Malawi
United States
United States visa for Malawian citizens
Entry requirement
Malawian citizens need a visa for the United States, obtained before travel.
- Where to apply
- 1 mission
- Visa guide
- United States visa guide
Checked 7 November 2026 · Passport Index · Confirm at mw.usembassy.gov
Which United States visa?
Key facts
- Maximum stay
- Set by CBP on the I-94 at entry, usually up to 6 months for visitors
- Fee
- US$185
- Processing time
- Interview wait times vary; most visas are decided at or shortly after the interview unless administrative processing is needed
All visa types for the United States
The United States’ tourist visa costs US$185 at the standard rate published by its authorities. Processing time, as the United States states it: Interview wait times vary; most visas are decided at or shortly after the interview unless administrative processing is needed. Longest stay on the tourist visa: Set by CBP on the I-94 at entry, usually up to 6 months for visitors.
US missions in Malawi
- Embassy of the United States in Lilongwe
Kenyatta Road 16, Lilongwe
The United States has 1 mission in Malawi, with its embassy in Lilongwe.
US visas issued to citizens of Malawi
| Visas issued | FY 2024 | FY 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Visitor (B) | 1,829 | 1,212 |
| Student (F, M) | 459 | 302 |
| Exchange (J) | 116 | 95 |
| Work and treaty (H, L, O, E…) | 50 | 41 |
| Transit and crew (C, D) | 76 | 49 |
| Diplomatic and official (A, G) | 611 | 339 |
| Fiancé(e) (K) | 9 | 5 |
| Total | 3,150 | 2,043 |
| B visa refusal rate (adjusted) | 47.8% | 53.4% |
In fiscal year 2025 (October 2024 to September 2025) the United States issued 2,043 nonimmigrant visas to citizens of Malawi, the 144th highest number of the 206 nationalities listed. Visitor visas (B1/B2) made up 59%, diplomatic and official visas 17% and student visas 15%. That is 35% fewer than in fiscal year 2024 (3,150).
From October 2025 to February 2026, citizens of Malawi received 243, 74% fewer than in the same months a year earlier.
For visitor visas (B1/B2) the State Department reports an adjusted refusal rate of 53.4% for citizens of Malawi in fiscal year 2025 (fiscal year 2024: 47.8%). The adjusted rate counts a refusal that was later overcome, for example with further documents, as an issuance. A rate below 3% is one of the conditions for a country to join the Visa Waiver Program.
These figures count visas issued to citizens of Malawi anywhere in the world, not only at the US missions in Malawi.
Source: US Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs, monthly nonimmigrant visa issuances up to February 2026 and adjusted refusal rates (public domain). US fiscal years run from October to September. How these figures are made
US citizens travelling to Malawi
United StatesMalawi Visa-free, 30 days Malawi visa for citizens of the United States
Travel advice for the United States
- UK Foreign Office (FCDO) No advice against travel
- German Foreign Office No travel warning
What the US, British and German foreign ministries tell their own citizens about travelling there, in each ministry’s own terms.
For a trip from Malawi to the United States, the published travel advice reads as follows: the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office does not advise against travel to the United States (updated 30 October 2026) and the German Foreign Office has no travel warning for the United States (updated 30 October 2026). The advice is aimed at each government’s own nationals.
Good to know
How long Malawian citizens can stay in the United States
How long Malawian citizens may stay in the United States is set by the visa issued, and the visa type must match the purpose of the trip.
How Malawian citizens apply
In Malawi, applications go to the US embassy in Lilongwe, or to a visa centre acting for the United States; fees, documents and processing times are published by the United States.
The United States’ neighbours for Malawian citizens
Canada and Mexico require Malawian citizens to obtain a visa in advance.
US citizens travelling to Malawi
Malawi admits US citizens without a visa for stays of up to 30 days.
Frequently asked questions
Do Malawian citizens need a visa for the United States?
Malawian citizens need a visa for the United States, obtained before travel.
Where is the US embassy in Malawi?
The US embassy in Malawi is in Lilongwe.
How much does the United States tourist visa cost?
The United States’ official sources give a standard fee of US$185 for the tourist visa. Processing time: Interview wait times vary; most visas are decided at or shortly after the interview unless administrative processing is needed.
Do US citizens need a visa for Malawi?
Malawi admits US citizens without a visa for stays of up to 30 days.
Can Malawian citizens enter the United States visa-free?
No; Malawian citizens need a visa for the United States obtained in advance.
Visa data: Passport Index via passport-index-data, as of 7 November 2026. Rules change, sometimes overnight. Confirm with the embassy or the official government portal before you book.