Malawi entry requirements for Nepal passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 25, 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

Nepalese passport holders need an eVisa to enter Malawi. You can get it online before you travel. As of 2026, this is the standard way for tourism and short business visits.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
eVisa application
Apply before you fly
Apply for a Malawi eVisa at the official immigration portal. Processing takes 3–5 working days, and you'll receive an approval letter by email. Print that letter and carry it with your passport to present on arrival.Apply for eVisaRequired
Valid passport
Must be valid for the duration of stay
Your passport needs at least one blank page for the entry stamp. Malawi does not enforce a strict 6-month validity rule, but airlines may check — make sure your passport is valid for your entire stay.Required
Return or onward ticket
Proof of departure
Immigration officers at Kamuzu International Airport routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed or digital copy ready — they may deny boarding if you cannot show one.Required
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or host letter
Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host. Officers rarely ask for it, but having it ready avoids delays at the counter.Recommended
Proof of funds
Show you can support yourself
Have a bank statement or cash equivalent to roughly $300 USD for a short stay. Immigration may ask how you'll cover your expenses — a quick bank app screenshot works.Recommended
eVisa is the only option
Nepalese citizens cannot get a visa on arrival in Malawi. You must have an approved eVisa before you travel.

What happens at the border

1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official Malawi eVisa website. Fill in your personal details, passport info, travel dates, and upload a passport-style photo. Pay the fee (typically around $50–$75 USD depending on visa type) with a credit or debit card. Processing usually takes 3–5 business days, but apply at least a week before your trip.
2
Receive and print your eVisa approval
Once approved, you'll get an email with your eVisa document. Print a copy and also save a PDF on your phone. You'll need to show it at check-in and on arrival.
3
Arrive at Lilongwe or Blantyre airport
When you land, head to the immigration hall. Join the queue for 'Foreign Passports'. Have your passport, eVisa approval, return ticket, and accommodation proof ready. The officer will stamp you in — usually for up to 30 days.
Download Malawi Entry Checklist
PDF · Nepal Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 2026
Download PDF

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
CostUSD $75 (approx. NPR 9,750)

Standard option for tourism; apply online or at embassy.

Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
CostUSD $150 (approx. NPR 19,500)

Ideal for frequent travellers; must show travel history.

Business Visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
CostUSD $200 (approx. NPR 26,000)

Requires invitation letter from Malawian company.

work visa
Employment Permit
1 year, renewable
USD $500 (approx. NPR 65,000) per year
For those with a job offer from a Malawian employer. Requires company sponsorship and proof of qualifications.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
USD $200 (approx. NPR 26,000) per year
For enrolled students at recognized Malawian institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Permit
2 years, renewable
USD $1,000 (approx. NPR 130,000) per year
For individuals investing at least USD $50,000 in a Malawian business. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
ServiceCost
eVisa (Single Entry)Standard fee for Nepal passport holders applying online.USD $75 (approx. NPR 9,750)
eVisa (Multiple Entry)For travellers needing multiple entries within validity.USD $150 (approx. NPR 19,500)
Stay Extension (per month)Extension possible at immigration office, subject to approval.USD $50 (approx. NPR 6,500)
Overstay Fine (per day)Maximum cap of USD $300 (approx. NPR 39,000).USD $30 (approx. NPR 3,900)

Common reasons for entry denial

Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documentation20%

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

Nepal 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 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.
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 (e.g., parts of Africa or South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk

Present throughout Malawi, especially in lowland areas; prophylaxis strongly recommended.

Dengue FeverModerate risk

Occurs in urban and rural areas; use mosquito repellent.

SchistosomiasisModerate risk

Risk from swimming in freshwater lakes and rivers; avoid contact with untreated water.

Malaria risk: high

Malaria is high risk nationwide, especially in lowland and rural areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is 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 3
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30

Main office for visa extensions and permits; bring passport, photos, and fee.

Blantyre
Regional Immigration Office – Blantyre
Chichiri, Blantyre
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30

Handles extensions and re-entry permits for southern region.

Practical information for NP 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
updated May 29
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
Police997
Medical998
US EmbassyFind contact

Frequently asked questions

Typically 3–5 business days. Apply at least a week before your departure to be safe. Processing can be slower during holidays.
The fee varies by visa type. For a single-entry tourist eVisa, expect around $50–$75 USD. Check the official eVisa portal for the exact amount at the time of application.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and reapply or contact the Malawi Department of Immigration before your current visa expires.
Malawi does not require yellow fever vaccination for entry unless you are arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. Check with your doctor or a travel clinic for other recommended vaccines.
Rejections are rare but can happen if your documents are incomplete or your passport is damaged. You can reapply with corrected information. Contact the Malawi embassy or consulate in your region for guidance.
Yes, the eVisa is accepted at all official entry points, including land borders like Mchinji (from Zambia) and Mwanza (from Mozambique). Just show your eVisa approval at the border post.
It's not a formal requirement, but it's wise to have a credit card or some cash (USD or local currency) to show if asked. ATMs are available in cities.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 25, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.