available at evisa.support@immigration.gov.mw.

On arrival, a visitor's or business visit permit is endorsed for 30 days and can be extended for a further 60 days on application and payment of the fee. A visitor who has spent the maximum 90 days and has justified reasons to stay longer applies for a temporary residence permit. Employment requires a separate permit; a tourist visa does not allow work.

The Department does not give reasons for refusing an eVisa and fees are not refunded. A refused applicant can only resubmit a new application. Under Malawi's immigration law some people are prohibited immigrants, for example those likely to become a public charge for lack of means, those deported or ordered to leave Malawi, and those declared undesirable through official or diplomatic channels; their entry is unlawful without a temporary permit from the Minister.