Malawi entry requirements for Poland 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
Polish passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Malawi, valid for up to 90 days. You'll need a valid passport with at least one blank page and proof of onward travel. No prior application is needed — just show up at the airport or border post and pay the fee in cash.
Apply for Malawi eVisaOfficial portal: Malawi eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrivalYou will get your visa when you land in Malawi, not before you travel. Single-entry visa issued at Malawi ports of entry | Polish citizens can obtain a visa on arrival in Malawi for a stay of up to 90 days. The visa fee is payable in cash (USD or Malawi Kwacha) at the port of entry. No prior application is required. | Required |
| Passport validityIf your passport expires sooner, you may be denied entry. At least 6 months remaining | Your Polish passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry into Malawi. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesThe visa and entry stamps need a clean page to be placed on. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least one blank page for the visa stamp and entry/exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketHave your flight itinerary or booking confirmation ready to show at the border. Proof of departure from Malawi | Immigration officials may require proof of a return or onward ticket showing you will leave Malawi before your 90-day visa expires. | Required |
| Proof of sufficient fundsCarry a bank statement or credit card to show you can support yourself. For your stay | You may be asked to show evidence of sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your stay in Malawi. There is no fixed minimum amount, but you should be able to demonstrate access to cash or cards. | Recommended |
| Yellow fever vaccination certificateCheck if your transit or origin country is on the yellow fever risk list. If arriving from a yellow fever risk country | A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Poland is not a risk country, but if you travel via such a country, you must have the certificate. | Required |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any online arrival form before you travel. Not required | No arrival declaration is required for Polish citizens entering Malawi. | Not required |
| eVisa applicationThe eVisa system is for other nationalities, not for Polish passport holders. Not applicable for Polish citizens | Polish citizens are not eligible for Malawi's eVisa program. Do not apply online; obtain your visa on arrival instead. | Not required |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash (USD or MWK). There are no card payment facilities at immigration. Carry the exact amount if possible to avoid change issues.
No eVisa for Polish passport holders
Even though Malawi has an eVisa system, Polish citizens are not eligible. Use the visa on arrival or apply at a Malawi embassy/consulate if you need a visa in advance.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Malawi entry point
At Lilongwe (LLW) or Blantyre (BLZ) international airports, follow the 'Visa on Arrival' signs. At land borders, go to the immigration desk.
2
Present your documents
Hand over your passport, completed arrival form (if given), and proof of onward travel. The officer will check your passport validity and blank page.
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay the visa fee in cash (USD or MWK). Keep the receipt — you may need it when you leave.
4
Receive your visa stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with the visa, noting the entry date and allowed stay (up to 90 days). Check the stamp before leaving the desk.
5
Proceed to baggage and customs
After immigration, collect your bags and pass through customs. Have your passport ready for a possible second check.
Download Malawi Entry Checklist
PDF · Poland 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
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$100
Requires invitation letter from Malawian company.
Multiple entry visa
Max stay90 days per visit
Validity12 months
Cost$150
For frequent travelers; apply at Malawi Embassy.
work visa
Employment Permit
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD
For those with a job offer from a Malawian employer. Requires employer sponsorship and proof of qualifications.
student visa
Student Permit
Duration of studies, renewable
~$100 USD
For enrolled students at accredited Malawian institutions. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Business Residence Permit
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD
For investors with significant capital (minimum $50,000 USD) in a Malawian business. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry, 90 days)Payable in USD, GBP, or MWK at port of entry. | $75 |
| Visa extension (per 3 months)Apply at Department of Immigration in Lilongwe or Blantyre. | $50 |
| Exit feeNo separate departure tax for international flights. | Included in airfare |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket35%
Insufficient funds25%
Incomplete travel 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
Polish citizens transiting through Malawi (e.g., at Lilongwe or Chileka airports) do not need a visa if staying airside and not entering the country.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or staying overnight, a visa on arrival is required.
Transit hubsLilongwe (LLW) · Blantyre (BLZ)
Health & vaccines for Malawi
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialRabiesConsiderCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout Malawi; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance advised.
CholeraLow risk
Risk during rainy season; practice food and water safety.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is high risk nationwide, especially in lowland areas. 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
Capital Hill, Lilongwe
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and permits.
Blantyre
Blantyre Immigration Office
Ginnery Corner, Blantyre
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Handles extensions and re-entry permits.
Practical information for PL 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
Yes, visa on arrival is available at major airports (Lilongwe, Blantyre) and most land border posts. However, it's always safer to confirm with the specific border post if you're crossing by land, as some remote posts may not have the facility.
The fee is typically around $50–$75 USD for a single-entry visa. It can be paid in US dollars or Malawian kwacha. Check the current rate before you travel, as it may change.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. You must leave before the 90 days are up. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to exit and re-enter, but that's not guaranteed to reset the clock — best to plan your trip within 90 days.
Only if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. If you're flying directly from Poland or another non-risk country, you don't need it. But if you've been in sub-Saharan Africa or South America recently, bring your certificate.
You will likely be denied entry. Malawi requires passports to be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry. Renew your passport before traveling.
No, the visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash. Bring US dollars or Malawian kwacha. ATMs are available at the airport, but it's safer to have cash on hand before you land.
No, Polish citizens are not eligible for Malawi's eVisa program. You must apply for a visa at an embassy/consulate before travel if you prefer not to get it on arrival. However, the visa on arrival is straightforward and available for you.
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.