Malawi entry requirements for Malta passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 6, 2026·View sources
Visa on arrival
90 days
Max stay
90 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Maltese passport holders can obtain a visa on arrival in Malawi, valid for up to 90 days. No prior application is needed—just arrive at the airport or border post with your passport and the entry fee. This has been the case in 2026, making Malawi a straightforward destination for Maltese travellers.
Apply for Malawi eVisaOfficial portal: Malawi eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrivalYou will receive your visa at the port of entry, so no need to visit an embassy beforehand. Entry permit issued at Malawi border | Malta passport holders are eligible for a visa on arrival in Malawi, valid for a stay of up to 90 days. No prior application is required. The visa is not extendable. | Required |
| Passport validityCheck your passport's expiry date well before you travel to avoid being denied boarding. Minimum 6 months from entry | Your Malta passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry into Malawi. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesThe blank page must be free of any markings or stamps. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must contain at least 1 blank page for the visa stamp and entry/exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketHave your flight itinerary printed or accessible on your phone. Proof of departure | Immigration may require evidence of a return or onward flight ticket out of Malawi, showing departure before the 90-day visa expires. | Required |
| Proof of fundsCarry a mix of cash and cards to demonstrate financial self-sufficiency. Sufficient for stay | You may be asked to show proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay in Malawi (e.g., bank statements, credit cards, cash). | Recommended |
| Visa fee paymentFees are subject to change; have exact change if possible. Payable in cash at entry | The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash at the border. Check the current fee amount with the Malawi embassy or official sources before travel, and carry US dollars or Malawi kwacha as accepted. | Required |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to complete any online or paper arrival declaration. Not required | No arrival declaration form is required for Malta passport holders entering Malawi. | Not required |
| eVisa applicationThe eVisa system is not available for your nationality, so skip any online application. Not applicable | Malta passport holders are not eligible for Malawi's eVisa program. Do not apply online; instead, obtain a visa on arrival at the border. | Not required |
Visa on arrival is straightforward
You don't need to apply in advance. Just arrive with your passport, cash, and proof of onward travel. The process is quick and efficient at major airports.
No eVisa for Maltese citizens
Despite Malawi having an eVisa system, Maltese passport holders are not eligible. Do not attempt to apply online — it will be rejected. Use the visa-on-arrival option instead.
Passport validity is critical
If your passport expires within 6 months of your entry date, you will be denied boarding by the airline and entry by Malawian immigration. Check your passport now and renew if needed.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the port of entry
Fly into Lilongwe (LLW) or Blantyre (BLZ), or cross a land border. At the airport, follow the signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration' after landing.
2
Join the visa-on-arrival queue
At the immigration hall, look for the designated counter for visa on arrival. Have your passport, fee, and any supporting documents ready.
3
Submit your documents and pay the fee
Hand over your passport and pay the visa fee in cash. The officer will process your visa and stamp your passport. This usually takes 10–15 minutes.
4
Proceed to passport control
After getting your visa, go to the passport control desk. The officer will check your passport and may ask about your stay. Then you're free to collect your luggage and enter Malawi.
Download Malawi Entry Checklist
PDF · Malta Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$50
Issued on arrival for business purposes; requires invitation letter from Malawian company.
Multiple entry visa
Max stay90 days per visit
Validity6 months
Cost$150
Apply in advance at Malawian embassy; useful for frequent travel.
work visa
Employment Permit
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (estimated)
For those with a job offer in Malawi. Requires employer sponsorship and proof of qualifications.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable
~$100 USD (estimated)
For enrolled students at a Malawian institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Permit
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (estimated)
For those investing in Malawi. Requires proof of investment and business plan.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry, 90 days)Payable in cash at port of entry; USD, GBP, EUR, or MWK accepted. | $50 (or equivalent in MWK) |
| Visa extension (per month)Apply at Department of Immigration in Lilongwe or Blantyre; max extension up to 90 days. | $50 (approx.) |
| Exit feeNo separate exit fee for most travelers. | Included in airfare |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
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
Transit passengers staying airside and not passing immigration do not need a visa.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or staying overnight, a visa on arrival is required.
Transit hubsLilongwe International Airport (LLW) · Chileka International Airport (BLZ)
Health & vaccines for Malawi
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk; certificate may be requested.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Malaria is prevalent throughout Malawi, especially in rural areas.
CholeraModerate risk
Outbreaks occur seasonally; practice good hygiene and drink safe water.
SchistosomiasisModerate risk
Risk from swimming in freshwater lakes and rivers; avoid contact with untreated water.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is high risk nationwide; prophylaxis recommended (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline). Use insect repellent and mosquito nets.
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
Capital City, Lilongwe
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and permits; bring passport and photos.
Blantyre
Immigration Office Blantyre
Chichiri, Blantyre
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Regional office for visa-related services.
Practical information for MT 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
Visa on arrival is available at major airports (Lilongwe and Blantyre) and most land border posts. However, it's always safer to use a well-known crossing like Mchinji or Mwanza. If you're unsure, check with the Malawian embassy before you travel.
The fee is typically around $50 USD for a 90-day visa. You can pay in US dollars or Malawian kwacha, but having exact USD is easiest. Fees can change, so carry a little extra just in case.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'll have to leave and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before your trip.
Only if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. If you're flying directly from Malta or another non-risk country, you don't need it. But if you've been in sub-Saharan Africa or South America recently, bring the certificate.
Immigration may ask for proof of onward travel. If you can't show it, you could be denied entry. It's best to have a return or onward ticket booked before you arrive.
No, Maltese citizens are not eligible for Malawi's eVisa program. You must apply for a visa on arrival or at a Malawian embassy/consulate before travel if you prefer to have it in advance.
US dollars are widely accepted and easiest. Make sure they are in good condition (no tears or marks). Malawian kwacha is also fine, but you'll need to exchange money before you reach immigration, which isn't always possible.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 6, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.