Malawi

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.

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.

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  

Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.  

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.

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to: 

• see general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

About FCDO travel advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.

Get travel advice updates

Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated. 

Follow FCDO:   

• travel advice on X

• travel advice on Facebook

• Travel Aware on Instagram

Laws and cultural differences

Personal ID

Police sometimes ask to see ID. Always carry a copy of your passport, visa or residence permit.

Clothing sensitivities

Outside the main tourist areas, dress conservatively to avoid offending local sensitivities.  

Illegal drugs penalties

Penalties for drug use and smuggling can be severe. This includes cannabis.

Uncut gemstones

It is illegal to buy uncut precious gemstones.

LGBT+ travellers

Same-sex sexual activity is illegal and may result in a custodial sentence. Malawi is a socially conservative society and showing affection in public may receive unwanted and negative attention.

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.

Wildlife, animal products and souvenirs

It is illegal to buy, sell, kill or capture any protected wild animal or trade its parts without a licence. Buying or selling ivory is illegal. If you are caught buying or carrying these items, you will be prosecuted and get a prison sentence or a fine.