Malawi entry requirements for Brazil passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 20, 2026·View sources
Visa on arrival
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Brazilian passport holders can get a visa on arrival at any port of entry in Malawi. It's valid for up to 30 days and costs about 75 USD, payable in cash in US dollars or Malawian kwacha. No advance application needed—just show up with the right documents.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get a 30-day single-entry visa on arrival at Lilongwe and Blantyre airports. Pay $75 USD in cash (exact change preferred) — the ATM at the airport often runs out. Have a printed copy of your hotel booking and return ticket ready, as the visa officer may ask to see them before stamping.Check visa details | Required |
| Valid passport Valid passport | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Malawi. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Return or onward ticket | Immigration officers at Lilongwe and Blantyre routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a bus/train ticket out of Malawi. Without one, you may be refused entry. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Proof of accommodation | Carry a printed hotel booking confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host in Malawi. The visa officer may ask for it during the visa-on-arrival process, especially if you are staying more than a few days. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Proof of funds | Have at least $300 USD in cash or a credit card statement showing available funds. Immigration may ask how you plan to support yourself during your stay. ATMs in Malawi are unreliable outside major towns. | Recommended |
Cash only—no cards accepted
The visa-on-arrival fee must be paid in cash. USD bills must be in good condition (no tears, writing, or stamps). ATMs at the airport may not always work, so bring enough cash from home.
Yellow fever certificate required if coming from Brazil
If you're arriving from Brazil (or any country with yellow fever risk), you must show a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate. Without it, you may be vaccinated on arrival or denied entry. Get the shot at least 10 days before travel.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at immigration
At Lilongwe or Blantyre airport, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. Join the queue—there's usually a separate counter for visa-on-arrival applicants.
2
Submit documents and pay
Hand over your passport, completed arrival card (given on the plane), and return ticket. Pay the visa fee in cash (USD or MWK). The officer will process and stamp your passport.
3
Collect passport and proceed
Once the visa is issued, you'll get your passport back with a sticker. Head to baggage claim and customs. Total time: 10–30 minutes depending on queue.
Download Malawi Entry Checklist
PDF · Brazil Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 20, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist Visa (single entry, pre-arranged)
Max stay90 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost50 USD (approx. 50 USD)
Apply at Malawi embassy in Brazil or nearest consulate.
Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost100 USD (approx. 100 USD)
Requires letter of invitation or detailed itinerary.
Business Visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost100 USD (approx. 100 USD)
Requires invitation letter from Malawian company.
work visa
Temporary Employment Permit
1 year, renewable
~200 USD (approx. 200 USD)
For foreign workers with a job offer from a Malawian employer. Requires employer sponsorship and proof of qualifications.
investor visa
Business Residence Permit
2 years, renewable
~500 USD (approx. 500 USD)
For investors with a minimum investment of $100,000 USD in Malawi. Requires business plan and proof of funds.
student visa
Student Permit
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~100 USD (approx. 100 USD)
For students enrolled at a recognized Malawian institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of financial support.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, 30 days)Payable in cash (USD, GBP, or local currency) at port of entry. | 75 USD (approx. 75 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap specified; avoid overstaying. | 10 USD per day (approx. 10 USD) |
| Stay extension (if allowed)Extension possible at immigration office; subject to approval. | 50 USD (approx. 50 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documents20%
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
Brazil passport holders transiting through Malawi do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if leaving the airport or staying overnight, a visa on arrival is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
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 transmission risk (including Brazil). Must present valid certificate.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialHepatitis 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.
SchistosomiasisModerate risk
Risk from swimming in freshwater lakes and rivers; avoid contact.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is high throughout Malawi, especially in lowland areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended for all travellers.
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 and Citizenship Services - Headquarters
Private Bag 331, Lilongwe 3, Malawi
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Main office for extensions and permits; bring passport, photos, and fee.
Blantyre
Immigration Office - Blantyre
Chichiri, Blantyre, Malawi
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Regional office for visa extensions and re-entry permits.
Practical information for BR 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 = 1,738.99 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
The fee is around 75 USD (or equivalent in Malawian kwacha). Payable in cash only—no cards. USD bills must be in good condition (no tears, writing, or stamps). The exact amount can vary slightly, so bring a little extra.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer than 30 days, you must apply for a different visa type before travel (e.g., a visitor visa from a Malawian embassy). Overstaying can result in fines.
Yes, if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (including Brazil). You'll need to show a valid yellow fever certificate at immigration. If you don't have one, you may be vaccinated on arrival or denied entry.
Visa on arrival is available at all official ports of entry, including land borders (e.g., Mchinji from Zambia, Mwanza from Mozambique). The process is the same—show passport, pay fee, get visa. Land border queues can be slower.
If you're transiting and staying airside (not passing immigration), you don't need a visa. But if you need to leave the airport or stay overnight, you'll need the visa on arrival. Check with your airline if you're unsure.
You'll need: a passport valid for 6+ months, a return or onward ticket, and proof of accommodation for your first night. The visa fee in cash (USD or MWK). Immigration may also ask for proof of sufficient funds—have a bank statement or credit card handy.
Typically 10–30 minutes at Lilongwe or Blantyre airports, depending on the queue. At land borders, it can take longer (30–60 minutes) if there's a backlog. Have your documents ready to speed things up.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 20, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.