Malawi entry requirements for Ivory Coast passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 30, 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
From 2026, Ivory Coast passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Malawi. You'll receive a 30-day single-entry visa at the airport or land border — no advance application needed. Just have the right documents ready.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get your visa at the airport in Lilongwe or Blantyre. Pay the fee in USD cash — $75 for single entry, $100 for multiple entry. Have your passport photo ready. | Required |
| Valid passport Passport validity | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry. Malawi enforces this strictly at the border — airlines check it too. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers routinely ask for proof of departure. Have a printed or digital copy of your onward ticket ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a printed hotel confirmation or a letter from your host in Malawi. Officers rarely ask, but having it avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient cash or card | Have at least $300 USD in cash or a credit card showing available balance. Immigration may ask how you plan to fund your stay. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa on arrival
The visa fee must be paid in cash — US dollars (crisp, new bills) or Malawian kwacha. Cards are not accepted. ATMs at the airport may run out of cash, so bring enough from home.
Yellow fever certificate required
If you're arriving from Ivory Coast (a yellow fever endemic country), you must present a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate. Without it, you may be denied entry or quarantined.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at entry point
At Lilongwe (LLW) or Blantyre (BLZ) airport, or at a land border like Mchinji, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'.
2
Fill out the visa application form
You'll be given a short form at the counter. Fill in your details — name, passport number, purpose of visit, and where you're staying.
3
Pay the visa fee
The fee is around $50–$75 USD (or equivalent in Malawian kwacha). Cash is preferred — bring crisp US dollars or have local currency ready. Cards are rarely accepted.
4
Get your passport stamped
The officer will process your application, take your photo (if needed), and stamp your passport. The whole process usually takes 10–20 minutes.
5
Collect your luggage and exit
After the visa is issued, proceed to baggage claim (if at an airport) and then to customs. You're now free to enter Malawi.
Download Malawi Entry Checklist
PDF · Ivory Coast Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 30, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost75 USD (75 USD)
Apply at Malawian embassy or online; same as VoA but pre-approved.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
Cost150 USD (150 USD)
For frequent travellers; must apply in advance.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months
Cost100 USD (100 USD)
Requires invitation letter from Malawian company.
work visa
Temporary Employment Permit
1 year, renewable
~200 USD (200 USD)
For foreign workers with a job offer from a Malawian employer. Requires employer sponsorship and labour market test.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~100 USD (100 USD)
For enrolled students at accredited Malawian institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Business Residence Permit
2 years, renewable
~500 USD (500 USD)
For investors establishing a business in Malawi. Minimum investment threshold applies.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)Payable in cash (USD or local currency) at port of entry. | 75 USD (75 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap may apply; settle before departure. | 10 USD per day (10 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete travel 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
Transit visa is not required for Ivory Coast passport holders transiting through Malawi if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
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 risk (Ivory Coast is endemic).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended.
CholeraModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks; practice food and water safety.
SchistosomiasisModerate risk
Risk from swimming in freshwater lakes and rivers.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in all regions. 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
Capital City, Lilongwe
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
For visa extensions and permits; bring passport, photos, and fee.
Blantyre
Blantyre Immigration Office
Chichiri, Blantyre
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Handles extensions and re-entry permits.
Practical information for CI 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 = 1,747.01 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 typically $50–$75 USD for a 30-day single-entry visa. Pay in cash — US dollars are preferred, but Malawian kwacha may also be accepted. Cards are rarely accepted, so bring enough cash.
Yes, you can apply for an extension at the Department of Immigration in Lilongwe or Blantyre. Extensions are usually granted for up to 30 days and cost around $50–$100. You'll need a valid reason and proof of funds.
The same visa on arrival process applies at major land borders like Mchinji (from Zambia) and Mwanza (from Mozambique). The fee and requirements are identical. Expect similar wait times.
Yes, if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (including Ivory Coast), you must show a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate. Without it, you may be denied entry or quarantined.
No — cash is the only reliable option. Bring US dollars (crisp, new bills) or Malawian kwacha. ATMs are available at airports but may have long queues or limited cash.
Usually 10–20 minutes at the counter. However, during peak hours (multiple flights arriving), it can take up to an hour. Be patient and have your documents ready.
You can apply for a visa extension at the Department of Immigration in Lilongwe or Blantyre. Extensions are typically granted for another 30 days. The cost is around $50–$100, and you'll need to show proof of funds and a valid reason.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 30, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.