Malawi entry requirements for United Arab Emirates 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
As a UAE passport holder, you can get a visa on arrival in Malawi, valid for up to 90 days. No advance application is needed—just arrive with your passport and the fee in cash. Here's what to expect.
Apply for Malawi eVisaOfficial portal: Malawi eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrivalYou do not need to apply for a visa in advance; you will receive it when you arrive in Malawi. Entry permit issued at the border | UAE passport holders can obtain a visa on arrival in Malawi, valid for a stay of up to 90 days. The visa is not extendable. You will need to pay the visa fee in cash (USD or MWK) at the port of entry. | Required |
| Passport validityEnsure your passport does not expire within 6 months of your arrival date. At least 6 months remaining | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry into Malawi. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesA blank page is needed for the immigration officer to stamp your passport. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least one blank page for the visa stamp and entry/exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketImmigration may require evidence that you will depart Malawi within the allowed stay. 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. | Required |
| Proof of sufficient fundsCarry cash or bank statements to show you can support yourself while in Malawi. Financial means for your stay | You should be able to demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your stay in Malawi. | Recommended |
| Yellow fever vaccination certificateIf you have recently traveled from a yellow fever endemic area, you must present a valid certificate. If arriving from an endemic country | A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. | Required |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any arrival form before landing. Not required | No arrival declaration is required for entry into Malawi. | Not required |
| eVisa applicationDo not apply for an eVisa; it is not available for your nationality. Not applicable | UAE passport holders are not eligible for the Malawi eVisa; you must obtain your visa on arrival instead. | Not required |
Cash is king at immigration
The visa-on-arrival fee must be paid in cash. ATMs at Malawian airports can be unreliable, so bring USD in small denominations (like $20s and $50s) to cover the fee and any unexpected costs.
Passport validity is strict
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry. If it expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding or entry. Double-check before you fly.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the airport
You'll land at Kamuzu International Airport (LLW) in Lilongwe or Chileka International Airport (BLZ) in Blantyre. Follow the signs to 'Immigration' or 'Visa on Arrival'.
2
Join the visa-on-arrival queue
Look for the desk marked 'Visa on Arrival' — it's usually separate from the main immigration queue. Have your passport, cash, and onward ticket ready.
3
Pay the fee and get stamped
The officer will process your visa, take the fee, and stamp your passport. This usually takes 10–20 minutes. Keep the receipt — you may need it when you leave.
4
Proceed to baggage claim and customs
After the visa stamp, you'll go through customs. Have your accommodation details handy in case they ask.
Download Malawi Entry Checklist
PDF · United Arab Emirates 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 (pre-arranged)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
CostApprox. $100
Required for work or business activities; apply at Malawi Embassy in Abu Dhabi or online via e-visa portal (if eligible).
Multiple entry visa
Max stay90 days per visit
Validity6 months
CostApprox. $150
For frequent travelers; apply at Malawi Embassy or online.
work visa
Malawi Work Permit
1 year, renewable
USD 500 (approx. AED 1,835)
For foreign nationals employed by a Malawian company. Requires employer sponsorship and proof of qualifications.
investor visa
Malawi Investor Permit
2 years, renewable
USD 1,000 (approx. AED 3,670)
For individuals investing at least USD 250,000 in Malawi. Includes family dependents.
student visa
Malawi Student Visa
Duration of studies
USD 150 (approx. AED 550)
For enrolled students at recognized Malawian institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa extension (up to 90 additional days)Apply at the Department of Immigration in Lilongwe or Blantyre before current visa expires. | Approx. $50 |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete application20%
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
UAE passport holders transiting through Malawi airports do not need a visa if staying airside and departing within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or staying overnight, a visa on arrival is required.
Transit hubsLilongwe International Airport (LLW) · Blantyre International Airport (BLZ)
Health & vaccines for Malawi
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in lowland areas. Prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas. Use mosquito repellent.
CholeraModerate risk
Outbreaks occur, especially during rainy season. Practice food and water safety.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is high throughout Malawi, including urban 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 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
Blantyre Immigration Office
Ginnery Corner, Blantyre
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Handles extensions and re-entry permits for southern region.
Practical information for AE 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
You get up to 90 days. The exact number of days is at the immigration officer's discretion, but it's typically the full 90. The visa is not extendable, so if you need longer, you'd have to leave and re-enter.
The fee is around $50–$75 USD, but it can change. Bring USD cash in small bills — it's the most widely accepted. You can also pay in Malawian kwacha, but the exchange rate may not be in your favor.
No. The visa-on-arrival fee must be paid in cash. There are ATMs at the airport, but they may not always work, so bring cash with you.
Immigration may ask to see proof of onward travel. If you can't show it, you could be denied entry. It's best to have a ticket out of Malawi before you arrive.
Yes, it's available at both international airports (Lilongwe and Blantyre) and at major land border crossings. The process is the same — just have your cash and documents ready.
If you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk, you'll need to show a yellow fever certificate. UAE is not a yellow fever country, so you likely won't need it unless you've traveled through a risk area recently.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer than 90 days, you'd have to leave the country and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type 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.