Malawi reopened to international air travel on September 1, 2020. Malawi’s land borders are closed to foreign travelers, so it is one of the countries that are open for tourism that international travelers must enter by air.

All travelers must have a medical certificate for a negative PCR COVID test that was obtained within 10 days of arrival in Malawi. They must also complete a Traveler Health Declaration Form prior to arrival.

Travelers with a valid certificate for a negative test result must self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms for 14 days from their arrival in Malawi.

Can I travel to Malawi right now?

You can travel to Malawi from any country right now. Below is a map of all the countries that can visit Malawi at the moment.

Malawi - EN

Malawi COVID-19 travel restrictions and entry requirements

Malawi has a few entry requirements in place for visitors.

Malawi COVID-19 travel restrictions and entry requirements

All travelers must have a medical certificate for a negative PCR test result that was obtained within 10 days of arrival in Malawi. They must also submit a Traveler Health Declaration Form on arrival (the form will be available to complete in-flight or in the airport terminal).

Travelers with a valid negative test result must then self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms for 14 days from their arrival. Travelers without a valid certificate will have samples collected for testing and will then have to quarantine for 14 days from their arrival.

Is PCR testing mandatory to travel to Malawi?

All travelers must have a valid medical certificate for a negative PCR test result that was obtained within 10 days of arrival in Malawi.

Travelers who do not have a valid medical certificate will have samples collected for COVID-19 testing and must then quarantine for 14 days from their arrival. This testing costs $100 for international travelers and $50 for Malawians and returning residents.

Travelers who are departing from Malawi must also have a certificate for a negative PCR test result. The test result must have been obtained within 72 hours of departure from Malawi.

Is there a mandatory quarantine upon arrival in Malawi?

There is no mandatory quarantine upon arrival in Malawi for travelers with a valid certificate for a negative PCR test result within 10 days of arrival in Malawi, but they will have to self-monitor for symptoms of COVID-19 for 14 days from their arrival. The district Health Authority will follow up with them after the monitoring period.

Is there a mandatory quarantine upon arrival in Malawi?

Travelers without a valid certificate for a negative PCR test result will have samples collected for COVID-19 testing on arrival in Malawi and must then quarantine for 14 days from their arrival. Their test results will be available within 3 days and the Health Authority will follow up with them during their quarantine period. This testing on arrival in Malawi costs $100 for international travelers and $50 for Malawians and returning residents.

Travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage to visit Malawi

You are not required to have travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage to enter Malawi, but you definitely shouldn’t travel without some kind of insurance coverage.

Heymondo is a great choice if you’re looking for travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage. When we compared many different types of travel insurance, Heymondo emerged as the clear winner because of their policies’ extensive coverage, particularly for COVID-19 testing and treatment abroad, at an affordable price.

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COVID-19 vaccine to travel to Malawi

Although COVID-19 vaccine distribution has begun in most countries around the world, the government of Malawi has not yet confirmed whether it will be mandatory to present a proof of vaccine record (POVR) or an international certificate of vaccination or prophylaxis (ICVP) to enter Malawi.

COVID-19 vaccine to travel to Malawi

If you’re going to get the COVID-19 vaccine before traveling to Malawi, I recommend taking a copy of a vaccination record or certificate with you in case Malawi changes its travel restrictions.

Other travel restrictions for Malawi during COVID-19

Malawi has a few other travel restrictions in place for visitors:

• All travelers must submit a Traveler Health Declaration Form (this form will be available to complete in-flight or at the airport terminal).

• All travelers will undergo health screenings, which include temperature checks, upon arrival in Malawi.

• Travelers may also be subject to random testing.

• Face masks are required in all public areas.

• Social distancing rules must be observed.

• You may need a tourist visa to visit Malawi. Check if you need one below.

What’s open in Malawi

Malawi’s tourism industry has stayed open, so hotels, attractions, restaurants, and airports are all open, and tours and safaris are operating. If you visit, you should still be able to see and experience much of what Malawi has to offer. Just keep in mind that increased health and safety measures will be in place to help keep everyone safe and healthy.

Hotels that are open in Malawi

Malawi’s hotels and accommodations are open for guests and travelers from all over. We highly recommend these accommodations:

• Sogecoa Golden Peacock (Lilongwe)
• Amaryllis Hotel Blantyre (Blantyre)
• Sunbird Chintheche (Nkhata Bay)
• Lakeside Hotel (Salima)

Guests will have to complete a health questionnaire when they check in. They will also be informed of the accommodation’s specific health and safety protocols. Hand sanitizer and/or handwashing facilities will be available to guests so they can clean and disinfect their hands. Staff have been trained in proper hygiene and safety practices.

You can find more information on hotel regulations here and here.

Attractions that are open and tours that are operating in Malawi

Since Malawi’s tourism industry has remained open, attractions are open and tours are operating. You can even go on safari and see some of Malawi’s beautiful wildlife. If you’re looking for great tour or safari options, this 16-day Malawi Highlights Tour is the best one.

Because of the pandemic, Malawi tour operators have modified their booking policies so that they are more flexible in terms of cancellations and postponements. Tours, attractions, and safaris will have their own individual health and safety measures in place, so be sure to check the protocols for whatever activity you are doing.

More information on tour regulations is available here.

Restaurants that are open in Malawi

Ready to eat lots of delicious food? Malawian restaurants are open so you’ll be able to eat your fill if you visit now.

Restaurants that are open in Malawi

Drinking establishments must close by 8 PM. Customers must wash or disinfect their hands before they enter a restaurant. They must also wear masks when entering, moving around, and exiting the restaurant. Staff have been trained in the proper health and hygiene measures and will be wearing gloves and masks.

More information on restaurant regulations can be found here.

Airports that are open in Malawi

Malawi has two international airports, Lilongwe International Airport and Chileka International Airport, both of which are open. A limited number of commercial flights are operating.

All travelers must wear masks, social distance, and disinfect their hands. They will also be subject to health screenings and temperature checks on arrival in Malawi.

Curfew in Malawi

There is currently a nightly curfew in place. The curfew lasts from 9 PM to 5 AM. Additionally, all markets must close by 5 PM and all drinking establishments must close by 8 PM.

Where to get a PCR test in Malawi – COVID-19 testing in Malawi

All departing travelers must get a PCR test in order to leave Malawi. Here is a list of places you can get a PCR test in Malawi. You can find further details on testing for departure here.

Malawi reopening its borders to tourists – F.A.Q.

Check out these FAQs related to Malawi reopening for tourists and let us know if you have any other questions in the comments below.

Sources

We will update this guide on Malawi reopening to tourism with any new developments. If you need more information on travel to Malawi, you can check these official sources:

• US Embassy Updates on COVID-19 in Malawi
• CDC Travel Recommendations for Malawi
• General Malawi Travel Advisory
• COVID-19 Travel Advice and Entry Requirements from Malawi Tourism
• Malawi’s Ministry of Health COVID-19 Dashboard
• Malawi’s Ministry of Health COVID-19 Information
• Important Announcements and Documents for Malawi Entry Requirements and Tourism Industry
• Guidelines for Hotels
• Guidelines for Tourism and Hospitality Industry
• Malawi Arrival and Departure Guidelines
• Update on Land Borders’ Closure
• Traveler Information for Arrival and Departure
• Information on Departure Testing
• COVID-19 Testing Sites
• Traveler Health Declaration Form

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