Malawi entry requirements for France 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
As a French passport holder, you can get a visa on arrival in Malawi, valid for up to 90 days. No embassy visit needed—just arrive with your passport and the required documents, and complete the process at the airport or border post.
Apply for Malawi eVisaOfficial portal: Malawi eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrivalYou can get your visa when you land in Malawi, so no need to visit an embassy beforehand. Entry permit for French citizens | French passport holders can obtain a visa on arrival at Malawi ports of entry. The visa allows a stay of up to 90 days. No prior application is required. If you prefer to apply in advance, you may use the official Malawi e-visa portal, but it is not mandatory. | Required |
| Passport validityMake sure your passport doesn't expire within 6 months of your travel date. Minimum 6 months from arrival | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of arrival in Malawi. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesThe immigration officer needs a clean page to stamp your visa. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least one blank page for the visa stamp upon arrival. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketHave your flight booking ready in case immigration asks to see it. Proof of departure | You may be asked to show a return or onward ticket proving you will leave Malawi before your 90-day stay expires. | Required |
| Proof of fundsIt's wise to carry evidence of financial means, though not always requested. Sufficient means of support | You should be able to demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to cover your stay in Malawi, such as cash, credit cards, or bank statements. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any extra online declaration before you travel. Not required | No separate arrival declaration form is required for French citizens entering Malawi. | Not required |
| Visa extensionPlan your stay to fit within 90 days, as extensions are not possible. Not available | The 90-day visa on arrival cannot be extended. You must leave Malawi before the 90 days expire. | Not required |
Cash is essential
There are no ATMs at most border posts, and card payments are not accepted for visa fees. Carry enough USD or MWK to cover the visa fee and some initial expenses.
Visa is not extendable
The 90-day visa on arrival cannot be extended. Overstaying can result in fines or even detention. Keep track of your entry date and leave before it expires.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the port of entry
Fly into Lilongwe's Kamuzu International Airport (LLW) or Blantyre's Chileka International Airport (BLZ), or cross at a land border like Mchinji or Mwanza. Follow the signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'.
2
Fill out the arrival form
You'll be handed a small form on the plane or at the counter. Fill in your details, flight number, and where you're staying. Keep it simple and legible.
3
Present your documents at the immigration desk
Hand over your passport, completed form, and any supporting documents (return ticket, hotel booking). The officer will check your passport validity and blank page.
4
Pay the visa fee
Pay the fee in cash (USD or MWK). The officer will issue a receipt and stamp your passport with the visa. Keep the receipt — you may need it when leaving.
5
Proceed to baggage claim and exit
After getting your visa, collect your luggage and walk through customs. If you have nothing to declare, head straight out.
Download Malawi Entry Checklist
PDF · France 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 (single entry)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$50 (at entry) or $100 (pre-arranged)
For business activities; may require invitation letter. Pre-arranged via Malawi High Commission.
Multiple entry visa
Max stay90 days per visit
Validity6 months
Cost$150 (approx.)
Issued by Malawi immigration for frequent travelers; apply in advance.
work visa
Temporary Employment Permit
Up to 2 years, renewable
~$200 USD (estimated)
For foreign nationals with a job offer in Malawi. Requires employer sponsorship and proof of qualifications.
investor visa
Business Residence Permit
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (estimated)
For investors or entrepreneurs establishing a business in Malawi. Requires minimum investment and business plan.
student visa
Student Permit
Duration of studies, renewable
~$100 USD (estimated)
For those enrolled in a recognized educational institution in Malawi. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry, up to 90 days)Payable in cash (USD, GBP, EUR, ZAR, or MWK). Exact fee may vary; check with immigration. | $50 (or equivalent in MWK) |
| Visa extension (per month, up to 6 months total stay)Apply at Department of Immigration in Lilongwe or Blantyre. Overstay fines apply. | $50 per month (approx.) |
| Exit feeMost international flights include departure tax; confirm with airline. | Included in airfare or paid at airport |
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
Transit passengers who remain airside and do not pass immigration generally do not need a visa. If leaving the airport or staying overnight, a visa on arrival is required.
Exceptions & conditions
- Passengers with confirmed onward tickets and no checked luggage may stay airside without a visa for up to 24 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.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialRabiesConsiderCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Malaria is prevalent throughout Malawi, especially in lowland areas.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Dengue outbreaks occur, particularly during rainy season.
CholeraModerate risk
Cholera outbreaks can occur, especially after flooding or in areas with poor sanitation.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in all regions. Prophylaxis recommended (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine). Use insect repellent and bed nets.
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
Blantyre Immigration Office
Chichiri, Blantyre
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Handles extensions and permits for the southern region.
Practical information for FR 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
The fee is typically around $50 USD for a single-entry visa, but it can vary. Check with the Malawi Department of Immigration or your nearest embassy for the current fee before you travel. Have USD or MWK in cash.
No, the visa is not extendable. You'll need to leave the country before the 90 days are up. If you want 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 the 90 days.
Most major airports and land border posts offer visa on arrival for eligible nationalities, but it's always safer to use the main entry points like Kamuzu International Airport or the Mchinji border post. Smaller crossings might not have the facility or the right staff.
Only if you're arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. If you're flying directly from France, you won't need it. But if you've been in sub-Saharan Africa or South America before Malawi, bring the certificate.
No, card payments are not accepted for visa on arrival. Bring cash in US dollars or Malawian kwacha. Some border posts might accept other major currencies, but USD is the safest bet.
You'll likely be denied entry. The 6-month validity rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before travelling to Malawi.
You need proof of onward travel, which can be a bus ticket or a flight out. If you're planning to leave by land, have a copy of your planned itinerary or a ticket for the next leg.
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.