Malawian visa requirements for Belarusian citizens

Planning a trip from Belarus to the "Warm Heart of Africa"? Malawi offers incredible experiences, from the pristine beaches of Lake Malawi to the wildlife reserves of Liwonde. However, before you board your flight from Minsk National Airport (MSQ), securing the correct travel documentation is essential.

For Belarusian citizens, the process has become significantly streamlined thanks to the Malawi eVisa system. You no longer need to worry about mailing your passport to the Malawian Embassy in Berlin. This guide covers everything you need to know to apply for your Malawi eVisa from Belarus.

Do Belarus Citizens Need a Visa for Malawi?

Yes, citizens of Belarus are required to hold a valid visa to enter the Republic of Malawi. Belarus is not on the visa-exempt list; therefore, travel authorization is mandatory before you travel.

Fortunately, Belarusian passport holders are fully eligible for the Malawi eVisa (Electronic Visa). This digital platform allows you to apply, pay, and receive your official visa approval entirely online from the comfort of your home in Minsk, Brest, or Gomel.

Why Should I Use a Visa Agent Instead of the Government Portal?

While the government portal is available, many Belarusian travelers prefer using a professional visa agent or service. Here is why expert assistance is often the smarter choice, especially for applicants from Belarus:

• Payment Success: One of the biggest hurdles for Belarusian citizens is making international payments due to banking restrictions. Professional agents provide secure payment gateways that accept a wider range of cards and currencies, ensuring your application fee is paid without rejection.
• Guaranteed Error-Free Application: One small typo or a blurry document scan can lead to an instant rejection from the government portal, often with no refund. Agents manually review every detail of your application before submission.
• Document Formatting: The Malawi system has strict technical requirements for file sizes. A service will resize and convert your passport scans and photos to meet these standards, saving you technical headaches.
• 24/7 Support: Government portals rarely offer customer support. An agent provides round-the-clock assistance via chat or email, which is crucial if you have urgent questions.

What Types of Malawi eVisas Are Available for Belarusians?

Depending on your reason for travel, you can choose from several visa categories. Selecting the correct one is vital for approval.

1. Tourist eVisa

This is the standard visa for leisure, holiday, or visiting friends.

• Single Entry: Valid for 90 days.
• Multiple Entry (6 Months): Valid for 180 days.
• Multiple Entry (12 Months): Valid for 1 year.

2. Business eVisa

If you are traveling from Belarus for trade, conferences, or client meetings, this is the correct category. It permits short-term business activities but is not a work permit.

3. Transit eVisa

Designed for travelers passing through Malawi to a third destination. This visa is valid for 7 days and allows a Single Entry.

Does My Passport Need 6 Months Validity to Enter Malawi?

Malawi is very strict regarding passport validity.

• The Rule: Your Belarusian passport must have at least 6 months of validity remaining from the date you intend to arrive in Malawi.
• The Risk: If your passport expires in 5 months and 2 weeks, your eVisa application will be rejected, or you may be denied boarding at the airport in Minsk or Istanbul.
• Action: Check your passport expiry date immediately. If it is close to the limit, renew your passport before applying.

Can I Submit a Malawi eVisa Application for My Family Group?

Yes, you can travel as a group, but the application process is individual.

• Separate Applications: You must submit a separate eVisa application for each person, including infants and children.
• Linked Documents: When applying for a minor, you will need to attach the parents' passports and a consent letter to link the child's application to the adults.
• Result: Each family member will receive their own individual PDF visa approval letter.

What Activities Can I Do With a Malawi Tourist eVisa?

It is important to stick to the permitted activities to avoid immigration issues.

• Allowed:
• Sightseeing and safaris.
• Visiting friends or relatives.
• Attending cultural events.
• Short-term medical treatment.
• Not Allowed:
• Paid employment or work.
• Long-term study (over 90 days).
• Business trade (unless you apply for a Business eVisa).

How Can I Apply for a Malawi eVisa Online?

1. Fill the Online Form: Select "Belarus" as your nationality. Enter your details exactly as they appear on your passport.
2. Upload Documents: Attach the clear scans of your passport, photo, and covering letter.
3. Pay the Fee: Complete the payment securely online.
4. Wait for Approval: Your application is reviewed by the Malawi Department of Immigration.
5. Download and Print: Once approved, the approval letter is sent to your email. Print this document and carry it with you to show immigration officers.

What Documents Are Required for the Malawi eVisa?

The Malawi eVisa system requires clear digital scans. Ensure you have the following Malawi eVisa Requirements ready (usually in JPG or PNG format):

• Valid Passport: A clear color scan of your passport's bio-data page (the page with your photo and details). Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your intended arrival date.
• Recent Photograph: A passport-sized digital photo taken against a white background. Ensure your face is clearly visible without heavy glasses or headgear (unless for religious reasons).
• Covering Letter: A signed letter explaining the purpose of your visit.
• For Tourism: A letter from your host in Malawi or a confirmed hotel booking.
• For Business: An invitation letter from the company in Malawi and a letter from your employer in Belarus.
• Proof of Funds: In some cases, a recent bank statement may be requested to show you can support yourself during the stay.

What Are the Photo Requirements for the Malawi eVisa?

Your visa photo must meet specific standards to be accepted by the system:

• Background: Must be a plain white background.
• Expression: Neutral facial expression with mouth closed and eyes open.
• Size: Standard passport size (35x45mm or 2x2 inches).
• Format: JPEG or PNG format, usually under 300KB in size.
• No Accessories: Remove glasses, hats, or large jewelry that obscures the face.

How Long Does It Take to Process a Malawi eVisa?

It is wise to apply well before your travel date. Based on current processing standards:

• Normal Processing: Takes approximately 6 - 9 Working Days.
• Rush Processing: Takes approximately 4 - 7 Working Days.
• Super Rush Processing: Takes approximately 3 - 5 Working Days.

Note: These are estimates. Apply at least 10-14 days in advance to account for any unforeseen delays.

Conclusion

Traveling from Belarus to Malawi is an exciting journey. By choosing the Malawi eVisa, you ensure a secure and hassle-free entry into the country. Remember to check your passport validity, prepare your documents clearly, and apply at least two weeks in advance.