Every child travelling to Malawi, including newborns, requires a separate eVisa linked to their own individual passport. No family group application exists, and no infant exemption applies. Parents must submit each child’s application through the government portal at evisa.gov.mw.
Each child, from infants aged 0 to 2 through to teenagers under 18, needs a full application with supporting documents including a passport scan, photograph, and birth certificate. The fee per child matches the adult rate, with no age-based discounts or waivers for any age group.
Families should apply at least two to three weeks before departure to allow sufficient processing time. A printed copy of each approved eVisa is mandatory at the port of entry in Malawi. Parents can verify eligibility using the Visa Eligibility Wizard on the evisa.gov.mw portal before starting their applications.
Malawi eVisa child requirements (2026): Every child, including infants, must have a separate individual eVisa linked to their own passport. Parents need to upload the child’s passport scan, photo, and birth certificate, and pay the standard child visa fee (no infant discount). Apply online at least two to three weeks before travel.
Age Rules: Do Infants, Children, and Seniors Each Need an eVisa?
Every passport-holding traveller, regardless of age, must hold an individual Malawi eVisa; no infant, child, or senior exemption exists.
Malawi eVisa child requirements define four age tiers: infant (0 to 2), child (3 to 12), teenager (13 to 17), and senior (60+). Anyone under 18 is a minor needing a parental consent declaration if travelling with one parent or alone. Every child must hold a separate eVisa linked to their own passport; no bundling onto a parent’s visa is permitted.
According to the Malawi Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services (evisa.gov.mw), every passport holder, including infants, must hold an individual eVisa. Under Malawi eVisa child requirements, senior travellers (60+) follow the same application rules as all other adults, with no age-based fee concessions or exemptions.
Visa on Arrival remains available for Category Two Countries nationals at designated ports of entry, effective 24th February 2026, while Category One Countries nationals must obtain prior authorisation before departure. The eVisa route is recommended for families to avoid airport queues.
Malawi eVisa Fees Per Child: 2026 Cost Breakdown
Child eVisa fees match the standard adult rate with no infant discount; each application also incurs a separate convenience fee.
Malawi eVisa child requirements apply a single fee structure to every applicant regardless of age. Each submission incurs a government visa fee plus a separate convenience fee, payable by Visa or Mastercard debit or credit card via the evisa.gov.mw portal. No child discount or infant fee waiver exists.
| Traveller Type | Government Visa Fee | Convenience Fee | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult, Child (3 to 17), Infant (0 to 2), Senior (60+) | All pay the same government visa fee plus convenience fee. No age-based discounts apply. Check evisa.gov.mw for current displayed rates at the time of application. | ||
A family of four (2 adults + 2 children) pays 4 x (visa fee + convenience fee) because Malawi eVisa child requirements mandate one individual application per child with no bundle discount. All fees are non-refundable once submitted.
Required Documents for a Child’s Malawi eVisa (Including Consent)
Malawi eVisa child requirements mandate a passport, digital scan, photograph, birth certificate, and parental consent for every minor, submitted individually through evisa.gov.mw.
Required for each child: passport with minimum 6 months validity, digital biopage scan, ICAO compliant photograph in JPEG on a white background, and birth certificate or civil status certificate proving age and parental identity. A letter of parental consent, bearing both parents’ signatures and contact details, is required when the child travels with one parent, a third party, or unaccompanied. Custody or guardianship court orders apply where relevant.
Photo Tips for Infants and Young Children
Lay the baby on a white sheet and photograph from directly above. One open eye is acceptable for infants. No hats, headbands, or pacifiers. Digital format: JPEG, file size within portal limits.
How to Apply for a Child Malawi eVisa from the UK (Step-by-Step)
UK parents submit each child’s Malawi eVisa application individually through evisa.gov.mw in three steps: form, payment, and download.
Create an account
Complete the form on the government portal at evisa.gov.mw with the child’s passport details and upload supporting documents.
Pay
Pay the government visa fee plus convenience fee by Visa or Mastercard, then receive a confirmation email notification.
Download and print
Download and print the approved e-Visa approval letter. A printed copy is mandatory at the passport control counter at the port of entry.
Malawi eVisa child requirements specify one application per child, so apply at least 2 to 3 weeks before departure. Third-party agencies such as CIBTvisas (phone: 0844 800 4650) and VisaHQ (phone: +1-800-345-6541) charge extra service fees beyond government costs.
Family Group Travel Checklist and Tips
No Malawi family group eVisa exists; each family member applies individually, and all printed eVisas must be carried to the port of entry. Malawi eVisa child requirements apply equally to every minor in the family.
- No family-batch feature exists; each person (adult, child, infant, senior) applies separately via the evisa.gov.mw portal.
- Submit all family applications in the same session to align processing timelines so every eVisa arrives together. For broader scheduling guidance, see our Malawi eVisa processing times resource.
- Carry printed copies of every family member’s eVisa, plus all passports and birth certificates, to the airport. A printed copy is mandatory at the passport control counter at any designated port of entry.
- Children aged 17 and under transiting through South Africa may need additional documents. Check the GOV.UK Malawi travel advice before departure. For full entry details, read our overview of Malawi entry requirements for UK citizens.
FAQ: Malawi eVisa Child Requirements
At what age does a child need their own Malawi eVisa?
Every passport holder, including newborns, needs a separate eVisa. No minimum age exemption exists; all travellers under 18 are minors but still must apply individually.
How much does a Malawi eVisa cost for a child in 2026?
Each application incurs a government visa fee plus a separate convenience fee. There is no child discount or infant fee waiver; infants and children pay the same rate as adults. Payment is made by Visa or Mastercard. Check evisa.gov.mw for current rates at the time of application.
Can I include my children on my own Malawi eVisa application?
No. Each traveller, whether adult or child, must submit a separate eVisa application linked to their own passport. There is no family group application feature on the portal.
What documents do I need to apply for a Malawi eVisa for my baby?
You need the child’s passport (6+ months validity), digital biopage scan, JPEG photo on white background, birth certificate or civil status certificate, and a letter of parental consent if applicable.
Do senior citizens get a reduced Malawi eVisa fee?
No. Seniors aged 60 and over follow the same eVisa rules as other adult travellers, with no age-based concessions, fee reductions, or exemptions.
How long does it take to get a Malawi eVisa for a child?
Standard processing applies to child applications. Families should apply at least two to three weeks before departure to allow sufficient buffer for potential delays.
Can a single parent apply for a Malawi eVisa on behalf of their child?
Yes. A single parent can submit the application, but a letter of parental consent from the other parent must be uploaded. If the other parent is deceased or absent, sole-custody documentation or a relevant court order must be provided.
Is a printed copy of the eVisa required at Malawi border control?
Yes. After approval, the e-Visa approval letter is sent by email as a downloadable PDF. A printed copy is mandatory before travelling to Malawi. Each family member, including children and infants, must present their printed eVisa at the passport control counter at the port of entry.
Last updated: 10 September 2026. Malawi eVisa rules and fees on this page were checked against evisa.gov.mw and GOV.UK on 10 September 2026.
Sources: evisa.gov.mw, GOV.UK Malawi travel advice, Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services. This is a private travel-information website, not a government service.
