Malawi entry requirements for Sri Lanka 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
Sri Lankan passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Malawi, valid for up to 90 days. No prior application is needed — just show up at the airport or border post with your passport and the required documents.
Apply for Malawi eVisaOfficial portal: Malawi eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrivalYou will get your visa when you land in Malawi, not before you travel. Obtain at port of entry | Sri Lankan passport holders are eligible for a visa on arrival in Malawi for a maximum stay of 90 days. The visa is not extendable. Apply at the immigration desk upon arrival with the required fee (payable in cash, preferably USD). | Required |
| Passport validityYour passport must be valid for half a year after you arrive in Malawi. Must be valid 6 months beyond entry | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into Malawi. Ensure your passport does not expire before 2027-02-06 if you enter on 2026-08-06. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesYou need an empty page in your passport for the entry stamp. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for the visa stamp. It is recommended to have 2 blank pages to avoid issues at immigration. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketYou may be asked to show that you have a flight out of Malawi. Proof of departure | Immigration officials may require proof of a return or onward ticket to show you will leave Malawi before your 90-day stay expires. Have a printed or digital copy ready. | Required |
| Proof of sufficient fundsCarry proof that you can pay for your expenses while in Malawi. Financial means for stay | Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds to cover your stay in Malawi, such as bank statements, credit cards, or cash. The exact amount is not fixed but should be enough for your planned activities. | Recommended |
| Yellow fever vaccination certificateYou need this certificate only if you come from a country where yellow fever is present. If arriving from endemic country | If you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission, you must present a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate. Sri Lanka is not a yellow fever endemic country, but this may apply if you transit through an endemic area. | Required |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any online arrival form before you travel. Not required | No separate arrival declaration form is required for Malawi. You will complete standard immigration forms upon arrival. | Not required |
| eVisa applicationYou cannot get an eVisa for Malawi as a Sri Lankan citizen; just get the visa when you land. Not applicable | Sri Lankan passport holders are not eligible for Malawi's eVisa program. Do not attempt to apply online; instead, obtain your visa on arrival at the port of entry. | Not required |
Cash only — no card payments
The visa-on-arrival fee must be paid in cash. ATMs may be unreliable, and card payment is not guaranteed at immigration desks. Carry enough USD or Malawian kwacha to cover the fee.
Visa is not extendable
The 90-day visa on arrival cannot be extended. Plan your stay accordingly and leave before the expiry date to avoid fines or being banned from re-entry.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the port of entry
Fly into Lilongwe (Kamuzu International Airport) or Blantyre (Chileka International Airport), or cross at a land border. Head to the immigration desk marked 'Visas' or 'Visa on Arrival'.
2
Present your documents
Hand over your passport, completed arrival form (if given), return ticket, and any other requested documents. The officer will check your passport validity and blank pages.
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay the visa fee in cash. Have exact change in USD or MWK to speed things up. Keep the receipt — you may need it when you leave.
4
Get your visa stamped
The officer stamps your passport with the visa-on-arrival, noting your entry date and the 90-day validity. Check the stamp before leaving the desk.
5
Proceed to baggage and exit
After the visa stamp, collect your luggage and pass through customs. You're free to enter Malawi.
Download Malawi Entry Checklist
PDF · Sri Lanka 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 date of issue
Cost$50
Obtainable on arrival with a letter of invitation from a Malawian company.
Multiple entry visa
Max stay90 days per visit
Validity12 months
Cost$150
Apply at a Malawi embassy or high commission before travel.
work visa
Temporary Employment Permit
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD
For foreign nationals with a job offer in Malawi. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Department of Immigration.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable
~$100 USD
For those enrolled in a recognized educational institution in Malawi. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Business Residence Permit
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD
For investors establishing a business in Malawi. Requires minimum investment of $250,000 USD and business plan.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry, 90 days)Payable in cash (USD or Malawi Kwacha) at port of entry. | $50 (or equivalent in MWK) |
| Visa extension (per 30 days)Apply at Department of Immigration in Lilongwe or Blantyre. | Approx. $50 |
| Exit feeNo separate departure tax 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
No transit visa needed
Sri Lankan passport holders transiting through Malawi (e.g., at Lilongwe or Blantyre) do not need a visa if staying airside and continuing within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport transit area, a visa on arrival is required.
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)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially during rainy season (Nov–Apr).
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance recommended.
CholeraLow risk
Occasional outbreaks; practice food and water safety.
Malaria risk: high
Prophylaxis recommended for all travellers. Use mosquito repellent and 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
Capital City, Lilongwe 3
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Main office for visa inquiries and permits. Bring passport and supporting documents.
Blantyre
Immigration Office Blantyre
Victoria Avenue, Blantyre
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Regional office for visa extensions and permits.
Practical information for LK 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 not fixed in public schedules and can change. Budget around $50 USD or the equivalent in Malawian kwacha. Pay in cash — USD is widely accepted, but have kwacha as backup.
No. The visa on arrival is not extendable. You must leave before the 90 days are up. Overstaying can lead to fines or deportation.
If you're staying in the international transit area and not passing through immigration, you don't need a visa. But if you leave the airport, you'll need the visa on arrival.
Most major entry points — international airports and main land border posts — offer visa on arrival. Smaller or remote crossings may not. Stick to well-known ports of entry.
Immigration may deny entry if you can't show proof of onward travel. Buy a refundable ticket or a cheap bus ticket to a neighboring country if needed.
No. It's a single-entry visa. If you leave Malawi and want to come back, you'll need to get a new visa on arrival.
Your passport (6 months validity, 1 blank page), a return/onward ticket, and cash for the fee. Proof of accommodation and a yellow fever certificate may also be requested.
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.