Malawi Visa for Dutch Citizens in 2026: Requirements

Last checked July 2026 — always confirm with official sources before travelling.

Do Dutch citizens need a visa for Malawi? Yes. Dutch citizens travelling on a Netherlands passport should obtain a Malawi visa, either through the official e-Visa system before departure or, where eligible, on arrival at a designated port of entry. Netherlands passport holders are currently listed as eligible for Malawi’s Category Two visa-on-arrival arrangements, but Malawi’s Immigration Department strongly encourages eligible travellers to apply online in advance.

The official Malawi Immigration Department lists the online single-entry visa fee as US$75, although an official e-Visa FAQ displays US$50 for a single-entry visa. Because the official sources conflict, confirm the amount shown on the official application portal before payment.

Malawi’s entry rules changed in 2026, so Dutch travellers should check their passport category, visa type, port of entry and travel purpose shortly before departure. This article covers tourism and safari travel; work, study and residence may require different permission.

Quick answer: Malawi visa for Dutch citizens

Question	Answer
Do Dutch citizens need a visa?	Yes. Dutch passport holders should obtain a visa for Malawi.
Can Dutch citizens apply for an e-Visa?	Yes. Malawi operates an official online e-Visa portal.
Can Dutch citizens get a visa on arrival?	Yes, Netherlands nationals are listed as Category Two travellers eligible for a visa on arrival at designated ports, subject to Malawi’s immigration requirements.
What is the single-entry fee?	The Immigration Department’s fee page lists US$75 online. The official portal FAQ lists US$50, so confirm the current fee on the official portal before paying.
How long does an e-Visa take?	The official e-Visa FAQ says applications are processed within three working days. Apply earlier because approval and travel-document checks can still affect your plans.
How long must the passport be valid?	Malawi entry guidance states that the passport must have an expiry date at least six months after arrival.

Visa types and who needs one

For a Dutch traveller visiting Malawi for a holiday, safari or leisure trip, the usual option is a single-entry tourist visa. Malawi’s official fee information also lists transit and multiple-entry visas, but the correct category depends on your itinerary and purpose of travel.

Single-entry visa

A single-entry visa is generally suitable when you enter Malawi once for a safari, lake holiday or other short visit. The official Immigration Department lists the online single-entry fee as US$75. However, the official e-Visa FAQ lists US$50, so use the amount generated by the official portal and retain your payment receipt.

Multiple-entry visa

Malawi’s official fee pages list multiple-entry options for six months and twelve months at US$150 and US$250 respectively. Choose this route only if you genuinely need to enter Malawi more than once and confirm the visa’s conditions and validity on the application portal.

Transit visa

The official e-Visa FAQ lists a transit visa at US$50. If Malawi is only a stop between two other countries, check whether your route requires a transit visa or another permission before booking flights.

Dutch citizens should not rely on older information describing Malawi as visa-free for Netherlands passport holders. A 2026 policy report states that Malawi revised its visa regime and reinstated visa requirements for many previously visa-exempt nationalities.

Step-by-step: how Dutch citizens apply for a Malawi e-Visa

1. Use the official Malawi portal

Apply through the Malawi Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services e-Visa portal at evisa.gov.mw. The portal allows travellers to submit their details, upload documents and make an online payment.

Use the official portal rather than assuming that a commercial visa website represents the Malawian government. Third-party services may charge separate service fees, while the official portal is the government application channel identified by Malawi Immigration.

2. Select the correct purpose and visa type

Choose tourism for a safari or holiday. Select transit, business or another category only when it matches the real purpose of your visit. Immigration officers may assess whether your visa type corresponds with your activities in Malawi. The official portal describes the e-Visa as an entry document and says the approved letter must be presented for verification at passport control.

3. Prepare your passport information

Enter your name, passport number, nationality and travel details exactly as they appear in your Netherlands passport. Malawi’s entry guidance requires the passport to remain valid for at least six months after the date of arrival.

Check every character before submission. A mismatch between the application and passport can create problems at check-in or at the Malawi border. The official portal also states that a copy of the e-Visa approval letter is mandatory before travelling.

4. Upload the requested documents

The portal will specify the documents required for your nationality and visa type. Prepare clear scans or files of the passport information page and any other supporting material requested in the application. Do not assume that a photograph or document is accepted unless it meets the portal’s stated format and size requirements.

For a safari itinerary, keep your accommodation and onward-travel information available in case the application or border process asks for itinerary details. The supplied official sources do not provide a complete Dutch-specific document checklist, so confirm the current list inside the application rather than relying on an older checklist.

5. Pay online and save the receipt

The official e-Visa FAQ says Malawi e-Visas must be paid online by credit or debit card and that payment is made in United States dollars. It also says e-Visa fees are non-refundable if an application is rejected.

Before submitting payment, compare the amount displayed by the portal with the Immigration Department’s published fee page. The two official sources currently show different single-entry amounts: US$50 in the FAQ and US$75 on the fee page. Confirm the live amount on the official portal and save a screenshot or receipt.

6. Monitor the application and download approval

Applicants can check application status through their e-Visa account. The approval letter is available in the account and an access link is also sent by email.

Download the approval letter, print a copy and keep a digital copy with your travel documents. Malawi Immigration states that the approval letter must be shown at passport control and that a copy is mandatory before travel.

Malawi visa fees and payment in 2026

Visa type	Published fee	Important note
Transit visa	US$50	Listed in the official e-Visa FAQ; confirm the current amount for your application.
Single-entry visa	US$75 on the Immigration Department fee page	The official e-Visa FAQ lists US$50, so confirm the live portal amount before payment.
Multiple-entry visa, six months	US$150	Listed by the official Immigration Department.
Multiple-entry visa, twelve months	US$250	Listed by the official Immigration Department.

The Immigration Department says online payments are accepted by Visa or Mastercard, while the e-Visa FAQ says payment is made by credit or debit card in US dollars. Fees are not refundable if an application is rejected, according to the official FAQ.

These are visa charges, not the total cost of a Malawi holiday. Flights, accommodation, transfers, park charges and activities are separate. For trip-planning context, see how much a Malawi safari costs in 2026, then compare safari packages on SafariFind.

Processing times, validity and passport rules

The official Malawi e-Visa FAQ says applications are processed within three working days. This is the published processing period, not a guarantee that every application will be approved within that time. Incomplete information, unclear uploads or additional checks may affect the process, so do not leave the application until the day before departure.

The research supplied here does not establish a single Dutch-specific e-Visa validity period or permitted stay for every visa category. Some non-official sources describe a 30-day tourist stay, but that figure is not confirmed by the official Malawi sources provided for this article. Check the approved visa letter for the authorised entry window and stay period.

Passport validity is a separate entry requirement: Malawi guidance states that the passport expiry date must be at least six months after arrival. Travellers may be denied entry if they do not hold a valid travel document.

Visa on arrival: what Dutch travellers should know

The official Malawi portal announced that, effective 24 February 2026, Category Two nationals may obtain a visa on arrival at designated ports of entry. A current nationality listing identifies Netherlands nationals as Category Two and therefore eligible for this facility.

Eligibility for a visa on arrival does not remove the need to satisfy Malawi’s immigration rules. Malawi Immigration strongly encourages eligible travellers to apply before departure to support smoother arrangements and reduce possible delays at the port of entry.

If you use the visa-on-arrival route, carry your valid Netherlands passport, onward or return travel evidence, accommodation details and any other documents relevant to your trip. The official notice warns that issuance remains subject to Malawi’s immigration laws and standard entry requirements.

Do not assume that every airport, land border or arrival time will provide identical processing. The notice refers to designated ports of entry, so confirm that your intended crossing is covered before relying on arrival issuance.

Transit, extensions and overstays

Malawi’s official e-Visa FAQ lists a transit visa and separate single- and multiple-entry visas. Select the category that matches your route, especially if you leave Malawi and plan to return during the same journey.

The research supplied for this article does not confirm the current procedure, fee or eligibility rules for extending a tourist stay in Malawi. If you need more time, contact Malawi Immigration before your authorised stay expires and ask for written guidance. Do not overstay while waiting for an answer.

An overstay can create immigration problems, including difficulties when leaving the country. Because the official sources provided do not state the current penalties, confirm the consequences and any extension process directly with Malawi Immigration before travelling.

Common Malawi visa mistakes and rejection risks

• Using an old visa-free guide: Malawi revised its visa regime in 2026, so check current rules rather than relying on pre-2026 travel pages.
• Paying the wrong amount: the official fee page and official FAQ currently show different single-entry fees. Confirm the amount displayed in the live official portal.
• Submitting a passport with insufficient validity: the passport must expire at least six months after arrival under Malawi entry guidance.
• Making data-entry errors: copy names and passport numbers exactly, then review the application before payment.
• Travelling without the approval letter: Malawi Immigration says a copy of the e-Visa approval letter is mandatory before travel.
• Relying on arrival processing without checking eligibility: visa-on-arrival access applies to eligible Category Two nationalities at designated ports and remains subject to immigration requirements.
• Confusing visa requirements with health requirements: vaccination or certificate rules can depend on your route and transit countries. Review the latest health guidance before departure; SafariFind’s Malawi vaccinations and health rules guide provides related planning context, but Dutch travellers should confirm advice for their own itinerary.

Planning a Malawi safari from the Netherlands

Apply for the visa before finalising a tightly timed safari itinerary, especially if you have connecting flights or plan to cross a land border. Keep your e-Visa approval letter, passport and booking details together for airline and immigration checks.

Malawi combines wildlife areas with Lake Malawi travel, and a route may involve domestic transfers or several accommodation changes. If you are comparing itineraries, our guide to a seven-day Malawi wildlife and Lake route can help with early planning. For first-time visitors, read whether a Malawi safari is worth it in 2026 before choosing your trip length.

This information is for general travel planning and is not legal or immigration advice. Requirements, categories, fees and procedures can change, so verify your nationality and travel details with Malawi’s official Immigration Department and e-Visa portal immediately before travelling.

Last checked July 2026 — always confirm with official sources before travelling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Dutch citizens need a visa for Malawi?

Yes, Dutch citizens should obtain a visa to enter Malawi. Netherlands nationals are listed as eligible for a visa on arrival, while the official Immigration Department recommends applying through the e-Visa portal before departure.

Can Dutch citizens apply for a Malawi e-Visa online?

Yes, Dutch citizens can apply through Malawi’s official e-Visa portal. After processing, the approval letter is available through the applicant account and by email.

How much is a Malawi visa for Dutch citizens?

The official Immigration Department lists a single-entry visa at US$75, but the official e-Visa FAQ lists US$50. Confirm the current fee shown on the official portal before payment because the official sources conflict.

How long does a Malawi e-Visa take for Dutch citizens?

The official e-Visa FAQ says applications are processed within three working days. Apply earlier than this minimum to allow time for document checks, travel planning and possible delays.

Can Dutch citizens get a Malawi visa on arrival?

Yes, Netherlands nationals are currently identified as Category Two travellers eligible for a visa on arrival at designated Malawi ports of entry. Malawi Immigration nevertheless encourages eligible travellers to apply online before departure.

How long must a Dutch passport be valid for Malawi?

A Dutch passport must have an expiry date at least six months after the traveller arrives in Malawi. Check the passport before submitting the visa application.

What documents do Dutch citizens need for a Malawi e-Visa?

Applicants need their passport details and the documents requested by the official portal for their nationality and visa type. Malawi Immigration specifically requires travellers to carry a copy of the e-Visa approval letter before travel.

Can I pay for a Malawi e-Visa in euros?

The official e-Visa FAQ says applications must be paid online in United States dollars by credit or debit card. Confirm the payment instructions and live amount on the official portal before submitting.

Is a Malawi e-Visa fee refundable if the application is rejected?

No, the official e-Visa FAQ says Malawi e-Visa fees are non-refundable if an application is rejected.

What should I do if I want to stay longer in Malawi?

Contact Malawi Immigration before your authorised stay expires and confirm the current extension procedure. The supplied official sources do not establish a current extension fee or guaranteed eligibility, so do not overstay while seeking advice.