In a significant stride towards fostering international relations and promoting tourism, Malawi has recently made sweeping changes to its immigration policy, liberating travel for citizens of 67 countries. The new amendments mark a paradigm shift as Malawi opens its doors wider, welcoming visitors from various corners of the globe without the need for a visa.
The updated immigration policy not only benefits the 67 newly exempted nations but also extends its hospitality to nationals from the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), holders of SADC Laissez-Passer on official SADC business, holders of Common COMESA Laissez-Passer engaged in official COMESA business, holders of United Nations (UN) Laissez-Passer on official UN business, holders of African Union Laissez-Passer on official AU business, holders of African Development Bank Laissez-Passer on official ADB business, and all Diplomats and Government officials.
This strategic move aims to bolster Malawi’s position as a tourist-friendly destination while facilitating seamless travel for business and diplomatic purposes. By waiving visa requirements for a diverse array of countries and international organisations, Malawi underscores its commitment to promoting global connectivity and cooperation.
The move is expected to attract a more diverse range of tourists, leading to increased cultural exchange, economic collaborations and diplomatic engagements.
Commenting on the new visa-free policy on her official Facebook account, Malawi’s Minister of Tourism, Vera Kamtukule said it was a bold step towards a brighter tomorrow.
“This is nothing short of a bold leap towards a brighter tomorrow. This monumental decision isn’t just about visas; it’s about unleashing the untapped potential of our beloved Malawi and inviting the world to experience its wonders firsthand.”
The Minister added that the scrapping of the visa requirement is an invitation for travellers to explore Malawi as the warm heart of Africa. “Picture this: Malawi, the radiant heart of Africa, now beckons travelers from every corner of the globe with open arms. From the majesty of our landscapes to the warmth of our hospitality, every moment spent in our embrace promises to be an unforgettable adventure.”
“As we chart our course towards Malawi 2063, envision a future where our nation stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration. With each visa waiver, we pave the way for new connections, cultural exchanges, and economic opportunities that will enrich our lives and empower our communities,” the Tourism Minister emphasized.
The list of the countries covered by the new visa policy includes: Antigua and Barbuda; Australia; Bahamas; Barbados; Belgium; Belize Papua; Brunei Samoa (Western); Canada; China; Cyprus; Dominica; Fiji; Finland; France; Gambia; Germany; Ghana; Grenada and Guyana.
The rest are: Ireland; Israel; Italy; Jamaica; Kiribati; Malaysia; Maldives Island; Malta; Nauru; Netherlands; New Guinea; New Zealand; Norway; Poland; Portugal; Russia; Sierra Leone; Singapore; Solomon Island; Sri Lanka; St. Kitts and Nevis; St. Lucia; St. Vincent and the Grenadines; Sweden; Tonga; Trinidad and Tobago; Tuvalu; United Kingdom; and United States of America.
Below is the extract from the official document announcing the new amendments
(1) Visas for entry into Malawi are required by nationals of all countries, except the
following—
(a) nationals of—
(i) Antigua and Barbuda;
(ii) Australia;
(iii) Bahamas;
(iv) Barbados;
(v) Belgium;
(vi) Belize Papua;
(vii) Brunei Samoa (Western);
(viii) Canada;
(ix) China;
(x) Cyprus;
(xi) Dominica;
(xii) Fiji;
(xiii) Finland;
(xiv) France;
(xv) Gambia;
(xvi) Germany;
(xvi) Ghana;
(xviii) Grenada;
(xix) Guyana;
(xx) Ireland;
(xxi) Israel;
(xxii) Italy;
(xxiii) Jamaica;
(xxiv) Kiribati;
(xxv) Malaysia;
(xxvi) Maldives Island;
(xxvii) Malta;
(xxviii) Nauru;
(xxvix) Netherlands;
(xxx) New Guinea;
(xxxi) New Zealand;
(xxxii) Norway;
(xxxiii) Poland;
(xxxiv) Portugal;
(xxxv) Russia;
(xxxvi) Sierra Leone;
(xxxvii) Singapore;
(xxxiii) Solomon Island;
(xxxix) Sri Lanka;
(xl) St. Kitts and Nevis;
(lxi) St. Lucia;
(lxii) St. Vincent and the Grenadines;
(lxiii) Sweden;
(lxiii) Tonga;
(lxiv) Trinidad and Tobago;
(lxv) Tuvalu;
(lxvi) United Kingdom; and
(lxvii) United States of America;
(b) nationals from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) except for those countries that subject Malawians to a visa requirement;
(c) nationals from the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) except for those countries that subject Malawians to a visa requirement;
(d) holders of Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) Laissez-Passer whilst on official SADC business;
(e) holders of Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) Laissez-Passer whilst on official COMESA business;
(f) holders of United Nations (UN) Laissez-Passer whilst on official UN business;
(g) holders of African Union (AU) Laissez-Passer whilst on official AU business;
(h) holders of African Development Bank (ADB) Laissez-Passer whilst on official ADB business; and
(i) all Diplomats and Government officials.
(2) The validity of multiple entry visas in Malawi (6 months and 12 months) shall
reciprocate to the validity of multiple entry visas in the corresponding country.”.
Story by Samuel Obeng Appah
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