Malawi entry requirements for Qatar passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 26, 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
Qatari passport holders must get an eVisa before traveling to Malawi. The entire application is online, and you'll present the approved eVisa at the border. Since 2026, this is the only way to enter for tourism or short business trips.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for a Malawi eVisa at the official immigration portal. Processing takes 3–5 working days, and you receive an approval letter by email. Print the letter and carry it with your passport to present at immigration on arrival.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for duration of stay | Your passport needs at least one blank page for the entry stamp. Malawi does not enforce a 6-month validity rule — just ensure it covers your entire stay. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Immigration may ask for proof | Immigration officers at Lilongwe and Blantyre airports routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy ready showing your departure from Malawi within the eVisa validity period. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a hotel reservation confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host in Malawi. Immigration may ask where you are staying, especially if you arrive without a pre-booked hotel. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have bank statements or a credit card ready to show you have enough money for your stay. Immigration rarely asks, but it helps if you are staying for more than a week or have no return ticket. | Recommended |
eVisa is mandatory — no visa on arrival
Qatari passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival in Malawi. You must have an approved eVisa before you travel. Apply online at least a week in advance.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for 6 months from the day you land in Malawi, not from your departure date. If it's close to expiring, renew it before applying for the eVisa.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official Malawi eVisa portal (evisa.immigration.gov.mw). Fill in your personal and passport details, upload a passport-style photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee with a credit or debit card. Processing usually takes 3–5 business days, but apply at least a week before your trip to be safe.
2
Receive and save your eVisa
Once approved, you'll get an email with the eVisa document. Print a paper copy and also save a PDF on your phone. You'll need to show it at check-in and on arrival.
3
Arrive at Kamuzu International Airport (Lilongwe) or Chileka International Airport (Blantyre)
After landing, head to the immigration hall. Join the queue for 'Foreign Passports'. Have your passport, printed eVisa, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready. The officer will stamp you in. The whole process usually takes 15–30 minutes if your documents are in order.
Download Malawi Entry Checklist
PDF · Qatar 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
Cost$75 USD (approx. $75 USD)
Standard tourist visa for single entry.
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable up to 90 days total
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost$150 USD (approx. $150 USD)
Allows multiple entries within validity.
Business Visa
Max stay30 days, extendable up to 90 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$100 USD (approx. $100 USD)
Requires invitation letter from Malawian company.
work visa
Temporary Employment Permit
1 year, renewable
$200 USD (approx. $200 USD)
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 (approx. $500 USD)
For investors with a minimum investment of $250,000 USD in Malawi. Includes family dependents. Requires business plan and proof of funds.
student visa
Student Permit
Duration of studies, renewable annually
$100 USD (approx. $100 USD)
For enrolled students at recognized Malawian institutions. Requires acceptance letter and proof of financial support.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (Single Entry)Standard fee for a single-entry tourist eVisa. | $75 USD (approx. $75 USD) |
| eVisa (Multiple Entry)For multiple entries within validity period. | $150 USD (approx. $150 USD) |
| Overstay fine (per day)Charged for each day overstayed beyond authorized period. | $10 USD per day |
| Overstay fine (maximum cap)Maximum fine for overstay, regardless of duration. | $500 USD |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete application20%
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
Qatar 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), you must obtain an eVisa.
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.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Malaria is prevalent throughout Malawi, especially in lowland areas. Prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks, especially during rainy season. Use mosquito repellent.
CholeraModerate risk
Risk increases during rainy season; practice safe food and water precautions.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in all regions. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended. Use insect repellent and sleep under 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 Headquarters
Off Presidential Way, Capital City, Lilongwe
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, photos, and fee.
Blantyre
Blantyre Immigration Office
Ginnery Corner, Blantyre
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Handles extensions and re-entry permits for southern region.
Practical information for QA 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
Typically 3–5 business days. Apply at least a week before your flight to avoid last-minute stress. Processing times can be longer during peak travel seasons.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to leave and re-enter with a new eVisa. Plan your trip within the allowed duration.
Rejections are rare if you provide accurate information. Common reasons include incorrect passport details or insufficient validity. If rejected, you can reapply with corrected information. Contact the Malawi Immigration Department for guidance.
If you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk, you'll need a vaccination certificate. Qatar is not a yellow fever country, so you likely won't need it unless you've recently traveled to an affected area.
Yes, the eVisa is valid for entry at all official border posts, not just airports. Just show the approved eVisa at the border checkpoint.
The fee varies depending on the type of visa (single entry, multiple entry, etc.). Check the official eVisa portal for current prices. Expect to pay around $50–$100 USD for a single-entry tourist visa.
No, Malawi does not require an arrival declaration form for Qatari passport holders. Just present your passport and eVisa at immigration.
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.