Malawi entry requirements for Vietnam passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 25, 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
Vietnamese passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Malawi's international airports. This is the standard way to enter for tourism or business. As of 2025, the process is straightforward — just show up with the right documents and pay the fee.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival application | Get a visa on arrival at Lilongwe International Airport (LLW) or Chileka International Airport (BLZ). Have a printed invitation letter from a sponsor in Malawi or a hotel booking confirmation ready. Pay the visa fee in cash (USD) — single entry is $75, multiple entry is $150.Check visa requirements | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Malawi. Have at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at Lilongwe and Chileka airports routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or show it on your phone. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a confirmed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Malawi. Officers may ask for this at the visa-on-arrival counter. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient cash or bank statement | Carry at least $300 USD in cash or have a bank statement showing sufficient funds. Immigration may ask to see proof of financial means for your stay. | Recommended |
Cash only at the visa counter
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash — no cards, no mobile payments. Bring USD in small denominations. ATMs are available after immigration, but you'll need cash first.
Visa on arrival only at airports
This facility is only available at Lilongwe and Blantyre international airports. If you plan to enter Malawi by land (from Zambia, Tanzania, or Mozambique), you must get a visa from a Malawi embassy before you travel.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Malawi airport
Fly into Lilongwe (LLW) or Blantyre (BLZ). After landing, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. There's usually a dedicated counter.
2
Fill out the application form
You'll get a small form to fill out on the spot — name, passport number, flight details, accommodation. Bring a pen.
3
Submit documents and pay
Hand over your passport, completed form, return ticket, and accommodation proof. Pay the visa fee in cash (USD preferred). The officer will process and stamp your passport.
4
Collect your passport and proceed
Once processed, you'll get your passport back with the visa sticker. Then head to baggage claim and customs.
Download Malawi Entry Checklist
PDF · Vietnam Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 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
Cost75 USD (approx. 1,725,000 VND)
Apply at Malawi embassy or online before travel.
Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable up to 90 days
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost150 USD (approx. 3,450,000 VND)
Ideal for frequent travellers.
Business Visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost200 USD (approx. 4,600,000 VND)
Requires invitation letter from Malawian company.
work visa
Temporary Employment Permit
1 year, renewable
~500 USD (approx. 11,500,000 VND) per year
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
~1,000 USD (approx. 23,000,000 VND) initial fee
For investors who establish a business in Malawi. Requires minimum investment and business registration.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~100 USD (approx. 2,300,000 VND) per year
For those enrolled in a recognized educational institution in Malawi. 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 (approx. 1,725,000 VND) |
| Visa on Arrival (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries during validity. | 150 USD (approx. 3,450,000 VND) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum fine cap may apply; avoid overstaying. | 30 USD (approx. 690,000 VND) per day |
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
Vietnam passport holders transiting through Malawi do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
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 risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas; use mosquito repellent.
CholeraLow risk
Risk in areas with poor sanitation; drink bottled water.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is high risk 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, Lilongwe
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and permits.
Blantyre
Blantyre Immigration Office
Victoria Avenue, Blantyre
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Handles extensions and re-entry permits.
Practical information for VN 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
As of 2025, a single-entry tourist visa on arrival costs around $75 USD. Business visas may cost more. Pay in cash — USD is preferred. Bring small bills (no larger than $50) to avoid change issues.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a different visa type before you travel or leave and re-enter.
No pre-approval is needed. Just show up at the airport with your valid passport, return ticket, and accommodation proof. The visa is issued on the spot.
Visa on arrival is only available at Lilongwe and Blantyre international airports. If you enter by land, you must have a visa arranged in advance from a Malawi embassy or consulate.
No, the visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash. USD is widely accepted, but some officers may accept Malawian kwacha. ATMs are available after immigration, but it's safer to bring cash.
Typically 15–30 minutes, depending on the queue. During peak hours (multiple flights arriving together), it can take up to an hour. Have your documents ready to speed things up.
Yellow fever vaccination is required if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. Vietnam is not a yellow fever country, so you likely don't need it. But check with your doctor — other vaccines (hepatitis A, typhoid) are recommended.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 25, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.