Malawi is one of the most popular destinations for many travelers. The country is known to have a British back story and gorgeous landscapes. Therefore, millions of travelers visit Malawi each year to explore the natural beauty of this landlocked county in Southeastern Africa.
Before you travel to a foreign country, including Malawi, one of the most important things that you need is a valid visa. Malawi has set different visa policies for different nationality holders.
In this article, we have mentioned everything Nigerian passport holders need to know about traveling to Malawi. So, without further ado, let's get into it!
Do Nigerians Need a Malawi e-Visa?
Malawi has set different visa policies for different nationality holders. While some foreign nationals enjoy visa-free entry, others must obtain a valid visa prior to entering Malawi. Unfortunately, Nigeria is not on the list of Malawi visa exemptions!
All Nigerians are required to have a valid visa to enter Malawi. You can either apply for a traditional visa or an electronic visa. It's recommended to apply for an e-visa as it offers convenience. Unlike a traditional Malawi visa, Nigerians are not required to visit the Malawi embassy to apply for an e-visa.
Nigeria nationals can apply for the following types of Malawi e-visas via VisaHQ:
Tourist Visa - For tourism purposes, Nigerians can apply for a Malawi tourist e-visa. It is perfect for those who want to visit relatives or explore the country.
Business e-Visa - If you want to enter Malawi for professional and commercial activities, you can apply for a business visa.
Medical e-Visa - In case you want to get medical treatment in Malawi, you can apply for a medical visa.
Tourist e-Visa - If Nigerian national wants to transit through the country, they can apply for a transit e-visa that allows them to stay in the country for 7 days.
Student e-Visa - For study purposes, Nigerian passport holders can apply online for a student visa.
Except for the Malawi transit e-visa, all of the other travel documents are available in different variations: single-entry and multiple-entry visas. A single-entry visa is valid for 90 days, while a multiple-entry permit comes with a validity period of 180 days and 1 year.
Malawi Visa Requirement
While applying online for a Malawi e-visa, you must provide some required documents, also known as visa requirements. As Malawi offers different types of electronic visas to Nigerian nationals, visa requirements vary as well.
Generally speaking, you'll need the following documents to start the Malawi visa application process:
Valid passport - A copy of your passport valid for at least 6 more months. Also, make sure your passport has at least 2 blank pages for stamps.
E-mail Address - The applicant's email address will be electronically linked to their passport. Upon approval, you'll receive your travel document via email.
Proof of Accommodation - A copy of your hotel bookings or any other lodgings.
Proof of Status - A copy of your residence status, such as a work permit, study permit, or resident card.
Means of Payment - To pay the embassy fee and visa service fee, you're required to have online payment methods, such as a PayPal account, debit card, or credit card.
Depending on your visa type, you may have to provide some additional supporting documents. So, visit VisaHQ to find out all of the Malawi e-visa requirements.
How to Apply for a Malawi e-Visa?
As the Malawian government has made the visa application process online, applying for a visa has become more convenient and faster. Now, instead of wasting an entire day visiting the Malawi embassy, applicants can visit VisaHQ and submit their applications online.
Here's a complete step-by-step guide explaining how to apply for a Malawi e-visa:
Select "Nigeria" as your citizenship under the Malawi e-visa portal
Fill out the Malawi e-visa application form
Pay the visa processing fee
Submit your application with supporting documents
Once you submit your online form, the Malawi embassy will process your application. Afterward, you'll receive your approved travel documents via email!
Processing Time
The estimated processing time for a Malawi e-visa is 5-7 business days. However, there are several factors that can increase the processing time. For instance, if there are errors or mistakes in your application, your e-visa will be delayed!
Moreover, due to secondary checks and high demands, you may have to wait a little longer. Therefore, it's recommended to apply for a Malawi visa at least 2 weeks prior to the intended entry date! Once you get your e-visa, you can download it on your mobile device or print it out to present at the border crossing.