Malawi

Use Normal Level of Caution

Use High Level of Caution when visiting the following Regions: Phalombe, Thyolo, Nsanje, Blantyre, Chiradzulu, Mulanje, and Zomba

The Republic of Malawi is located in southern Africa, east of Zambia and northwest of Mozambique. The population is about 17 million people. The government is a multi-party democracy with a president as chief of state and head of government.

Malawi was made a British protectorate in 1891, known as Nyasaland and became the independent nation of Malawi in 1964. Malawi is one of the world’s least developed countries, and the economy depends on foreign aid. From time to time, aid has been frozen due to concerns about corruption or human rights issues. The country faces problems of population growth, corruption, and HIV/AIDs.

Travellers can enjoy two UNESCO World Heritage sites, Lake Malawi National Park and Chongoni Rock Art Area, as well as very friendly people, beautiful vistas, and wildlife at wildlife reserves and national parks.

Currency	MWK: Malawi Kwacha
Language	English; Chichewa commonly spoken
Capital	Lilongwe
Recent Alerts	None
Latest Alert	Not Available

Diseases To Be Aware Of

The diseases listed below are those which occur most often in Malawi. Other, less frequently encountered diseases might be displayed within the Travel Alerts section if they have occurred recently.

Hepatitis A There is a significant risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in Malawi through contaminated food or water.
Hepatitis B There is a significant risk for acquiring hepatitis B in Malawi.
Typhoid Fever Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in Malawi, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where food and water sources may be contaminated.
Yellow Fever There is no risk of yellow fever transmission in this country. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers over 1 year of age arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission and for travellers having transited more than 12 hours through an airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Rabies Rabies occurs in Malawi. Travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk.
Sleeping Sickness (Type 1) There is an increased risk for travellers spending a lot of time outdoors or visiting game parks. Travellers to urban areas are not at risk.
Cholera Cholera outbreaks occur in Malawi. The risk to travellers is low unless living or working in poor sanitary conditions, drinking untreated water or eating poorly cooked or raw seafood in this country.
Chikungunya Fever Chikungunya fever has occurred in this country.
Dengue Fever Outbreaks of dengue fever may occur.
Schistosomiasis This disease is present in Malawi and is acquired through contact with freshwaters, such as swimming, bathing, or rafting. Well-chlorinated swimming pools and contact with saltwater in oceans or seas will not put travellers at risk for schistosomiasis.
Tuberculosis Tuberculosis occurs in Malawi. Travellers to Malawi are at risk for tuberculosis if visiting sick friends or family, working in the health care field, or having close prolonged contact with the general population.
Malaria All areas of Malawi are at risk for malaria.
African Tick Bite Fever This disease may occur in this country.

Vaccinations to Consider

The following is a list of recommended vaccinations for travelling to Malawi.

Hepatitis A Vaccine There is a significant risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.
Hepatitis B Vaccine There is a significant risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.
Typhoid Fever Vaccine There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through the consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities or rural areas, where food and water sources may be contaminated.
Yellow Fever Vaccine The yellow fever vaccination is not recommended. However, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers over 1 year of age arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission and for travellers having transited more than 12 hours through an airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Rabies Vaccine Pre-travel vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) since they may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Persons with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk and should be vaccinated.
Cholera Vaccine The U.K. NaTHNaC recommends the oral cholera vaccine for some travellers whose activities or medical history put them at increased risk, travelling to areas of active cholera transmission. These risk factors include: aid workers; those going to areas of cholera outbreaks who have limited access to potable water and medical care; travellers for whom the vaccination would be considered potentially beneficial, such as chronic medical conditions. The U.S. CDC recommends the cholera vaccine for travellers who are 18-64 years of age and who plan to travel to areas of active cholera transmission. CDC notes that most travellers do not travel to areas of active cholera transmission, and that safe food and water practices can prevent many cholera infections.

Medications to Consider

The following is a list of recommended medications for travelling to Malawi.

Anti-malarial Drugs Recommended anti-malaria medications include atovaquone-proguanil, mefloquine or doxycycline. Resistance to chloroquine and sulfadoxime-pyrimethamine has been reported.

Safety and Security in Malawi

Emergency Numbers

199

997 or 990

998

999

Personal Safety

Most travel to Malawi is trouble-free. Petty crime is common, including pickpocketing and theft. Carjackings do occur. Keep doors locked and windows up. Do not carry valuables or large amounts of cash. Always keep valuables out of sight. Avoid walking in isolated areas, and avoid walking at night. Tourists have been targeted walking from the Old Town to the new Capital City. If mugged or robbed, do not resist as the assailants are usually armed.

Be very cautious of anyone asking for a ride, claiming to be a tour guide, or offering food or drink. There are reports of people being robbed after their food or drink is drugged.

There is a high road fatality rate in Malawi. Road conditions can be poor, and vehicles can be in disrepair. Avoid travelling at night as roads and vehicles may not have lights. Note that fuel shortages are common in Malawi. Police roadblocks are also common in Malawi. Always have your passport and visa to present to the police if stopped. Do not use public transportation in Malawi as it is unreliable and very limited.

If choosing to participate in outdoor adventure activities, always do so with a group or reputable guide. Note that the trails on Mount Mulanje are not marked. Consider purchasing travel and medical insurance before departing, and ensure your insurance policy covers these types of activities and emergency medical evacuation.

There are stiff penalties for drinking and driving and speeding.

There are heavy penalties for drug possession, sale, or use.

Do not take photos of military and government installations, airports, bridges and religious buildings.

Same-sex relations are illegal in Malawi, and society is generally intolerant towards LGBTI people.

All travellers should dress and behave conservatively. Avoid public displays of affection.

Earthquakes occur in Malawi. The rainy season is between November-April. Flooding, landslides, major damage to infrastructure and disruption to travel plans may result. Monitor weather reports closely. If a natural disaster occurs, follow advice of local authorities.

Areas To Avoid

Exercise a high level of caution in Mulanje and Blantyre due to unrest, crime, and violence.

Use a high level of caution around the bordering areas of Malawi as carjackings are frequent.

Use a high level of caution when visiting Thyolo, Nsanje, Phalombe, Chiradzulu, and Zomba due to civil unrest.

Political Unrest

Large demonstrations do occur in Malawi. Always avoid public gatherings and demonstrations.

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Updated: September 30, 2019