Malawi entry requirements for Portugal 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
Portuguese 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 sufficient funds. This applies to tourism and business visits in 2026.
Apply for Malawi eVisaOfficial portal: Malawi eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrivalYou will get your visa when you arrive in Malawi, not before you travel. Entry permit for Portugal passport holders | Portuguese citizens can obtain a visa on arrival at Malawi's ports of entry. The visa allows a stay of up to 90 days. It is not extendable. No prior eVisa application is required for Portuguese passport holders. | Required |
| Passport validityYour passport must be valid well beyond your trip, not just for the dates you are there. Minimum 6 months from arrival | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of arrival in Malawi. Ensure your passport does not expire before 2027-02-06 if you arrive on 2026-08-06. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesThe immigration officer will stamp your passport, so you need a clean page for it. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for the visa stamp upon arrival. It is wise to have more than one blank page in case of additional stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketImmigration wants to see that you plan to leave the country. Proof of departure | You may be asked to show a return or onward ticket proving you will leave Malawi before your 90-day visa expires. Have a printed or digital copy ready. | Required |
| Proof of fundsIt's a good idea to carry evidence that you can pay for your expenses. Sufficient means of support | You may be required to demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to cover your stay in Malawi. This can be cash, credit cards, or bank statements. | Recommended |
| Visa fee paymentYou'll need to pay for the visa when you arrive, so have cash ready. Pay in cash at the border | The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash, typically in US dollars or Malawian kwacha. Check the current fee amount before travel and carry the exact amount if possible. | Required |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to prepare any special arrival form before you travel. Not required for Portugal passport holders | No arrival declaration is required for Portuguese citizens entering Malawi. You do not need to fill out any additional health or customs forms beyond the standard immigration card. | Not required |
Cash is king at immigration
The visa on arrival fee is paid in cash. ATMs at the airport may be unreliable, and card payments aren't accepted for visa fees. Bring USD or Malawian kwacha in small denominations.
No extensions — plan your exit
Your 90-day visa on arrival cannot be extended. Overstaying can lead to fines or deportation. Make sure your departure date is within the 90-day window.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Malawi airport
Fly into Lilongwe (Kamuzu International Airport) or Blantyre (Chileka International Airport). Follow the signs to immigration after landing.
2
Go to the Visa on Arrival desk
At immigration, look for the visa on arrival counter. Join the queue and have your passport, completed arrival form (if given), and cash ready.
3
Submit documents and pay fee
Hand over your passport, show your return ticket and proof of funds if asked, and pay the visa fee. The officer will process your visa and stamp your passport.
4
Pass through immigration control
After getting the visa stamp, proceed to the immigration officer for entry clearance. They may ask about your stay — answer briefly and honestly.
5
Collect baggage and exit
Pick up your luggage and go through customs. Keep your passport safe — you'll need it when leaving Malawi.
Download Malawi Entry Checklist
PDF · Portugal 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
Can be obtained on arrival; requires invitation letter from Malawian company.
Multiple entry visa
Max stay90 days per visit
Validity6 months
Cost$150
Apply at Malawian embassy before travel; useful for frequent visitors.
work visa
Temporary Employment Permit
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD
For foreign nationals with a job offer in Malawi. Requires employer sponsorship and proof of qualifications. Allows legal work and residence.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable
~$100 USD
For enrolled students at a recognized Malawian institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
retirement visa
Retirement Permit
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds. Allows long-term stay without work.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry, 90 days)Payable in cash (USD, GBP, or MWK) at port of entry. | $50 (or equivalent in MWK) |
| Visa extension (per 30 days)Apply at Department of Immigration in Lilongwe or Blantyre. | Approx. $50 |
| Exit feeNo separate departure tax for most international flights. | Included in airfare |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
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 continuing within 24 hours do not need a visa.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Passengers leaving the airport or staying overnight must obtain a visa on arrival.
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.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout Malawi; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance advised.
CholeraLow risk
Risk in areas with poor sanitation; drink bottled water.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is high throughout Malawi, 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 and Citizenship Services - Headquarters
Off Presidential Way, Capital City, Lilongwe
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and permits; bring passport, photos, and fee.
Blantyre
Department of Immigration - Blantyre Office
Ginnery Corner, Blantyre
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Regional office for southern Malawi; services similar to Lilongwe.
Practical information for PT 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 fee is typically around $50 USD for a single-entry visa, but it can change. Pay in USD or Malawian kwacha — have small bills to make change easier.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. You must leave Malawi before the 90 days are up, or you risk overstay penalties.
If you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk, you'll need a yellow fever certificate. For direct travel from Portugal, it's not required, but check the latest health advice before you go.
It's available at major airports (Lilongwe and Blantyre) and some land border crossings. For land borders, confirm in advance as facilities vary.
You can apply at a Malawian embassy or consulate, but it's not necessary for Portuguese citizens. The visa on arrival is straightforward and accepted at airports.
Immigration may deny entry if you can't show a ticket out of Malawi. It's best to have one ready, even if it's a refundable ticket.
The visa covers tourism and business visits. For work or long-term stays, you need a different visa type — apply at an embassy before you travel.
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.