Republic of Malawi · short term business
Visa on Arrival for Category Two Nationals
By Sam Parks · Last reviewed:
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.
- Processing time
- Handled at the designated port of entry after arrival; timing depends on queueing, document checks and payment handling at that port.
- Government fees
- The official visa-fee page lists USD 50 for transit, USD 75 for single entry, USD 150 for a six-month multiple-entry visa and USD 250 for a twelve-month multiple-entry visa; online payments use Visa/Mastercard and are non-refundable if refused.
- Typical duration
- Arrival visa length depends on the visa type issued; short visitor permission should be checked at the port of entry.
- 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. The official eVisa public notice effective 24 February 2026 says nationals of Category Two countries are eligible to obtain a visa on arrival at all designated ports of entry into Malawi. It also says Category One nationals must obtain a visa or prior authorisation before departure, and that all travellers must comply with standard entry requirements. Even where visa on arrival is available, the notice strongly encourages applying through the official eVisa portal before departure to reduce processing time at the port of entry.
Additional sources
Primary source
Visa fees - Malawi Immigration ↗ · Malawi Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services
Link last verified:
Eligibility
Typical criteria
- ✓The traveller is a national of a Category Two country under the official Malawi eVisa notice.Malawi e-Visa / Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services ↗
- ✓The traveller arrives at a designated port of entry into Malawi.Malawi e-Visa / Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services ↗
- ✓The traveller complies with standard Malawi entry requirements and immigration inspection.Malawi e-Visa / Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services ↗
- ✓The traveller is prepared to pay the applicable visa fee and answer port-of-entry questions.Malawi e-Visa / Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services ↗
Common blockers
- !The traveller is a Category One national and has not obtained a visa or prior authorisation before departure.Malawi e-Visa / Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services ↗
- !The carrier, itinerary or port of entry does not support arrival processing in practice.Malawi e-Visa / Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services ↗
- !The traveller cannot meet standard entry requirements at inspection.Malawi e-Visa / Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services ↗
Typical evidence
- ·Passport proving nationality and identity.Malawi e-Visa / Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services ↗
- ·Travel itinerary and stay details.Malawi e-Visa / Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services ↗
- ·Evidence requested by immigration officers at the port of entry.Malawi e-Visa / Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services ↗
- ·Means to pay the applicable visa-on-arrival fee where charged.Malawi e-Visa / Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services ↗
Application pathway
Check the route fit
Check the official eVisa portal notice and eligibility wizard before booking travel.
Build the evidence pack
Confirm the nationality is treated as Category Two and that the intended port is designated for visa-on-arrival processing.
Submit through the official channel
Travel with passport, itinerary, stay evidence and payment means.
After approval
Complete visa-on-arrival and immigration inspection at the port of entry before entering Malawi.
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 guidanceApplicantCheck Malawi visa-on-arrival eligibility on the official portal ↗
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 e-Visa / Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services · verified
- ApplyApplicantUse the official Malawi eVisa portal if applying before departure ↗
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 e-Visa / 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.
Tourist / Single Entry Visa
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.
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
Who can use Malawi visa on arrival?+
The official eVisa notice says nationals of Category Two countries are eligible at designated ports of entry. Category One nationals must obtain a visa or prior authorisation before departure.
Should eligible travellers still apply online before departure?+
The notice says eligible travellers may obtain a visa on arrival, but are strongly encouraged to apply through the official eVisa portal before departure for smoother travel.
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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