Malawi entry requirements for Switzerland passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 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
Swiss passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Malawi. The process is straightforward at Lilongwe and Blantyre airports. As of 2025, you'll need to pay the fee in cash (USD) and have a few documents ready.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Swiss passport holders get a 30-day visa on arrival at Lilongwe and Blantyre airports. Cost is $75 USD in cash (exact change required — no change given). Have a passport photo ready.Check visa details | Required |
| Valid passport Passport validity | Passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. If you cannot show one, they may deny entry or require you to buy a ticket at the airport. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a printed hotel booking or a letter of invitation from your host in Malawi. Officers sometimes ask for this at the visa-on-arrival counter. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient cash or card | Carry at least $300 USD in cash or have a credit card with available balance. Immigration may ask how you plan to fund your stay. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa on arrival
The visa fee must be paid in US dollars cash. There is no ATM or card payment at the visa counter. Bring crisp, clean bills — any rips or marks may be rejected.
Visa on arrival is straightforward
Most Swiss travellers get their visa on arrival without issues. The process takes 10–20 minutes at Lilongwe or Blantyre airports. Just have your documents ready and the fee in cash.
What happens at the border
1
Land at Lilongwe or Blantyre airport
After deplaning, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Visa on Arrival'. There's a dedicated counter for visa issuance.
2
Fill out the visa application form
You'll be given a small form to complete. It asks for basic info: name, passport number, flight details, where you're staying. Have your accommodation address ready.
3
Submit documents and pay the fee
Hand over your passport, completed form, and return ticket. Pay the visa fee in USD cash. The officer will process and issue a visa sticker.
4
Get your passport stamped
The visa sticker is placed in your passport, and you'll get an entry stamp. The whole process usually takes 10–20 minutes.
5
Proceed to baggage claim and customs
After immigration, collect your luggage and pass through customs. There's usually no further checks unless you're carrying restricted items.
Download Malawi Entry Checklist
PDF · Switzerland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist Visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable up to 90 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost75 USD (approx. 75 USD)
Apply at a Malawian embassy before travel for a longer stay.
Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost150 USD (approx. 150 USD)
Ideal for travellers planning multiple visits within the validity period.
Business Visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost100 USD (approx. 100 USD)
Requires a letter of invitation from a Malawian company.
work visa
Temporary Employment Permit
Up to 2 years, renewable
~200 USD (approx. 200 USD)
For foreign nationals with a job offer in Malawi. Requires employer sponsorship and proof of qualifications. Allows multiple entries.
investor visa
Business Residence Permit
1 year, renewable
~500 USD (approx. 500 USD)
For investors who establish a business in Malawi. Requires minimum investment of $250,000 and a detailed business plan.
student visa
Student Permit
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~100 USD (approx. 100 USD)
For those enrolled in a recognized Malawian educational institution. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Payable in cash (USD or local currency) at the port of entry. | 75 USD (approx. 75 USD) |
| Visa on Arrival (multiple entry)For those needing multiple entries during their stay. | 150 USD (approx. 150 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap specified; avoid overstaying. | 30 USD per day (approx. 30 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
Swiss passport holders transiting through Malawi do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket. However, if you need to clear immigration (e.g., to change airports or collect luggage), a visa on arrival may be required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If you have a confirmed onward ticket and stay airside, no visa is needed.
- If you need to enter Malawi (e.g., overnight stay), a visa on arrival is available.
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 AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Malaria is present throughout Malawi, especially in low-lying areas; prophylaxis is strongly recommended.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Dengue outbreaks occur, particularly in urban areas; use mosquito repellent.
SchistosomiasisModerate risk
Risk from swimming in freshwater lakes and rivers; avoid contact with untreated water.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is high throughout Malawi, including tourist areas like Lake Malawi. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil or doxycycline) is recommended. Use mosquito nets and repellent.
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 and Citizenship Services - Headquarters
Private Bag 331, Capital City, Lilongwe 3
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, photos, and fee.
Blantyre
Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services - Blantyre Office
P.O. Box 30148, Chichiri, Blantyre 3
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Regional office for visa extensions and inquiries.
Practical information for CH 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 = 1,743.16 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 single-entry tourist visa on arrival costs approximately $75 USD. You must pay in US dollars cash. The exact amount can vary slightly, so bring a little extra. There is no option to pay by card or in local currency.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you would need to leave and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before travel. The standard stay is 30 days.
Visa on arrival is also available at most major land border crossings, including Mchinji (from Zambia) and Mwanza (from Mozambique). The process is similar — fill out a form, pay in USD cash, and get your visa. However, smaller crossings may not have the facility, so stick to official border posts.
If you are arriving from a country with yellow fever risk, you must show a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Switzerland is not a risk country, but if you've traveled recently to a risk area, you'll need the certificate. Otherwise, it's not required.
Yes, Malawi offers an e-visa system. You can apply online before travel. The cost is similar to the visa on arrival, but it saves you time at the airport. However, the visa on arrival is perfectly fine for most travellers.
Immigration may deny you entry. They want proof that you will leave Malawi within your allowed stay. A return or onward ticket is mandatory. If you don't have one, you may be asked to buy one on the spot or be refused entry.
Yes, immigration officers have discretion. Common reasons for denial include: insufficient funds, no return ticket, invalid passport, or being flagged in the system. As long as you have all documents ready and a clean record, it's straightforward.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.