Malawi entry requirements for Romania passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 31, 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
Romanian passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Malawi. Just show up at the airport or land border with the right documents and pay the fee in cash. As of 2026, this is the standard process for short tourist visits.
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 don't accept cards. Have a printed copy of your hotel booking and return ticket ready to show at the visa counter.Check visa details | Required |
| Valid passport Passport validity | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Malawi. Airlines check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied at check-in. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at Kamuzu Airport ask for a confirmed onward ticket before issuing the visa on arrival. A printed itinerary or e-ticket works — they just want to see you're leaving within the visa validity. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a printed hotel reservation or a letter from your host in Malawi. The visa officer may ask for it during the visa-on-arrival process — a simple Booking.com confirmation is fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Financial means | Carry at least $300 USD in cash or have a bank statement showing you can cover your stay. The visa officer rarely asks, but if they do, you'll need to show you're not planning to work illegally. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa on arrival
The visa fee must be paid in cash — no cards, no mobile payments. Bring US dollars in small denominations ($20s and $10s). Malawian kwacha is also accepted, but exchange rates at the counter may be poor.
Visa on arrival is straightforward
The process at Lilongwe Airport usually takes 15–30 minutes. Have your documents ready and fill out the arrival form on the plane to save time.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at entry point
At Lilongwe or Blantyre airport, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. At land borders, go to the immigration office before the main gate.
2
Fill out the arrival form
You'll get a small card on the plane or at the counter. Fill in your details, passport number, and where you're staying.
3
Present documents and pay
Hand over your passport, completed form, and return ticket. Pay the visa fee in cash (USD preferred). The officer will process and stamp your passport.
4
Collect passport and proceed
Once stamped, you're free to go through baggage claim and customs. Keep the visa sticker safe — you'll need it when leaving.
Download Malawi Entry Checklist
PDF · Romania Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 31, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry, 30 days)
Max stay30 days, non-extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost75 USD (75 USD)
Standard option for short visits.
Tourist visa (multiple entry, 90 days)
Max stay90 days total, non-extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost150 USD (150 USD)
For travellers needing multiple entries.
Business visa (single entry, 30 days)
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
1 year, renewable
~200 USD (200 USD) application fee
For foreign nationals with a job offer from a Malawian employer. Requires employer sponsorship and proof of qualifications.
investor visa
Business Residence Permit
2 years, renewable
~500 USD (500 USD) application fee
For investors establishing a business in Malawi. Requires minimum investment of $250,000 and business plan.
student visa
Student Permit
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~100 USD (100 USD) application fee
For enrolled students at accredited Malawian institutions. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, 30 days)Payable in cash (USD) upon arrival at airport or border. | 75 USD (75 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry, 30 days, pre-arranged)Can be obtained online via e-Visa system before travel. | 75 USD (75 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry, 90 days)Allows multiple entries within validity. | 150 USD (150 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of 300 USD. | 10 USD (10 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
Romania passport holders transiting through Malawi do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if leaving the airport or staying 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.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in lowland areas. Prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas, especially during rainy season.
CholeraModerate risk
Outbreaks occur, especially during rainy season. Practice food and water safety.
Malaria risk: high
High risk throughout Malawi, including urban areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) strongly recommended. Use insect repellent and bed 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, Lilongwe 3
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, photos, and fee.
Blantyre
Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services - Blantyre Office
P.O. Box 301, Blantyre
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Regional office for southern Malawi.
Practical information for RO 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 = 1,743.31 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 for a single-entry tourist visa, valid for up to 30 days. Pay in cash — US dollars are easiest. Bring small bills as change may not be available.
Yes, you can apply for an extension at the Department of Immigration in Lilongwe or Blantyre. Extensions are usually granted for up to 90 days total. The cost is around $50–$100 USD, and processing takes a few days.
Not required if you're arriving directly from Romania. But if you've recently been in a country with yellow fever (e.g., parts of South America or Africa), you'll need proof of vaccination. Check the latest WHO guidelines before travel.
Immigration may deny entry or ask you to buy one on the spot. It's a strict requirement. Book a refundable ticket if you're unsure of your plans.
Yes, at all major airports (Lilongwe, Blantyre) and land borders like Mchinji (from Zambia) and Mulanje (from Mozambique). Smaller crossings may not offer this service — stick to official entry points.
Yes, but keep it in a money belt or hidden pouch. ATMs are available in cities but not at the airport immigration counter. USD cash is the most reliable option.
If you're staying airside and not passing through immigration, you don't need a visa. But if you need to enter the country (e.g., for a long layover), you'll need a visa on arrival.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 31, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.