Malawi entry requirements for Myanmar passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 26, 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
Myanmar passport holders can get a visa on arrival at all ports of entry in Malawi. It's valid for up to 30 days and costs around $75 USD. Have your documents ready before you travel.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get your visa at Lilongwe or Blantyre airport. Pay $75 USD in cash (exact change preferred) — they do not accept cards. Have a printed copy of your hotel booking and return ticket ready at the visa counter. | Required |
| Valid passport Passport validity | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry. Malawi immigration checks this strictly — if your passport expires sooner, they will deny boarding at your departure airport. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at Kamuzu International Airport routinely ask for a confirmed onward ticket. Airlines also check this before issuing your boarding pass. Have a printed copy or show it on your phone. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking | Have a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host. Immigration may ask for it at the visa counter — they want to see where you are staying for at least the first few nights. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient funds | Carry at least $300 USD in cash or have a bank statement showing you can cover your stay. Malawi is a cash-heavy country — credit cards are not widely accepted outside major hotels. | Recommended |
Cash is king at the border
The visa fee must be paid in cash (USD). ATMs are available in cities but can be unreliable. Bring enough USD to cover the fee and a bit extra for emergencies.
Visa on arrival is straightforward
The process is simple and well-established at major airports. Just have your documents ready, pay the fee, and you'll be through in 15–30 minutes.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the airport or border
When you land at Lilongwe or Blantyre airport, or arrive at a land border, head to the immigration counter. Look for the 'Visa on Arrival' sign.
2
Fill out the arrival form
You'll be given a small white arrival card to fill out on the plane or at the counter. It asks for basic info like your name, passport number, flight number, and where you're staying.
3
Present your documents
Hand over your passport, the completed arrival card, and your return/onward ticket. The officer may also ask for your accommodation booking.
4
Pay the visa fee
The officer will tell you the fee (around $75 USD). Pay in cash — US dollars are preferred. Keep the receipt.
5
Get your visa sticker
The officer will stamp a visa sticker into your passport. Check that the dates are correct before you walk away.
6
Proceed to baggage claim
Once your visa is issued, you can collect your luggage and exit the airport. The whole process usually takes 15–30 minutes.
Download Malawi Entry Checklist
PDF · Myanmar Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 26, 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 date
Cost75 USD
Apply at Malawi embassy or online if eVisa available.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost150 USD
Best for frequent travellers; must leave and re-enter.
Business visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity3 months
Cost100 USD (estimated)
Requires invitation letter from Malawian company.
work visa
Employment Permit
1 year, renewable
~200 USD (estimated)
For foreign nationals with a job offer in Malawi. Requires employer sponsorship and labour market test.
investor visa
Business Residence Permit
1–2 years, renewable
~500 USD (estimated)
For investors or business owners who invest a minimum of $250,000 USD in Malawi. Includes family dependents.
student visa
Student Permit
Duration of studies, renewable
~100 USD (estimated)
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 designated ports. | 75 USD (exact amount, no local currency equivalent given) |
| Tourist visa (single entry) – if applied in advanceSame cost as VoA, but may be processed at embassy. | 75 USD |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | 150 USD |
| Stay extension feeExtension possible at immigration office; subject to approval. | 30 USD per month (estimated) |
| Overstay fine per dayPayable at immigration upon departure; avoid overstay. | 10 USD per day (estimated, no official cap known) |
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
Myanmar 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
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa may transit without visa for up to 48 hours (airside).
Transit hubsKamuzu International Airport (Lilongwe) · Chileka International Airport (Blantyre)
Health & vaccines for Malawi
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission (including transit >12 hours).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Malaria is present throughout Malawi, especially in lowland areas; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance is key.
SchistosomiasisModerate risk
Risk from swimming in freshwater lakes and rivers; avoid contact with untreated water.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is high throughout Malawi, especially in lowland areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly 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 and Citizenship Services – Headquarters
Private Bag 331, Capital City, Lilongwe 3
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Main office for extensions and permits; bring passport, photos, and fee.
Blantyre
Immigration Office – Blantyre
Chichiri, Blantyre
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Regional office for visa extensions and re-entry permits.
Practical information for MM 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
The fee is around $75 USD for a single-entry visa. It's payable in cash (US dollars preferred) at the immigration counter. Exact change is helpful.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. You must leave Malawi before the 30 days are up. If you need to stay longer, you'll need to apply for a different visa type before you travel.
Immigration officers may ask to see proof of onward travel. Without it, you could be denied entry. Book a refundable ticket or a cheap bus ticket to a neighboring country just in case.
Yes, the visa on arrival is available at all official ports of entry — airports (Lilongwe, Blantyre) and land borders. But land borders can be slower and less organized, so allow extra time.
If you're arriving from a country with yellow fever (or have transited through one for more than 12 hours), you'll need to show a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Otherwise, it's not required for direct travel from Myanmar.
You will be denied entry. The 6-month validity rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before you travel.
No, the visa fee must be paid in cash. US dollars are preferred, but some border posts may accept Malawian kwacha. Bring enough USD to cover the fee and some extra for emergencies.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 26, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.