It is a small landlocked country, still little known to tourists, but which conceals many cultural and natural riches.
To change the situation, Malawi has decided to take a historic decision.
The African state, located between Mozambique, Tanzania and Zambia, has just adopted a visa exemption policy for nationals of 48 countries, as reported by the specialist site
Visas News
.
If for the moment, the terms of application have not yet been specified, we already know the list of the lucky ones.
Many European countries are part of it, such as France, Germany, Belgium and Italy, but also other territories, such as the United States, New Zealand, Ghana and Sri Lanka.
For Malawi, this measure is not trivial.
It aims to strengthen the economic and tourist attractiveness of a territory still little affected by large flows of travelers.
“
This monumental decision is not just about visas, it is about unlocking the untapped potential of our beloved Malawi
,” said Vera Kamtukule, Malawi's current Minister of Tourism.
“With each visa waiver, we open the door to new connections, cultural exchanges and economic opportunities that will enrich our lives and empower our communities.”
Until now, French tourists had to pay 75 dollars (around 70 euros) for a single entry visa.
Discover the “warm heart of Africa”
The exemption is the result of a long reflection, since, already at the end of 2022, the country was counting on the subject.
And the calendar could benefit many travelers.
Indeed, according to professionals, the ideal season to visit Malawi is between April and November.
Enough to give some people time to organize a potential stay.
Because the “warm heart of Africa”, as the country is nicknamed, has many tourist attractions, starting with its natural heritage.
Its eponymous lake, which it shares with Tanzania and Mozambique, is the third largest in Africa.
Fishing villages populate its shores, including the very popular Nkhata Bay.
You can also stay on some of its islands, such as Mumbo and Likoma, which offer heavenly landscapes.
The country's national parks - those of Lake Malawi, Liwonde and Nyika -, but also the Majete Wildlife reserve, offer opportunities to observe wild animals in preserved nature.
On the cultural side, you should make a stop in the capital, Lilongwe, where you can visit the World War I Memorial and the sanctuary dedicated to wildlife, Lilongwe Wildlife Center.
Blantyre, the country's second city, also has a very beautiful church, Saint-Michel-et-All-les-Anges, steeped in history and built entirely of red bricks.
It is also home to a Carlsberg brewery, one of Malawi's favorite beers.
Ideal for cooling off.
Malawi is not the only country to adopt an open policy towards tourists.
Not far away, Kenya welcomed its first visa-free foreign travelers in early January.
From now on, they only have to register online and pay an entry fee.
A largely simplified procedure, which aims to revive the country's tourism economy.