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Africa

Malawi Travel Advisory

Lilongwe

Exercise Caution
By TravelSafe Research TeamSource: U.S. State Department ↗
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CapitalLilongwe
LanguageEnglish
CurrencyMWK · Malawian kwacha
TimezoneUTC+02:00
Exercise CautionUpdated 2026-05-14
Risk Level2 / 4
L1L2L3L4

Exercise increased caution to Malawi due to crime and unrest. Crime Violent crime such as theft, burglary, armed robbery, and assault is common. The capabilities of the Malawi Police Service are growing, but its resources and ability to deter and investigate crimes are limited. They also struggle to assist victims and apprehend criminals. Unrest Demonstrations may occur more often because of political issues and events like elections. Tear gas is often used at these protests, and roads might be blocked.

General

General

Tap any number to call from a mobile device

General

Excuse me

ek-SKYOOZ mee

Excuse me

How much?

how MUCH

How much?

I want to buy

eye WANT too BUY

I want to buy

No

noh

No

Please

PLEEZ

Please

Where is?

WARE iz

Where is...?

Yes

yes

Yes

Greetings

Hello

HEL-oh

Hello

Thank you

THANK yoo

Thank you

Emergency

Help!

help

Help!

Is it safe to travel to Malawi right now?
The U.S. Department of State rates Malawi at Level 2 (Exercise Caution) as of the current advisory. Exercise increased caution to Malawi due to crime and unrest. Crime Violent crime such as theft, burglary, armed robbery, and assault is common.
Do U.S. citizens need a visa for Malawi?
Visa requirements depend on your passport and length of stay. Use TravelSafe's free Visa Checker (linked in the Visa Requirements section above) to see the latest entry rules, passport validity requirements, and any visa-on-arrival options.
What are the emergency numbers in Malawi?
Emergency services in Malawi: General 997. Tap any number in the Emergency section above to call directly from a mobile device.
Is Malawi safe for solo travelers?
With the current advisory at Level 2 (Exercise Caution), Malawi is generally manageable for prepared solo travelers. Standard precautions apply: share your itinerary, keep digital copies of your passport, and register with STEP (step.state.gov).

Always cross-check with official sources: travel.state.gov · cdc.gov

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Data Sources

U.S. State DepartmentWHO Health NoticesTimatic VisaEmbassies Worldwide
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