Malawi tightens visa-free policy

Malawi is revising its entry rules for foreign nationals, moving away from the liberalization introduced in 2024. According to the new immigration norms effective from January 3, 2026, most countries previously exempt from visa requirements — including France, Belgium, Canada, the USA, and the United Kingdom — will once again require visas.

The authorities stated that the new visa regime is based on the principle of reciprocity: visa-free entry is maintained only for countries that do not require visas from Malawian citizens, as well as for certain regional and institutional categories, including SADC and COMESA countries, subject to compliance with the relevant conditions.

The decision marks a sharp reversal after the February 2024 reform, when Malawi opened visa-free entry for citizens of 48 countries to stimulate tourism and economic activity. Now, the government is opting for diplomatic parity, a similar approach previously chosen by Namibia.