Travelers arriving in Malawi are now required to complete a Traveller Health Check, a digital health declaration that generates a QR code to be presented at the border. The form can be completed before travel, although authorities also provide screening options for passengers who arrive without having completed it in advance.
Malawi’s Immigration Department has republished its list of nationalities that can travel without prior authorization and obtain a visa on arrival. The updated document lists 160 countries and territories, while nationals of 47 countries must still obtain a visa or prior authorization before departure.
The future common tourist visa for SADC is emerging as one of the region’s major initiatives to make travel across Southern Africa easier and boost tourism arrivals.
After significantly easing its entry requirements in 2024, Malawi has now changed course. Under new regulations in effect since January 3, 2026, countries that were previously exempt, such as France, Belgium, Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom, are once again subject to visa requirements, while only limited, reciprocity-based exemptions remain in place.
A reciprocity-based immigration reform has been announced by the Malawian authorities, paving the way for a possible return of visa requirements and fees for several nationalities. The implementation steps are still pending.
