Malawi passport → Canada

Canada visa for citizens of Malawi

Embassy / VFSVisitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa)

Citizens of Malawi need a visa for Canada and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre.

Verified · Last checked 2026-09-05. Policies change. Confirm with the embassy or official visa portal before you travel.

Key facts

Entry route	Embassy / VFS · Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa)
How to apply	In-person at an embassy or visa center
Maximum stay	Up to 180 days
Entries	Multiple entry
Processing time	30–60 days
Government fee	CA$100 + CA$30 service fee
Passport validity	At least 6 months
Biometrics	Required
Appointment	Required
Interview	Not required
Onward or return ticket	Required
Proof of funds	Bank statements for last 3 months showing sufficient funds for stay

How to apply

1
Determine eligibility and gather documents
Check if you need a visa and prepare all required documents
2
Complete the online application form (IMM 5257)
Fill out the form on the IRCC website
3
Pay the visa application fee and biometrics fee online
Pay CAD 100 visa fee + CAD 85 biometrics fee via IRCC portal
4
Book a biometrics appointment at a VFS Global centre
Schedule appointment online at VFS Global for Malawi
5
Attend biometrics appointment in person
Provide fingerprints and photograph at VFS centre in Lilongwe or Blantyre
6
Submit your application package (passport and documents)
Mail or drop off your passport and supporting documents to VFS Global
7
Wait for processing
Processing typically takes 30-60 days
8
Receive decision and passport back
VFS will return your passport with visa vignette if approved
9
Travel to Canada
Present visa at port of entry; max stay 180 days per visit
10
Comply with visa conditions
Do not overstay; may need to extend if staying longer

Documents checklist

Identity

Valid passport (with at least 2 blank pages)
Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond intended stay
Completed visa application form (IMM 5257)
Download from IRCC website
Two recent passport-sized photographs
Meet Canadian photo specifications
Biometrics fee receipt
Pay online before appointment
Visa application fee payment receipt
Pay online via IRCC portal
Marriage certificate (if applicable)
Optional
For family applications
Children's birth certificates (if applicable)
Optional
For minor applicants

Travel

Travel itinerary (flight bookings, hotel reservations)
Not required but recommended
Proof of onward/return ticket
Show confirmed flight out of Canada

Financial

Proof of financial means (bank statements, pay stubs)
Show sufficient funds for travel and stay

Employment

Employment letter or proof of ties to home country
Demonstrate intention to return

Supporting

Letter of invitation (if visiting family/friends)
Optional
Include host's contact and status in Canada
Police clearance certificate (if requested)
Optional
May be required for some applicants
Medical examination report (if requested)
Optional
May be required for long stays or specific countries

Proof of funds

Minimum balance: CAD 2,500 (approx) for a single trip

Bank statements (last 3 months)
Pay stubs
Letter of employment with salary
Sponsorship letter if applicable

Must show sufficient funds for entire stay and return travel

Good to know

Processing times can vary; apply well in advance (at least 3 months before travel).
Incomplete applications may be returned or delayed.
Biometrics are mandatory for all applicants aged 14-79.
Visa does not guarantee entry; final decision at Canadian border.

Common refusal reasons

Insufficient financial proof

Provide clear bank statements and proof of income for at least 3 months.

Weak ties to home country

Include employment letter, property documents, or family ties to show you will return.

Incomplete or incorrect application form

Double-check all fields and use the latest form from IRCC.

Criminal record or security concerns

Disclose any issues honestly; provide police clearance if requested.

FAQ

Do citizens of Malawi need a visa for Canada?

Citizens of Malawi need a visa for Canada and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Visa type: Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa).

How long can citizens of Malawi stay in Canada?

Up to 180 days.

How much does the Canada visa cost for citizens of Malawi?

Government fee: CA$100 + CA$30 service fee.

How long does Canada visa processing take?

Typically 30–60 days.

What documents do citizens of Malawi need for Canada?

Valid passport (with at least 2 blank pages); Completed visa application form (IMM 5257); Two recent passport-sized photographs; Proof of financial means (bank statements, pay stubs); Travel itinerary (flight bookings, hotel reservations); Employment letter or proof of ties to home country; and 8 more.

How long must my passport be valid for Canada?

At least 6 months.

Where do I apply?

Applications go through https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada.html. Check that you are on the government's site before you pay.

Sources

canada.ca

Plan your trip to Canada

Nowah is an AI travel agent that books flights, hotels and eSIMs in one conversation and keeps track of your visa paperwork along the way. Need data on arrival? See the Nowah eSIM guide for Canada.

Plan the trip in Nowah All visa guides