Malawi entry requirements for Iraq passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 27, 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
Iraqi passport holders need an eVisa to enter Malawi. The eVisa covers tourism and business visits, and you must apply online before you travel. As of 2026, this is the only way to get a visa for Malawi.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply online before travel | Apply for a Malawi eVisa at the Malawi Department of Immigration portal. Processing takes 3–5 business days. Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your passport must be valid for at least the entire period you plan to stay in Malawi. Airlines and immigration officers check this at check-in and arrival. | 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 showing your departure from Malawi. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a hotel reservation confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host. Immigration may ask for this at the border. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show sufficient money for your stay | Have bank statements, cash, or a credit card ready to demonstrate you can cover your expenses. Immigration officers may request this on arrival. | Recommended |
eVisa is mandatory — no visa on arrival
Iraqi passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival in Malawi. You must apply and receive approval for an eVisa before you fly. Airlines will check this at check-in.
Yellow fever vaccine required
If you're arriving from Iraq or any country with yellow fever, you need a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Get it at least 10 days before travel and keep it with your passport.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official Malawi eVisa website (evisa.immigration.gov.mw). Fill out the application form, upload a digital passport photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee (around $75 USD for a single-entry tourist visa) with a credit or debit card. Processing usually takes 3–5 business days.
2
Receive and print your eVisa
Once approved, you'll get an email with your eVisa PDF. 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 Iraq, the airline will check your eVisa, passport validity, and onward ticket. Have all documents ready in a folder or on your phone.
4
Arrive at Kamuzu International Airport (Lilongwe) or Chileka Airport (Blantyre)
After landing, follow signs to immigration. Join the queue for 'Foreign Passports'. Present your passport, eVisa printout, and return ticket. The officer will stamp you in. The process usually takes 10–15 minutes.
5
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, go to baggage claim, then customs. You're free to enter Malawi.
Download Malawi Entry Checklist
PDF · Iraq Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 27, 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
CostUSD 75 (approx. USD 75)
Standard tourist visa for single entry.
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
CostUSD 150 (approx. USD 150)
Allows multiple entries within validity.
Business Visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months
CostUSD 100 (approx. USD 100)
Requires invitation letter from Malawian company.
work visa
Malawi Work Permit
1 year, renewable
USD 200 (approx. USD 200)
For foreign nationals employed by a Malawian company. Requires employer sponsorship and proof of qualifications.
investor visa
Malawi Investor Permit
2 years, renewable
USD 500 (approx. USD 500)
For individuals investing a minimum of USD 250,000 in Malawi. Includes residency rights.
student visa
Malawi Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable
USD 100 (approx. USD 100)
For enrolled students at recognized Malawian institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Malawi eVisa (Single Entry)Standard fee for Iraqi passport holders applying online. | USD 75 (approx. USD 75) |
| Malawi eVisa (Multiple Entry)For multiple entries within validity period. | USD 150 (approx. USD 150) |
| Visa Extension (per month)Possible at immigration office, subject to approval. | USD 30 (approx. USD 30) |
| Overstay Fine (per day)Charged for each day overstay, no maximum cap specified. | USD 10 (approx. USD 10) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete 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
Iraqi passport holders transiting through Malawi do not require a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Transit hubsLilongwe International Airport (LLW) · Blantyre Chileka 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 AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)Essential
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in lowland areas.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks, especially in urban areas.
CholeraLow risk
Risk during rainy season in areas with poor sanitation.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is high throughout Malawi, especially in lowland areas. Prophylaxis 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
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and permits.
Blantyre
Blantyre Immigration Office
Chichiri, Blantyre
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Handles extensions and re-entry permits.
Practical information for IQ 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
Processing usually takes 3–5 business days. Apply at least a week before your trip to be safe. There's no expedited option.
A single-entry tourist eVisa costs around $75 USD. You pay online with a credit or debit card. The fee is non-refundable if your application is rejected.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and reapply for a new eVisa.
Yes, if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever (including Iraq), you need a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel and carry the certificate.
Rejections are rare but can happen if your documents are incomplete or your passport is too close to expiry. You can reapply with corrected information. The fee is not refunded.
No. As of 2026, the only option for Iraqi passport holders is the eVisa. You must have it approved before you travel.
Contact the Iraqi embassy in Pretoria, South Africa (there is no Iraqi embassy in Malawi). They can issue an emergency travel document. Also file a police report in Malawi.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 27, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.