Malawi entry requirements for Tanzania passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 29, 2026·View sources
No visa required
90 days
Max stay
90 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Tanzanian passport holders can visit Malawi visa-free for up to 90 days. No need to apply in advance — just show up with your passport and a return ticket. This policy is in effect for 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport must be valid for the entire time you plan to stay in Malawi. No minimum validity beyond your departure date is required by Malawian immigration, but airlines may enforce a 6-month rule — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Malawi | Immigration officers at Kamuzu International Airport routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a ticket to your next destination ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed or digital copy of your hotel reservation, hostel booking, or a letter of invitation from your host. Officers rarely ask for it, but having it avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient money for your stay | Have access to enough cash or a credit/debit card to cover your expenses. Immigration may ask how you plan to fund your trip — a bank statement or card with a visible balance works. | Recommended |
No visa needed — but don't skip the return ticket
Visa-free entry is straightforward, but immigration officers routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a screenshot or printout ready to avoid delays.
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. If it's close to expiry, renew before you go — you will be turned away at the border.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the airport or border post
You'll land at Kamuzu International Airport (Lilongwe) or Chileka International Airport (Blantyre), or cross by road at Mwanza, Songwe, or other border posts. Follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Passport Control'.
2
Queue at immigration counter
Join the queue for foreign nationals. Have your passport and return ticket ready. The officer will check your passport validity, stamp you in, and hand it back. No payment is required.
3
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, proceed to baggage claim (if flying), then customs. You're free to enter Malawi. Your 90-day stay starts from the date of the entry stamp.
Download Malawi Entry Checklist
PDF · Tanzania Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 29, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$50 USD (estimated)
For those who prefer a formal visa or need to stay longer; apply at Malawi embassy.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months
Cost~$100 USD (estimated)
Allows multiple entries; useful for regional travel.
work visa
Temporary Employment Permit
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (estimated)
For those with a job offer in Malawi. Requires employer sponsorship and proof of qualifications.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable
~$100 USD (estimated)
For enrolled students at a recognized Malawian institution. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Business Residence Permit
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (estimated)
For investors or business owners with a registered company in Malawi. Minimum investment required.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Stay extensionVisa-free stays are not extendable; must leave and re-enter. | Not available |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay penalties are enforced; avoid overstaying to prevent fines and future bans. | Unknown (estimated ~$10 USD/day) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
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
Tanzania passport holders transiting through Malawi do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed
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 risk (including Tanzania).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Malaria is prevalent throughout Malawi, especially in lowland areas.
CholeraModerate risk
Outbreaks occur during rainy season; practice food and water safety.
SchistosomiasisModerate risk
Risk from swimming in freshwater lakes and rivers; avoid contact with untreated water.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in all regions. 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 Hill, Lilongwe
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Main office for visa inquiries and permits; bring passport and supporting documents.
Blantyre
Blantyre Immigration Office
Chichiri, Blantyre
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Handles visa extensions and permits for the southern region.
Practical information for TZ 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 = 1,747.01 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
No. Tanzanian passport holders get visa-free entry for up to 90 days. Just show up with your passport and a return ticket.
Up to 90 days per visit. The 90-day count starts from the date of your entry stamp.
No. The visa-free entry is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave Malawi and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before your 90 days expire.
You will likely be denied entry. Renew your passport before travelling. The 6-month validity is strictly enforced.
Malawi requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. Tanzania is not on the risk list, so you generally don't need it. But if you've recently travelled to a risk country, carry your certificate.
Yes. The main border crossings are at Songwe (Mbeya region) and Mwanza. The same visa-free rules apply — just show your passport and return ticket.
Your passport (valid 6+ months), a printed or digital copy of your return/onward ticket, and optionally a hotel booking for the first night. That's it — no visa fee, no application form.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 29, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.