Malawi entry requirements for South Korea passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 15, 2026·View sources
Visa on arrival
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
South Korean passport holders can get a visa on arrival at any entry point in Malawi. It's valid for up to 30 days and costs about $75 USD. As of 2026, the process is simple — just have your documents ready at the immigration counter.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your South Korean passport must be valid for the entire period you plan to stay in Malawi. Immigration officers at Kamuzu International Airport check this at the visa-on-arrival counter. | Required |
| Visa on arrival Obtain at the border | You get a visa on arrival at Lilongwe and Blantyre airports. Have your passport, a printed return ticket, and the visa fee in cash (USD) ready — the officer processes it at the counter before immigration.Check visa details | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers in Malawi always ask for proof of onward travel. Show a printed or digital return ticket or a ticket to your next destination — they check this before issuing the visa on arrival. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to have ready | Have a hotel booking or a letter of invitation from a host in Malawi. Officers rarely ask for it, but having a printed confirmation avoids delays at the visa-on-arrival desk. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to show if asked | Carry enough cash (USD or Malawi Kwacha) or a credit card to cover your stay. Immigration may ask for proof of sufficient funds, especially if you don't have a return ticket. | Recommended |
Cash is king at immigration
The visa fee must be paid in cash — USD or Malawi kwacha. ATMs at the airport are unreliable, and credit cards are not accepted. Bring at least $100 USD in small bills to cover the fee and any unexpected costs.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you enter Malawi, not from your departure date. If your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied the visa on arrival.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at immigration counter
After landing at Lilongwe (LLW) or Blantyre (BLZ), follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. Join the queue for foreign passports.
2
Submit documents and pay fee
Hand over your passport, completed arrival card (usually given on the plane), and pay the visa fee. The fee is approximately $75 USD — cash is preferred (USD or local currency). Keep the receipt.
3
Receive visa and proceed
The officer will stamp your passport with the visa. Check the validity dates before leaving the counter. Then proceed to baggage claim and customs.
Download Malawi Entry Checklist
PDF · South Korea Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 15, 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
Cost75 USD (approx. 75 USD)
Apply at Malawi embassy or online; same as VoA but pre-arranged.
Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per visit, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost150 USD (approx. 150 USD)
Ideal for frequent travellers; must apply in advance.
Business Visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost100 USD (approx. 100 USD)
Requires invitation letter from Malawian company.
work visa
Temporary Employment Permit
1 year, renewable
~200 USD (approx. 200 USD)
For foreign nationals with a job offer in Malawi. Requires employer sponsorship and proof of qualifications. Allows multiple entries.
investor visa
Business Residence Permit
2 years, renewable
~500 USD (approx. 500 USD)
For investors with a minimum investment of $250,000 in Malawi. Includes family dependents. Must show business plan and financial proof.
student visa
Student Permit
Duration of studies, renewable
~100 USD (approx. 100 USD)
For enrolled students at recognized Malawian institutions. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work with permission.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Payable in cash (USD or local currency) upon arrival at entry points. | 75 USD (approx. 75 USD) |
| Visa on Arrival (multiple entry)Available for those needing multiple entries; confirm eligibility at immigration. | 150 USD (approx. 150 USD) |
| Overstay fineCharged for each day overstayed; no official cap but may lead to deportation. | 10 USD per day (approx. 10 USD/day) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete travel 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
South Korea passport holders transiting through Malawi do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. For landside transit or overnight stays, a visa on arrival may be required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid visa for the final destination may transit without visa for up to 24 hours airside.
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 AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance advised.
CholeraLow risk
Risk in areas with poor sanitation; food and water precautions essential.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is high risk nationwide, especially during rainy season (November–April). Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) 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 and Citizenship Services - Headquarters
Off Presidential Way, Capital City, Lilongwe
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and permits; bring passport, photos, and fee.
Blantyre
Department of Immigration - Blantyre Regional Office
Ginnery Corner, Blantyre
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Handles extensions and re-entry permits for southern region.
Practical information for KR 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 = 1,739.95 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 visa on arrival costs approximately $75 USD. You can pay in US dollars or Malawi kwacha. Credit cards are not accepted at immigration counters, so bring cash.
Yes, you can extend your visa at the Department of Immigration in Lilongwe or Blantyre. Extensions are typically granted for up to 30 additional days and cost around $50 USD. Apply before your current visa expires.
If you are arriving from a country with yellow fever risk, you must show a yellow fever vaccination certificate. South Korea is not a risk country, so you likely won't need it unless you've recently traveled to an affected area.
Visa on arrival is available at all official land border crossings, including Mchinji (from Zambia) and Mwanza (from Mozambique). The process is the same as at airports — have your passport, cash, and onward ticket ready.
The standard visa on arrival is single-entry. If you plan to leave and re-enter Malawi, you'll need to apply for a multiple-entry visa in advance at a Malawian embassy or consulate.
At Lilongwe and Blantyre airports, it usually takes 15–30 minutes. During peak hours or when multiple flights arrive, it can take up to an hour. Land borders are generally faster.
You'll receive an arrival card on the plane or at the border. Fill it out with your personal details, flight number, and accommodation address. No online pre-registration is required.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 15, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.