Malawi Visa RequirementsFor Canada passport holders
Canadian passport holders can obtain a visa on arrival in Malawi for a 30-day stay at a cost of USD 75.
Canada passport holders can obtain a Visa on Arrival at Malawi ports of entry.
Visa on arrival is available at Kamuzu International Airport in Lilongwe, Chileka International Airport in Blantyre, and at major land border crossings. Present your Canadian passport, a completed arrival card, USD 75 in cash, and proof of onward or return travel. A 30-day single-entry visa will be issued. Extensions can be applied for at the Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services in Lilongwe or Blantyre. Carry a Yellow Fever certificate if arriving from a country with transmission risk.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Current Travel Situation
Canada to Malawi: What You Need to Know
Malawi, often called the Warm Heart of Africa, is a landlocked country in southeastern Africa dominated by the vast Lake Malawi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The lake offers excellent freshwater snorkelling, diving, and beach relaxation on a budget. Liwonde National Park and Majete Wildlife Reserve have undergone significant rewilding efforts and now offer good game viewing. Malawi is one of the more affordable and friendly safari and adventure destinations in the region for independent travelers.
Practical Tips
- Bring USD 75 in cash; card payment is generally not available at immigration counters.
- Lake Malawi's waters are home to hundreds of species of cichlid fish; snorkelling near Cape Maclear and Nkhata Bay is outstanding.
- Malaria is prevalent throughout the country; start prophylaxis before departure and use insect repellent and bed nets.
- Malawi is a very budget-friendly destination; local guesthouses and overland tours are popular with backpackers and adventure travelers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Canadians need a visa for Malawi?
Canadian passport holders can obtain a visa on arrival in Malawi for USD 75, valid for 30 days. It is available at Kamuzu International Airport in Lilongwe and at major land border crossings.
What is Lake Malawi?
Lake Malawi is one of the African Great Lakes and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, covering about 20% of Malawi's total area. It is famous for its extraordinary diversity of cichlid fish, its warm clear waters, and beach destinations including Cape Maclear and Nkhata Bay.
Is Malawi safe for Canadian tourists?
The Government of Canada advises exercising a high degree of caution in Malawi due to crime. Malawi is generally considered one of the more welcoming African nations, but petty theft and opportunistic crime in urban areas require vigilance.
What is the best time to visit Malawi?
The dry season from May to October is the best time to visit. Roads are passable, wildlife is easier to see around waterholes in Liwonde and Majete, and the lake beaches are at their most pleasant. The wet season (November to April) can make roads in rural areas difficult.