As of September 9, 2016, U.S. citizens may obtain visas upon arrival at a port-of-entry in Malawi. The current fee for a 3-month single-entry visa is $75; diplomats and government officials are exempt from this fee. Contact the Embassy of the Republic of Malawi to confirm fees.
U.S. citizens entering Malawi with tourist visas or visitor’s permits have been arrested, fined, and deported if found engaging in activities inconsistent with their tourist status, e.g., business or volunteer services. Some airlines have required travelers to have Malawian visas before boarding connecting flights in European or other African airports.
You must declare all foreign currency when entering Malawi regardless of the amount and exchange foreign currency at a bank or approved foreign exchange bureaus. Any currency declared at entry may be expatriated without further authorization. With bank approval, you may export up to $3,000 per trip. Otherwise, you are not permitted to export currency and it will be confiscated at the point of departure.
The government of Malawi requires proof of yellow fever vaccination if you arrive from a country with risk of yellow fever. Please review the Center for Disease Control website for a listing of countries with risk of yellow fever virus transmission.
For travelers transiting South Africa on their way to Malawi, the South African government requires proof of yellow fever vaccination at least 10 days prior to arrival in South Africa if arriving from or transiting through a yellow fever country; those without proof may be turned around at the South African port of entry. For complete entry/exit requirements for South Africa, please see our Country Specific Information for South Africa.
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