India visa requirements for Malawians

Travel and visa requirements

Indian Visa is not required for Malawians

Stay Duration: 90 days

Entry Requirements

  • The government of India provides that visitors from Malawi can visit the country by applying for an electronic visa. The e-visa is for a duration of 90 days and costs about US$80.
  • Foreigners with the e-visa can gain entry to India through 28 airports and 5 seaports.
  • Citizens of Malawi are advised to have applied for the e-visa, at least four days before departure. 
  • Intending visitors are to show a valid passport of a minimum of 6 months beyond the date of India. The passport should have at least two blank pages for visa stamping.
  • Nationals of Malawi with firearms require an Import Permit from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation in India.
  • Malawian are advised to get treated against yellow fever and other common illnesses before travelling to India.
  • The import and export of foreign currencies are unlimited, however, amounts exceeding $ 5,000 or its equivalent would be declared.
  • Also, the importation and exportation of the local currency of India are set at a maximum of INR 25,000.
  • Travellers will be required to show proof of a confirmed means of accommodation for their entire stay in India. This could be in the form of a sponsor letter from a host living in the country or a hotel reservation.
  • Tourists will also be required to show a recent bank statement has as evidence of having enough money to spend while in India.
  • Minors visiting alone are required to have a consent letter signed by both parents or guardian.
  • Visitors from Malawi visiting India with pets (dogs and cats) must be accompanied by a veterinarian health certificate issued in Malawi.
  • Intending visitors can get to India from any international airport in Malawi. There are international airports in Lilongwe and Karonga.
  • Kenya Airways, Emirates,  Air India, flydubai and Etihad are some of the airlines that fly from Malawi to India.
  • The estimated flight time from Malawi to New Delhi, India is 12 hours, 40 minutes.
  • India has a temperate and tropical climate. It has four major seasons which are summer which is from March to May, winter from December to February, monsoon from June to September and post-monsoon also known as northeast monsoon which is from October to November. 
  • Cows do wander freely in the streets of India even in major cities. They are harmless, so tourists are advised to give them room. Also, Indians value their cows and respecting these cows can prevent a bad relationship with the locals.
  • Hinduism, Christianity and Islam are the major religions in India. Other religions like Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism are also present in the country, although as a minority.
  • The Indian rupee is the official currency used in India. Visitors can various banks and exchange outlets in the country to exchange their foreign currencies.
  • India is a country with hundreds of languages spoken in the country. It has no national language.  Hindi and English are however the official languages.
  • Tourists are advised to budget about $43 to spend on daily expenses while in India.
  • The Taj Mahal, The Holy City of Varanasi, Harmandir Sahib and The Golden City are some of the places tourists can visit while in India.
  • India uses India Standard Time (GMT+5:30). India is 3 hours and 30 minutes ahead of Malawi.
  • Indians use a head wobble to mean "yes" or agree to something and also as a form of greeting. Learning to do this could benefit a visitor's interaction with the locals
  • Transportation in India can be done with buses, train, taxis and small boats. 
  • The power and socket plug used in Singapore are of Type  C, D and M. The standard voltage is 230 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz.
  • Special delicacies tourists can try while in India are butter chicken, alu gobi, rogan josh and samosas.
  • Tourists are expected to be courteous and conscious of existing rules and customs as they go about their tourism-related activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do Indians touch feet?

Bowing down and touching of the feet is a mark of respect. It is a form of pranama and is a part of the Indian culture.

Can I extend my stay duration in India?

The e-visa stay duration cannot be extended, it starts when the tourists enter India and are valid for a period 90 days.

Are there public toilets in India?

Yes, there are lots of public toilets in India. Hotels and malls also have toilets for public use. However, some of these toilets do not have toilet paper and sanitizers. Visitors are advised to always have them before using a public toilet.

Can you put toilet paper down the toilet in India?

Flushing down used toilet papers in India is not advisable, because of the sewerage system in India is not that great,  and the toilet paper may do far more damage than good. It is best to trash them in a bin.