Malawi, a landlocked country in southeastern Africa, defined by its topography of highlands split by the Great Rift Valley and enormous Lake Malawi, through its government has proposed a reciprocal visa policy that will revoke visa - free access for travellers from some countries that do not grant visa - free entry to Malawians.
The proposal announced on 21st November 2025 by Finance Minister Joseph Mwanamvekha as part of of non – tax measures to bolster the economy through a new revenue stream and is intended to create diplomatic parity.
The change requires parliamentary approval and would partly reverse the 2024 addition of 79 countries to Malawi’s visa - exempt list.
The proposed changes would require citizens from affected nations, including the US and UK and other European countries to obtain a visa on arrival and pay a reciprocal fee based on what their county charges Malawians.
Current fees range from US$50 for a seven - day transit visa to US$75 for a single - entry visa valid up to 90 days. The Tourism Ministry expects minimal impact on arrivals, while industry operators warn the higher costs or a cumbersome process could divert itineraries in a competitive Southern and East African market.
For context, Namibia introduced reciprocity on 1st April 2025 alongside visa - on - arrival and reported hotel occupancies above pre - COVID levels in the July - October high season.
Key features of the proposed reciprocal visa policy:
· Revocation of visa free entry: Visa - free access will be removed for citizens of countries that require visas for Malawians, with a potential list including the UK, the United States and other European countries.
· Visa on - arrival fees: Travellers from these nations will be required to obtain a visa upon arrival.
· Reciprocal fees: The fee will be applied on a reciprocal basis, meaning the cost will be equal to what Malawi’s citizens pay to enter the traveller’s home country.
· Economic motivation: The policy is part of a set of non - tax measures to boost the economy, with the government viewing it as a good source of revenue.
· Parliamentary approval: The proposal is set to be sent to Malawi’s Parliament for approval before it can be implemented.
Link
https://atta.travel/resource/malawi-proposes-reciprocal-visa-policy.html
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