Malawi entry requirements for Bahrain passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
Visa on arrival
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Bahraini passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Malawi. You'll receive a 30-day single-entry visa at the airport or land border, valid for tourism or business visits. As of 2025, this is the standard entry method — no need to apply in advance.
Apply for Malawi eVisaOfficial portal: Malawi eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get a 30-day visa on arrival at Lilongwe or Blantyre airport. Pay $75 USD in cash (exact change preferred) — they don't always have change. Have a printed copy of your hotel booking and return ticket ready at the visa counter.Check visa details | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your passport needs at least one blank page for the visa sticker. Malawi does not enforce a 6-month validity rule — just needs to cover your stay. Airlines at Bahrain International may still ask for 6 months, so check with Gulf Air or your carrier. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Kamuzu International Airport always ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a bus/ticket to a neighboring country. Overland exits via Mchinji or Mwanza border posts are accepted. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to have ready | Hotel booking confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host in Malawi. If staying with friends, have them write a letter with their address and phone number. Officers rarely check this at the visa counter, but having it avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to have ready | Carry at least $300 USD in cash or a credit card showing available balance. The visa fee is $75 USD cash, and you'll need cash for taxis and meals — ATMs in Lilongwe are unreliable. Immigration rarely asks, but budget airlines sometimes check at check-in. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash — US dollars or Malawian kwacha. Cards are not accepted. Bring exact change if possible. ATMs at the airport can be unreliable.
Visa on arrival is standard
You do not need to apply for a visa before travel. Just show up with your passport, return ticket, and cash. The process takes about 10–15 minutes at the airport.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at immigration counter
At Lilongwe (LLW) or Blantyre (BLZ) airport, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. At land borders, go to the immigration office. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation ready.
2
Fill out the visa application form
You'll be given a short form to complete — name, passport number, flight details, purpose of visit. A pen is provided, but bring your own just in case.
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay the $75 USD (or equivalent in Malawian kwacha) in cash. Keep the receipt — you may need it when leaving.
4
Receive your visa sticker
The officer will place a visa sticker in your passport, stamp it, and hand it back. Check the validity dates before walking away.
5
Proceed to baggage claim and customs
After immigration, collect your luggage and pass through customs. No further paperwork needed.
Download Malawi Entry Checklist
PDF · Bahrain Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist Visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost75 USD (75 USD)
Apply at Malawi embassy or online before travel.
Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per visit
Validity6 months from issue
Cost150 USD (150 USD)
For frequent travellers; apply in advance.
work visa
Temporary Employment Permit
Up to 2 years, renewable
~200 USD (application fee)
For foreign nationals with a job offer in Malawi. Requires employer sponsorship and proof of qualifications.
investor visa
Business Residence Permit
1 year, renewable
~500 USD (application fee)
For investors with a minimum investment of $250,000 in Malawi. Requires business plan and proof of funds.
student visa
Student Permit
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~100 USD (application fee)
For those enrolled in a recognized educational institution in Malawi. Requires admission letter and proof of financial support.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Payable in cash (USD or local currency) at port of entry. | 75 USD (75 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap specified; avoid overstaying. | 10 USD per day (10 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documents20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Malawi
No transit visa needed
Bahrain passport holders transiting through Malawi do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if leaving the airport, a visa on arrival is required.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsLilongwe International Airport (LLW) · Chileka International Airport (BLZ)
Health & vaccines for Malawi
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance advised.
CholeraLow risk
Occasional outbreaks; practice food and water safety.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in all regions. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Lilongwe
Department of Immigration Headquarters
Off Presidential Way, Capital Hill, Lilongwe
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
For visa extensions and permits; bring passport, photos, and fee.
Blantyre
Blantyre Immigration Office
Ginnery Corner, Blantyre
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Handles extensions and re-entry permits.
Practical information for BH travellers
Country basics
CapitalLilongwe
LanguageEnglish, Chichewa
Driving sideLeft-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 90 days; an International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyMalawian kwacha (MWK)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1,739.97 MWK
Time zone
Local timeUTC+2
vs New York+7h
vs Los Angeles+10h
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
GType G (three rectangular prongs, UK standard)
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; use bottled or boiled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
The visa on arrival is typically valid for 30 days from the date of issue. It's a single-entry visa, so if you leave Malawi, you'll need a new visa to re-enter.
Yes, you can apply for an extension at the Department of Immigration in Lilongwe or Blantyre. Extensions are granted in 30-day increments, but approval is not guaranteed. The cost is around $50 USD per extension. Apply before your current visa expires.
Yes, the visa on arrival is available at all official land border crossings, including Mchinji (from Zambia) and Mwanza (from Mozambique). The process is the same: fill a form, pay the fee, get the sticker. Have cash ready.
No, only cash is accepted — US dollars or Malawian kwacha. Bring exact change if possible. ATMs are available at the airport but may not always work.
If you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (or have transited through one), you'll need to show a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Bahrain is not a risk country, so if you're flying direct from Bahrain, you don't need it. But if you've been in a risk country recently, get the vaccine and carry the card.
Overstaying is taken seriously. You'll be fined approximately $30 USD per day overstayed, and you may be detained or banned from re-entry. Always extend before your visa expires.
No, the visa on arrival is for tourism and business visits only (meetings, conferences, site visits). If you plan to work, volunteer, or study, you need a proper visa or permit arranged before travel.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.