Malawi entry requirements for Philippines passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 21, 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
Filipino 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 75 USD. You pay in cash (USD or local currency) and hand over your documents at the immigration counter.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get your visa on arrival at Lilongwe International Airport (LLW) or other land borders. Pay $75 USD in cash (exact change preferred) — they don't accept cards. Have a printed copy of your hotel booking and return ticket ready, as the immigration officer will ask for both before stamping.Check visa details | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Malawi. Airlines at Manila (MNL) will check this before letting you board — no exceptions. If your passport expires sooner, renew it before booking. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration at LLW will ask to see your return or onward ticket before issuing the visa on arrival. Budget airlines like Ethiopian Airlines or Kenya Airways also check this at check-in. Have a printed copy or a screenshot ready on your phone. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a printed hotel booking confirmation or an invitation letter from your host in Malawi. Immigration officers at the visa-on-arrival desk routinely ask for this — a phone screenshot works, but a printout is safer. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient cash or bank statement | Carry at least $300 USD in cash or have a recent bank statement showing you can cover your stay. Immigration may ask how you'll support yourself — having cash on hand avoids delays. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash — no credit cards, no mobile money. Bring 75 USD in crisp, undamaged bills. Old or torn notes may be refused.
Visa on arrival is straightforward
The process at Lilongwe and Blantyre airports is well-established. Most Filipino travellers get through in 15–30 minutes. Just have your documents ready and cash in hand.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at immigration counter
At Lilongwe (LLW) or Blantyre (BLZ) airport, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. There's usually a separate queue for visa-on-arrival applicants.
2
Submit documents and pay fee
Hand over your passport, completed arrival card (given on the plane), and return ticket. The officer will tell you the fee — pay in USD cash. They'll issue a receipt and stamp your passport.
3
Collect passport and proceed
Once the visa is stamped, you can proceed to baggage claim and customs. Keep the receipt with your passport — you may need it when leaving.
Download Malawi Entry Checklist
PDF · Philippines Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 21, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist Visa (single entry, pre-arranged)
Max stay90 days, extendable up to 60 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost50 USD (plus processing fee)
Apply at Malawi embassy before travel; allows longer stay than VoA.
Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost100 USD (plus processing fee)
For frequent travellers; must apply in advance.
Business Visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost100 USD (plus processing fee)
Requires invitation letter from Malawian company.
work visa
Temporary Employment Permit
1 year, renewable annually
~200 USD (plus processing fees)
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 (plus fees)
For investors with a minimum investment of $250,000 in Malawi. Includes family dependents. Requires business plan and proof of funds.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~100 USD (plus processing)
For enrolled students at recognized Malawian institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of financial support.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, 30 days)Fee for Philippines passport holders; must be paid in cash upon arrival. | 75 USD (payable in USD or local currency) |
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, 90 days)Extended duration option; also payable in cash. | 150 USD |
| Overstay fine per dayCharged for each day overstayed beyond visa validity. | 10 USD per day |
| Overstay fine maximum capMaximum penalty for overstay; applies after 30 days. | 300 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
Philippines passport holders transiting through Malawi do not need a visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid visa for Malawi or a neighboring country 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.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsiderCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in lowland areas; prophylaxis 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.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round, 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 visa extensions and permits; bring passport, photos, and fee.
Blantyre
Immigration Office Blantyre
Chichiri, Blantyre
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Regional office for extensions and re-entry permits.
Practical information for PH 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 = 1,740.92 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 is valid for up to 30 days. You can extend it once at the Department of Immigration in Lilongwe or Blantyre for an additional 30 days (cost around 50 USD).
Yes, 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.
You will likely be denied the visa on arrival. Immigration officers routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Book a refundable ticket if you're unsure of your plans.
Yes, but the exchange rate used by immigration may be less favorable. Paying in USD is simpler and often cheaper. Bring crisp, undamaged bills — old or torn notes may be refused.
If you're arriving from a country with yellow fever (or have transited through one for more than 12 hours), you need a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Otherwise, it's not required for direct flights from the Philippines.
Yes, you can apply for a 30-day extension at the Department of Immigration in Lilongwe (Capital City, off Presidential Drive) or Blantyre (Chichiri, near the bus terminal). The fee is about 50 USD, and processing takes 1–3 working days.
Overstaying is taken seriously. You'll be fined approximately 10 USD per day overstayed, and you may be detained or banned from re-entering. Always extend before your visa expires.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 21, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.