Malawi visas
Whether you need a visa to enter Malawi, and which permit you need to stay, work, study or settle, depends on your nationality and the purpose of your visit. Malawi operates an online e-Visa system alongside visa-on-arrival for nationals of designated "Category Two" countries, while separate residence and employment permits govern longer stays. All of these are administered by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services, the official government authority, with visas applied for at evisa.gov.mw and permits handled through the Department's permit service.
Malawian visa categories
Explore visa categories by the purpose of your trip.
- Visitor & short-stay visasShort stays in Malawi — tourism, visiting family or friends, business visits and transit, plus any visa-free or e-visa options.4 visas
- Work visasComing to Malawi to work — the employment and skilled-worker routes and the permits they require.1 visa
- Study visasStudying in Malawi — student visas and permits for accepted students.1 visa
- Family visasJoining or sponsoring a partner, child or other relative in Malawi.1 visa
- Business & investor visasInvesting, doing business or coming to Malawi as a highly skilled individual.1 visa
- Residence & citizenshipLiving in Malawi long term — residence routes and, where available, the path to citizenship.2 visas
Malawian visa application at a glance
From start to finish in five simple steps.
- 01Choose the right visa
- 02Check eligibility & documents
- 03Apply online
- 04Provide biometrics
- 05Wait for a decision
Malawi — key facts
- Visa authority
- Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services, Republic of Malawi
- Application
- Online (in most cases)
- Biometrics
- Usually required
- Currency
- Malawian Kwacha (MWK)
- Time zone
- Central Africa Time (CAT, UTC+2)
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.