Malawi entry requirements for Belgium 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
Belgian passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Malawi, valid for up to 90 days. You'll need a valid passport with at least 6 months of validity and one blank page. This applies for tourism, business, and most short stays — no need to apply in advance.
Apply for Malawi eVisaOfficial portal: Malawi eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrivalYou will receive your visa at the airport or border, so no advance application is needed. Entry permit issued at port of entry | Belgian citizens are eligible for a visa on arrival in Malawi, valid for a stay of up to 90 days. The visa is not extendable. Apply at the immigration desk upon arrival at Lilongwe or Blantyre airports or at land border crossings. | Required |
| Passport validityCheck your passport expiry date before booking travel. Must be valid for at least 6 months | Your Belgian 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 contain at least 1 blank page for the visa stamp and entry/exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketHave your flight itinerary or booking confirmation ready to show if asked. Proof of departure | Immigration officials may require proof of a return or onward ticket to ensure you will leave Malawi before your 90-day visa expires. | Required |
| Proof of sufficient fundsCarry a bank statement or credit card to demonstrate you can support yourself. Financial means for your stay | You may be asked to show evidence of sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your stay in Malawi. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any additional arrival form beyond the standard immigration card. Not required | No arrival declaration form is required for Belgian citizens entering Malawi. | Not required |
| eVisa applicationSkip the eVisa website and just get your visa when you land. Not applicable for Belgian citizens | Belgian citizens are not eligible for the Malawi eVisa program. Do not apply online; instead, obtain your visa on arrival at the port of entry. | Not required |
Cash is king at immigration
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash. There are no card payment facilities at the immigration desk. Carry USD or MWK in small denominations to make payment smooth.
Passport validity is strict
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry. If it's close to expiring, renew it before you travel — you'll be turned away otherwise.
Visa is not extendable
The 90-day visa on arrival cannot be extended. Plan your stay accordingly. If you need longer, you'd need to leave and re-enter or apply for a different visa type beforehand.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Malawi immigration
Upon landing at Lilongwe (LLW) or Blantyre (BLZ), follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. Join the queue for visa issuance — it's usually separate from citizens/residents.
2
Present your documents
Hand over your passport, completed arrival form (if given on the plane), and any supporting documents like return ticket or accommodation. The officer will check your passport validity and blank pages.
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay the visa fee in cash (USD or MWK). Keep the receipt — you may need it when you leave. The officer will stamp your passport with the visa and entry stamp.
4
Proceed to baggage claim and customs
After getting your visa, collect your luggage and pass through customs. Have your passport ready for a final check if asked.
Download Malawi Entry Checklist
PDF · Belgium 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
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from date of issue
Cost$50 (USD)
Issued on arrival for business purposes; requires invitation letter from Malawian company.
Multiple entry visa
Max stay90 days per visit
Validity12 months
Cost$150 (USD)
Apply at Malawi Embassy or High Commission before travel; not available on arrival.
work visa
Temporary Employment Permit
Up to 2 years, renewable
~$200 USD application fee
For foreign workers with a job offer from a Malawian employer. Requires employer sponsorship and proof of qualifications.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~$100 USD
For enrolled students at accredited Malawian institutions. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Business Residence Permit
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD
For investors with significant business operations in Malawi. Requires business registration and investment proof.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry, 90 days)Payable in cash at port of entry; credit cards not accepted. | $50 (USD) or equivalent in Malawi Kwacha |
| Visa extension (per 3 months)Apply at Department of Immigration in Lilongwe or Blantyre. | Approx. $75 (USD) |
| Exit feeNo separate exit fee at land borders for most nationalities. | Included in airfare for most airlines |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
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
Transit visa required
Transit visa required for stays over 24 hours or leaving the airport transit area. For airside transit under 24 hours, no visa is needed.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic or official passport holders
- Passengers with confirmed onward ticket and no need to clear immigration
Transit hubsLilongwe International Airport (LLW) · Chileka International Airport (BLZ)
Health & vaccines for Malawi
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialRabiesConsiderCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Malaria is present throughout Malawi; prophylaxis recommended.
DengueModerate risk
Dengue outbreaks occur, especially in urban areas.
CholeraLow risk
Cholera risk increases during rainy season; practice food/water safety.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is high risk nationwide, especially in lowland areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) 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
Capital City, Lilongwe 3
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and permits.
Blantyre
Blantyre Immigration Office
Chichiri, Blantyre
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Handles extensions and re-entry permits.
Practical information for BE 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
Yes, visa on arrival is available at all major entry points, including Lilongwe and Blantyre international airports, and land borders like Mchinji and Mwanza. The process is the same — just have your passport and cash ready.
The fee is typically around $50–$75 USD for a single-entry visa. It can be paid in US dollars or Malawian kwacha. Check the current rate before you travel, as it can change.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'll have to leave the country and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type from a Malawi embassy before you travel.
Only if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. If you're flying directly from Belgium, you don't need it. But if you've been in Africa or South America recently, bring your certificate.
Immigration may deny entry if you can't show proof of onward travel. It's best to have a return or onward ticket booked before you arrive. If you're overlanding out, have a bus or flight booking as evidence.
Yes, the visa on arrival covers business visits as well as tourism. You'll need the same documents — passport, fee, and proof of onward travel.
No, the visa on arrival fee is cash only. Bring US dollars or Malawian kwacha. ATMs are available after immigration, but you'll need cash before that.
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.