anyone crossed into Malawi recently ?
 

Trying to figure out what the situation is with respect to COVID19 testing at the border.

Are they rigorously requiring PCR tests?
Do they offer rapid tests at the border?

Mostly interested in the Milange/Muloza border post, but any info from any point of entry would be appreciated!

thanks

Covid tests at Malawi border
 

Hi
We flew in about 10 days ago and absolutely needed our Covid test results. Friends of ours crossed from Zambia into Malawi around 23/12 and I think no one looked at their Covid tests. But it may depend who is working on the day.:(

In case anyone cares, Malawi no longer cares about COVID19 in any way. I entered from Mozambique and exited into Zambia earlier this month and no one asked about tests or vaccination.

No one asks for the COVID tests in this area.My friend has crossed the border without anyone checking for it.But to be on the safer side you should get your tests in place, at least carry a rapid test kit as a last resort.

No, that's completely unnecessary. Malawi stopped requiring tests to enter the country over a month ago. All that is "technically" required is proof of vaccination.

Malawi will not accept rapid tests at the border regardless. They never have, and they will only accept PCR tests that are approved by the African CDC, with one of their QR codes.

Using this threat for a malawi question.

Planning to cross into Malawi from Tanzania around the first of April.
I understand visa on Arrival is not possible for Europeans so I am applying for E-visa.

But:
- not possible to choose land border (only airports)
- Asking for signed documents from the host (I book 1 day ahead)
- A lot of questions I don't have an answer for (I plan normally 1 day ahead)

Anyone experience if not completely filled applications will be rejected? (If so, I am happy to skip Malawi)

I went through this last year.

You can choose any random border on the form, it doesn't matter.
You have to provide some proof of booking, something from booking.com will be fine (you can book a refundable hotel, then cancel after the visa is approved)

Not clear what other questions you don't have an answer for, so I can't comment on them.

Thanks netllama!

I don't even know the exact date I am entering. I wrote a letter explaining what I am doing (traveling from the Netherlands to Cape town over road) and uploaded that as the host letter. I hope that is enough. If not I skip Malawi and go straight to Zambia.

I will let know here.

Unless something has changed in the past year (and it certainly could have), Malawi issues visas for very specific date ranges (based on the information you provide in the application). If you were doing this a year ago, you would absolutely have to specify the dates that you needed the visa, or they would not issue a visa.

All fields are mandatory so I made up those dates (roughly correct). Don't see that is an issue.

Anyway, as I was annoyed and as I sincerely wish African countries all the tourists they can get I did send some (friendly) feedback to info@malawitourism.com.

Unexpectedly I got a very nice answer within half an hour saying that this issue is known and that they are lobbying to get this easier. Also she gave me direct contact (phone number and email) of immigration that can help in case there will be issues. That was nice.

Check whether you have a cholera immunisation. A friend from South Africa has just returned from his trip to Malawi and reported that the disease is quite wide-spread at present, esp. after the cyclone they had about two weeks ago.


Can't say anything regarding the visa requirements. He most probably has different requirements as a South African citizen.