Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Xinhua
Published on 2024-02-11 19:09:05
The Malawian government has recently made an important decision that will have a significant impact on the country’s tourism industry. The government has lifted the visa requirement for travelers from several key countries, including China, the United States, and the United Kingdom (UK). This move is part of the government’s efforts to boost tourism, which is a major source of foreign exchange for the country.
The decision to exempt travelers from these countries from visa restrictions was made possible by an amendment to the country’s Immigration Act. The amendment, which was signed by Minister of Homeland Security Ken Zikhale Ng’oma, has listed a total of 47 countries that are now exempted from visa requirements in Malawi. This includes countries from various regions, such as Germany, France, and Russia outside of Africa, as well as Ghana and Gambia within Africa.
In addition to exempting travelers from specific countries, the amendment also includes exemptions for nationals from the Southern African Development Community (SADC), and nationals from the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), with the exception of those countries that require Malawians to obtain a visa. Furthermore, holders of certain types of travel documents, such as Laissez-Passer for SADC, COMESA, United Nations, African Union, African Development Bank, as well as diplomats and government officials on official business, are also exempted from visa requirements.
The amendment also includes provisions for the validity of multiple entry visas in Malawi, which will now reciprocate the validity of multiple entry visas in the corresponding country. This means that travelers holding multiple entry visas with a validity of six or twelve months will have their visas reciprocated based on the requirements of their home country.
This decision has received praise from the corporate sector in Malawi, with many expressing their support for the move. They believe that this change will make Malawi a more attractive tourism destination and will ultimately lead to an increase in foreign currency flows into the country. Minister of Tourism Vera Kamtukule has also expressed her support for the amendment, highlighting its importance in aligning with the country’s three priority areas of agriculture, tourism, and mining (ATM) as part of the MW (Malawi) 2063 Agenda. This long-term agenda aims to transform Malawi into a self-reliant nation with a focus on increasing exports.
Overall, this decision to lift visa requirements for travelers from key countries is a significant step towards boosting tourism in Malawi and attracting more foreign visitors. It is expected to have a positive impact on the country’s economy and contribute to the long-term development and growth of the tourism industry.
