Representation
Norway will continue to represent the following countries in the processing of visa applications from Malawi: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Italy, Malta, Netherlands, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland (for Switzerland only holders of diplomatic/service/special passports are eligible to apply).
This does not affect where and how you apply, but there are some changes you should be aware of:
- Where to apply?
As before, all applicants in Malawi must meet and apply in person at the VFS Visa Application Centre in Lilongwe. VFS will send the applications to Pretoria for further processing. You will also still be able to collect the decision documents at VFS.
- Introduction of a courier fee
As before, there will be an application fee payable online when you register your application in the Application Portal Norway, and a service fee charged by VFS Global. What is new is that applications submitted in Malawi also will be subject to a courier fee to cover transportation of the application documents between the Visa Application Centre and Pretoria, South Africa. The service fee and courier fee are payable to VFS on your application day.
- Extended waiting time for Schengen visa
The processing time for Schengen visas is normally up to 15 days from the day the application is received at the Embassy in Pretoria. Please take note that you should account for an additional 2-4 days for sending the application documents between the VFS Application Centre in Lilongwe and the Embassy in Pretoria. We highly recommend that you apply well in advance, at least 4 weeks prior to your planned trip.
- Residence permits for Norway from Malawi
These changes also apply for applications for residence permits to Norway from Malawi.
- Inquiries
The main point of contact will be VFS Visa Application Centre in Lilongwe. The Norwegian Embassy in Lilongwe will no longer handle inquiries related to visitor’s visa and residence permit. VFS Helpline: +265 992 922 922, email: info.norwaymalawi@vfshelpline.com