Bookmark and Share

Malawi Travel Guide

Malawi — Passport and Visa Information

Passports

Country Passport Required Visa Required Return Ticket Required
British Yes No Yes/1
Australian Yes No Yes/1
Canadian Yes No Yes/1
USA Yes No Yes/1
Other EU Yes Yes/2 Yes/1

Passport valid for at least six months beyond date of intended departure required by all nationals referred to in the chart above.

Note: 1. All nationals referred to in the chart above are required to have a return air-ticket except in special circumstances such as long-term study visits or working contracts etc.

Visas

Not required by nationals referred to in the chart above, except the following:
a) 2. nationals of Austria, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Estonia, Greece, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovak Republic and Slovenia, who do need a visa.

Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see Important Addresses).

Types of Visa and Cost

Single-entry: £45 (three months). Multiple-entry: £70 (up to six months); £90 (up to one year). Transit: £20.

Validity

Three months from date of issue.

Applications to:

Consulate (or consular section at embassy or high commission); see Important Addresses.

Working Days Required

Visa applications are processed on Mondays only from 1100 to 1500 and can be collected on Thursdays from 1100 to 1500.

Travel Warnings

Most visits to Malawi are trouble-free but you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate international terrorist attacks, which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners.

Driving in Malawi can be hazardous. Drive carefully, always wear a seatbelt and avoid travel after dark. Potholes, animals, abandoned vehicles and cyclists can often cause serious accidents, as do vehicles traveling at night without lights. Travel between towns by public minibus or pick-up truck is not recommended; vehicles are often in poor condition and overloaded. Fatal accidents are frequent and emergency services are basic.

Due to heavy rainfall in early January 2008, the Lower Shire Valley has experienced some localized flooding. Drivers should be aware this has washed away a number of road bridges. Visitors should check local media for more information.

In Lilongwe, the majority of attacks on visitors take place on Kenyatta Drive and around the bus station. Travelers should take care when visiting these areas.

This advice is based on information provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the UK. It is correct at time of publishing. As the situation can change rapidly, visitors are advised to contact the following organizations for the latest travel advice:

British Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Tel: 0845 850 2829.
Website: www.fco.gov.uk

US Department of State
Website: http://travel.state.gov/travel

Health Care

Health insurance is essential. It is advisable to take personal medical supplies, including needles.

Vaccinations

Vaccination Special Precaution
Diphtheria Yes
Hepatitis A Yes
Malaria Yes
Rabies Sometimes
Tetanus Yes
Typhoid Yes
Yellow Fever Sometimes*