Malawi entry requirements for Madagascar passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 30, 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
Malawi offers visa on arrival for Malagasy passport holders. Get your visa at the airport or land border when you arrive in 2026. No need to apply in advance — just show up with your documents and cash for the fee.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get a visa on arrival at Lilongwe and Blantyre airports. Pay $75 USD in cash (exact change preferred) for a single-entry visa valid for up to 30 days. Have a passport photo ready — they don't always ask, but it speeds things up. | Required |
| Valid passport Valid passport | Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay in Malawi. Airlines at departure may enforce a 6-month validity rule — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Return or onward ticket | Immigration officers routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a bus/train ticket out of Malawi ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Proof of accommodation | Carry a hotel booking confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host. Officers rarely ask, but having it ready avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Proof of funds | Show a bank statement or cash equivalent to at least $300 USD for your stay. Officers almost never check, but it's a formal requirement. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa-on-arrival fee must be paid in cash — US dollars or Malawian kwacha. Cards are not accepted. Have exact change if possible, as change may not be available.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you land in Malawi, not from your departure date. If it expires sooner, you'll be turned away.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at entry point
At Lilongwe's Kamuzu International Airport or any land border, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. There's usually a dedicated counter.
2
Fill out arrival form
You'll get a small white or yellow card on the plane or at the counter. Fill in your details — name, passport number, flight, accommodation.
3
Present documents to immigration officer
Hand over your passport, completed form, return ticket (printed or on phone), and accommodation booking. The officer will check your passport validity.
4
Pay the visa fee
Pay in cash — US dollars or Malawian kwacha. The officer will give you a receipt. Keep it safe.
5
Receive visa sticker and enter
The officer stamps your passport with the visa sticker. Check the validity dates before walking away. Then proceed to baggage claim or exit.
Download Malawi Entry Checklist
PDF · Madagascar Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 30, 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
Cost75 USD (75 USD)
Apply online or on arrival.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue
Cost150 USD (150 USD)
Ideal for frequent travellers.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost100 USD (100 USD)
Requires invitation letter from Malawian company.
work visa
Temporary Employment Permit
Up to 2 years, renewable
~200 USD (200 USD) application fee
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 (500 USD) application fee
For investors who establish a business in Malawi. Minimum investment of $250,000 USD required.
student visa
Student Permit
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~100 USD (100 USD) application fee
For enrolled students at accredited Malawian institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)Payable in cash (USD) upon arrival at airport or border. | 75 USD (75 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry, pre-arranged)Can be obtained online before travel. | 75 USD (75 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Valid for multiple entries within 6 months. | 150 USD (150 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap specified; avoid overstay. | 30 USD per day (30 USD) |
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
Madagascar passport holders transiting through Malawi do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if you need to enter the country (e.g., to change airports or overnight), a visa on arrival is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Transit hubsLilongwe International Airport (LLW) · Chileka International Airport (BLZ)
Health & vaccines for Malawi
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk (including Madagascar).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderCholeraConsider
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.
CholeraModerate risk
Outbreaks occur, especially during rainy season. Practice food and water safety.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is high risk throughout Malawi, including urban areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine) is strongly recommended. Use insect repellent and mosquito 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, Capital City, Lilongwe 3
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
For visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, photos, and fee.
Blantyre
Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services - Blantyre Office
P.O. Box 30287, Blantyre 3
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Handles extensions and re-entry permits.
Practical information for MG 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 = 1,746.4 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–$75 USD or equivalent in Malawian kwacha. It depends on the length of stay you request. Pay in cash — cards are not accepted at immigration counters.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before travel.
Malawi requires yellow fever vaccination if you're arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Madagascar is not on that list, so you likely don't need it. But check with your doctor if you've recently traveled elsewhere.
Yes, all official land borders and international airports in Malawi issue visa on arrival for eligible nationalities. The process is the same everywhere.
Immigration will likely deny entry. You need proof of onward travel — a return flight, bus ticket to a neighboring country, or a confirmed itinerary. A screenshot on your phone is acceptable.
The standard visa on arrival allows up to 30 days. You can request a shorter stay if you prefer. The officer will stamp the exact validity in your passport.
Yes, but keep it secure. Use a money belt or hidden pouch. ATMs are available at the airport but may not have foreign currency. Bring US dollars in good condition (no tears or marks).
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 30, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.