IMPACT – HIGH

The Malawi government recently announced travel and visa restrictions to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

Key points:

  • Malawi has instituted an emergency order banning all commercial international flights for a period of three weeks, effective from Wednesday, April 1, in order to prevent any imported COVID-19 cases. The ban does not apply to cargo or goods.
  • Effective from March 25, all visas on arrival at airports and ports of entry are suspended for three weeks. The suspension applies to all holders of passports who require a visa to enter the country. The suspension may be changed, depending on fluctuating COVID-19 circumstances.
  • The suspension does not apply to Malawi residents, or holders of visas or entry permits that were valid before March 25. New visas will not be processed during the suspension.
  • Government offices remain open at this time, but processing delays should be expected.
  • A temporary travel ban is currently in effect for travelers from the following countries: Austria, Belgium, China, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iran, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Norway, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, Sweden, the United Kingdom and the United States.
  • Quarantine facilities in Blantyre and Lilongwe have been designated for travelers demonstrating COVID-19 symptoms upon arrival.

Additional information: These measures remain subject to change, as they have been introduced in response to the rapidly changing global COVID-19 landscape.

Analysis & Comments: The new visa and travel restrictions will impact the movement of people into Malawi. Employers should account for affected travelers and rearrange travel schedules accordingly. Delays may occur for consular and in-country processing.

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