Malawi entry requirements for Colombia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 22, 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
Colombian passport holders must get an eVisa before traveling to Malawi. The entire application is online, and you'll receive an approval letter by email. As of 2026, visa-on-arrival is not available for Colombian nationals.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for a Malawi eVisa at the official immigration portal before you fly. Processing takes 3–5 working days, so do this at least a week before departure. Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport — immigration at Kamuzu Airport will ask for it.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your Colombian passport must be valid for at least the entire period you plan to stay in Malawi. Airlines check this at check-in, and immigration at Lilongwe will deny entry if your passport expires before you leave. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Malawi | Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket at the border. Have a printed copy or a screenshot of your booking ready — they may check it before stamping you in. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host. Immigration rarely asks for it, but having it avoids delays if they do. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have bank statements or a credit card ready to show you have enough money for your stay. Immigration doesn't always ask, but it's a standard requirement on paper. | Recommended |
No visa on arrival for Colombians
You cannot get a visa at the airport. The eVisa must be approved before you fly. Airlines will deny boarding without it.
eVisa processing time
Apply at least 7 days before departure. Standard processing takes 3–7 business days. Express (24–48 hours) costs more but is available.
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 details, passport info, travel dates, and upload a passport-style photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee (around $50–$75 depending on processing speed) with a credit card. Submit and wait for the approval email — typically 3–7 business days.
2
Print or save your eVisa approval
Once approved, you'll get an email with an attachment or a reference number. Print a copy and also save a PDF on your phone. You'll need to show this at immigration in Lilongwe (LLW) or Blantyre (BLZ).
3
Prepare your documents for arrival
Before you land, have your passport, eVisa approval, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation easily accessible. At immigration, you'll queue at the 'Foreign Passports' counter. Hand over your documents, get your passport stamped — usually takes 5–10 minutes if everything is in order.
4
Collect your bags and exit
After immigration, head to baggage claim, then customs. There's no arrival declaration form to fill. Walk through the green channel if you have nothing to declare. You're in Malawi.
Download Malawi Entry Checklist
PDF · Colombia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 22, 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
Cost$75 USD (approx. 75 USD)
Apply at Malawi embassy or online eVisa portal.
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$150 USD (approx. 150 USD)
Ideal for frequent travellers; must leave and re-enter.
Business Visa
Max stay90 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$200 USD (approx. 200 USD)
Requires invitation letter from Malawian company.
work visa
Temporary Employment Permit
1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD per year
For foreign nationals 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 initial fee
For investors starting a business in Malawi. Minimum investment of $50,000 USD required. Includes family dependents.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~$100 USD per year
For enrollment in accredited Malawian educational institutions. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (Single Entry)Standard fee for Colombian passport holders applying online. | $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 overstayed beyond authorized period. | $30 USD per day |
| Overstay maximum capMaximum fine for overstay, regardless of duration. | $300 USD |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete application20%
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
Colombian passport holders transiting through Malawi do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa 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 risk of yellow fever transmission, including Colombia.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsiderCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in lowland areas. Prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance is key.
SchistosomiasisModerate risk
Risk from swimming in freshwater lakes and rivers; avoid contact with untreated water.
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 Headquarters
Capital City, Lilongwe 3
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Main office 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 for southern region.
Practical information for CO 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 = 1,743.73 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
Standard processing takes 3–7 business days. There's also an express option (24–48 hours) for a higher fee, around $100–$150. Apply at least a week before your trip to be safe.
No. Colombian passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival. You must have an approved eVisa before you board your flight. Airlines check this before letting you check in.
The standard eVisa fee is approximately $50–$75 USD, depending on the type (single entry vs. multiple entry). Express processing costs extra. Payment is by credit card on the application portal.
Rejections are rare but can happen if your photo doesn't meet requirements or your passport has less than 6 months validity. You can reapply with corrected documents. There's no refund of the fee if rejected.
Yes, if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (Colombia is not on that list, but if you've recently traveled to a risk country, you'll need proof of vaccination). Otherwise, it's not required for direct travel from Colombia.
eVisa extensions are not available for Colombian passport holders. You must leave before your eVisa expires. Overstaying can result in fines or being barred from re-entry.
Your passport (with 6+ months validity), the eVisa approval letter (printed or on your phone), a return or onward ticket, and proof of accommodation for your first night. That's it — no arrival form needed.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 22, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.