By Ariadne van Zandbergen
Ariadne is a renowned Africa expert. She and her husband form a team who write and update many Bradt guides, including the guide to Malawi.
Malawi's main airport is Lilongwe International Airport (LLW), located 26km/16mi from the capital, Lilongwe. Some international flights arrive at Chileka International Airport (BLZ), 16km/10mi from Blantyre.
Onward travel is by either small aircraft or car. Self-drive is a viable option. If you’re on a package tour, your local tour operator will arrange pick-up from the airport and all further transportation as part of the tour.
Domestic Airlines & Flights in Malawi
The national carrier only runs domestic flights between Lilongwe and Blantyre. A more versatile option is offered by Ulendo Airlink, which offers scheduled flights to most major upmarket tourist destinations and chartered flights to some of the less-visited tourist destinations.
- Malawi Airlines (flies between Lilongwe and Blantyre)
- Ulendo Airlink (flies to tourist destinations)
Passport, Visa & Other Entry Requirements
Entry requirements can change, so please contact your local Malawi embassy to verify that the information below is current.
- A passport is required for all foreign visitors, and has to be valid for at least six months.
- Passports must have at least three empty pages.
- Citizens of most countries require a visa.
- Visa regulations and application forms can be obtained from the Department of Immigration of Malawi.
- Visa arrangements in Malawi are on a reciprocal basis, so the list of countries whose citizens require a visa might change from time to time.
- Citizens of most countries can obtain a visa upon arrival. Information about visas, fees and application process – including countries whose residents need a visa, and those who don’t – is available from Malawi’s Department of Immigration.
- Tourist visas are valid for 30 days, and can be extended for up to 3 months for a small fee at local immigration offices: be sure to visit 2–3 days before your visa expires.
- On arrival in the country, visas need to be paid for in US dollars.
- When arriving from a yellow-fever-infected country, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required.
