Published: 10 September 2026 | Last updated: 10 September 2026
The Malawi business eVisa is an electronic travel authorisation required by UK passport holders visiting Malawi for meetings, conferences, negotiations, or site visits. Issued by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services via evisa.gov.mw, it requires a valid passport, invitation letter, and host’s Business Registration Certificate. Paid work requires a Temporary Employment Permit (TEP) instead.
Who Needs a Malawi Business eVisa?
UK passport holders travelling for meetings, conferences, negotiations, or site visits in Malawi should apply for a Malawi business eVisa rather than a tourist eVisa or visa on arrival.
Under the 24th February 2026 public notice from evisa.gov.mw, nationals of Category One Countries, including the United Kingdom, must obtain prior authorization before departure. Nationals of Category Two Countries remain eligible for Visa on Arrival (VoA) at designated ports of entry. The Malawi business eVisa covers business travel: meetings, negotiations, site visits, and conferences. Transit and medical visits require different visa categories. Meeting Malawi evisa business requirements starts with confirming your country category on the portal.
Business eVisa Document Requirements
A Malawi business eVisa requires a passport with 6+ months validity, a digital photo, a completed online form, an invitation letter from a Malawian host, and the host’s Business Registration Certificate.
Meeting Malawi evisa business requirements means submitting the following:
- Valid passport with at least six months’ remaining validity (Mandatory)
- Digital photograph uploaded via the eVisa portal (Mandatory)
- Letter of Invitation from a Malawian host specifying dates, purpose, and host contact details (Mandatory)
- Business Registration Certificate or Certificate of Incorporation of the hosting company (Mandatory)
- Yellow Fever vaccination certificate required if arriving from endemic areas (Conditional)
The Malawi business eVisa application portal rejects incomplete submissions, so verify each document before upload.
How Much Does a Malawi Business eVisa Cost in 2026?
The Malawi business eVisa total cost includes a government visa fee payable in USD plus a separate portal convenience fee, charged when applying via evisa.gov.mw with Visa or Mastercard.
Exact fee amounts are published on evisa.gov.mw and may change. The fee structure for a Malawi business eVisa is:
| Fee Type | Tourist eVisa | Business eVisa | Visa on Arrival |
|---|---|---|---|
| Government visa fee | USD (confirm on portal) | USD (confirm on portal) | USD (confirm on portal) |
| Convenience fee | Separate charge | Separate charge | N/A |
| Payment method | Visa/Mastercard | Visa/Mastercard | Cash/card at port |
UK travellers who prefer assisted application can contact VisaHQ (+442045773307) or CIBTvisas (0844 8004650). Neither is affiliated with any government body; their service fees are additional and separate from government and consular fees.
Work Permit vs. Business eVisa: Which One Do You Really Need?
A Malawi business eVisa covers meetings, conferences, and negotiations, while any paid employment or contractual work in Malawi requires a Temporary Employment Permit (TEP) instead.
The legal boundary is clear: a Malawi business eVisa permits business visits but not employment. A work permit (TEP) is required for any salary, contractual work, or long-term assignment. TEP fees and document requirements differ from the business eVisa and must be confirmed directly with the Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services.
Decision flowchart: Will you earn a salary in Malawi? Yes → Apply for a TEP via the Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services. No → Attending meetings or negotiations? Yes → Apply for a Malawi business eVisa at evisa.gov.mw. No → Apply for a tourist eVisa.
Entering Malawi on a tourist eVisa for paid work can result in denial of entry, deportation, or future visa bans. Port of Entry officials retain discretionary authority to deny entry without explanation.
Business eVisa vs Tourist eVisa: Key Differences
The Malawi business eVisa requires an invitation letter and host Business Registration Certificate that the tourist eVisa does not, and permits business activities the tourist visa does not cover.
| Aspect | Tourist eVisa | Business eVisa |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Leisure, tourism | Meetings, conferences, negotiations |
| Extra documents | Passport, photo | Passport, photo, Letter of Invitation, Business Registration Certificate |
| Government fee | USD (confirm on portal) | USD (confirm on portal) |
| Convenience fee | Separate charge | Separate charge |
| Entry options | eVisa or VoA (Category Two) | eVisa only for Category One |
| Permitted activities | Tourism only | Business meetings, site visits |
| Length of stay | Up to 30 days per entry | Up to 30 days per entry |
| Extension | Available in-country | Available in-country |
| Lead time | Apply at least 4 days before departure | Apply at least 4 days before departure |
| Paid employment | Not permitted | Not permitted; requires TEP |
Choose a Malawi business eVisa if your host company can provide a Letter of Invitation and Business Registration Certificate. Choose a tourist eVisa for leisure travel only.
How to Apply for a Malawi Business eVisa: Step-by-Step Guide
Applicants create an account on evisa.gov.mw to apply for a Malawi business eVisa, select the Business category, upload documents including the invitation letter, pay fees by card, then download the approval letter after processing.
The three-step process requires Google Chrome 70+, Mozilla Firefox 60+, or Microsoft Edge 42+ for portal compatibility.
Create an account
Register on evisa.gov.mw, select the Business category, and complete the form using passport data-page details and travel information.
Upload documents and pay fees
Submit your digital photograph, Letter of Invitation, Business Registration Certificate, and other related documents, then pay the visa fee plus convenience fee by Visa or Mastercard (debit or credit).
Download and print the e-Visa approval letter
After the Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services reviews and approves the application, present the printed copy at the passport control counter at any Port of Entry into Malawi.
Processing Time, Validity, and Duration of Stay Explained
The Malawi business eVisa is typically processed within several business days, remains valid for 90 days from issue, and permits stays of up to 30 days per entry.
The evisa.gov.mw portal recommends applying with a minimum lead time of at least 4 days before departure to reduce processing time and avoid delays at the Port of Entry. The approved Malawi business eVisa remains valid for 90 days from issue and permits stays of up to 30 days per entry. Both single entry and multiple entry options are available; multiple-entry eligibility depends on qualifying criteria and may require higher documentation and a fee premium. Confirm criteria on evisa.gov.mw.
To extend a Malawi business eVisa in-country, visit the immigration office in Lilongwe or Blantyre. Specific steps, required documents, and extension fees should be confirmed directly with the Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services.
Visa on Arrival vs Business eVisa: A UK Traveller’s Decision Guide
UK passport holders can obtain a Malawi visa on arrival, but the government’s 24th February 2026 notice recommends applying for a Malawi business eVisa in advance to avoid port-of-entry delays.
Under the 24th February 2026 public notice, UK travellers (Category One) must obtain prior authorization before departure. Category Two nationals can use Visa on Arrival (VoA) at designated ports. The UK falls under Category One, meaning British business travellers cannot rely on VoA and should secure the Malawi business eVisa before flying.
| Factor | Visa on Arrival | Business eVisa |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-departure paperwork | None | Full application on evisa.gov.mw |
| Wait time at airport | Queue for on-the-spot processing | Present printed approval letter |
| Certainty | No guarantee of processing speed | Confirmed approval before departure |
| Recommendation | Not advised for UK travellers | Secure Malawi business eVisa before flying |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Malawi Business eVisa
Is a yellow fever certificate required for a Malawi business eVisa?
Required only if arriving from a yellow fever endemic area. Port of Entry officials may inspect it.
Can I perform paid work in Malawi with a business eVisa?
No. A Malawi business eVisa covers meetings and negotiations only. Paid work requires a Temporary Employment Permit (TEP).
What is the official portal for Malawi eVisa applications?
Apply at evisa.gov.mw, managed by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services.
How long does it take to process a Malawi business eVisa from the UK?
Apply at least 4 days before departure. Exact processing time varies; confirm on evisa.gov.mw.
Can I extend my Malawi business eVisa while in the country?
Yes. Visit the immigration office in Lilongwe or Blantyre. Confirm extension fees and documents with the Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services.
What does my Malawian host need to provide for my business eVisa?
A Letter of Invitation (with visit dates, purpose, and host details) and a Business Registration Certificate or Certificate of Incorporation.
Which browsers are supported for the Malawi eVisa portal?
Google Chrome 70+, Mozilla Firefox 60+, and Microsoft Edge 42+ are recommended for portal compatibility.
Am I eligible for a multiple-entry business eVisa for Malawi?
Multiple-entry is available for qualifying applicants; check evisa.gov.mw for criteria and fees.
This guide is for informational purposes only. Requirements may change without notice. Always verify current Malawi business eVisa requirements at evisa.gov.mw. We are not affiliated with the Malawi government.
