Table of contents
- Get the application form free from any Immigration office or download it online, but do not photocopy it as it has a unique barcode7
- Apply at least 20 days before you travel to allow time for processing7
- Express passports cost K68,500 and take 2 days, or urgent passports cost K58,500 and take 5 days, if you can show documentary evidence of need to travel urgently1
To get a Malawian passport, you need to collect or download an application form, complete it with your documents, and submit it to an Immigration office or authorised centre. The standard processing time is not specified, but you should apply at least 20 days before travelling.7
Getting the application form
Passport application forms are available free of charge from any Immigration office.7 You can also download the form from the Immigration website.17 Do not photocopy the form yourself, as it has a unique computer-generated barcode number.17 If you live outside Malawi, you can obtain the form from the nearest Malawi foreign mission.7
Where to apply
Passport offices are located in Blantyre, Lilongwe and Mzuzu.1
Express and urgent options
If you need a passport quickly and can demonstrate documentary evidence of urgent travel, you have two faster options:1
Planning ahead
The Immigration Department strongly advises applicants not to book travel before their passport is ready.7 Instead, apply at least 20 days before you plan to travel.7
Official sources
- New Passport Issuing immigration.gov.mw
- Complaints & Feedback immigration.gov.mw
- Passports immigration.gov.mw
Every fact in this guide comes from these official Government of Malawi pages, numbered to match. Fees, dates and rules change: confirm on the official site before you go. Spotted an error? Tell us.