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Malawi
Country Specific Information
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February 13, 2009
COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: 
Malawi is a developing landlocked country in southern Africa. Tourist facilities in major cities and in resort areas are
steadily improving, but remain limited. Aging infrastructure and lack of investment have rendered electricity, water supply,
and telecommunications unreliable in rural areas. Read the Department of State Background Notes on Malawi for additional information.
ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS: A passport, return ticket, and adequate funds are required for entry into Malawi. U.S. citizens traveling to Malawi for
tourism, transit or business for 30-days or less can obtain a visa at the airports or border points of entry. The 30-day visa
may be extended up to an additional 30 days prior to visa expiration. Currently, the Malawi Immigration Department is charging
for all visa extensions as follows:
a) A 30-day visa (or less) is granted at any port of entry and is Free
b) Application for a visa extension for an additional 30-days (or less) is MK 5,000.00
c) Application for a second visa extension for an additional 30-days (or less) is MK 5,000.00
A visa extension application must be submitted prior to the visa’s expiration date. There is no guarantee the request will
be granted.
Americans wishing to volunteer, study, conduct research or business for more than 90 days in Malawi are responsible for requesting
the correct type of visa from the Malawian Embassy or Consulate, prior to traveling to Malawi. There is no guarantee requests
for changing one's immigration category (e.g., from tourist to Temporary Employment Permit) will be granted. Foreign citizens
whose primary purpose of travel is to participate in religious activities (voluntary or paid) should obtain a Temporary Employment
Visa (TEP) rather than a tourist visa through their sponsoring organization or business.
Malawian immigration authorities have fined, arrested, and deported American citizens who entered Malawi with a tourist visa
and proceeded to conduct other activities inconsistent with their tourist status (e.g. business or volunteer services).
Occasionally, some airlines have required travelers to have a Malawian visa before boarding connecting flights in European
airports. Malawian Authorities confirm that there is no requirement for obtaining a tourist visa for short stays (30-days
or less) prior to arrival in Malawi.
American citizens are reminded that they are subject to Malawi’s laws. Individuals that overstay on their visa, even unknowingly,
have been fined, arrested and deported.
Malawi charges all non-Malawians an airport departure tax which is payable only in U.S. Dollars.
Information about dual nationality or the prevention of international child abduction can be found on our web site. For further information about customs regulations, please read our Customs Information sheet.
SAFETY AND SECURITY: Spontaneous civil disturbances, primarily related to labor and student strikes, occur, but are uncommon. U.S. citizens
should avoid crowds, political rallies and street demonstrations and maintain security awareness at all times.
Presidential Elections are slated for May of 2009 and there is potential for sporadic civil unrest in the period leading up
to and immediately after the election. Public protests, demonstrations, and strikes in the past years have impacted residents
and visitors. These actions were not directed at American citizens.
We remind American citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence. American citizens are therefore urged to avoid the areas of demonstrations. American citizens should stay current of local events and be aware of their surroundings at all times.
For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department of State, Bureau of
Consular Affair’s web site, where the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts, including the Worldwide Caution, can be found.
Up-to-date information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S. and Canada,
or for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll-line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00
a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
The Department of State urges American citizens to take responsibility for their own personal security while traveling overseas.
For general information about appropriate measures travelers can take to protect themselves in an overseas environment, see
the Department of State’s pamphlet A Safe Trip Abroad.
CRIME: Crime is common in Malawi. Most crimes against Americans involve property. Carjacking and residential break-ins are prevalent throughout Malawi. Perpetrators of these crimes are usually well-armed and may resort to violence with little provocation. Petty street crime (robbery and pick-pocketing) is common, and break-ins have also occurred in hotels/lodges throughout the country.
American citizens are urged to avoid traveling on foot at night, especially in urban areas, as armed muggings and assaults
have increased. Specifically, expatriates have been targeted in Lilongwe, and several Americans have been injured. Even when
walking in a large group, city streets should be considered unsafe after dark. Pedestrians should be cautious even during
daylight hours. Visitors in need of transportation should request that hotel or restaurant management call a taxi or car service.
American citizens are also advised to use caution when visiting and/or staying in isolated areas such as Mount Mulanje where
the availability of public security forces is limited. As a rule, American citizens should take appropriate action to ensure
their safety if traveling to remote areas, including never traveling alone or at night.
INFORMATION FOR VICTIMS OF CRIME: The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. Embassy.
If you are the victim of a crime while overseas, in addition to reporting to local police, please contact the nearest U.S.
Embassy for assistance. The Embassy staff can assist you to find appropriate medical care, contact family members or friends
and explain how funds could be transferred. Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime is solely the responsibility
of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney
if needed.
The local equivalents to the “911” emergency line in Malawi are 997 for police, 999 for fire and 998 for ambulance service.
See our information on Victims of Crime.
CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly
from those in the United States and may not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law. Penalties
for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses. Persons violating Malawi’s laws,
even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs
in Malawi are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. Engaging in sexual conduct
with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime, prosecutable in the United States.
Please see our information on Criminal Penalties.
SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: Wild animals may pose a danger. Travelers are advised that, even in the most serene settings, wild animals can pose a
threat to life and safety. Travelers are cautioned to observe local or park regulations and heed all instructions given by
tour guides.
Credit cards are not commonly accepted outside of major cities. There are a limited number of ATMs in Malawi that accept
Visa, MasterCard and international ATM cards.
Dress codes against short skirts on women and long hair on men no longer exist, but travelers may wish to dress modestly, especially when visiting remote areas.
Please see our Customs Information.
MEDICAL FACILITIES AND HEALTH INFORMATION: Medical facilities in Malawi are rudimentary and do not meet U.S. standards of medical care. While all health workers have some degree of English proficiency, communication can still be difficult. Medications are not consistently available and many American medications are not available at all. Travelers should bring adequate quantities of medications to last the duration of their stay. For any major medical problems travelers should consider obtaining medical treatment in South Africa, where advanced medical care is available.
Diarrhea and other food borne illnesses are a common problem among travelers. Travelers are urged to avoid tap water, ice cubes, raw fruits and vegetables. Bottled water is recommended for drinking and food preparation. Only food that is well cooked and served hot should be consumed.
Malaria is a potentially life-threatening disorder that is endemic to Malawi. Malaria prophylaxis is strongly advised and
should be initiated prior to arriving in Malawi. Visitors should consult their physicians to learn which prophylaxis would
suit them best and review possible side-effects. In addition, other personal protective measures such as the use of insect
repellents help to reduce the risk of malaria. Travelers who become ill with a fever or flu-like illness while traveling
in a malaria-risk area and up to one-year after returning home should seek prompt medical attention and tell the physician
their travel history and what anti-malarial medications they have been taking.
Schistosomiasis (also known as Bilharzia) is present in most lakes and rivers in Malawi, including Lake Malawi. The Department
of State recommends against swimming, wading or bathing in fresh water.
HIV infection is endemic in the Malawian population. Travelers are advised to take appropriate precautions to limit the risk
of transmission through blood or sexual contact.
Tuberculosis is prevalent as well. Caution should be exercised if visiting crowded settings for prolonged periods of time,
especially public hospitals and prisons.
The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Malawi.
Other health risks include typhoid, hepatitis A and B, tetanus, and rabies. Vaccination for these diseases is advised. Additionally,
travelers should be aware that trypanosmiasis (African sleeping sickness) is present in some game parks and that cholera outbreaks
are often reported.
Yellow fever vaccination is required if traveling from an endemic zone.
More information on malaria, tropical diseases, food safety, vaccinations and other health precautions may be obtained from
the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747) or
via the CDC web site. The CDC 24-hour hotline number is 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-22-4636.) The email address is cdcinfo@cdc.gov. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad consult the World Health Organization’s (WHO) web site.
Further health information for travelers is available from the WHO.
MEDICAL INSURANCE: The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad
to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation.
Please see our information on medical insurance overseas. All medical services in Malawi are paid for in cash. Individuals should get a receipt for any services and submit the receipt
to their insurance company for reimbursement.
TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United
States. The information below concerning Malawi is provided for general reference only and may not be totally accurate in
a particular location or circumstance.
Malawi's principal highways are generally in good condition, although safety hazards include the lack of road shoulders, frequent
potholes, pedestrians, bicyclists and livestock. Secondary roads are in poor repair and may be impassable to all but four-wheel
drive vehicles during the rainy season (November-April). Public transportation, consisting primarily of minibuses, is unreliable
and accidents are common. Modern coach buses are increasingly common on the main cross-country routes.
Given Malawi's high road accident rate, travelers should drive defensively and avoid road travel outside cities at night.
Road support networks for stranded drivers do not exist. Police roadblocks are common and properly documented drivers usually
pass quickly and without incident. Foreigners intending to remain in Malawi for an extended period of time are expected to
obtain a locally-issued driver's license.
Motor vehicle accidents are the most common cause of death among travelers to Malawi due to atypical road hazards. There
are no medical facilities that provide comprehensive emergency care comparable to U.S. standards. Travelers should and never
drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Whenever possible visitors should wear seat belts, travel in well-maintained
vehicles, insist that the drivers maintain a safe speed, and avoid any travel after dark.
Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information. For specific information concerning Malawi driver's permits, vehicle inspection, road tax and
mandatory insurance, contact the Embassy of Malawi in Washington, DC on (202) 721-0270. For international driving permits
contact AAA or the American Automobile Touring Alliance.
AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: As there is no direct commercial air service to the United States by carriers registered in Malawi, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed Malawi's Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards. For more information, travelers may visit the FAA web site at http://www.faa.gov/safety/programs_initiatives/oversight/iasa.
CHILDREN'S ISSUES: For information see our Office of Children’s Issues web pages on intercountry adoption and international parental child abduction.
REGISTRATION / EMBASSY LOCATION: Americans living or traveling in Malawi are encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy through the State Department’s travel registration web site so that they can obtain updated information on travel and security within Malawi. Americans without internet access may
register directly with the U.S. Embassy. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy to contact them
in case of emergency. The U.S. Embassy is located in Area 40, City Center, Lilongwe; telephone numbers are (265) 1-773-166,
1-773-342 and 1-773-367 (if dialing within Malawi add "0" before the "1"); fax (265) 1-774-976 (if dialing within Malawi add
"0" before the "1"). In case of emergency, you may call the embassy 24 hours a day and request extension 3443. In case the
landlines are malfunctioning, you may also dial (265) (0) 9-591024 or (265) (0) 8-734-826. The Embassy's mailing address is
PO Box 30016, Lilongwe 3, Malawi.
* * *
This replaces the Country Specific Information for Malawi dated July 21, 2008 to update sections on Entry/Exit Requirements,
Safety and Security, Medical Facilities and Health Information, Traffic Safety and Road Conditions, and Registration / Embassy
Location:
