Exercise normal precautions in Malawi. Some areas have increased risk.  Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Exercise increased caution in:

• The districts of Mulanje, Thyolo, Chiradzulu, Nsanje, Phalombe, rural Blantyre (outside Blantyre city), and rural Zomba (outside Zomba city) due to civil unrest.

Read the Safety and Security section on the country information page.

If you decide to travel to Malawi:

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.
• Review the Crime and Safety Report for Malawi.
• U.S. citizens who travel abroad should always have a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.

The Districts of Mulanje, Thyolo, Chiradzulu, Nsanje, Phalombe, Rural Blantyre, and Rural Zomba.

There is the potential for civil unrest as a reaction to persistent rumors of outsiders attempting to steal blood from local populations, colloquially called “bloodsuckers."