Malawi entry requirements for Cameroon passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 30, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
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
Cameroonian passport holders need an eVisa to enter Malawi. You apply online before traveling, and approval arrives by email. As of 2026, there is no visa-on-arrival option for Cameroonians, so plan ahead.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for a Malawi eVisa at the official Department of Immigration portal. Processing takes 3–5 business days. Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport to present on arrival.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your passport must be valid for at least the length of your intended stay in Malawi. No specific 6-month validity rule, but airlines may enforce their own policy — check with your carrier before departure. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Malawi | Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed or digital copy ready. Overstay fines apply if you exceed your visa validity. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host. Immigration may ask for it, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have bank statements or cash equivalent to at least $300 USD for short stays. Immigration officers rarely check, but it's safer to have proof ready. | Recommended |
Apply early — no visa on arrival
Cameroonians cannot get a visa on arrival in Malawi. You must have an approved eVisa before you board your flight. Apply at least 2 weeks before your trip to avoid last-minute stress.
Keep digital copies of everything
Save your eVisa approval, passport bio page, and onward ticket as PDFs on your phone and in cloud storage. If you lose your printed copies, digital versions are usually accepted.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official Malawi eVisa portal (evisa.immigration.gov.mw). Fill in your personal and passport details, upload a passport photo and a scanned copy of your passport bio page. Pay the fee (around $50–$75 depending on processing speed) with a credit or debit card. Processing takes 3–7 business days.
2
Receive and save your eVisa approval
Once approved, you'll get an email with a PDF attachment. Print a copy and also save it on your phone. You'll need to show it at check-in and on arrival.
3
Prepare your documents for departure
At the airport in Cameroon, the airline will check your eVisa, passport validity, and onward ticket. Have them ready in a folder or on your phone.
4
Arrive at Kamuzu International Airport (Lilongwe) or Chileka International Airport (Blantyre)
After landing, follow signs to 'Immigration'. Join the queue for 'Foreign Passports'. Hand over your passport, eVisa approval, and return ticket. The officer will stamp you in. The whole process usually takes 15–30 minutes.
5
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, go to baggage claim, then customs. If you have nothing to declare, walk through the green channel. You're now in Malawi.
Download Malawi Entry Checklist
PDF · Cameroon 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 up to 90 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost75 USD (approx. 75 USD)
Apply at Malawi embassy or online eVisa portal.
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost150 USD (approx. 150 USD)
Ideal for frequent travelers; must apply in advance.
Business Visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months
Cost100 USD (approx. 100 USD)
Requires invitation letter from Malawian company.
work visa
Temporary Employment Permit
Up to 2 years, renewable
~200 USD (approx. 200 USD)
For foreign nationals with a job offer in Malawi. Requires employer sponsorship and proof of qualifications. Allows long-term stay.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~100 USD (approx. 100 USD)
For enrollment in accredited Malawian institutions. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work with permission.
investor visa
Business Residence Permit
1 year, renewable
~500 USD (approx. 500 USD)
For investors establishing a business in Malawi. Requires minimum investment and business plan. Includes family dependents.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard tourist eVisa fee for Cameroon passport holders. | 75 USD (approx. 75 USD) |
| eVisa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | 150 USD (approx. 150 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayCharged for each day overstay, no maximum cap specified. | 10 USD per day (approx. 10 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete application 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
Cameroon 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 may be required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid US, UK, or Schengen visas may transit without visa for up to 48 hours.
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 Cameroon.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Malaria is widespread throughout Malawi, especially in lowland areas; prophylaxis strongly recommended.
CholeraModerate risk
Outbreaks occur during rainy season; practice safe food and water precautions.
SchistosomiasisModerate risk
Risk from swimming in freshwater lakes and rivers; avoid contact with untreated water.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in all regions, with highest risk in lowland areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is recommended for all travelers.
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, Capital City, Lilongwe 3
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits; bring passport, photos, and fee.
Blantyre
Blantyre Immigration Office
Chichiri, Blantyre
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Handles extensions and re-entry permits for southern region.
Practical information for CM 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
No. As of 2026, Cameroonians must obtain an eVisa before travel. There is no visa-on-arrival option.
Standard processing takes 3–7 business days. There is no official expedited option, so apply at least 2 weeks before your trip to be safe.
The fee is typically between $50 and $75 USD, depending on the type (single entry vs. multiple entry). Payment is by credit or debit card on the application portal.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry. If it's shorter, renew your passport before applying for the eVisa.
Yes, immigration officers may ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return or onward ticket ready.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and reapply for a new eVisa from outside the country.
Rejections are rare but can happen if documents are incomplete or incorrect. You can reapply with corrected information. There is no appeal process, but you can contact the Malawi Immigration Department for guidance.
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.