Are you based in Bahrain and planning a trip to the beautiful country of Malawi? Great choice! In this friendly, readable guide I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about how to apply for a Malawi e-Visa from Bahrain, including eligibility, documents, fees, what happens on arrival, and some extra travel tips to make your journey smoother and more enjoyable.
Which nationalities are eligible for the Malawi e-Visa?
The Malawi e-Visa system is open to many nationalities, including those holding passports from Bahrain. According to the online Malawi e-Visa portal, when you select a nationality list the country “Bahrain” is listed among the options.
That basically means: if you hold a Bahrain passport (or are a resident applying from Bahrain and are eligible) you can apply online. However—do check that your passport is an ordinary passport (some e-Visa systems exclude diplomatic/official passports) and that you meet all the other requirements.
Also note: some nationalities are visa-exempt for Malawi (they don’t need any visa) but many others (including many travellers from Asia/Middle East) will need to apply for the e-Visa in advance.
In short: yes, if you are a resident in Bahrain and hold a Bahraini passport (or eligible passport) you should be Malawi eVisa Eligible.
How to apply for a Malawi e-Visa?
Here’s a step-by-step guide to apply for Malawi eVisa:
On the portal, select your nationality (e.g., Bahrain) and your travel document type, then choose the type of visa (tourist, business, etc).
Fill in the online application form: personal details, passport information, travel itinerary (arrival date, departure date, place of stay in Malawi) and upload required documents.
Upload the supporting documents (see next section for what you need).
Pay the visa fee online (typically using credit/debit card in US Dollars).
Apply and wait for approval. Once approved you’ll receive an email and you can download/print your e-Visa (or approval letter) ahead of travel.
On arrival in Malawi, present your passport and the e-Visa approval (either printed or PDF) to the immigration officer, and enjoy your trip!
Because you are applying from Bahrain, make sure you allow extra time for any bank/credit-card international payment clearance, or any verification steps, and ensure your documents (passport, photo) meet the Malawi system’s requirements.
What documents do I need to apply for the Malawi e-Visa?
To make your application smooth, here is a checklist of typical documents you’ll need (and tips):
A valid passport: the passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date you plan to enter Malawi, and have at least 2 blank pages.
A recent passport-size colour photograph of yourself (digital upload).
A copy (scan) of the passport biodata page (i.e., the page showing your photo, name, passport number). Ensure the file is clear and readable.
Proof of travel itinerary: arrival and departure dates, flight booking/reference (sometimes only onward or return ticket is needed).
Proof of accommodation: hotel booking or invitation letter from host in Malawi (if staying with friends/relatives).
Proof of sufficient funds: bank statements (last 3 months), salary certificate or other financial proof to show you can support your stay. According to one source: tourist travellers may need proof of per day.
Other supporting documents depending on visa type: e.g., business invitation letter if you’re applying for a business e-Visa; family visit letter if staying with local family.
Digital payment of visa fee (online). Make sure your card allows international payments in USD and your bank does not block such transactions. (Some travellers report payment problems.)
Ensure that the uploaded documents are in required formats (PDF/JPG/PNG) and meet the size limits set by the portal.
Tip: Because you are applying from Bahrain, make sure your passport name exactly matches your airline ticket booking. Also ensure the photograph is recent (within last 6 months), and files are clear (fuzzy scans/photos may lead to delays). Double-check spelling of names and dates before submission.
What is the processing time for the Malawi e-Visa?
Processing time is always a crucial consideration when you’re planning travel. For Malawi e-Visa:
The Malawi eVisa Processing Time is processed within 3-5 working days in many cases.
Another popular service site lists “standard processing 6-9 working days”.
Realistically, if you apply well in advance you give yourself the best margin for any hiccups (payment problems, document verification, etc).
I would personally recommend applying at least 7-10 days before your travel date from Bahrain (or even earlier, if possible) to be safe.
In short: you might get approval in as soon as 3 business days, but don’t leave it to the last minute — allow a week or two buffer.
How much is a Malawi e-Visa?
Here are the Malawi eVisa Fees depending on your nationality and visa types:
According to the Malawi evisa portal:
Transit visa (7 days)
Single-entry visa
Multiple-entry visa valid for 6 months
Multiple-entry visa valid for 12 months
Some third-party sites show higher total costs because they add service fees: e.g., fee included within the total for single entry in some packages.
Payment is typically in US Dollars (USD). Make sure your payment method from Bahrain supports USD and international transactions.
Remember: fees are non-refundable (more on that below).
Tip: When budgeting your trip, plan for the visa cost plus potential currency conversion or bank fees from Bahrain. Also check if you need travel insurance (see below) and factor that in.
Can I enter Malawi multiple times with the e-Visa?
Yes — but it depends on the type of e-Visa you apply for.
If you choose a single entry e-Visa, you may enter Malawi once.
If you need to enter multiple times (for example you plan to visit Malawi, then go to Zimbabwe or Mozambique and come back), you would need a multiple‐entry e-Visa (6 months or 12 months option) as listed above.
Make sure the multiple-entry option suits your travel plan. For most tourist trips, single entry is sufficient.
On arrival, your passport will be stamped with date of entry and you’ll see the duration of stay allowed — always check and ensure your stay remains legal.
So: yes, multiple entries are possible — you just choose the appropriate visa category when applying.
Can I enter Malawi with the e-Visa and extend it while I’m there?
Yes — in many cases you can extend your stay once you are in Malawi. Some sources say:
According to one e-Visa portal: “Yes, you can Malawi eVisa Extension by visiting the Immigration Department offices in Lilongwe or Blantyre. Extensions are typically granted for an additional 30-day period.”
That suggests you can enter on an e-Visa and then apply locally for extension (subject to immigration approval).
Important: Extension is not automatic. You’ll need to apply, pay any local fees, and abide by Malawi immigration regulations. If you over-stay without approval, you risk fines or being denied future entry.
If your travel itinerary allows, plan to apply for the right length of stay from Bahrain (so you don’t have to rush extension).
In summary: yes you can typically extend inside Malawi, but you should plan and verify current rules with Malawi immigration when you arrive.
What happens if my application is rejected? Can I reapply?
Rejection can be stressful, but here are the facts and what to do:
The Department of Immigration “reserves the right not to give reasons for rejection of any visa application.”
Do I get a refund if my application is rejected? – No, e-Visa fees are non-refundable.
Can you reapply? Yes — if your application was rejected, you may submit a new application, provided you correct whatever may have led to the rejection (e.g., missing documents, invalid passport, payment issue). There is no explicit “cool-down” period stated by the portal, but you’ll want to make sure you improve your submission.
My advice: If the rejection email gives any indication (even vague) of missing/incorrect documents, take note of it. Then submit a fresh application with correct documents. Double-check everything (passport validity, photo quality, payment confirmation).
Tip for Bahrain applicants: Ensure your financial proof, accommodation booking, passport details and payment method are strong. Since payment issues sometimes arise for Bahrain cardholders (international transfers, heavy security), make sure your bank doesn’t block the transaction.
So: you can reapply, but you lose the fee from a rejection, so it’s worth getting it right first time.
What are the health/vaccination requirements for travel to Malawi?
Heading to Malawi from Bahrain? Here’s what you should know about health, vaccinations and travel-health precautions:
Mandatory/Entry Requirements
A certificate of yellow fever vaccination is required only if you are arriving from (or have transited through) a country where yellow fever is endemic (or you have been in an airport of such a country for >12 hours).
If you are travelling directly from Bahrain (which is not a yellow-fever risk country) you likely do not need a yellow fever certificate.
Malaria is present in Malawi, so antimalarial prophylaxis is strongly recommended.
Recommended Vaccinations & Preventive Measures
Ensure you are up-to-date on routine vaccinations: Tetanus-diphtheria, MMR (measles-mumps-rubella), polio boosters.
Other highly recommended vaccines:
Hepatitis A (food & water risk)
Hepatitis B (for longer stays/possible exposure)
Typhoid (food & water risk)
Rabies (if you will be doing outdoor/adventure activities or in contact with animals)
Travel health clinic advice: use mosquito repellent, sleep with mosquito nets, wear long sleeves/pants in evenings. Malaria prophylaxis (such as atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine) should be discussed with your doctor.
General health tip: Drink safe water, avoid raw/undercooked food in rural areas, get travel insurance (see below). Many foreign hospitals expect payment up front.
For travellers from Bahrain
Since you’ll be coming from a Gulf country with good health infrastructure, you likely have your routine vaccinations in place. I’d advise a visit to a travel health clinic in Bahrain (or your home country) about 4–6 weeks before your departure to Malawi so you can update any required shots and get prescriptions for malaria prophylaxis.
Will I receive the e-Visa by email? Do I need to print it?
Yes — for the Malawi e-Visa you will receive the approval electronically:
E-Visa approval letters can be accessed through applicant’s e-visa account. Additionally, an access link is also provided through an instant email notification sent to the applicant’s email address.”
The portal guidelines also say once approved you can download your e-Visa and print it for your travel.
My recommendation: Print one or two copies of the e-Visa approval letter (in colour if possible) and carry a digital copy on your phone or tablet as backup. At immigration on arrival in Malawi show the passport you used to apply, and the e-Visa approval.
Also make sure the name/passport number on the e-Visa matches your physical passport exactly (including spelling).
At arrival the immigration officer may verify the e-Visa approval link, or check their system, but it’s always safer to have it printed.
In short: yes you will receive by email/download, yes you should print it (and carry a digital copy).
Can I get a Malawi visa on arrival?
Yes — in certain cases you can obtain a visa on arrival in Malawi, but the e-Visa is strongly recommended. Here’s how it works:
According to the e-Visa portal: “While eVisa on Arrival (VoA) is available … we strongly recommend applying for an eVisa in advance to avoid delays and ensure smooth entry into Malawi.”
Visa on arrival is available at some designated entry-points (main airports/land borders) and you’ll need to pay cash in US dollars at the border. Processing times are longer and risk of refusal is slightly higher.
If you are travelling from Bahrain, with a flight into Malawi, then applying online ahead via the e-Visa gives you much more security (you’ll have your approval in hand).
If you arrive and attempt a visa on arrival and it’s refused, you could be denied boarding or entry — so unless there’s a good reason you can’t apply online, go with the e-Visa.
Hence: yes, there is visa on arrival, but you are best off applying online in advance.
If I am rejected, will I get a refund of the visa fee?
No, unfortunately, the visa fee is non-refundable in the event of rejection. The official FAQ says:
“Do I get a refund if my application is rejected? E-visa fees are non-refundable.”
So: if your application is refused, you will lose the fee you paid. That’s another reason to double-check eligibility, documents, payment method, before submitting.
How do I check my Malawi Visa application status?
Yes — you can Track Your Malawi Visa Application online:
On the portal you apply with an application ID/reference number. After submission you can log in to track progress (e.g., “Submitted”, “In review”, “Approved”, etc).
The FAQ mentions: “E-Visa applicants can check the status of their applications on the e-Visa web portal.”
If you don’t receive any email, check your spam folder, then log in to your account using your credentials and the temporary order ID (which you were given when you applied).
If you are concerned (e.g., travelling soon and still no approval), you could send the support email address listed on the portal and quote your application ID.
For your trip from Bahrain: after submission make a note of your application ID and login details, and perhaps check the status 1-2 days after submission and again closer to departure.
Do I need travel insurance for Malawi?
While travel insurance is not strictly a visa requirement for the Malawi e-Visa (i.e., you may not be asked to show it for your application) I highly recommend having it. Here's why:
Medical treatment in Malawi can require full payment in advance before service is given. One source states: “In the event of an emergency you will need to be transported and then treated … you will need travel health insurance.”
Travel insurance will cover costs like hospital care, evacuation, accidents, theft, cancellation/curtailment. Many lodges/tour operators insist on it.
Considering you are travelling from Bahrain (likely a long-haul flight), having travel insurance that includes medical evacuation (just in case) is wise.
Your peace of mind will be enhanced — you can focus on exploring Malawi rather than worrying.
So while you may not have to show insurance for the e-Visa, it is strongly advised you buy a travel insurance policy that covers medical/evacuation/cancellation for the duration of your trip to Malawi.
Travel Tips
Here are a few additional tips to make your trip smoother when travelling from Bahrain to Malawi and using the e-Visa system:
Time your application: Because you are travelling internationally, apply for the e-Visa at least 7–10 days before departure. This gives you buffer for document issues or payment delays.
Passport validity: Ensure your passport has at least 6 months validity remaining and blank pages. Immigration on arrival may refuse if your passport is near expiry.
Payment method: Use a credit/debit card that allows international online payments in USD. Some travellers from outside Malawi have reported payment problems. (One forum user wrote: > “I have been unsuccessful … all credit/debit cards that I’ve tried are not enrolled in 3-D secure payments.”)
Print your approval: Have a printed copy of your e-Visa approval letter, plus a digital backup. Also print copies of your itinerary and accommodation booking.
Keep arrival date flexible: The e-Visa has a validity period. Make sure your arrival date falls within the period the visa is valid for.
Check transit rules: If your journey from Bahrain includes layovers, ensure you aren’t in a country where yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for transit. While Bahrain direct flights may not present this issue, if you transit via Africa, check the rules.
Health precautions: Pack malaria prophylaxis, insect repellent, long-sleeved clothing, and sea-going boots if you plan to swim in Lake Malawi (fresh-water parasite risk). Stay updated on vaccinations.
Local transport caution: Road conditions in Malawi can be challenging in rural areas; allow extra time, avoid travelling at night if possible, and use reputable transport companies.
Currency & cards: Malawi uses the Malawi Kwacha; some smaller establishments may only accept cash. Carry some USD or accessible funds, and inform your bank of travel.
Respect local culture: Malawi is known as the “Warm Heart of Africa” for a reason—locals are friendly, but show respect for customs, religious practices, and rural traditions.
Enjoy the nature: Don’t forget the reason you’re going: Malawi offers stunning natural beauty — from Lake Malawi, national parks, hiking on Mount Mulanje, wildlife safaris. Build downtime into your itinerary.
Malawi e-Visa FAQs
Q: If I apply for the e-Visa but then change my travel dates, is that okay?
A: Yes — when you fill the application you indicate your intended arrival date. If your dates shift slightly, most immigration officers will allow a small variation, but if the change is significant (e.g., months later) you may need to apply a new visa. Ensure your entry is within the visa validity window.
Q: What duration of stay does a single-entry tourist visa allow?
A: Typically a tourist e-Visa allows up to 30 days from the date of entry (for the single entry version). One source mentions “Valid for 30 days from entry date”. If you plan to stay longer, pick the correct visa type or apply for extension locally.
Q: Does the e-Visa guarantee entry into Malawi?
A: The e-Visa approval means you can board your flight and arrive, but final entry is at the discretion of the immigration officer. Make sure you have your passport, e-Visa approval, funds, accommodation, and onward ticket.
Q: Can children/infants apply for the e-Visa as well?
A: Yes — infants and children must also have their own passport (or be included in the parent’s application per the portal rules) and have applicable documents. Treat their application the same, with photo, passport biodata page etc.
Q: If I transit in Malawi but stay less than a day, do I need the e-Visa?
A: A transit visa option exists (valid for 7 days) that you can apply for. But if you remain airside and do not pass immigration into Malawi proper, you may not need one — check with your airline and the Malawi immigration rules.
Q: Does applying from Bahrain affect anything differently than applying from another country?
A: The process is the same online. The key difference is your payment method (international transaction from Bahrain) and ensuring your submitted documents meet the Malawi portal’s requirements (passport validity, photo, etc). Also make sure your travel schedule allows enough lead time for approval.
Q: If I enter Malawi on a single-entry visa and then leave to another country and come back, will that be a problem?
A: Yes — single entry means just one entry. If you leave Malawi and want to re-enter, then you should have applied for the multiple-entry visa. Immigration may deny entry if you attempt to re-enter without proper visa.
Q: Are there any entry/exit fees at the border apart from the e-Visa fee?
A: There may be airport taxes or other minor fees depending on airline/airport. One source states: “A Malawian visa can be obtained on arrival.” If you apply online, you likely only pay the visa fee online; still check with your airline and séjour arrangements for any extra costs.
