Malawi entry requirements for Canada 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
Canadian passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Malawi, valid for up to 90 days. You'll need to pay the visa fee in cash at the port of entry, so have your passport ready and some US dollars or Malawian kwacha on hand.
Apply for Malawi eVisaOfficial portal: Malawi eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrivalYou do not need to apply in advance; you will get the visa when you arrive in Malawi. Entry permit for Canadians | Canadian citizens are eligible for a visa on arrival in Malawi. The visa is issued at the port of entry (airport or land border) and allows a stay of up to 90 days. The fee is payable in cash (USD or Malawi Kwacha) — check current amount before travel. | Required |
| Passport validityIf your passport expires sooner, you may be denied entry — renew it before you travel. Must be valid for 6 months beyond entry | Your Canadian passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Malawi. Ensure your passport does not expire before that period. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesThe visa officer will need a clean page to place the entry stamp. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for the visa stamp. It is wise to have 2 blank pages to avoid issues. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketA ticket out of Malawi is usually required to prove you are not staying indefinitely. Proof of departure | You must have a confirmed return or onward ticket showing you will leave Malawi before your 90-day visa expires. Immigration may ask to see this at entry. | Required |
| Proof of fundsImmigration may ask how you will support yourself during your visit. Sufficient for your stay | You should be able to show evidence of sufficient funds for your stay in Malawi, such as recent bank statements, credit cards, or cash. The amount is not fixed but should cover your expenses. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any online form before arrival. Not required | No arrival declaration or health form is required for entry into Malawi based on current regulations. You will simply go through immigration and customs. | Not required |
| eVisa applicationThe eVisa system is for other nationalities — as a Canadian, you get the visa on arrival. Not applicable for Canadians | Canadian citizens are not eligible for Malawi's eVisa program. Do not attempt to apply online; instead, obtain your visa on arrival at the port of entry. | Not required |
Cash is king
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash. Credit cards are not accepted, and ATMs at the airport can be unreliable. Bring enough US dollars in small denominations to cover the fee and some extra for incidentals.
No extensions
The 90-day visa on arrival cannot be extended. Overstaying can result in fines or deportation. Plan your itinerary to leave before the 90 days are up.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the immigration desk
After landing at Kamuzu International Airport (Lilongwe) or Chileka International Airport (Blantyre), follow the signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. Join the queue for visa issuance.
2
Present your documents
Hand over your passport, completed arrival form (if given on the plane), and proof of onward travel. The officer will check your details and may ask where you're staying.
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay the visa fee in cash. Have the exact amount in USD or MWK ready. The officer will issue a receipt and stamp your passport with the visa.
4
Proceed to baggage claim and customs
After getting your visa stamp, collect your luggage and pass through customs. Keep your passport and receipt handy in case they're checked again.
Download Malawi Entry Checklist
PDF · Canada 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 (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per visit
ValidityUp to 1 year
CostApprox. $100 USD
Apply at a Malawian embassy or high commission before travel. Requires invitation letter and company documents.
Residence permit (work/study)
Max stay1 year (renewable)
Validity1 year
CostVaries (approx. $200–$500 USD)
For long-term stays, apply through the Department of Immigration after arrival or at a Malawian mission.
work visa
Temporary Employment Permit
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD
For foreign workers with a job offer in Malawi. Requires employer sponsorship and proof of qualifications.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable
~$100 USD
For enrolled students at a Malawian institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Business Residence Permit
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD
For investors or business owners. Requires proof of investment and business registration.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa extension (per 3 months)Extensions are processed by the Department of Immigration in Lilongwe or Blantyre. Fees vary; check current rates. | Approx. $50 USD |
| Exit feeNo separate exit fee for most travelers; airport taxes are typically included in airline tickets. | Included in airfare |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket35%
Insufficient funds25%
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
No transit visa needed
Canadian citizens transiting through Malawi (e.g., at Lilongwe or Blantyre) do not need a visa if they remain airside and depart within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or staying overnight, a visa on arrival is required (free for Canadians).
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)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance advised.
CholeraLow risk
Occasional outbreaks; practice food and water safety.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is high risk nationwide, especially in lowland areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) 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 and Citizenship Services - Headquarters
Private Bag 331, Lilongwe 3
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, photos, and fee.
Blantyre
Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services - Blantyre Office
P.O. Box 302, Blantyre
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Handles extensions and permits for southern region.
Practical information for CA 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 official ports of entry, including Kamuzu International Airport, Chileka International Airport, and land border posts like Mchinji and Mwanza. The process is the same, but at land borders, cash in USD is preferred.
The fee for a single-entry visa valid for up to 90 days is approximately $75 USD. You can pay in US dollars or Malawian kwacha, but the exchange rate may not be favorable if you pay in kwacha. Carry smaller bills to avoid issues with change.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. You must leave Malawi before the 90 days expire. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to exit and re-enter, but that's not guaranteed to reset the clock — best to plan your trip within 90 days.
Only if you're arriving from a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission. If you're flying directly from Canada or a non-risk country, you won't need the certificate. But if you've recently been to a risk country, bring the certificate to avoid being vaccinated on arrival or denied entry.
Immigration may refuse entry if you can't show proof of onward travel. It's a strict requirement. If you're planning to leave overland, have a bus or train ticket or a letter explaining your exit plans.
No, Canadians are not eligible for Malawi's eVisa program. You must apply for a visa on arrival at the port of entry. There's no need to visit an embassy beforehand — just show up with the required documents and cash.
No, only cash is accepted. ATMs are available at the airports, but they may not always work, and the exchange rate might be poor. Bring USD in cash to be safe.
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.