Malawi

Hoodlum offers expert film fixer services in Malawi, facilitating international productions of every scale with a full range of services, including location scouting, obtaining permits, full range of logistic support and connecting production teams with local talent and experienced crew.

Ultimate Filming Guide for Malawi

Capital

Lilongwe

Main Cities

Blantyre, Mzuzu, Zomba

Local Languages

Chichewa/Chewa/Yao/Tonga/Sena/Elomwe

Currency

Malawian Kwacha

Climate

Diverse Climate

General Visa Requirements:

Foreign crew travelling to Malawi must hold valid passports with at least 6 months’ validity. A letter from the production company or employer confirming the purpose of travel is recommended as supporting documentation. Malawi offers both an e-visa option and visa on arrival for many nationalities.

Required Documents:

Crew passports
Letter from production company or employer
Return or onward travel details, recommended

Visa Application Process:

E-visa portal: https://evisa.gov.mw

Processing Time:

E-visas are typically processed within approximately 3 to 5 working days. Visa on arrival is generally issued at the airport for eligible nationalities.

Cost:

Approximately USD 50 to 150, depending on nationality and duration

Accreditation Requirements:

Foreign media and documentary crews generally require accreditation before filming in Malawi. This is typically handled through the Malawi Department of Information or the Ministry of Information.

Required Documents:

Project synopsis
Crew passports
Letter from production company or employer
Crew CVs or resumes
Equipment list

Processing Time:

Approximately 2 to 3 weeks minimum.

Cost:

Approximately USD 200 to 400.

Issuing Organization:

Malawi Censorship and Control of Entertainment Board (MCCEB)
Ministry of Information

Required Documents:

Project synopsis
Crew passports
Letter from production company or employer
Shooting schedule and locations
Equipment list

Productions should secure filming approval in advance and allow additional time where filming involves wildlife areas, government-controlled sites, or sensitive public locations.

Processing Time:

Approximately 2 to 3 weeks minimum.

Cost:

Costs vary depending on the production and are assessed case by case.

Location Scouting / Location Permits Information:

Permission is required from the property owner and, in some cases, the relevant local authority. Community engagement is often important when filming in rural areas.

Location Scouting / Permitting Cost & Processing Time

Negotiated on a case-by-case basis.

Drone Regulations:

Drone use in Malawi is regulated. Both import and operation require prior approval, and productions should plan for drone clearance well in advance.

Drone Importation Regulations:

Drone use in urban areas and near airports is restricted
Unauthorized drone use may result in fines or confiscation
Local drone availability is limited, so importing equipment is generally recommended

Permit Issuance:

Malawi Civil Aviation Authority (MCAA)

Timing:

Approximately 2 to 3 weeks minimum.

Cost:

Approximately USD 200 to 500.

Carnet Status:

Malawi accepts ATA Carnets, and their use is recommended

Required Documents:

With an ATA Carnet, temporary import is generally straightforward. Without a Carnet, a temporary import permit is required. A local fixer is recommended to assist with customs handling.

Equipment list including:

Serial numbers
Purchase or replacement value

Issuing Organization:

Malawi Revenue Authority (Customs)

Timing:

Typically on arrival or within 1 to 2 days.

Cost:

Costs vary depending on the import arrangement. Recommended contingency budget: Approximately USD 300 to 1,000

General Overview:

Malawi is generally regarded as one of the safer filming destinations in Africa, although standard precautions still apply, particularly in urban areas.

Security Requirements:

Basic security is recommended depending on the location
Remote areas may require additional logistical planning

Cost

Security personnel: approximately USD 80 to 150 per day

Health & Medical

Yellow Fever vaccination is required only if arriving from a risk country. Malaria precautions are recommended. Productions should also plan carefully for remote filming areas where medical access may be more limited.