Malawi entry requirements for Slovakia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 20, 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
Slovak passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Malawi. You'll receive a single-entry visa at the airport or land border, valid for up to 30 days. This policy is in effect as of 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Apply at the airport | Get your visa on arrival at Lilongwe or Blantyre airport. Pay the $75 USD fee in cash (USD, GBP, or local currency). Have a passport photo ready — they don't have a photocopier at the counter.Check visa info | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your passport needs at least 6 months of remaining validity from your date of entry. Airlines check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers ask for proof of onward travel at the visa-on-arrival counter. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a bus/train ticket out of Malawi. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Hotel booking confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host. Officers rarely ask, but having it ready speeds up the visa-on-arrival process. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Carry at least $300 USD in cash or a credit card statement showing available funds. Immigration may ask how you'll support yourself during your stay. | Recommended |
Cash is king at the border
Visa fees must be paid in cash. ATMs are not available at immigration counters. Bring USD or EUR in small denominations — $20s and $50s work best. Change may not be available.
Keep your arrival card
The small card you fill out on the plane is your entry record. Keep it with your passport — you'll need to hand it back when you leave Malawi.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at entry point
At Lilongwe (LLW) or Blantyre (BLZ) airport, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. At land borders (e.g., Mchinji, Songwe), go to the immigration desk.
2
Fill out arrival form
You'll receive a small card on the plane or at the border. Fill in your personal details, flight number, and accommodation address.
3
Present documents
Hand over your passport, completed arrival card, and return ticket (if asked). The officer will check your passport validity and blank page.
4
Pay the visa fee
Pay in cash. USD is widely accepted. Keep the receipt — you may need it when leaving.
5
Receive visa sticker
The officer will affix a visa sticker into your passport and stamp it. Check the validity dates before leaving the counter.
6
Proceed to baggage claim
After immigration, collect your luggage and pass through customs. No additional forms needed.
Download Malawi Entry Checklist
PDF · Slovakia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 20, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist Visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost75 USD (75 USD)
Apply at Malawi embassy before travel.
Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue
Cost150 USD (150 USD)
Ideal for multiple visits.
Business Visa
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
Up to 2 years, 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
1 year, 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 recognized Malawian institutions. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Payable in cash (USD) at port of entry. | 75 USD (75 USD) |
| Visa on Arrival (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries during validity. | 150 USD (150 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayCharged per day overstay, no maximum cap specified. | 30 USD (30 USD) |
| Stay extension (if applicable)Extensions are not permitted for visa on arrival; must leave and re-enter. | Unknown |
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
Slovak passport holders transiting through Malawi do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or passing through immigration, a visa on arrival is required.
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.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Malaria is prevalent throughout Malawi, especially in lowland areas.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks, especially during rainy season.
CholeraModerate risk
Risk increases during rainy season; practice food and water safety.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is high risk nationwide, especially in rural areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended.
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.
Blantyre
Blantyre Immigration Office
Chichiri, Blantyre
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Regional office for southern Malawi.
Practical information for SK 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 visa valid for 30 days. Pay in cash (USD, EUR, or Malawian kwacha). Prices can change, so bring extra just in case.
Yes, but extensions are not automatic. You must apply at the Department of Immigration in Lilongwe or Blantyre before your visa expires. Extensions cost around $50–100 USD and can add up to 30 days. Start the process at least a week before expiry.
If you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk, you'll need a valid yellow fever certificate. Slovakia is not a risk country, but if you've recently traveled to a risk area (e.g., parts of South America or Africa), bring your vaccination card.
Yes, most land borders issue visas on arrival for Slovak citizens. Common crossings include Mchinji (from Zambia) and Songwe (from Tanzania). The process is the same as at airports — just have your documents ready.
You will likely be denied entry. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before traveling.
Not typically required for a visa on arrival, but immigration officers may ask how you'll support yourself. Having a credit card or a few hundred USD in cash is a good idea.
No, the standard visa on arrival is single-entry. If you need multiple entries, apply for a visa at a Malawian embassy before travel.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 20, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.