Malawi
How long you can stay, how long your vehicle can, and what your dog or cat needs to cross. Every rule links to the official source.
- Last checked 28 Sep 2026
Your rules for Malawi
You · American passport
Up to 30 days per visit
Visa on arrival. Sort it out before you travel.
evisa.gov.mw · Official source · Checked 27 Sep 2026
Your vehicle · United States plates
Set at the border
It comes in on a temporary import with the MRA Temporary Import Permit.
malawitradeportal.com · Official source · Checked 27 Sep 2026
Your dog or cat
Start at least 40 days out
Import permit, rabies 30 days-12 months before, exam within 14 days. See the steps
gov.uk · Official source · Checked 28 Sep 2026
Watch Malawi.
We'll email you if Malawi's rules change for your American passport, United States plates or your pet. That's the only email you'll get.
What your pet needs to cross into Malawi.
Do these in order. Miss one and your pet can be held at the border.
- Before you go
Microchip (ISO 11784/11785)
Have a vet implant an ISO microchip and record the number on every document.
- On or after the microchip
Rabies vaccination
Vaccinate against rabies with an inactivated vaccine after the microchip is in place.
- At least 30 days after the rabies shot
Wait 30 days after rabies vaccination
Entry is only allowed once at least 30 days have passed since the rabies vaccination.
- On or after the rabies shot
Rabies shot not older than 12 months at entry
The rabies vaccination must have been given no more than 12 months before entry; re-vaccinate if it will be older.
- On or after the health certificate
Government endorsement of the certificate
Have the health certificate endorsed/stamped by the government veterinary authority of the country you leave from.
- Still valid the day you arrive
Rabies vaccine still valid on arrival
Your pet's rabies vaccine must still be valid on the day you cross. Check the 'valid until' date on the vaccination record and book a booster before it runs out.
- Within 30 days before you arrive
Veterinary import permit
Apply for an import permit from the Chief Veterinary Officer, Lilongwe before travel; carry the original with the pet.
- Within 14 days before you arrive
Vet exam within 14 days of departure
A vet must examine the pet and find it healthy within 14 days before travel.
- Within 14 days before you arrive
Official health certificate
Get the destination's health certificate signed by an official (government-authorised) vet; it is valid for 14 days.
gov.uk · Official source · Checked 28 Sep 2026. The app works these dates backward from your travel day and reminds you.
Every passport in Malawi
| Passport | Entry | How long | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States (yours) | Visa on arrival | Up to 30 days per visit | evisa.gov.mw · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Argentina | Visa on arrival | Up to 30 days per visit | evisa.gov.mw · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Australia | Visa on arrival | Up to 30 days per visit | evisa.gov.mw · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Austria | Visa on arrival | Up to 30 days per visit | evisa.gov.mw · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Belgium | Visa on arrival | Up to 30 days per visit | evisa.gov.mw · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Brazil | Visa on arrival | Up to 30 days per visit | evisa.gov.mw · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Bulgaria | Visa on arrival | Up to 30 days per visit | evisa.gov.mw · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Canada | Visa on arrival | Up to 30 days per visit | evisa.gov.mw · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
Every registration in Malawi
| Registered in | Entry | How long | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States (yours) | Temporary import | Set at the border | malawitradeportal.com · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Argentina | Temporary import | Set at the border | malawitradeportal.com · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Australia | Temporary import | Set at the border | malawitradeportal.com · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Austria | Temporary import | Set at the border | malawitradeportal.com · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Belgium | Temporary import | Set at the border | malawitradeportal.com · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Brazil | Temporary import | Set at the border | malawitradeportal.com · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Bulgaria | Temporary import | Set at the border | malawitradeportal.com · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Canada | Temporary import | Set at the border | malawitradeportal.com · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
A plain-language summary of the official rules, checked on the date shown. It isn't legal advice, and the officer at the desk always has the final word.
Planning a Malawi leg?
We'll count it for you.
BorderRunner turns these rules into your exact exit date, for you, your vehicle and your dog, and reminds you well before it's close. The first week is on us.
