Malawi has taken steps to enhance tourism by lifting visa requirements for visitors from 79 countries, President Lazarus Chakwera announced in Parliament on Friday.
Chakwera highlighted tourism as the third-largest source of foreign currency in the country, following tobacco and tea exports. However, he noted that the sector has been underperforming.
“To address this, one of the key measures we are implementing is the visa waiver program,” he stated.
Countries benefiting from this exemption include the United States, Britain, France, China, Russia, and members of the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
Tourism Minister Vera Kamtukule emphasized that the previous stringent visa requirements had hindered Malawi’s tourism potential and led to complaints.
“Our aim is to attract investments in agriculture, tourism, and mining,” Kamtukule explained. “By removing visa requirements for our primary source markets worldwide, we are sending a message that Malawi is open for business.”
Malawi boasts abundant wildlife, including elephants, hippos, and crocodiles, and is partially surrounded by Lake Malawi, Africa’s third-largest freshwater lake. Known for its clear waters, sandy beaches, and diverse marine life, the lake is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
