Malawi

This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Malawi’s current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Malawi set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Malawi Revenue Authority.

Passport validity requirements

Your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the day you arrive in Malawi.

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Dual nationals

When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.

Visa requirements

You must apply for a visa to enter Malawi.

Applying for a visa

Single or multiple entry visas can be obtained on arrival. You are advised to bring US dollars in cash for payment:

• 50 US dollars for a single-entry visa
• 150 US dollars for a 6-month multiple entry visa, and
• 250 US dollars for a one-year multiple entry visa

On-line e-visas are available on the Malawi Immigration website.

If you wish to live, work or study in Malawi, visit the Malawi Immigration website for further information.

Travelling with children from South Africa

If you’re travelling with children aged 17 and under and passing through South Africa, see what documents you need in South Africa travel advice.

Vaccine requirements

To enter Malawi, you must have certificates to prove you’ve had:  

• a yellow fever vaccination if you’re coming from a country listed as a transmission risk
• a polio vaccine, in some circumstances

For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Malawi guide.

Traveller health check form

The Ministry of Health and Sanitation require arriving passengers to complete a Traveller Health Check form. This can be accessed on arrival through a QR code or completed in advance.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Malawi. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.

Emergency services in Malawi     

Ambulance: 998

Fire: 999

Police: 990 or 997

Emergency numbers are unreliable in Malawi.

There may be other numbers for the areas you visit – ask your hotel or the local police.

Contact your travel provider and insurer

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.

Refunds and changes to travel

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim

Support from FCDO

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:

• finding English-speaking lawyers and funeral directors in Malawi
• dealing with a death in Malawi
• being arrested or imprisoned in Malawi
• getting help if you’re a victim of crime
• what to do if you’re in hospital
• if you’re affected by a crisis, such as a terrorist attack

Contacting FCDO 

Help abroad  

See how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency. 

Help in the UK  

You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.  

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)  

Find out about call charges

Get travel advice updates  

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Follow FCDO: 

• travel advice on X

• travel advice on Facebook

Risk information for British companies

The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating in Malawi on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.