The government of Malawi has revoked visa-free access for several nations with immediate effect, effective 21 November 2025, in a sweeping policy shift that impacts travellers from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and all European Union member states.
According to the announcement, citizens of these countries will no longer enjoy visa-free entry and must now obtain a visa on arrival, subject to a fee based on reciprocal charges imposed on Malawians travelling to those nations.
Under the revised policy:
UK citizens will be required to pay £127.
EU citizens will pay €90.
US citizens face the steepest rate, with charges of up to US$15,435, of which up to US$15,250 is refundable upon exit from Malawi.
The government further specified that all visa-on-arrival fees must be paid in cash and in exact change.
Officials have yet to clarify the full rationale behind the sudden policy change, though the emphasis on reciprocal fees suggests the move is aimed at ensuring parity in treatment for Malawian nationals travelling abroad.
