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Visa requirements for Malawi

Who can enter Malawi, by nationality. Tourism. Data as of October 19, 2026.

Passport holders from 195 countries can enter Malawi without a visa in advance. 39 have full visa-free access; 156 more can get a visa on arrival or use an electronic travel authorisation. Everyone else needs a visa, or an e-visa where one is offered, before travelling.

39 visa-free
156 on arrival
0 eTA
0 e-visa
47 visa required

242 nationalities

Visa-free entry

39 nationalities

Visa on arrival

156 nationalities

Visa required in advance

47 nationalities

UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Malawi

Malawi has 3 sites on UNESCO's World Heritage List.

Chongoni Rock Art Area
Lake Malawi National Park
Mulanje Massif

Source: Wikidata, community-maintained and not the official UNESCO count.

Nearby destinations

Zimbabwe Zambia Tanzania Comoros Burundi Mozambique

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a visa to visit Malawi?

It depends on your passport. 195 nationalities can enter Malawi without arranging a visa in advance (visa-free, on arrival, or eTA); everyone else needs a visa or e-visa. Use the tables below to check a specific passport.

What currency is used in Malawi?

Malawian kwacha (MWK). 1 USD is approximately 1733.6 MWK.

What side of the road does Malawi drive on?

Malawi drives on the left.

How many UNESCO World Heritage Sites does Malawi have?

3: Chongoni Rock Art Area, Lake Malawi National Park, Mulanje Massif.

What is the emergency number in Malawi?

990 / 997 / 998 / 999.

What time zone is Malawi in?

Blantyre (UTC+2).

What is the nearest airport to Lilongwe?

Kamuzu International Airport (LLW), about 22 km away.

Visa rules change frequently and can depend on your specific circumstances. This site is compiled from public government sources and is provided for general information only. Always confirm requirements with the official immigration authority or a consulate of your destination before you travel.

About Malawi

Malawi, officially the Republic of Malawi, is a landlocked country in Southeast Africa. It is bordered by Zambia to the west, Tanzania to the north and northeast, and Mozambique to the east, south, and southwest. Malawi spans over 118,484 km2 (45,747 sq mi) and has a population of 22,224,300. Lilongwe is its capital and largest city.

CapitalLilongwe

RegionEastern Africa

Population22.2M

Area118,484 km²

CurrencyMalawian kwacha (1 USD ≈ 1733.60 MWK)

LanguagesEnglish, Chewa

Calling code+265

Drives on theleft

TimezoneBlantyre (UTC+2)

Nearest airportKamuzu International Airport (LLW), 22 km

Emergency number990 / 997 / 998 / 999

UNESCO sites3

Income levelLow income

GDP per capita$672 (2025)

Tourist arrivals871K (2018)

Travel guide

Malawi is a small, landlocked country in Africa whose eastern border mostly follows Lake Malawi, the third largest lake on the continent. It's described as the "Warm Heart of Africa", referring to the friendliness of the people.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Chongoni Rock Art Area
Lake Malawi National Park
Mulanje Massif

Upcoming public holidays

December 25, 2026Christmas Day

December 28, 2026Boxing Day

January 1, 2027New Year's Day

Full source list on About.