COVID-19 Precautionary Measures in Malawi (19 November Update)

Can a resident enter the country?

• Yes

• Citizens and residents are allowed to enter the country.

Can a foreigner enter the country?

• Yes

• Foreigners can enter via air borders.

Is a test required on arrival?

• No with exceptions

• Incoming passengers may be tested for COVID-19 upon arrival at their own expense if showing symptoms. The results will be available within 24 hours. Until then, travellers may be required to remain at the testing centre or at the airport.

Is a test certificate allowed?

• Yes

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

Test certificate required?

• Yes

• All incoming passengers are required to present a negative COVID-19 certificate issued within 10 days prior to arrival. Passengers without the certificate will be denied entry.

Is quarantine required on arrival?

• No, with exceptions

• Travellers must self-monitor for 14 days on arrival for symptoms but are not required to isolate during this time.

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

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. They will be required to complete it and present it to the health authorities.

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

Airline restrictions

• Moderate

• Kamuzu and Chileka international airports have reopened for limited commercial international flights and domestic flights.

• 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

• Moderate

• Entry to Malawi via land borders continues to be prohibited except for Malawian nationals and foreign nationals with valid residency visas for Malawi.

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

Curfew restrictions

• Minimal

• There is no curfew in place at this time.

Social distancing restrictions

• Moderate

• Gatherings of more than 100 people have been banned.

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

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

Internal travel restrictions

• Moderate

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

• Cross-border bus services have been suspended.

Non-essential shops open?

• Yes

• Most shops are open, with some restrictions.

Accommodations open?

• Yes

• Some hotels and other accommodations are open.

Restaurants open?

• Yes with exceptions

• Restaurants are open for takeaway services only.

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

• Individuals intending to leave Malawi must provide a negative COVID-19 test report for a test taken within 10 days prior to departure.

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

Advice

The COVID-19 epidemic is constantly changing worldwide. This information is subject to change as the situation evolves. Travel and border restrictions may change with little or no notice. Some countries are beginning to remove some restrictions gradually. Check with your airline, booking agent, or country’s embassy for information on your specific travel plans.