Last Update: Reissued with updates to health information.

Exercise increased caution in Malawi due to crime.

Crime, such as theft, burglary, armed robbery, assault, and carjacking is common. The capabilities of the Malawi Police Service are growing, but its resources and abilities to deter and investigate crimes, assist victims, and apprehend criminals are limited.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Malawi.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has determined Malawi has an unknown level of COVID-19. Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel. 

If you decide to travel to Malawi:

• Read the Department of State’s COVID-19 page before you plan any international travel, and read the Embassy COVID-19 page for country-specific COVID-19 information.
• Avoid demonstrations and crowds.
• Monitor local media for breaking events and be prepared to adjust your plans.
• Keep travel documents up to date and easily accessible.
• Fill automobile fuel tanks before departing urban areas.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter. · Review the Country Security Report for Malawi.
• U.S. citizens who travel abroad should always have a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.