Malawi entry requirements for China passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 6, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
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
Chinese passport holders must obtain an eVisa before traveling to Malawi for tourism or business. The eVisa permits a stay of up to 90 days. Applications are submitted online, and you must present the approved eVisa at immigration upon arrival.
Apply for Malawi eVisaOfficial portal: Malawi eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Malawi e-VisaYou must get this visa online before you fly; it cannot be obtained on arrival. Apply online before travel | Chinese passport holders must obtain an e-Visa before traveling to Malawi. Apply at the official Malawi e-Visa portal (evisa.gov.mw). The e-Visa allows a maximum stay of 90 days and is not extendable. | Required |
| Passport validityCheck your passport expiry date — if it's less than 6 months away, renew it before applying for the visa. At least 6 months beyond entry | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Malawi. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesThe immigration officer will stamp your passport on arrival, so you need a blank page for that. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for the entry stamp. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketImmigration may ask to see your exit ticket to ensure you won't overstay. Proof of departure | You must have a confirmed return or onward flight ticket showing you will leave Malawi before your 90-day stay expires. | Required |
| Proof of fundsIt's not always asked, but having proof of funds helps avoid issues at immigration. Sufficient money for your stay | You should be able to show evidence of sufficient funds (cash, cards, or bank statements) to cover your expenses during your stay in Malawi. | Recommended |
| Yellow fever vaccination certificateThis only applies if you've recently been in a yellow-fever-risk country; otherwise, it's not needed. If arriving from an endemic country | If you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission, you must present a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate. | Required |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any separate arrival form online before you travel. Not required | Malawi does not require an online arrival declaration for Chinese passport holders. | Not required |
Apply well in advance
The eVisa processing can take up to a week or more. Don't wait until the last minute — apply at least 2 weeks before your departure to avoid delays.
No visa on arrival for Chinese passport holders
Malawi does not offer visa-on-arrival for Chinese citizens. You must have the eVisa approved before you travel. Arriving without one means you will be sent back.
What happens at the border
1
Complete the online eVisa application
Go to https://www.evisa.gov.mw/ and fill out the application form. You will need to upload a scanned copy of your passport bio page, a passport-sized photo, and pay the visa fee online. The process takes about 15-20 minutes.
2
Wait for eVisa approval
Processing typically takes a few business days. Check your email for the approval notification. If approved, you will receive a PDF or a reference number. Print a copy or save it on your phone.
3
Arrive at Kamuzu International Airport (Lilongwe) or Chileka International Airport (Blantyre)
On arrival, go to the immigration desk. Present your passport, the approved eVisa, and any supporting documents (return ticket, accommodation). The officer will stamp your passport with a 90-day entry permit.
4
Proceed through customs and baggage claim
After immigration, collect your luggage and pass through customs. Have your documents ready in case customs officers ask to see them.
Download Malawi Entry Checklist
PDF · China 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
Validity90 days
Cost$100
For business activities; requires invitation letter from Malawian company.
Multiple Entry Visa
Max stay90 days per visit
Validity12 months
Cost$250
For frequent travelers; apply at Malawian embassy.
work visa
Temporary Employment Permit
1 year, renewable
USD 200 (approx. 200 USD)
For foreign nationals employed by a Malawian company. Requires employer sponsorship and labour market test.
investor visa
Business Residence Permit
2 years, renewable
USD 500 (approx. 500 USD)
For investors with a minimum investment of USD 250,000 in Malawi. Includes family dependents.
student visa
Student Permit
Duration of course, renewable
USD 100 (approx. 100 USD)
For full-time students at accredited Malawian institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Malawi eVisa (Single Entry, 90 days)Apply online before travel; valid for 90 days from issue. | $50 |
| Malawi eVisa (Multiple Entry, 90 days)For multiple entries within 90 days. | $100 |
| Visa on Arrival (if eligible)May be available at land borders and airports; not guaranteed for all nationalities. | $75 |
| Visa Extension (per month)Apply at Department of Immigration in Lilongwe or Blantyre. | $50 |
| Exit FeeNo separate exit fee for most travelers. | Included in airfare |
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
Chinese passport holders require a transit visa to pass through Malawi, even if staying airside.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic or official passport holders may be exempt.
Transit hubsLilongwe International Airport (LLW) · Blantyre International Airport (BLZ)
Health & vaccines for Malawi
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialTetanus-diphtheria-pertussisRecommendedMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)RecommendedRabiesConsider
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.
CholeraLow risk
Occasional outbreaks, especially during rainy season. Practice food and water safety.
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
Private Bag 331, Lilongwe 3
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, photos, and fee.
Blantyre
Blantyre Immigration Office
Ginnery Corner, Blantyre
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Handles extensions and re-entry permits. Expect queues.
Practical information for CN 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
Processing usually takes 3-5 business days, but it can take longer during peak times. Apply at least 2 weeks before your trip to be safe.
The fee varies depending on the visa type and duration. You will see the exact amount when you fill out the application on the official portal. Payment is made online.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. You must leave before the 90 days are up. Overstaying can result in fines or being banned from re-entry.
If you are flying directly from China, you don't need it. But if you have a layover in a country with yellow fever risk (e.g., parts of Africa), you will need the certificate. Check your transit route.
You will likely be denied entry and put on the next flight back. There is no visa-on-arrival for Chinese passport holders at Malawi's airports. Don't risk it.
The standard eVisa is usually single-entry. If you plan to leave and re-enter Malawi, you will need to apply for a new eVisa each time.
The eVisa is accepted at major airports and land border posts. However, it is best to enter through the airport you specified in your application to avoid issues.
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.