Malawi is reminding travelers from 160 countries and territories that they can obtain a visa directly upon arrival, without necessarily having to secure one before departure.
On August 6, 2026, Malawi’s Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services published updated lists of nationalities that either require a visa in advance or may be issued one upon arrival in the country.
The first list covers countries and regions whose nationals must obtain a visa well in advance or secure prior authorization before traveling. The second covers those eligible to obtain a visa on arrival without prior authorization.
The latter includes 160 countries and territories. The US are on the list, alongside France, Belgium, Canada, Germany, Italy, Japan and the UK, among others.
Visa-on-arrival access has been available since February 2026
The August 6 announcement does not mark the introduction of a new visa-on-arrival policy.
The system has officially been in effect since February 24, 2026, when Malawian authorities announced that nationals of countries classified as “Category Two” could obtain their visas upon arrival at designated ports of entry.
Airlines and other carriers were also informed that these travelers should be allowed to board flights to Malawi without having obtained a visa before departure.
Immigration authorities nevertheless recommend that travelers eligible for a visa on arrival apply online before their trip to make travel easier, reduce processing time at the border and avoid potential delays.
This option has become particularly useful since Malawi reinstated visa requirements for many nationalities on January 3, 2026, partially reversing the broad visa-waiver policy introduced in 2024. The United States, France, Belgium, Canada and the UK were among the countries whose nationals lost their visa exemption.
A visa therefore remains mandatory for the travelers concerned, but it does not necessarily have to be obtained before the trip.
US, UK, Canada, France and Belgium among eligible countries
The Immigration Department’s updated list includes France, Belgium and Canada.
The UK and the United States are also among the countries and territories classified as “Category Two.”
In an article published on August 11 following the update, Malawian outlet The Times Group reported that travelers from 160 countries can continue to travel to Malawi without prior authorization. Immigration spokesperson Pasqually Zulu specifically confirmed that the United States, Belgium, the UK and Canada are included in “Category Two”.
Zulu also said that transit visas and single-entry visas currently cost $50. Multiple-entry visas cost $150 for six months and $250 for one year.
Tourists may be required to provide a hotel reservation, while travelers visiting Malawi to attend a meeting must have supporting documentation, such as an invitation letter.
47 countries still require prior authorization
By contrast, the updated “Category One” list includes 47 countries whose nationals must obtain a visa well in advance or secure prior authorization before traveling.
This category includes Afghanistan, Algeria, Bangladesh, Burundi, China, Egypt, India, Iran, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan and Russia, among others. Turkey, Ukraine, Uzbekistan and Yemen are also on the list.
According to Pasqually Zulu, the classifications are based in part on reciprocity and security considerations, with some nationalities requiring additional screening before travel.
Israel missing from new lists, while several countries appear in both categories
A comparison of the documents released by the Immigration Department nevertheless reveals several discrepancies that Malawian authorities have not yet explained.
A previous version of the “Category Two” list, which was still available on the e-Visa portal when VisasNews checked, contained 161 countries and territories. Israel appeared in 77th place. The new version released on August 6 contains only 160 entries.
Israel has not, however, been moved to “Category One”: the updated list of 47 nationalities required to obtain a visa or prior authorization before departure does not include Israel either. Without specific clarification from the Immigration Department, it is therefore unclear whether this reflects a change in status or simply an omission from the new documents.
Another discrepancy is that several countries appear on both lists published on August 6. Burkina Faso and Cameroon are listed in “Category Two” in 25th and 28th place, respectively, while also appearing in “Category One”.
Sri Lanka likewise appears in both categories: it is listed in 140th place among countries eligible for a visa on arrival, but also in 35th place among those requiring prior authorization.
Until Malawian authorities clarify these discrepancies, travelers affected by them are advised to verify their status directly with the relevant authorities before departure.
e-Visa applications remain available before travel
Travelers eligible for a visa on arrival can still apply in advance through Malawi’s official e-Visa portal.
Authorities recommend doing so to make travel easier and reduce the time spent completing formalities upon arrival. In all cases, the issuance of a visa on arrival remains subject to compliance with Malawi’s immigration requirements.
The portal also provides a “Visa Eligibility Wizard”, allowing travelers to check the rules that apply based on their nationality, visa type and travel document.
Travelers should also be aware of a new health requirement: Malawi has introduced a digital travel health declaration, the “Traveler Health Check”, which must be completed to facilitate screening upon arrival
VisasNews Take
The August 6 announcement is primarily a reminder of the visa-on-arrival arrangements Malawi introduced in February 2026. For many travelers, a visa is still required, but it does not necessarily need to be obtained before departure. Authorities nevertheless continue to recommend applying for an e-Visa in advance. The discrepancies identified in the newly published official lists also mean that travelers from the countries concerned should verify their status before traveling.
