Malawi visa requirements for Gambians

Travel and visa requirements

Malawian Visa is not required for Gambians

Stay Duration: 90 days

Entry Requirements

  • Citizens of Gambia are not required to obtain a visa to visit Malawi for a period of 90 days.
  • Passports of Gambia citizens must reach the validity of six months at the time of arrival.
  • Citizens of Gambia will be required to provide a Yellow Fever certificate of vaccination at the port of entry into Malawi.
  • Visitors must have at least one blank page available on their passports for entry stamps.
  • Local and foreign currencies must be declared upon arrival and departure from the country.
  • Dogs and cats must be accompanied by a veterinary certificate of good health and a certificate of vaccination against Rabies.
  • All travellers departing from Blantyre and Lilongwe are required to pay a service charge of MWK 1,500.
  • Travellers must have enough money for their stay as well as return or onward tickets at the port of entry.
  • The estimated flight time from Banjul, the Gambia to Malawi is 8 hours, 22 minutes.
  • Malawi uses the Central Africa Time zone (GMT+2) which makes Malawi 2 hours ahead of The Gambia.
  • Malawi has been seen as a haven for refugees from other African countries, including Mozambique and Rwanda since 1985. 
  • Malawi has two sites listed on the UNESCO World Heritage list: the Lake Malawi National Park and the Chongoni Rock.
  • Animal life indigenous to Malawi includes mammals such as elephants, hippos, big cats, monkeys, and bats with a great variety of birds including birds of prey, parrots and falcons, waterfowl and large waders, owls and songbirds.
  • The official language is English and other major languages include Chichewe, Chiyanja, Chiyao and Chitumbuka. Other native languages are Malawian Lomwe, Kokola, Lambya, Ndali, Nyakyusa-Ngonda and Tonga.
  • Malawi is a majority Christian country, with a significant Muslim minority.
  • Malawian cuisine is diverse, with tea and fish being popular features of the country's cuisine.
  • Malawi is home to the popular pet fish Cichlid residing in Lake Malawi. The lake is estimated to have close to 3000 species of cichlids, the most of any lake in the world.
  • Malawi is home to the third-largest lake in Africa, Lake Malawi. It is also the eighth largest lake in the world and the second deepest lake in Africa. 
  • Liwonde National Park is Malawi’s premier national park. It has lodges on the Shire River which provide a lovely backdrop to a huge variety of birds, hippos, elephants and many more species of wildlife.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I extend my stay in Malawi?

Travellers can extend their visit for more than 90 days if they obtain a residence permit that is valid for six months from the date of entry.

Why is Lake Malawi called “The Lake of Stars”?

Explorer, David Livingstone, called the famous lake ‘The Lake of Stars’ because of an assortment of lanterns he saw on fishing boats dotting the water on his arrival.

What does the name “Malawi” originate from?

The name Malawi comes from the Maravi. This is the old name of the Nyanja people that inhabit the area. Maravi means flames – this is reminiscent of the sight of many kilns that lights up the night at that time.

Is it safe to visit Malawi?

Most parts in Malawi is safe for visit. However, it does have a high crime rate, though it is mainly ridden with petty street crime. You should be vigilant and take all possible precaution measures in order to minimize the risk of getting stolen from.

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