MALAWI has announced a significant decision aimed at revitalising its tourism sector and fostering economic growth by lifting the visa requirement for travellers from several key nations. The move, which comes as part of the country’s strategy to attract more international visitors and boost foreign exchange earnings, is a pivotal amendment to the Immigration Act.
Under the amended regulations, visitors from prominent countries such as China, the United States, and the United Kingdom (UK) will no longer need visas to enter Malawi. This initiative is expected to stimulate tourism, a vital source of foreign currency for the Southern African nation.
The amendment, signed by Malawian Minister of Homeland Security Ken Zikhale Ng’oma, was officially gazetted, listing a total of 47 countries worldwide exempted from visa restrictions in Malawi. Among these exempted nations are Germany, France, and Russia from outside Africa, along with Ghana and Gambia from within the African continent.
Furthermore, citizens from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and those from the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), excluding countries imposing visa requirements on Malawian nationals, will also benefit from the waiver.
Additionally, holders of specific travel documents, including Laissez-Passer for SADC, COMESA, United Nations, African Union, African Development Bank, as well as diplomats and government officials on official duties, will be exempted from visa requirements under the new amendment.
In a bid to ensure reciprocity and facilitate smoother travel arrangements, the validity of multiple entry visas in Malawi will align with those of the corresponding country, with durations set at six months or 12 months, as outlined in the gazetted amendment.
The decision has received commendation from various quarters, particularly the corporate sector, which sees it as a significant step towards making Malawi a more attractive tourism destination and enhancing foreign currency inflows in the long run.
Minister of Tourism Vera Kamtukule expressed optimism about the amendment’s alignment with Malawi’s development agenda, particularly focusing on agriculture, tourism, and mining (ATM). This strategic move is in line with the country’s MW (Malawi) 2063 Agenda, aiming to transform Malawi into a self-reliant nation with a surplus in exports over imports.
The decision to waive visa requirements for travellers from key countries underscores Malawi’s commitment to fostering tourism and strengthening its position as a preferred destination on the global stage.