COVID-19 Precautionary Measures in Malawi (18 April Update)

Can a resident enter the country?

• Yes

• Citizens and residents are allowed to enter the country.

Can a foreigner enter the country?

• Yes with exceptions

• Foreigners may enter via air borders only. Malawi has closed its land borders to all non-residents until further notice.

Is a test required on arrival?

• No with exceptions

• Passengers arriving without a valid negative COVID-19 certificate will be required to have their samples collected for COVID-19 testing and will thereafter proceed on self-quarantine for 14 days. Results will be communicated in 3 days. They will be followed up by health authorities during the period under quarantine.

Is a test certificate allowed?

• Yes

• COVID-19 test certificates issued outside of Malawi are accepted.

Test certificate required?

• Yes

• All passengers arriving via air into Malawi are required to produce a negative COVID-19 PCR test certificate obtained within 10 days prior to arrival in Malawi. Passengers without the said certificate will be denied entry.

• All passengers departing via air from Malawi shall be required to produce a negative COVID-19 PCR test certificate obtained within 72 hours prior to departure from Malawi (*note that various destination countries may have their respective COVID-19 testing guidelines).

Is quarantine required on arrival?

• No with exceptions

• Travellers must self-monitor their health for 14 days on arrival for symptoms. However, entering quarantine is not mandatory during this time.

• Passengers arriving without a valid negative COVID-19 certificate will be required to have their samples collected for COVID-19 testing and will thereafter proceed on self-quarantine for 14 days. Results will be communicated in 3 days. They will be followed up by health authorities during the period under quarantine.

• Those who test positive on arrival, including Malawian nationals, will be taken to a government facility for treatment.

• Based on the above restrictions, travellers meeting the entry requirements will be exempted from quarantine. Those failing to do so will be required to enter quarantine for 14 days or until they test negative for COVID-19.

Entry form required?

• Yes

• All arriving passengers will be provided with a Travel Surveillance Form (TSF) on-board the aircraft or in the airport terminal building. The form must be completed and presented to health authorities.

• All arriving travellers will be screened by a Port Health officer and required to complete a Health Declaration Form.

Is vaccination required?

• No

• A COVID-19 vaccination is not required for entry into the country.

Insurance required?

• No

• Proof of insurance coverage for COVID-19 expenses is not required to enter the country.

Airline restrictions

• Moderate

• Kamuzu and Chileka international airports have reopened for limited commercial international flights and domestic flights at a reduced capacity.

• Screening measures are in place at Kamuzu International Airport (KIA) (Lilongwe) and Chileka International Airport (CIA) (Blantyre).

• Limited chartered flights are operating between Kamuzu International Airport (KIA) (Lilongwe) and Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (Addis Ababa).

Border restrictions

• Significant

• Malawi has closed its land borders to all foreigners until further notice. However, nationals, residents, and essential workers are exempted.

• Issuance of the “visa on arrival” and any entry visas has officially been cancelled by the Malawian government.

Curfew restrictions

• Minimal

• Authorities have declared a state of a national disaster until further notice over the surge in COVID-19 cases.

• An overnight nationwide curfew is in effect from 21:00 to 05:00 (local time).

Social distancing restrictions

• Moderate

• Gatherings of more than 50 people have been banned.

• At least one meter distance must be followed in public places.

Internal travel restrictions

• Moderate

• Public transportation, including buses and mini-buses, is operating with some restrictions.

• Cross-border bus services have been suspended.

Non-essential shops open?

• Yes

• Most shops are open, with some restrictions. All markets are required to close at 17:00.

Accommodations open?

• Yes

• Some hotels and other accommodations are open.

Restaurants open?

• Yes with exceptions

• Restaurants are open and must be closed by 20:00 (local time).

Bars and cafes open?

• Yes with exceptions

• Bars are open and must be closed by 20:00 (local time).

Places of worship open?

• No

• Places of worship have been closed.

Events allowed?

• Yes with exceptions

• Festivals, sporting events, and other large events having more than 10 attendees have been banned. As many as 50 attendees are allowed for funerals and religious services while adhering to social distancing and sanitary measures.

Masks required in public?

• Yes

• Wearing a face mask is mandatory in all public places, including airports.

Other

• All educational establishments remain closed.

• Fines may be imposed on failing to comply with restrictions imposed by the Malawi Government.

• Mandatory COVID-19 testing may also be conducted on departure for anyone without a valid negative test certificate.

The COVID-19 epidemic is constantly changing worldwide. Travel and border restrictions may change with little or no notice. Airlines may have their own requirements for testing, masking, and distancing. It is recommended that travellers carry a supply of face masks since the requirement can vary by location. It is recommended that travellers practice social distancing and maintain a 6-foot distance from other individuals and avoid crowded areas. Check with your airline, booking agent, or country's embassy for information on your specific travel plans.