Malawi has lifted visa restrictions for citizens from 79 countries as part of a strategic effort to enhance tourism and trade within the nation. The amendment to immigration regulations, announced by Homeland Security Minister Ken Zikhałe in a recent gazette notice, includes countries such as the UK, China, Russia, Germany, Australia, Canada, Belgium, Ghana, Gambia, Sierra Leone, France, and others.
Additionally, citizens from the Southern African Development Community (Sadc) and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (Comesa) are now exempt from visa requirements, excluding nations that maintain visa restrictions against Malawian citizens.
The revised regulations also feature exemptions for specific groups, including diplomats and government officials, as well as countries with mutual exchange agreements for multiple entry visas with Malawi. The new visa rules extend the validity of multiple entry visas to 12 months.
Tourism Minister Vera Kamtukule emphasized that this decision goes beyond visas and is a significant move to unlock the untapped potential of Malawi, inviting the world to explore its wonders firsthand.
The British embassy in Malawi has encouraged its nationals to seize the opportunity presented by the relaxed visa restrictions and explore a variety of popular tourist attractions in the Southern African country.
Malawi now joins Kenya and Rwanda in welcoming African travelers without visa restrictions, as both East African nations have recently announced visa-free entry for visitors from the continent.