​Following a meeting held on 27th August 2021, the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, having reviewed the trend of the disease in the country and globally in the past few weeks, has informed the public that the country is still in level 3 of the pandemic, and the Task Force has requested everyone to continue adhering to the COVID-19 preventive and containment measures to reduce the spread of the disease even further. The Presidential Task Force, also having deliberated on the travel restrictions and mandatory institutional quarantine for those coming from “high risk countries,” has made the following announcement:
1. India, Pakistani, Bangladesh, Nepal and Brazil are no longer categorised as high risk countries, therefore travellers from these countries will no longer be required to be on mandatory self sponsored institutional quarantine.
2. Travellers coming to Malawi are no longer required to obtain a clearance from the Ministry of Health to enter the country.
3. However, all travellers are required to present a negative PCR COVID-19 test result done not more than 72 hours before arrival in Malawi and also that COVID-19 prevention and control regulations and rules as guided by the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 are followed during their stay in Malawi.

• Testing/screening on arrival

• If you’re eligible for entry, you will need to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of your arrival.

• You should arrange to take an international travel COVID-19 PCR test.

• You may also be tested for COVID-19 on arrival at your own expense. Passengers may be required to remain at the airport or a testing center until their COVID-19 test results are known, usually within 24 hours.

• Current information is available from the Malawi Ministry of Health Facebook page.

• Quarantine requirements

• Individuals testing positive for coronavirus on arrival may be taken for treatment at a government facility.

• All other individuals will be required to self-monitor for COVID-19 signs and symptoms for 14 days after arrival. This allows the traveler to interact with others but they will be required to strictly observe physical distancing and hand hygiene, and must always use a mask in public.

• Testing/screening on departure

• Anyone departing Malawi needs to provide a valid “Travel Certificate” to immigration showing that a negative COVID-19 test has been taken at any of the five government-designated testing centers within 72 hours of departure.

• Testing centers are located at a number of Government approved facilities, including: Mzuzu Central Hospital (Mzuzu), Kamuzu Central Hospital (Lilongwe), Public Health Institute (Lilongwe), Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (Blantyre) and Zomba Central Hospital (Zomba).

• Please seek guidance from your local medical provider on how you can obtain a COVID-19 test. Mandatory COVID-19 testing will also take place on departure if you fail to produce a valid negative test certificate or if the airport staff judge you to display COVID-19 symptoms. This test will be at your own expense and may delay your departure.