If you’re living in Bangladesh, planning a trip to the beautiful country of Malawi (often called “The Warm Heart of Africa”), you’ll be pleased to know there is an online e-Visa system you can use. In this post we’ll walk through everything you need to know about how to apply for a Malawi e-Visa from Bangladesh — eligibility, documents, cost, processing time, status checking, post-approval steps, and helpful travel tips to make your journey smoother.
Can Bangladeshi passport holders apply for Malawi e-Visa?
Yes — Bangladeshi passport-holders are eligible to use the Malawi e-Visa system. On the online e-Visa portal, you will find “Bangladesh (+880)” listed among the nationalities you can select when registering an account.
That means that as a Bangladeshi national you can apply online for the visa, rather than being forced to apply only in person at a Malawi diplomatic mission. This is good news: it simplifies the process considerably.
However, a word of caution: eligibility alone does not guarantee approval. The immigration authority in Malawi reserves the right to refuse an e-Visa even after you apply.
So while you can apply from Bangladesh, you’ll want to do so carefully with all required documents in order (see below), and allow adequate processing time.
How do I apply for Malawi e-Visa (step-by-step)?
Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the process you (from Bangladesh) would follow. Think of this as your checklist, so you don’t miss anything.
Step 1: Fill out the online application
After logging in, you fill in the Malawi eVisa Application Form. You will be asked details such as:
Your full name as per passport
Passport number, date of issue, expiry date
Date of birth, nationality (Bangladeshi)
Purpose of travel (tourism, business, visit etc)
Proposed date of arrival, port of entry
Accommodation details in Malawi (hotel name or host address)
Travel itinerary (entry and exit, ideally return ticket)
Upload required documents (passport scan, photo, etc)
The portal emphasises you must upload scanned documents, not just camera photos.
Step 2: Make payment
Once your form is completed, you proceed to pay the e-Visa fee online. The online portal states you must pay using credit or debit cards (Visa/Master) in US dollars.
From Bangladesh: ensure your card is enabled for international online transactions; many Bangladeshi bank-cards require activation for overseas payments, so check with your bank.
Step 3: Wait for processing
After payment and submission your application goes into review with the Malawi immigration department. The portal mentions you will receive an email once a decision is made.
Step 4: Download and print your e-Visa approval
If approved you will receive an e-Visa approval letter / certificate via email or via your account. You must download it, print it and carry it when you travel. You show it at your port of entry in Malawi.
Ensure you travel with your passport used for the application (the e-Visa will match that passport) and printed copy of the approval. If anything mismatches you may face issues.
What documents are needed for Malawi e-Visa from Bangladesh?
For a smooth application, make sure you prepare the following list of documents:
Valid Passport – Your Bangladeshi passport must be valid for the travel period. The portal doesn’t explicitly state “6 months validity” for all applicants, but many travellers recommend having at least 6 months left on your passport validity to avoid issues.
Digital Scan of Passport – The main information page with photo, name, passport number. This needs to be uploaded to the portal.
Passport-style Photograph – A recent colour photo meeting the upload specs (see the portal for dimensions and format). The state photos must be scanned documents, not just poor digital camera shots.
Travel Itinerary – Proposed date of arrival and departure from Malawi. A return or onward flight ticket is good evidence.
Accommodation Details – Hotel booking or host address in Malawi. If you are staying with friends/family you may need their address, host’s ID etc depending on the visa type.
Proof of Sufficient Funds – The portal emphasises you may need to show you have financial means to support your stay.
Purpose of Visit Documentation – If business: invitation letter; if family visit: host letter; if tourism: hotel/ tour info. The “Malawi e-Visa Requirements” page mentions such supporting documents.
Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate – If you are traveling via a yellow-fever endemic country into Malawi, you’ll likely need this. The requirement is flagged in the visa-requirements page.
Because you’re applying from Bangladesh, ensure all your documents are in order before you hit submit — you don’t want delays or rejections because of missing items.
How long does the Malawi e-Visa application take to process?
Processing time can vary, but here’s what the official information and independent sources say:
According to the Malawi e-Visa portal: “ typical Malawi eVisa Processing Time is 6-9 working days in Standard cases.
Rush Processing:- 4-7 working days.
Express Processing:- 3-5 working days.
Best practice: Apply well in advance of your travel date — ideally at least one to two weeks before your scheduled arrival. More if your situation is more complex (business visit, connecting flights, etc).
What to anticipate
Because you are applying from Bangladesh, factor in potential delays: international payments might take time, documents might need extra verification, and time zone differences. Avoid leaving the application to the last minute.
What is the cost/fee for a Malawi e-Visa?
Here’s a breakdown of the Malawi eVisa Fees structure as per the related sources:
For “Transit Visa”, “Single Entry”, “Multiple Entry for 6 months”, and “Multiple Entry for 12 months”.
Visa-service websites show other tiers (tourist single, tourist multiple) with fees that range depending on your nationality and visa types.
For Bangladeshi applicants specifically: there is no Nepal-or-India-style exemption; so assume you fall under the “other countries” category. You may budget for a single-entry tourist e-Visa, though confirm final amount at time of application.
Important
The payment must be made on the portal.
Fees are non-refundable if your application is rejected (see below).
Some service/agency websites may charge additional service fees on top of the official visa fee — avoid unnecessary add-ons unless you choose a third-party service.
What is the validity period of a Malawi e-Visa (from Bangladesh)?
The validity — how long the visa allows you to enter and stay — depends on the type of visa you choose (tourist, business, multiple-entry, etc). Here are typical parameters:
For a typical tourist e-Visa: The visa may be valid for 30 days from entry (as per visa-service site referencing Malawi rules) and allows one entry.
Validity of the e-visa starts from the date of issue.
Multiple-entry visa options (6-month, 12-month) may allow you to enter multiple times within that period. Fee tier for 6-month multiple; for 12-month multiple.
What to check for your situation
Since you're applying from Bangladesh, when filling the application choose the correct visa-type (single vs multiple entry) and check how many days you are allowed to stay on that visa. The e-Visa approval letter will indicate:
The date from which the visa is valid (date of issue)
The number of entries permitted
Maximum stay in Malawi allowed under that visa type
Be clear about your travel itinerary so you pick the right type.
Is a visa on arrival available for Malawi for Bangladeshis?
Yes, but it’s not the recommended route. The country of Malawi offers a visa on arrival (MVoA/Malawi eVisa on Arrival) option for eligible travellers at certain entry points.
However:
VoA is available only at designated entry points (specific airports and land borders).
Payment at land border VoA usually must be in USD cash; credit-cards may not be accepted.
Because you’re travelling from Bangladesh (likely via air) it’s much safer to get the e-Visa in advance so you’re not stuck in uncertainty at arrival.
So while Bangladeshi nationals could attempt to use visa on arrival (if they meet the criteria and travel via a permitted entry point), the best practice is to apply online ahead of travel and travel with your visa approval letter in hand.
Can I get a refund of the visa fee if my application is rejected?
According to the Malawi e-Visa portal:
“Do I get a refund if my application is rejected? E-visa fees are non-refundable.”
So yes, the fee is non-refundable in the event of a rejection. That means you should be very careful to ensure your application is complete, accurate and meets all requirements to reduce the risk of rejection.
If you do get rejected, you may resubmit a new application (with corrections) — but you will need to pay the fee again.
What payment methods are accepted for Malawi e-Visa?
Here’s what the portal and independent sources state:
The official portal says: “After completing the visa application form … you need to do online payment … by your credit card or debit card Visa/Master.”
How do I pay for a Malawi e-Visa? Malawi eVisas must be paid online using Credit or Debit cards.”
From Bangladesh, that means:
Make sure your Bangladeshi bank-issued Visa or MasterCard debit/credit card is enabled for international online transactions.
The card should have enough balance or credit limit.
Some cards may require activation for foreign currency payments; check with your bank.
Save the payment receipt screenshot or email confirmation for your records.
Can I extend my stay in Malawi beyond what the e-Visa allows?
Yes — it is possible in some cases to extend your stay in Malawi beyond what your initial e-Visa allows. According to visa-service sources:
“Yes, you can extend your e-Visa while in Malawi by visiting the Immigration Department offices in Lilongwe or Blantyre. Extensions are typically granted for an additional 30-day periods.”
However, keep in mind:
Extensions are subject to approval by Malawi immigration authorities — not automatic.
You’ll need a good reason for extension (tourism, unforeseen delays, business).
Apply for the extension before your current visa/permit expires.
There may be extra fees for the extension. The visa-service page lists “e-Visa Extension”
Keep in mind “visa” is for entry/entry-permission; staying longer may require a permit depending on your purpose of visit. The Malawi immigration site says that for “staying, working or doing business” you should refer to the e-Permit website.
So yes, extension is available but plan ahead and do not assume automatic permission.
How can I check my Malawi e-Visa application status?
Once you’ve submitted your application and payment, you can check the status via the online portal:
The site says: “E-Visa applicants can check the status of their applications on the e-Visa web portal.”
You will also typically receive email notifications (e.g., payment confirmation, decision on approval). The portal notes you will receive email after payment and after processing.
Steps to check status (Bangladesh applicant perspective)
Log in to the Malawi e-Visa portal with your account credentials (the same you created to apply).
Go to “Check Status” or “My Applications” section.
Enter your application reference number (which you should have saved on submission) if required.
See whether your application is “Pending”, “Approved”, “Rejected”.
Upon approval, download your e-Visa certificate from your account or email link.
It’s wise to check status a day or two before your trip to make sure you have the approval letter in hand.
What happens after my Malawi e-Visa is approved?
Once you receive the approval letter, here’s what you should do and expect:
Immediately after approval
Download the approval letter from your e-Visa portal account or from the email link.
Print at least one clear copy. Some travellers carry two copies: one for immigration desk, one for their own records.
Review the letter: check your name spelling, passport number, date of issue, entry date validity, number of entries permitted, and stay-duration allowed.
Keep a digital copy (on your phone or cloud) as backup.
Prior to travel
Travel with the same passport you used in the application — you must use that passport to enter Malawi. The portal warns: “If you have more than one passport … you must use the passport used in the application.”
Make sure your passport has blank pages and is valid for your travel dates.
Also carry your return or onward ticket, accommodation proof and funds evidence — immigration officers may ask at port of entry.
On arrival in Malawi
At the airport or land border, show your printed e-Visa approval letter plus your passport.
Immigration officer will verify your documents, matching name/passport details, check your purpose of travel, length of stay etc.
Once stamped in, you’re officially admitted.
If anything seems off (e.g., incorrect name/spelling, wrong passport), you may face delays or refusal.
During your stay
Abide by the conditions of your e-Visa: only stay the permitted number of days, don’t engage in prohibited activities (e.g., full-time work if on tourist visa).
If you anticipate staying longer, apply for extension (as discussed earlier).
Keep copies of your visa approval and entry stamp for your records.
Before departure
Make sure you depart Malawi before your permitted stay ends. Overstaying can lead to fines or problems on future visits.
Keep proof of departure (boarding pass) as incidentals in case needed.
Travel Tips
Travelling from Bangladesh to Malawi might be a bit more involved than some routes, so here are some friendly travel tips to help you enjoy your trip smoothly.
1. Apply early
Don’t wait until the last minute. Although the portal says “3 working days” for processing, real-world timelines (international card payments, document issues) can extend that. Apply at least one week in advance, preferably two.
2. Check your passport validity and blank pages
Make sure your Bangladeshi passport has at least 2 blank pages, and sufficient validity. While Malawi doesn’t explicitly state “6 months validity” for all nationalities, many immigration officers worldwide expect that. Avoid an issue by ensuring your passport is in good shape.
3. Use a reliable internet connection and quality scans/photos
When uploading your documents, make sure the scans are clear and legible, not fuzzy or dark. The portal emphasises scanned documents over casual phone-camera shots. Uploading poor quality photos is a frequent cause of delays or rejections.
4. Payment card readiness
Since payment must be in USD via credit/debit card:
Check with your bank that online international payments are enabled.
Ensure your card has sufficient available funds.
Save the transaction receipt.
If your card fails, sometimes trying another card (Visa instead of Master) helps. Some users globally have flagged issues with international payment gateways.
5. Save all your travel-related documents
Beyond the visa approval letter, have your flight reservation, accommodation booking, travel insurance (recommended), proof of funds, yellow-fever vaccination certificate (if needed) ready. Immigration officers may ask.
6. Know your entry point
If you’re travelling by air into Malawi, your arrival airport will likely be **Lilongwe International Airport (Kamuzu) or **Blantyre Airport (Chileka). If by land border, check whether the border is permitted for visa on arrival if you went that route. But since you have an e-Visa, you should be fine arriving at any official point.
The point: know where you arrive, and keep the entry point listed in your application accurate.
7. Make a realistic itinerary
Malawi offers wonderful nature, wildlife, lakes, national parks — plan accordingly. If your stay is short (say 7-10 days), pick one region (like **Lake Malawi or the wildlife parks) rather than trying to see everything, which can be tiring and add costs.
8. Budget for beyond the visa fee
Remember visa fee is only part of your expenses. In Malawi, transport, accommodation, guided tours (if you want), and insurance should be factored in. Also consider currency exchange: Malawi currency is the Kwacha; in some places cash is required. Ensure you have some USD cash or cards accepted locally.
9. Health & vaccinations
Malawi is in a region where malaria and some other tropical illnesses are present. Get advice from your doctor, bring mosquito repellent, long-sleeve clothing, and check if any vaccinations are required (e.g., yellow fever if you transit through an endemic zone). The e-Visa requirements page flags yellow-fever certificate when required.
10. Respect local customs
Malawi is known for its friendly people and relaxed pace of life. Adapt accordingly: allow for slower transport times, be courteous, ask permission for photographs, dress modestly in rural areas, and always carry your passport or ID when going out.
Malawi e-Visa FAQs
Here are some quick-fire questions and answers for Bangladeshi travellers applying for Malawi e-Visa.
Q: My passport has only 4 months validity left. Can I still apply?
A: The Malawi portal does not clearly state “6 months validity required for all nationalities” but as a best practice, many immigration officers worldwide expect at least 6 months. To avoid risk, if possible renew your passport before applying.
Q: I made a mistake in my application form (typo in my name). Can I correct it?
A: Yes, you should correct it before final submission. After submission, you may need to submit a new application if the mistake is serious. Some service-sites list an “Application Amendment” fee for changes.
Q: I am not sure which visa type to select (single vs multiple entry). What should I choose?
A: If your trip from Bangladesh is a single-visit holiday to Malawi and you don’t plan to re-enter within the period, then choose the single-entry tourist visa. If you think you may leave Malawi, then return and travel again within the same validity, then choose a multiple-entry visa. But remember multiple-entry tends to cost more.
Q: Can I work or volunteer in Malawi on a tourist e-Visa?
A: No — the tourist e-Visa is for tourism purposes only (or business meeting if specified). For paid employment, long-term stay or business, you may need a different permit. The official Malawi Visa page states if you wish to stay, work or do business you should refer to the e-Permit website.
Q: What if I don’t travel after getting approval? Is the fee refundable?
A: No, the fee is non-refundable, even if you decide not to travel. So only apply when your travel plans are firm.
Q: I see that Malawi recently removed visa requirement for some nationalities; does that include Bangladesh?
A: Malawi recently removed visa requirement for a list of 79 countries (mostly Europe, Americas and Asia-Pacific) as per a visa guide. Bangladesh was not listed among the exempt nationalities, so as a Bangladeshi you still need to apply for a visa (e-Visa) before you travel.
