​Getting There – Malawi

Philip Briggs
Expert
By Philip Briggs

Philip is a renowned Africa expert and author of many guidebooks to African destinations, including the Bradt guide to Malawi.

Philip is a renowned Africa expert and author of many guidebooks to African destinations, including the Bradt guide to Malawi.

Philip is a renowned Africa expert and author of the Bradt guidebook to Malawi.

Philip is the author of the Bradt guidebook to Malawi.

Map of Malawi Map of Malawi
Malawi Map

Malawi's main airport is Kamuzu International Airport (LLW), located 26km/16mi from the capital, Lilongwe. Some international flights arrive at Chileka International Airport (BLZ), 16km/10mi from Blantyre.

Onward travel is by either small aircraft or car. Self-drive is a viable option. If you’re on a package tour, your local tour operator will arrange pick-up from the airport and all further transportation as part of the tour.

35 Malawi Safaris

Flights & Airlines to Malawi

Please check Skyscanner to see which airlines can take you to Malawi and what tickets would cost.

Domestic Airlines & Flights in Malawi

The national carrier only runs domestic flights between Lilongwe and Blantyre. A more versatile option is offered by Nyasa Express, which offers scheduled flights between Lilongwe, Likoma Island and Mfuwe (South Luangwa in Zambia). It also offers charter flights to most other domestic tourist destinations.

Passport, Visa & Other Entry Requirements

Entry requirements can change, so please contact your local Malawian embassy/high commission to verify that the information below is current.

  • A passport is required for all foreign visitors and has to be valid for at least six months.
  • Passports must have at least three empty pages.
  • Citizens of more than 70 countries no longer require a tourist visa.
  • Visa regulations and e-visa applications (including countries whose nationals don’t need a visa) can be obtained at https://evisa.gov.mw/VisaAssistance.
  • Tourist visas may initially only be valid for 30 days. They can be extended for up to three months for a small fee at local immigration offices: be sure to visit two to three days before your visa expires.
  • When arriving from a yellow-fever-infected country, a yellow-fever vaccination certificate may be required.
  • For more information please check the website of your local Malawian embassy/high commission or the government travel advisories below:

Want To Visit Malawi?

35 Malawi Safaris