Malawi Opens Tourism Doors

No visa’s needed for Chinese tourists and others, as Malawi makes visits more convenient

When Malawian President Lazarus Chakwera delivered a State of the Nation Address at the 50th Parliamentary Session and Budget Meeting in February, tourism was top of mind. Seeking to boost the economy, he said, “Since tourism is Malawi’s third [largest] foreign exchange earner after tobacco and tea, we are taking decisive steps to maximise its potential and increase its contribution to our GDP and forex generation.”

The steps he referred to are visa waivers for a number of countries, including China, and the introduction of direct flights from major tourist markets.

Streamlining immigration policies

Malawi’s Homeland Security Minister Kenneth Zikhale Ngoma said the visa waiver has already been implemented.

“We have made the decision because we want many foreigners to enter the country. What we are saying is that visas will still be required to enter the country, except for exempted countries,” said Ngoma. “We do not want people that want to visit Malawi to be facing entry challenges, because that frustrates some [travellers].”

The relaxation of visas was good news for Tourism Minister Vera Kamtukule, who has striven tirelessly to improve tourism in the country.

She said President Chakwera has always wanted to have a good relationship with those she described as “tourism” countries in order to improve the economy.

“So, by removing visa requirements for some countries, the president is sending a signal that Malawi is open for business,” said Kamtukule.

Meanwhile, lawyer Jai Banda, who is also an international affiairs expert, said the Immigration Act amendment to allow visa free entry for some countries would help Malawi in its effiorts of streamlining immigration policies which, he observed, foster international cooperation.

“These amendments reflect the on-going commitment of nations to facilitate smoother interactions between their citizens and the world,” he said.

Even the country’s top bank Standard Bank has hailed government’s decision to scrap selective visa requirements.

The bank has been pushing for this for some time,