Is it safe to travel to Malawi right now?

This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Malawi’s current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Malawi set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Malawi Revenue Authority.

Passport validity requirements

Your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the day you arrive in Malawi.

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Dual nationals

When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.

Visa requirements

You must apply for a visa to enter Malawi.

Applying for a visa

Single or multiple entry visas can be obtained on arrival. You are advised to bring US dollars in cash for payment:

• 50 US dollars for a single-entry visa
• 150 US dollars for a 6-month multiple entry visa, and
• 250 US dollars for a one-year multiple entry visa

On-line e-visas are available on the Malawi Immigration website.

If you wish to live, work or study in Malawi, visit the Malawi Immigration website for further information.

Travelling with children from South Africa

If you’re travelling with children aged 17 and under and passing through South Africa, see what documents you need in South Africa travel advice.

Vaccine requirements

To enter Malawi, you must have certificates to prove you’ve had:

• a yellow fever vaccination if you’re coming from a country listed as a transmission risk
• a polio vaccine, in some circumstances

For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Malawi guide.

Traveller health check form

The Ministry of Health and Sanitation require arriving passengers to complete a Traveller Health Check form. This can be accessed on arrival through a QR code or completed in advance.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Malawi. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Some countries have imposed measures in response to the Ebola disease outbreak. These can include restrictions on entry and health screening measures for travellers having recently visited an affected country. If you are suspected of having symptoms, you may be subject to isolation, quarantine and/or travel restrictions. Contact the authorities of the country you are travelling to for more details.

The authorities of a country or territory decide who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from local authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada.

Passport

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you're travelling with.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country's entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid at least six months beyond the date you expect to leave Malawi and have a least 2 blank pages.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, verify this information with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

You should also be aware that current systems used by some countries and travel companies may not recognize the “X” gender identifier. You may still be asked to provide your sex/gender information as either male or female when travelling.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, verify this information with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics
• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports and other travel documents

Visas

Tourist visa: required
Business visa: required
Student visa: required

You can obtain a 3-month single entry visa or a 6-month multiple-entry visa on arrival at main ports of entry. You can also obtain an e-visa before your departure to Malawi.

e-Visa System – Department of Immigration and Citizenship services of the Republic of Malawi

Extending your visa

If you wish to extend your stay in Malawi, contact the Department of Immigration and Citizenship of Malawi. You may be fined upon departure if you overstay without proper authorization.

Working and volunteering

You cannot perform any type of work, including volunteer work, on a tourist visa. Contact the Malawi Department of Immigration and citizenship services for information on specific requirements.

Permit information – Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services of the Republic of Malawi

Health declaration form

You must complete an online health declaration form before travelling to Malawi.

Traveller Health Check – Ministry of Health and Sanitation of the Republic of Malawi

Children and travel

Learn about travelling with children.

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).