By Burnett Munthali
LILONGWE, Malawi — Malawi has retained visa-free or simplified entry arrangements for travellers from 160 countries, while requiring nationals of 47 other countries to secure visas or prior authorisation before travelling, according to the Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services.
The updated classification includes the United States, United Kingdom, Canada and Belgium among countries whose citizens can travel under Category Two arrangements, which allow visas to be obtained on arrival, with or without prior authorisation.
The Department places 47 countries in Category One, requiring travellers to obtain a visa or prior authorisation before departure. China, India, Iran, Morocco and Burundi are among the countries on that list.
Department spokesperson Pasqually Zulu said the Category One classification was based on reciprocity and security considerations.
“We need to vet them, which is why we require a visa in advance,” Zulu said.
Malawi charges $50 for transit and single-entry visas, according to Zulu. Tourists may be required to present hotel reservations, while visitors travelling for meetings must provide supporting documents such as invitation letters.
Frequent travellers can obtain a one-year visa for $250, while a multiple-entry visa valid for six months costs $150, Zulu said.
Malawi does not require visitors to pay visa bonds, a measure adopted by some other countries.
The revised arrangements come as countries across the region adjust immigration and visa policies, with reciprocity increasingly influencing the treatment of foreign travellers.
The Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services has advised travellers to establish the applicable requirements for their nationality before making arrangements to enter Malawi.
