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Visa requirements · updated Aug 2026

Do Malawi citizens need a visa for Canada?

Visa required

Malawi citizens need a visa to enter Canada. Apply in advance at an embassy or visa centre.

VISAXSAug 2026
Visa required
Malawi → Canada
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Everything for your trip to Canada

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Malawi vs Canada: passport comparison

Malawi

42

visa-free countries

Global rank: #127 · mobility 89.2

Canada

117

visa-free countries

Global rank: #32 · mobility 167.2
35

countries both Malawi and Canada can enter visa-free together

Malawi + Canada: passport compatibility

44%

of the world — where both passports have the same visa access

Where Malawi and Canada travel together — by entry type:

35 both visa-free
18 both visa on arrival
18 both e-visa / eTA
16 both need a visa
110 access differs

Where Malawi and Canada can travel visa-free together

Travelling as a pair with two different passports? Here is the full list of countries where BOTH of you can enter without a prior visa — plus where your access differs.

Canada: how many Malawi applications are not approved

IRCC publishes how many applications were processed and how many approved. The gap covers refusals and withdrawals together — Canada does not report refusals separately.

60.0%
of applications from Malawi citizens were not approved in 2025
+25.9 pp above the all-country median (34.2%)
+2.0 pp year-over-year: 2024 was 58.0%, now 60.0%
850applications processed in the year
340of them approved
#18strictest of 133 countries

Two caveats without which the figure misleads. First, it covers all temporary residents — visits, study and work together — whereas for the US we show B-1/B-2 visas and for the UK visitor visas. Second, IRCC does not break out refusals, so the gap between processed and approved also includes withdrawn applications. This rate is not comparable with the US or UK figures. Source: IRCC open data  ·  methodology →

How the entry rule changed: Malawi → Canada

We keep our own archive of visa-rule snapshots and diff them against each other. Here is what changed over the observed period.

The Malawi → Canada rule itself held steady over the observed period. The context around it did move:

1passports gained easier entry to Canada
0passports saw Canada tighten its rules
3rule changes for the Malawi passport, 2 of them easing
July 2024 — June 2026our archive observation window

Comparison is built from our own dataset snapshots; the date marks when we recorded the change, not the official decision date. See all changes →

Canada: good to know

Ottawa

Capital

Canadian Dollar (CAD)

Currency

Eastern Time (UTC-5)

Time zone

+1

Calling code

A, B

Power plug

120V / 60Hz

Voltage

Right-hand

Driving side

Where else Malawi goes visa-free

Check another route

Documents you'll usually need for Canada

The usual basics for the trip. Always confirm exact requirements with the embassy or consulate.

Valid passport

Valid at least 6 more months

Return / onward ticket

Proof you will leave the country

Proof of funds

Enough money for your stay

Accommodation

Hotel booking or an invitation

Travel insurance

Recommended, sometimes required

Visa

Obtained at the embassy in advance

Frequently asked

Do Malawi citizens need a visa for Canada?
Malawi citizens need a visa to enter Canada. Apply in advance at an embassy or visa centre.
Which passport is stronger — Malawi or Canada?
The Canada passport is stronger: 117 visa-free countries versus 42. Global rank: Malawi #127, Canada #32.
Where can Malawi and Canada citizens travel together visa-free?
Both passports get visa-free access to 35 of the same countries.
What documents do I need for Canada?
Usually: a valid passport (6+ months), a return ticket, proof of funds and accommodation. Plus a visa obtained from the embassy in advance. Always confirm exact requirements with the embassy.
Can visa requirements change between Malawi and Canada?
Yes, visa rules change periodically. This data is current as of Aug 2026 — always confirm with the embassy before you travel.

Malawi passport ranking

Where else the Malawi passport can take you and how it ranks worldwide.

View the passport