Changed Visa Requirements - Excerpt of the Irish Community Newsletter August 2016

[.. The Malawian government’s advice is that Irish citizens should apply for a visa in advance of travel at the nearest Malawian Embassy or High Commission (in the case of Ireland, in London). The Malawian High Commission in London can be contacted here or on +44(0) 20 7421 6010.

Up to now, it had been the case that, if a visa had not previously been applied for and obtained, Irish citizens could purchase a visa on arrival in Malawi. However, the Malawian government has recently instigated a new a pre-authorisation ‘visa letter’ scheme. They advise that if a prospective traveller has not obtained a visa before leaving for Malawi, a visa may only be issued upon arrival if that person has first obtained this letter, issued by the Malawian Immigration Department. The email address through which such a letter may be sought is: permitcounter@gmail.com

It is our strong recommendation that if planning a trip to Malawi, you contact the email address given above but also directly contact the Malawi High Commission in London well in advance of such a trip to ascertain what the precise position is, and seek the letter referred to.

Our travel advice for Irish citizens considering travelling is here (on link, go to final tab- ‘Visas and Additional Information’ and I would encourage you to check it before any flights are booked. ..]

Do not hesitate to contact your embassy! -> VISA FOR MALAWI

May 2016

The management of areas like this is multi- faceted. We work on so many levels each as important as the other. Remove one and the house of cards will fall around our feet. Despite the forest being under serious threat due mainly to charcoal burning, the wildlife populations living here are slowly beginning toincrease. Protection of the forest is critical. The work we are doing here is becoming more important and the way we do that is also vital. Having professional dedicated scouts who are well trained and motivated is one of the keys to success. But our local population and government backing is also just as important. Many of our neighbors living close to the forest are reaping the benefits of the fence and are now able to live side by side with iconic species such as elephants and are able to harvest their crops safely. The education and sensitization will prepare younger generations to appreciate these wild spaces. And local T/A’s, GVH’s, Chiefs and people play a major role in this process. Our relationship with our neighbors is strong, however as drought and hunger affect the economic climate, people are desperate and we fall back into a state of almost total reliance on natural resources! Human population also plays a critical role. As the population increases so does the need for land to grow food and in turn encroachment in the forest escalates.

WAG arrests by illegal activity 2014 and 2015.

Thuma Forest Reserve and Dedza Salima Forest reserves are home to some of the last remaining escapement elephants in Africa. This small but important population has at last been recognized by Government as an important population and therefore has been included in the National Elephant Action Plan. In Malawi’s protected areas the elephant numbers are reducing except for 3 protected areas where it is has been noted that the population are increasing. Thuma and Dedza Salima Forest Reserves have been identified as being one of them which can be put down to the hard work and dedication of our scouts and the support of our donors without whom we could not be here. With this in mind our determination and dedication to work harder is reasserted. I am so proud to work with some of the bravest scouts in the world. Their spirit and fire inside each of them to do this work is incredible. Day in, day out, they sweat, walking in challenging terrain in extreme conditions, putting their lives on the line to protect their heritage. One poacher called them THE LIONS OF THUMA. I agree 100% with this. We hope you will continue your support in 2016. We will work hard to protect these wild spaces and the wildlife.

Warmest regards

Lynn and THE LIONS!

-> Please, click here to read the complete Thuma Telegraph (May.16).

• New Volunteer Report by Elke Faust
• Updated volunteer guestbook

A group of elephants seen in February 2014 (Photo: Elke Faust)

Everyone entering Malawi must obtain a VISA. They also must get a tourist visa on entry at airport. 30 days are free and renewal is possible for anyone staying longer than 30 days

Note: Without engagement - Please check for current information on line or at your nearest embassy, too, as it can change and depends on which country you come from.

Malawi VISA: keep a level head

VISA FOR MALAWI

From 1 October, 2015, Malawi is implementing a new Visa system. All nationals from countries that require Malawians to pay for visa to enter their countries will require to obtain a visa to enter Malawi.

The Visa for United Kingdom and some countries can be obtained at any port of entry into Malawi or at the Malawi High Commission in London.

For non-UK residents please confirm with the Mission if you are eligible for port-of-entry visa.

Visa can be applied in person or through post and payment by cash/postal orders/bank certified cheque/bank draft.

The following categories of nationals and offices are exempted from the new visa requirements:

• Nationals from Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) countries, except Angola.
• Nationals from the Common Market for East and Southern Africa (COMESA) Diplomats and Government Officials.
• Nationals from all countries that do not require Malawians to pay Visa fees when they travel to such countries.

VISA REQUIREMENTS

VISA applications are received on MONDAY’s only from 10:30am to 1:00pm and 2:00pm to 3:30pm.

Approved Visas are collected only on THURSDAY’s only from 10:30am to 1:00pm and 2:00pm to 3:30pm.

The following are required:

• Valid passport for not less than six months
• Two passport photos
• Covering letter
• Invitation letter (excluding tourists)
• Air ticket/Itinerary
• Confirmed Hotel booking
• Three months latest bank statements
• VISA FEES

The following fees are applicable only at Visas processed at the Malawi High Commission in London and payable in British Sterling Pound (GBP)

• Visa Type Visa Fee (GBP)
• Transit Visa (7 days) £50
• Single entry (90 days) £65
• Multiple Entry (6 months) £145
• Multiple entry (12 months) £200
• Visa on arrival in Malawi
• Visa Type Visa Fee (US$)
• Transit $50
• Single entry $75
• Multiple Entry (6 months) $150
• Multiple entry (12 months) $250
• MALAWI PASSPORT REQUIREMENTS

* All Applicants should book an appointment in advance for all passport processes. They will be required to come in person to process once the appointment is granted.

* Passports are processed on Tuesdays and Thursdays only and appointments should be made at least 7 days in advance.

Passport renewal for Adults and Children over 10 years

• Old passport
• Two passport photos with clear white back ground (size 4.5 x3.5 cm)
• Marriage/divorce/death certificates for married women who want to change the names
• Birth certificate and national identity card for those born outside Malawi
• Fee: £65 (Cash only)

Lost Passport replacement for Adults and Children over 10 years

• Police report
• Two passport size photos
• Copies of the lost passport or previous passports
• Fee: £70 (cash only)

New Passport application for minors below 10 years (children born within and outside UK)

• Two passport size photos
• Birth certificate
• Adoption letters and legal documents
• Parent’s passport copies
• Fee: £60 (cash only)

Lost Passport replacement for minors below 10 years

• Two passport size photos
• Police report
• Copies of lost passport or previous passports
• Fee: £60 (cash only)

NOTE: ALL PASSPORTS ARE SENT TO MALAWI FOR PROCESSING. PLEASE ALLOW ENOUGH TIME TO PROCESS YOUR PASSPORTS.

EMERGENCY TRAVEL DOCUMENT

Requirements

• Covering letter explaining reasons of application
• Holder of passport whether expired or lost
• Download the form www.malawihighcommission.co.uk
• Two passport photos
• Photocopies of passport
• Air ticket (confirmed)
• Fee: £35 (cash only)

Emergency Travel Document for Children

• Download the form Malawi High Commission website.
• Two passport size photos
• Birth certificate
• Photocopies of parent’s passports
• Air ticket
• Fee: £35 (Cash only)

NOTE: PLEASE CALL IN ADVANCE TO CONFIRM THE SERVICE AVAILABITY. IT IS A SAME DAY SERVICE OR CAN BE SENT THROUGH POST.

CITIZENSHIP

• RENUNCIATION OF MALAWI CITIZENSHIP - £65
• RESTORATION OF MALAWI CITIZENSHIP - £450
• REGISTRATION OF CITIZENSHIP BY THIRD GENERATION - £450
• APOSTILE: LEGALISATION OF DOCUMENTS-BIRTH/MARRIAGE/DIVORCE/DEATH CERTIFICATES

Requirements

• Covering letter
• Original certificates
• Copy of current passport
• Fee: £50 (cash/bank certified cheque/bankdraft/postal order payable to Malawi High Commission)

NOTE: All documents are sent to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation for processing. Allow enough time for the process to be completed.

Police clearance (CRB)

Requirements

Get fingerprints taken at any local police station and send them with:

• Covering letter
• Copy of passport
• Fee: £184 (cash/bank certified cheque/bankdraft/postal order payable to Malawi High Commission)

NOTE: DOCUMENTS ARE SENT TO MALAWI POLICE HEADQUARTERS IN LILONGWE. ALLOW TIME FOR PROCESSING.

-> Current informations about Malawi VISA at wag-malawi.org

1. Volunteer Contribution

Concerning your cost, please note that since 2015 the daily volunteer contribution (also Internship) has been raised from Euro 25 to Euro 35!

2. Visa

Important informations about Malawi visa from the irish embassy:

".. As you may be aware, the Government of Malawi have proposed changes to their visa regime. After a number of postponements, the changes are currently scheduled to come into effect [..], and will affect many foreign visitors.

Following clarification from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Embassy has confirmed that Irish passport holders will NOT be subject to the new visa fees.

A comprehensive list of affected States is not yet available - however it appears that the new fees will be charged to citizens of member states of the Schengen Area, the United Kingdom, and the United States, among others.

For your information, below are the proposed visa fees and exemptions.

-> Current informations about Malawi VISA at wag-malawi.org

Visa Fees

• Transit Visas (valid for 7 days) --> $50
• Single Entry Visas (valid for 3 months) --> $75
• Multiple Entry Visas (valid 6 months) --> $150
• Multiple Entry Visas (valid 12 months) --> $250

Exemptions

Holders of 'Long Term Permits' (including: Temporary Employment Permits, Business Residence Permits, Students Permits, and Permanent Residence Permits) will be exempted from the visa requirement.

Holders of 'Short Term Permits' (meaning: Visitors Permits, Business Visit Permits, and Temporary Residence Permits) will NOT be exempt.

The Malawian Government advise that "Visas are supposed to be obtained well in advance from the nearest Malawi Diplomatic Missions abroad .."

We wish a Happy 2016 to all our donors, supporters and friends. We could not be here without you!

-> Please, click here for latest news in 2015.