Malawi has removed visa-free entry for US citizens in a move seen as a shift towards strict visa reciprocity at a time Washington is tightening entry requirements for Malawians.
Immigration Amendment Regulations of 2026, published in the Malawi Government Gazette Supplement of January 2, states that the US has been removed from the list of countries whose nationals can enter Malawi without a visa for short stays.
application. | Courtesy of Chauwa
The decision comes weeks after the US introduced tougher measures for Malawian travellers, including a controversial visa bond programme that requires some applicants to deposit up to $15 000 to guarantee they will not overstay.
Ministry of Homeland Security spokesperson Joseph Chauwa said the policy applies uniformly to all countries that require visas from Malawian nationals.
“The amendment does not exempt any country that requires a visa from Malawians,” he said.
“It is about simplified, uniform application, not political signalling.”
Chauwa said reciprocity underpins the new framework, including the $50 single-entry visa fee.
While the government insists that the change is administrative and non-political, commentators argue that the timing places the amendment squarely within a broader debate on fairness, reciprocity and the economic risks of tighter border controls.
In an interview on Saturday, National Advocacy Platform chairperson Benedicto Kondowe warned that the impact will depend less on policy intent and more on execution.
“The policy itself is manageable if Malawi’s e-visa system is efficient and predictable,” he said. “The danger lies in delays, unclear requirements or discretionary decisions, which could discourage travel and weaken business confidence.”
Kondowe said US citizens play a significant role in Malawi’s tourism, development assistance, education partnerships and private investment, meaning disruptions at entry points could have wider economic consequences.
Governance and human rights activist Moses Mkandawire said the amendment will likely reduce spontaneous travel by US citizens, particularly tourists.
“Additional steps may deter short-notice travel. For business travellers, the main concern will be processing time rather than outright restrictions,” he said.
Mkandawire said while suspicion of retaliation is understandable, the amendment is broader in scope.
China-based international relations scholar Jani Grey Kasunda described the change as routine and unlikely to strain diplomatic ties.
“Malawi is exercising its sovereignty within accepted international norms. I do not expect the US to discourage its citizens from travelling to Malawi in a way that would harm the economy,” he said.
The US remains one of Malawi’s key development partners, supporting programmes in health, education, agriculture and governance.
