Malawians planning to travel through or to the United Kingdom now face an extra hurdle after British authorities tightened entry requirements.
The UK has updated its visa requirements, with nationals from 33 African countries now affected.
The affected countries are: Algeria, Angola, Botswana, Burundi, Cameroon, Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Malawi, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda and Zimbabwe.
According to international media publications, the updated requirement will need citizens from the 33 affected African countries, including Malawi, to secure the appropriate UK visa before travelling, including those who are only passing through the UK in transit.
This means Malawian travelers who previously connected through UK airports without leaving the terminal must now apply for a visa in advance.
The UK government says the changes are part of efforts to tighten border security and ensure compliance with immigration policies.
The changes are expected to impact students, business people, and patients seeking medical treatment abroad.
