Last updated: 10 September 2026. Visa fees and processing times are subject to change.
When comparing the Malawi eVisa vs other African eVisas in 2026, the Malawi eVisa ($50-$75, 5-10 business days) is slower and slightly more expensive than Kenya’s eTA ($30, 2-3 days) but comparable to Tanzania ($50, 10 business days). Zambia’s eVisa matches Malawi’s $50 fee but processes in 1-3 days, while Mozambique’s eVisa costs $50 over 5-7 days. Crucially, the Malawi eVisa does not participate in regional visa schemes like KAZA Univisa or the East Africa Tourist Visa, and is accepted at all designated ports of entry including land borders.
Disclaimer: This website is an independent travel information portal and is not affiliated with any government. Always verify current requirements on the relevant government eVisa portal before travelling.
Malawi eVisa Application Process and Fees
The Malawi eVisa application follows three steps: create an account on the eVisa portal, pay via Visa/Mastercard, then download and print the approval letter before travel.
Create an account on the eVisa portal
Log in and complete the application form using traveller information from your passport data page, travel details, a photograph, and other related documents.
Pay the visa fee online
Pay $50-$75 USD (varies by visa type and nationality) plus a separate convenience fee via Visa/Mastercard (credit or debit). A confirmation email is sent upon payment.
Download and print your approval letter
Once the Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services approves the application (estimated 5-10 business days), download and print the eVisa approval letter and present it at the Passport control counter at designated ports of entry.
Paying for Your Malawi eVisa Online
The Malawi eVisa fee is paid in USD via Visa or Mastercard (credit or debit). The total includes the visa fee plus a separate convenience fee charged by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services. UK travellers who prefer assisted applications can use agencies such as VisaHQ (from £101 for Kenya, £110 for Tanzania, including government fee and service surcharge; tel +442045773307, 1M+ travellers served, 99.6% first-time acceptance rate) or CIBTvisas (0844 8004650, over 1,600 immigration professionals), though neither is affiliated with any government body.
After You Apply: Getting Your Approval Letter
Upon approval, the Malawi eVisa approval letter is sent by email. Applicants must download and print it before departure. Category Two nationals retain Visa on Arrival as a fallback if the Malawi eVisa is delayed or refused.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table: Malawi vs Neighbouring eVisas
This Malawi eVisa vs other African eVisas comparison table covers fees, processing times, entry types, and land-border acceptance across five countries.
| Attribute | Malawi | Kenya | Tanzania | Zambia | Mozambique |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Government eVisa Fee (USD) | $50-$75 | $30 | $50 | $50 | $50 |
| Processing Time | 5-10 business days | 2-3 business days | 10 business days | 1-3 days | 5-7 days |
| Max Stay | Up to 90 days (visa-free entry) | – | – | – | – |
| Entry Type | eVisa + Visa on Arrival | eTA (replaced eVisa) | eVisa | eVisa | eVisa |
| Portal URL | evisa.gov.mw | – | – | – | – |
| Payment | Visa/Mastercard (credit or debit) | – | – | – | – |
| Land-Border Acceptance | All designated ports of entry | – | – | – | International airports primarily |
| Visa-Free Eligibility | 79 countries | – | – | – | – |
| Quick Verdict | Mid-range cost, all-border flexibility | Cheapest & fastest | Slowest processing | Fastest after Kenya | Airport-limited |
The Malawi eVisa outperforms Mozambique on land-border access, since Mozambique restricts eVisa acceptance to international airports primarily. Zambia matches Malawi’s $50 fee but processes in 1-3 days, making it the fastest option after Kenya.
Malawi eVisa vs Kenya eTA: Structural Differences in 2026
Kenya uses a universal eTA ($30, 2-3 business days) required for all visitors regardless of nationality, while the Malawi eVisa operates under a Category One / Category Two visa model. This structural difference means Kenya offers no Visa on Arrival fallback, unlike the Malawi eVisa for UK passport holders.
Under the Malawi eVisa framework, Category One nationals must secure a visa or prior authorisation before departure, while Category Two nationals (including UK passport holders) can board aircraft destined for Malawi without a pre-arranged visa and obtain Visa on Arrival at all designated ports of entry. The Malawi eVisa costs $50-$75 with an estimated 5-10 business days processing, preserving flexibility that Kenya’s eTA-only model does not offer.
Visa on Arrival, Visa-Free Entry and Passport Rules
Since 24 February 2026, UK passport holders (Category Two nationals) can obtain Visa on Arrival at all Malawi ports of entry and board aircraft without a pre-arranged visa. Category One nationals must obtain a visa or prior authorisation before departure. The Malawi eVisa issues five visa categories: Tourist, Transit, Official, Courtesy, and Diplomatic.
Malawi grants visa-free entry to nationals of 79 designated countries for stays of up to 90 days. UK travellers choosing the Malawi eVisa over Visa on Arrival should hold a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond their travel date with 2 to 3 blank pages for port-of-entry verification.
For in-person consular assistance in the UK, the Malawi High Commission is located at 36 John Street, Holborn, London, WC1N 2AT (tel: +44(0) 20 7421 6010; Mon-Thu 09:30-16:00, Fri 09:30-13:00; appointments required; High Commissioner: Dr. Thomas Bisika).
Visa-on-Arrival Fallback: When Your eVisa Fails
The Malawi eVisa government portal does not publish a refund policy for refused applications. However, Category Two nationals are permitted to board aircraft destined for Malawi without a pre-arranged eVisa and can use the Visa on Arrival system at designated ports of entry as a safety net, subject to full compliance with Malawi Immigration laws.
Passport Validity & Blank-Page Requirements
Most Southern and East African countries require UK passports valid for at least 6 months beyond travel dates with 2-3 blank pages. The Malawi eVisa follows this standard, as do Kenya’s eTA, Tanzania’s eVisa, Zambia’s eVisa, and Mozambique’s eVisa. For detailed passport validity and blank-page requirements, UK travellers should check the full specifications before applying.
Overland Travel and Regional Multi-Country Visa Schemes
The Malawi eVisa is accepted at all designated ports of entry including land borders. Malawi eVisa holders may enter through five key land border posts: Mchinji (Zambia), Dedza (Mozambique), Mwanza (Mozambique), Chitipa (Tanzania), and Songwe (Tanzania).
Mozambique’s eVisa is accepted mainly at airports, so travellers crossing from Malawi via Dedza or Mwanza require a separate Visa on Arrival or pre-arranged embassy visa.
As of 2026, the Malawi eVisa does not participate in either the KAZA Univisa (a Zambia-Zimbabwe shared tourist visa) or the East Africa Tourist Visa (covering Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, and South Sudan). British travellers planning multi-country itineraries through Malawi must obtain separate visas for each neighbouring destination.
Processing Times Compared Across Neighbouring Countries
Zambia offers same-day to 3-day processing, Kenya 2-3 business days, Mozambique 5-7 days, the Malawi eVisa 5-10 business days, and Tanzania up to 10 business days. The Malawi eVisa has no published service-level agreement; the 5-10 business day window is an estimate based on traveller reports rather than a guaranteed turnaround.
| Country | Processing Time | Source Note |
|---|---|---|
| Zambia | Same-day to 3 days | Some crossings offer same-day approval |
| Kenya | 2-3 business days | eTA system; VisaHQ confirms 3 business days |
| Mozambique | 5-7 days | eVisa primarily accepted at international airports |
| Malawi | 5-10 business days | No published SLA; estimate from traveller reports |
| Tanzania | 10 business days | VisaHQ confirms 10 business days |
FAQ: Malawi eVisa vs Other African eVisas
How much does a Malawi eVisa cost for UK citizens in 2026?
The Malawi eVisa for UK citizens costs $50-$75 USD, paid online by Visa/Mastercard. This includes the visa fee plus a separate convenience fee charged by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services.
How long does the Malawi eVisa take to process?
The Malawi eVisa processing time is estimated at 5 to 10 business days. The government portal does not publish a service level agreement. Apply well in advance through the evisa.gov.mw portal.
Is Malawi’s eVisa cheaper than Kenya’s eTA?
No. Kenya’s eTA costs $30 USD and processes in 2-3 business days. The Malawi eVisa costs $50-$75 USD and takes an estimated 5-10 business days.
Can I use the Malawi eVisa at land borders?
Yes, the Malawi eVisa approval letter is accepted at all designated ports of entry including land border crossings. Present the printed approval letter at the Passport control counter upon arrival.
Does Malawi participate in the KAZA Univisa or East Africa Tourist Visa?
As of 2026, the Malawi eVisa does not participate in either scheme. The KAZA Univisa covers Zambia and Zimbabwe; the East Africa Tourist Visa covers Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, and South Sudan. Obtain a separate Malawi eVisa.
What documents do I need to apply for a Malawi eVisa?
To apply for the Malawi eVisa, provide traveller information matching your passport data page, travel details, a photograph, and other related documents. Create an account on the evisa.gov.mw portal to submit the application form.
What happens if my Malawi eVisa application is refused?
The Malawi eVisa portal does not publish a refund policy for refused applications. UK passport holders (Category Two) can use Visa on Arrival at designated ports of entry as a fallback, having boarded without a pre-arranged visa.
Do UK passport holders need a visa for Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, and Mozambique in 2026?
Yes. Kenya requires a universal eTA ($30), while Tanzania, Zambia, and Mozambique each require an eVisa ($50). Processing ranges from 1-3 days in Zambia to 10 business days in Tanzania.
