Getting There – Malawi

Ariadne van Zandbergen
Expert
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.

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.

Ariadne is a renowned Africa expert. She and her husband form a team who author the Bradt guide to Malawi.

Ariadne and her husband form a team who author the Bradt guide to Malawi.

Travel Alert

Travel restrictions and additional entry requirements may apply for Malawi due to the coronavirus pandemic and if so, can change from day-to-day. Please visit our coronavirus page to stay informed about the latest developments.

Travel Alert
Map of Malawi Map of Malawi
Malawi Map

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.

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.

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