Republic of Malawi · short term business
Tourist / Single Entry Visa
By Sam Parks · Last reviewed:
Malawi short-stay visa category for visits, residence or business trips, valid for 3 months and usable once according to the official visa-type page.
- Processing time
- Online eVisa applications are reviewed by the Department after payment; the page does not publish a fixed decision clock.
- Government fees
- The official visa-fee page lists USD 75 for a single-entry visa; online payments are non-refundable if the application is rejected.
- Typical duration
- Valid for 3 months and usable once according to the official visa-type page.
- Sponsorship required
- No
- Leads to permanent residency
- No
Overview
Malawi publishes visa, permit and citizenship guidance through the Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services, with online filing through the official eVisa and e-Permit portals. The public pages give the route framework and some fees, but permit checklists and current filing mechanics can sit inside the live portals or application forms, so applicants should confirm the latest document list and fee before submitting. Malawi Immigration's visa-type page describes the tourist visa as issued to persons intending to enter Malawi for visits, residence or business. It states that the visa is valid for 3 months and can only be used once. The official visa-fee page lists the single-entry fee at USD 75, while the eVisa process page directs applicants to apply online, pay by Visa/Mastercard and show the eVisa on arrival.
Additional sources
Primary source
Malawi e-Visa portal ↗ · Malawi e-Visa / Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services
Link last verified:
Primary source
Visa application process - Malawi Immigration ↗ · Malawi Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services
Link last verified:
Primary source
Visa fees - Malawi Immigration ↗ · Malawi Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services
Link last verified:
Eligibility
Typical criteria
- ✓The purpose is a visit, residence visit or business trip covered by the tourist/single-entry visa category.Malawi Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services ↗
- ✓The traveller needs a single-use visa valid for up to 3 months.Malawi Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services ↗
- ✓The applicant can complete the official eVisa process or other official visa channel.Malawi Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services ↗
- ✓The applicant can pay the applicable single-entry visa fee.Malawi Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services ↗
Common blockers
- !The traveller needs multiple entries, transit only, employment, study or a residence permit instead of a single-entry visit visa.Malawi Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services ↗
- !The trip will exceed or not fit the 3-month single-use visa framework.Malawi Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services ↗
- !The applicant lacks travel details, passport data, photograph or other required visa evidence.Malawi Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services ↗
Typical evidence
- ·Passport and passport data-page details.Malawi Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services ↗
- ·Travel details and photograph for the online application.Malawi Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services ↗
- ·Supporting documents requested by the current official application form.Malawi Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services ↗
- ·Visa fee payment evidence and downloaded eVisa where applying online.Malawi Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services ↗
Application pathway
Check the route fit
Confirm the trip fits the single-entry visit/business category rather than a permit route.
Build the evidence pack
Prepare passport, travel, photograph and supporting evidence requested by the official channel.
Submit through the official channel
Apply through the official eVisa or visa process and pay the listed single-entry fee.
After approval
Download the approved eVisa if issued online and show it at the port of entry.
Official application links
Where to actually go next
These are the official pages to use for this route. Open them before preparing documents: the forms, fees, appointment systems, and sponsor steps can change without warning.
- Official guidanceApplicantRead the official Malawi visa types ↗
Use this official Malawi source to confirm the current checklist, fee, timing and submission channel before filing. Malawi publishes visa, permit and citizenship guidance through the Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services, with online filing through the official eVisa and e-Permit portals. The public pages give the route framework and some fees, but permit checklists and current filing mechanics can sit inside the live portals or application forms, so applicants should confirm the latest document list and fee before submitting.
Malawi Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services · verified
- Official guidanceApplicantCheck the official Malawi visa-fee table ↗
Use this official Malawi source to confirm the current checklist, fee, timing and submission channel before filing. Malawi publishes visa, permit and citizenship guidance through the Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services, with online filing through the official eVisa and e-Permit portals. The public pages give the route framework and some fees, but permit checklists and current filing mechanics can sit inside the live portals or application forms, so applicants should confirm the latest document list and fee before submitting.
Malawi Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services · verified
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Related routes
Malawi eVisa
Official Malawi online visa route for eligible travellers applying before departure through the Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services eVisa portal.
Visa on Arrival for Category Two Nationals
Malawi visa-on-arrival route for nationals of Category Two countries at designated ports of entry, announced by the official eVisa portal effective 24 February 2026.
Visitor / Business Visit Permit
Short Malawi visitor or business-visit permit for tourism, visiting relatives or business, valid 30 days and extendable for a further 60 days.
Frequently asked questions
How long is a Malawi tourist/single-entry visa valid?+
The official visa-type page says it is valid for 3 months and can only be used once.
What is the listed single-entry visa fee?+
The official visa-fee page lists USD 75 for a single-entry visa.
Need tailored advice?
We do not provide legal advice. For an application that depends on your exact circumstances, consult a regulator-listed immigration advisor.
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