Malawi

Safety and security

Emergency phone numbers

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes and providing emergency services.

• Dial 997 for police 
• Dial 4277 for ambulance 

Demonstrations  

Demonstrations are common. They may take place in response to political or economic issues. They may also occur on significant holidays, and during large events.  

• Demonstrations can be unpredictable. Avoid areas around protests and other demonstrations.   
• Past demonstrations have turned violent.  
• Check local media for updates and traffic advisories. 

Crime 

Crime is common in Malawi. Most crimes against Americans involve property. 

• Residential break-ins occur in Malawi, most often targeting vacant residences, homes lacking basic security measures such as perimeter walls or guard coverage, or in circumstances suggesting insider facilitation. Offenders are not usually heavily armed, but may carry edged weapons such as panga knives and may become violent if they encounter resistance. 
• Petty street crime, like robbery and pickpocketing, is common. 
• There have been break-ins at hotels and lodges throughout the country. 
• Kidnappings occur and non-Malawians have been targeted in Malawi. 
• Carjackings occur, especially in Lilongwe and Blantyre. Carjackers often block the back of a victim's vehicle while it waits to pass through a security gate into a residence. Then, the criminal threatens the driver and takes the car. Victims are often assaulted. 
• Drivers should lock their car doors, close their windows, and remain alert when entering or exiting a residence. Use your mirrors to see if you are being followed. If you notice that you are being followed, record the vehicle registration number and drive to a nearby police station. 
• Avoid traveling on foot at night, especially in urban areas. Armed muggings and assaults have occurred. Non-Malawians have been targeted  and several Americans have been injured.  
• City streets are unsafe after dark even when walking in a large group. Pedestrians should also be cautious during daylight hours. If you need transportation, request that hotel or restaurant management call a taxi or car service. 
• The capacity and availability of public security forces is limited. Use caution when visiting less populated areas.  
• Take appropriate action to ensure your safety if you travel to remote areas.  Never travel alone or at night. Communicate with a friend or family member about your whereabouts while traveling in Malawi, as cell phone reception is limited in many areas. 

Scams 

Follow the Department of State guidelines to protect yourself from scams. 

If you are a victim of a scam, learn how the FBI can help.    

Financial scams are common in Malawi. Scams often begin through online posts, emails, or letters. Scammers pretend to be Americans in need of help.  

Common scams include: 

• People claiming to be detained or hospitalized abroad 
• Money transfers  
• Impersonation of a relative in distress 
• Free trip or luggage  
• Lotteries  
• Inheritance notices  
• Work permits and job offers 

Victims of crime 

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes. You may report crimes to the local police by dialing 997 and contact the U.S. embassy at +265-0-88-477-3166. 

• Review our information for Victims of Crime.   

The U.S. embassy can:  

• Replace a stolen or lost passport. 
• Help you find medical care.   
• Assist you in how to report a crime to the police.  
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent.  
• Provide general information regarding the criminal justice system.   
• Provide a list of local attorneys. We do not endorse or recommend any specific attorneys.  
• Provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the United States.  
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States or limited medical support in cases of need.  
• Help you find accommodation and options to travel home. 

Sexual assault and domestic violence  

• American victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. embassy and local law enforcement for assistance.  
• American victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the nearest U.S. embassy and local law enforcement for assistance.  

Technology use abroad 

Mobile devices are vulnerable to compromise, theft, and damage anywhere in the world. Follow these safe practices: 

• Update all software (operating system and apps) before leaving the United States.  
• Use reputable, U.S.-based VPN or VoIP applications.   
• Don’t connect to public Wi-Fi networks.  
• Be cautious using dating apps abroad, as scammers often target U.S. citizens. 

GPS  

Prior to using GPS abroad:  

• Research the route recommended by the GPS to make sure it’s safe.  
• The fastest path may not be the safest. 

Tourism safety 

The tourism industry is not well regulated: 

• Safety inspections for equipment and facilities are rare.  
• Dangerous areas and activities are not always marked with signs.  
• Staff may not be trained or certified.  
• If you get injured, you will likely need to travel to a major city for appropriate medical care.  
• First responders cannot reach remote areas in case of emergencies.  
• Americans are encouraged to have medical evacuation insurance.  
• Review our information on Travel Insurance. 

Adventure travel  

• Review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) tips for Adventure Travel. 

Local laws and customs 

Criminal penalties 

• Americans must follow local laws. If you break local laws, even by mistake, you could be deported, arrested, or imprisoned.  
• You may be prosecuted in the United States for crimes committed abroad regardless of the local law. Review the information provided by the U.S. Department of Justice about crimes against minors abroad. 

Before you start a business or a profession in Malawi seek information from the local authorities about what permits or licenses are required.

Arrest notification  

• If you are arrested or detained, ask officials to notify the U.S. embassy or consulate immediately.

Counterfeit and pirated goods 

Counterfeit and pirated goods are common in many destinations.  

• They may be illegal according to local laws.   
• Counterfeit and pirated goods may pose significant risks to consumer health and safety.   
• You may be subject to fines or have to surrender counterfeit and pirated goods to authorities if you bring them back to the United States.   

Learn more about U.S. restrictions on counterfeit and pirated goods:  

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection  
• U.S. Department of Justice   

Faith-based travelers 

Faith-based travel includes pilgrimages, service projects, and mission work. Prepare for your travel using these resources:   

• Faith-Based Travel 
• Volunteering Abroad 
• International Religious Freedom Reports 

Gay and lesbian travelers 

Lesbian and gay persons are denied basic civil, political, social, and economic rights in Malawi by law and practice.   

• Same-sex sexual activity is illegal and punishable by up to 14 years in prison, including hard labor.  
• The penal code outlaws “unnatural offenses” and “indecent practices.” Consensual same-sex sexual activity may also be prosecuted as “conduct likely to cause a breach of the peace.”   
• As of July 2014, the government rarely enforces laws criminalizing same-sex activity. But the public is hostile to lesbian and gay people.  
• Review our information for Gay and Lesbian Travelers. 

Travelers with accessibility needs 

• The law in Malawi prohibits discrimination against people with physical, sensory, intellectual, or mental disabilities. The law is not enforced.  
• Expect accessibility to be limited in public transportation, lodging, communication or information, and general infrastructure. 
• Some modern buildings may have wheelchair accessible entrances. Generally, public transportation is not accessible for travelers with disabilities. 
• The Persons with Disability Act of 2024 prohibits discrimination in education, health care, social services, the workplace, housing, political life, and cultural and sporting activities for persons with disabilities. However,  enforcement isn’t widespread and capacity to make accommodations is an issue. 
• Contact the U.S. Embassy in Malawi to receive a list of providers.  
• Review our information on Accessibility Needs. 

Students 

• Review our information on Studying Abroad.   

Women travelers   

The penal code criminalizes rape of women and girls with a maximum penalty of death.  

Spousal rape 

• The 2015 Marriage, Divorce, and Family Relations Act explicitly introduced the concept of spousal rape, but the act does not have specific penalties for conviction. It applies only to legally separated spouses.  
• Spousal rape may be prosecuted under the rape provisions of the penal code. The government generally enforces the law effectively. Convicted rapists routinely receive prison sentences.  
• There is no data on how common prosecutions or convictions are for rape or spousal rape. However, press reporting on rape and defilement arrests and convictions is common.  
• Although the maximum penalty for conviction of rape is death or life imprisonment, the courts generally impose lesser prison sentences. 

Sexual harassment 

• Sexual harassment is believed to be widespread. But there is no data on how common it is or the government’s effectiveness in enforcing the law.  
• The law makes sexual harassment punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment. The government now has policies and procedures aimed at eliminating sexual harassment.  
• Conviction of “insulting the modesty” of a woman is a misdemeanor punishable by 1 year in prison. Indecent assault on a woman or girl is punishable by sentences of up to 14 years imprisonment. 

Helpful resources 

• Review our information for Women Travelers.  
• Review our information on Marriage.  
• Review our information on Female genital mutilation and cutting (FGM/C). 
• Review our information for Victims of Crime. 

Human rights 

• Review the Department of State’s Human Rights Report for your destination prior to traveling. 

Health 

Health resources 

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Malawi Traveler Information provides destination specific information on prevalent diseases and vaccination recommendations.  
• CDC Medical Tourism information  
• World Health Organization 
• Medicine and Health 
• Travel Insurance 

Emergency numbers 

• Dial 998 for emergency medical services. 

Ambulance services 

• Dial +265-0-888 189 070 for ambulance service.   
• Dial 4277 for ambulances toll free. 

Ambulance services are not widely available. Training and response time of emergency responders may be poor.  

• Ambulances are not present or unreliable in most areas. They are not equipped with advanced medical equipment.   
• Ambulances are not staffed with trained paramedics. They often have little or no medical equipment.   
• Injured or very ill travelers might prefer to take a taxi or their own car to the nearest major hospital. This option can be faster than waiting for an ambulance. 

Medical payments and insurance 

Make sure you know if your health insurance plan covers any medical expenses coverage abroad.  Most U.S. plans do not.  

• The U.S. government does not pay medical bills. 
• U.S. Medicare and Medicaid do not cover expenses or bills abroad. 
• Most hospitals and doctors abroad do not accept U.S. health insurance. 
• Medical care is not free in Malawi. If you require medical attention, you will incur expenses, even if you are treated in a public healthcare facility. 
• Lack of payment may bar future travel to Malawi. 
• Most care providers abroad only accept cash payments. 
• Credit card payment is not always available. 
• Most hospitals and medical professionals require cash payment. 
• Private/public hospitals often need payment up front or proof of good insurance before providing treatment or admitting a patient.   
• Make sure you know if your health insurance plan provides coverage abroad or reimbursement of payments. The CDC provides more information on types of insurance. 
• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation. 

Vaccinations 

Stay up to date with the vaccines recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

• CDC Travelers’ Health 
• World Health Organization Travel Advice 

Prescription medications  

• Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.  
• Exercise caution when purchasing medication abroad. Pharmaceuticals are usually easy to buy with few controls.  
• Counterfeit medication is common and may not work, have the wrong strength, or have dangerous ingredients. You should buy medication with the help of a medical professional and from trusted places.  

Availability of prescription medications may be inconsistent. Medications commonly prescribed in the United States may not be available in Malawi, may be sold under different names, or may vary in quality and supply. 

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have rules for bringing medication back into the United States.  If you buy medications abroad, the medications must meet CBP’s and the FDA’s requirements to bring them back legally.  

The medications must also be for personal use and approved for use in the United States.  

For more information:  

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection  
• Food and Drug Administration   

Non-traditional medicine  

• Americans have had serious complications or died while getting care from non-traditional “healers” and practitioners in Malawi. We strongly recommend against participating in this practice. Make sure you have access to licensed emergency medical facilities in such cases.  

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) and surrogacy 

• If you are considering traveling to Malawi to have a child through use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) or surrogacy, please review our information on ART and Surrogacy Abroad.  
• Surrogacy is largely unregulated in Malawi with no clear legal protections for foreign intended parents. Surrogacy agreements may not be enforced by Malawi courts. 
• If you decide to pursue parenthood in Malawi via ART with a surrogate, consider hiring a reputable local attorney and be prepared for long and unexpected delays in documenting your child’s birth with local authorities or citizenship status. Be aware that individuals who attempt to circumvent local law risk legal consequences. 

Air quality 

Air pollution can be a significant problem in many destinations abroad.  

• Check NASA’s Air Quality Forecast 
• It uses Artificial Intelligence (AI), historical data, and global pollution modeling to generate a 3-day forecast of expected air quality in Malawi.  
• For information about common air pollutants, check the CDC’s Air Quality page.  
• For information about the U.S. Air Quality Index and health guidance, check out the EPA’s AirNow.
• For general health information, visit the Medicine and Health page. 

Transportation  

Road conditions and safety 

Most roadways, except for major thoroughfares, are not paved, leading to accessibility problems during the November to April rainy season.  

• Almost all roadways lack lighting at night. Most roads do not have sidewalks, forcing pedestrians and livestock to use the roadways both day and night. 
• Motor vehicle accidents are the most common cause of death among travelers to Malawi. Safety hazards include the lack of road shoulders, potholes, pedestrians, bicyclists, and livestock. Drive defensively and avoid road travel outside cities at night. 
• Road support networks for stranded drivers do not exist. Fuel supply, both diesel and gasoline, is often erratic and travelers should plan accordingly. 
• Do not travel by foot along roadways. 

Traffic laws   

• Malawi recognizes valid U.S. driver's licenses.  
• Police roadblocks are common but properly documented drivers usually pass quickly and without incident.  
• Malawian police operate radar-based speed traps throughout the country. You are expected to pay fines on the spot—please ensure you get a receipt. 
• Never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. You should always wear a seat belt whenever available and insist drivers maintain a safe speed. 

Taxis and ride-shares 

• The use of most taxis is not recommended due to safety concerns. You could become a victim of crime.  
• Travelers should consider using a hired driver through a trusted source or establishment, like a hotel.

Public and commercial transportation  

• Avoid public transportation, which is extremely limited and unreliable.  
• Public transportation primarily consists of private citizens driving independently, and unregulated passenger vans in varying but generally poor states of condition and repair.  
• Public vehicles are frequently overcrowded. The drivers are inexperienced and untrained.  
• In cities, public transport includes unsafe bicycle taxis or small, motorized tricycles. Modern coach buses are increasingly common on the main cross-country routes. 
• The use of public transportation is not recommended due to safety concerns. You could become a victim of crime.  
• Review our information on Driving and Transportation Safety Abroad.  
• Consider requesting that hotel or restaurant management call a taxi or car service for you. 

Aviation safety oversight 

• The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed Malawi’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with international standards for aviation safety oversight. FAA's website includes more information on its assessment program. 
•  Aviation concerns in Malawi have intensified following 2 plane crashes in 2024. Because of these crashes, authorities are under pressure to update aviation infrastructure, adopt stricter safety rules, and improve weather monitoring systems to prevent future accidents.  

Maritime travel 

Mariners and passengers planning travel to Malawi should check the following:   

• U.S. Maritime Advisories  
• U.S. Maritime Alerts  
• Maritime Safety Office Navigational Warnings  
• U.S. Coast Guard Maritime Commons  

Weather and natural disasters 

Weather conditions

Malawi experiences a subtropical climate with 2 main seasons. From May to October, there is cool and dry weather. From November to April, it is hot and wet.  

Rainfall changes depending on altitude. Mountains get higher amounts of rain than rift valley floors.  

Malawi can experience the following natural disasters:  

• Floods 
• Droughts 
• Dry spells 
• Tropical cyclones 
• Landslides 
• Earthquakes