Malawi announces visa waiver for Dominica

Malawi, a landlocked African country, has announced visa waivers for 79 countries around the world and Dominica is one of them. This means that citizens of Dominica are permitted to travel to the country without a visa. The move is expected to not only boost tourism but also facilitate trade and strengthen diplomatic ties between Malawi and the countries named. Although there are currently no formal bilateral agreements between Malawi and Dominica, both nations are members of the Commonwealth.

“This monumental decision isn’t just about visas; it’s about unleashing the untapped potential of our beloved Malawi and inviting the world to experience its wonders first-hand,” Tourism Minister Vera Kamtukule told local media.

The move came after the government amended the Immigration Act, which aimed to streamline entry procedures and facilitate smoother access for international visitors. It is part of Malawian President Lazarus Chakwera’s initiative to bolster tourism in the country.

“In recent years, before and after the pandemic, Malawi has been emerging as one of the most complete tourist destinations in Africa, a trajectory that will no doubt be accelerated by this initiative,” the ministry of tourism said on its website.

“Malawi has long been recognized for its stunning landscapes, amazing beaches, and cultural interactions with the
friendliest people in the world. It has recently benefited from a massive conservation project that has transformed its wildlife and given it superb safaris on top. With the final piece of its tourism jigsaw in place, and entry into the country now as straightforward as possible, and cost-free, the sky’s the limit for the Warm Heart of Africa!”

Tourism is Malawi’s third largest industry bringing in foreign currency after tobacco and tea but in a report by Travel and Tour World, President Chakwer said that the country’s tourism economy is currently underperforming.

“Chief among the factors contributing to this is our country’s accessibility, which is why we have implemented the visa waiver program,” he said.

Authorities in the country are hoping that the new visa regime will not only boost tourism but other industries as well.

“Our strategy is to attract investments in agriculture, tourism, and mining,” tourism minister Kamtukule told the AFP. “By eliminating visa requirements for our key source markets globally, we are signaling that Malawi is open for business.”

The visa-free entry took effect on February 7.

Other Caribbean countries included in the list are Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Bahamas, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, St Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago.

Located in East Africa, Malawi is home to spectacular wildlife and extensive lakes. It has an estimated population of 20,271,000. Its official language is English. One of the most famous lakes in the country is the Malawi Lake, also known as the Calendar Lake since it is 365 miles long. It is known for its clear, blue water and golden beaches.