Malawi visa requirements for Rwandans

Travel and visa requirements

Basic Travel Requirements for Rwandans visiting Malawi

Travelers are required to fulfill the following requirements in order to apply for a Malawian Visa.

  • A valid visa application form stating the applicant's purpose of travel.
  • An original passport or travel document valid for 3 months beyond the departure date.
  • A document proving applicants financial capacity.
  • Two passport photos of size 35mm x 45mm.
  • An invitation letter from the applicant's host (excluding tourists). 
  • Evidence of sufficient funds to stay in the country for the stated period on the visa.
  • Air tickets and a detailed travel itinerary.
  • A document showing the applicant's confirmed hotel reservation.
  • Applicant's bank statements dating back to the last three months.

Malawi Visa for Rwandans

Facts about Malawi

Malawi is known as the “Warm Heart of Africa”, this is because of the world-class friendliness of the people. The plethora of activities available for tourists to engage in makes the country one of the best places to visit in Africa. The enormous Lake Malawi is a popular destination for watersports, diving, snorkeling, and kayaking. The country also has national parks and game reserves where tourists can visit to watch the vast array of wildlife in the country. Wildlife animals which can be seen in the various game reserves include lions, zebras, leopards, elephants, and sea eagles. Zomba Plateau and the 3,002-tall Mount Mulanje, the highest peak in the country, are ideal trekking destinations for tourists.
 
The tourism industry in Malawi suffered a setback in the 1980s as a result of the economic recession suffered by South Africa, where most tourists come from, and the destabilization of Zimbabwe. In recent years, there has been an upturn in fortunes, the number of tourists’ visits have been on the rise. The tourism industry contributed 4.5% of the national GDP and 3.8% of the labor force.
 
Buying, selling, killing, or capturing of any protected wild animal or trading its parts without a license is considered a great offense. Anyone caught breaking this rule will be severely punished. Homosexuality is illegal in Malawi; foreigners should completely desist from such acts.
 
Citizens of Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Botswana, Ireland, Jamaica, Kenya, Malaysia, Namibia, Saint Lucia, Seychelles, South Africa, Tanzania, Tuvalu, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe can visit Malawi for up to 90 days without a visa.

Types of Malawi Visa

Types of Visa Processing Time Duration of Stay
Visitor Visa 2 weeks 30 days
Work visa 2 weeks 1-4 years
Student visa 2 weeks 1-4 years

General Requirements for Malawi Visa

  • A valid visa application form stating the applicant's purpose of travel.
  • An original passport or travel document valid for 3 months beyond the departure date.
  • A document proving applicants financial capacity.
  • Two passport photos of size 35mm x 45mm.
  • An invitation letter from the applicant's host (excluding tourists). 
  • Evidence of sufficient funds to stay in the country for the stated period on the visa.
  • Air tickets and a detailed travel itinerary.
  • A document showing the applicant's confirmed hotel reservation.
  • Applicant's bank statements dating back to the last three months.
Malawi Visitor Visa Malawi Work visa Malawi Student visa

Malawi Visitor Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • The Malawi visitor visa is issued to those who want to visit the country for tourism, visiting spouse, business or adventure.
  • They are issued as a Tourist visa, Business visa, Conference visa and so on based on the purpose for visit. 
  • The above-mentioned types of visas can further be classified into a single entry, multiple-entry and transit entry depending on the nature of the visit.
  • The single entry visa is valid for three months and can be used once upon entry into Malawi.
  • The multiple entry visas are valid for six or twelve months and can be used for multiple entries within the validity period.
  • The transit visa is valid for a period not exceeding seven days and can be used once.
  • Applicants on sponsored trips are expected to submit a letter of invitation, a letter of sponsorship and the sponsor’s evidence of legal residence.
  • Applicants without full documentation will not be attended to. You are expected to submit all stipulated and required documentation. Please ask in advance before you travel.
  • The validity for this visa is 90 days and the applicants will be given only 30 days of stay. 
  • You can extend your 30 days at any Malawi Immigration Offices up to the valid period. 

Malawi Work Permit Eligibility & Requirements

  • This visa is issued to those who want to go to Malawi for work. It is issued in the form of a permit and it is called the Temporary Employment Permit. 
  • This permit is issued to persons before they enter Malawi to take up specified employment in Malawi.
  • The organization employing the applicant is saddled with the responsibility of applying for the permit on behalf of the applicant.
  • There should be documents that show that the applicant's level of expertise, job description, and salary quota.
  • The organization is also required to submit the applicant's work contract and state the timeframe for the applicant's work.  
  • The applicant should have valid health insurance before entering the country.
  • Applicants are allowed to renew their work permit in the country. The application should be submitted 3 months before the expiry of the permit.
  • All applicants for new TEP are required by law to wait outside Malawi until the application has been approved.
  • Applications for Temporary Resident Permits or Temporary Employment Permit should be done and processed by institutions hosting the applicant in Malawi.

Malawi Student Permit Eligibility & Requirements

  • This is a permit that allows intending students to enter Malawi and study at an approved Educational Institution.
  • One can apply by submitting a Student Permit application form and supporting documents /information at the Immigration Headquarters or Regional Immigration Offices for processing after payment of the appropriate fees.
  • The application will be submitted to Chief Immigration Officer for decision. Once a decision is made you will be formally notified if your application has been approved or rejected.
  • Applicants are required to have a school-leaving certificate and other academic qualifications backing up the application.
  • There should be a document reflecting the applicant's financial support from self, guardians or sponsors.   
  • A Student Permit can be renewed through the submission of a Student Permit Renewal Application Form and supporting documents/information at the Regional Immigration Offices or Headquarters. 
  • Applications for renewal must be submitted 3 months before the expiry of the permit.

Malawi Visa Fees

Visa Type

Sub Types

Visa Fees

Visitor Visa

70.00 (USD)

Work visa

Work Permit

100.00 (USD)

Student visa

Student Permit

100.00 (USD)

Malawi Visa Application Centres & Embassies in Rwanda

Location

Address

Kigali

There is no Malawi embassy in Rwanda. Travelers are advised to apply for their visas in a neighboring country.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I appeal if you refuse my visa?

You can appeal if your application is rejected. You can get information about appeals from the office which processed your application.

Is it safe to travel to Malawi?
Malawi is one of the safest countries in Africa. People are generally very friendly and keen to help. The crime rate is also relatively reduced. 


What health precautions should be taken before travel?
You are expected to be prepared for your trip as regards health precautions. Make an appointment with your doctor to discuss your trip, check your vaccines and be aware of the situation with food and water. You are required to also buy travel insurance for your duration of stay in Rwanda.
What currency will be needed in Malawi?
The official currency for Malawi is the Malawian Kwacha. US Dollars are also very useful in the country.


What things can a tourist do in Malawi?
Tourists can visit the Liwonde National Park which is one of the more popular parks in the country. There's also Lake Malawi to explore which is the third-largest lake in Africa. They can also go Bird Watching and see the different bird species in Malawi. 
How much required to get work visa?