U.S. Embassy Lilongwe

Area 40, City Center 
16 Jomo Kenyatta Road

Lilongwe 3, Malawi 
Mailing Address: PO Box 30016 
Lilongwe 3, Malawi

Local Mailing Address: 
PO Box 30016, Lilongwe 3, Malawi 
Telephone: +(265) (0)88 477 1366
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(265) (0)88-296-0178
Fax: +(265) 1-774-471 (Dial "0" before the "1" within Malawi) 
Email: LilongweConsular@state.gov

See the Department of State’s Fact Sheet on Malawi for information on U.S.-Malawi relations.

Visas are not required for U.S. citizens, including all diplomats and government offices, visiting Malawi for less than 30 days.   

Travelers seeking to live, work, or study in Malawi should visit the Malawi immigration website for more information.  Visitors seeking to extend their visas can go to a local immigration office and pay for a longer-validity visa.  Be aware that the visa overstay fine is $25 a day and must be paid before exiting the country. .

Immunizations: The government of Malawi requires proof of yellow fever vaccination upon arrival if traveling from a yellow fever country.  Please review the Centers for Disease Control website for a list of vaccines and medicines for Malawi.

You must declare all foreign currency when entering Malawi, no matter the amount.   You must also exchange foreign currency at a bank or approved foreign exchange bureaus.  Any currency declared at entry may be expatriated without further authorization.  With bank approval, you may export up to $5,000 per trip.  Otherwise, you are not permitted to export currency and it will be confiscated at the point of departure.  U.S. citizens in Malawi have been arrested and detained for months for unlawful possession of foreign currency and failure to declare foreign currency.

For travelers transiting South Africa on their way to Malawi, the South African government requires proof of yellow fever vaccination at least 10 days prior to arrival in South Africa if arriving from or transiting through a yellow fever country; those without proof may be turned around at the South African port of entry. Travelers transiting South Africa with minor children should carry the child’s birth certificate and/or legal custody documents.  If a minor child is transiting with only one parent, South African authorities may ask for notarized authorization for the child’s travel from the non-traveling parent.  For complete entry/exit requirements for South Africa, please see our Country Specific Information for South Africa.

The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors or foreign residents of Malawi.

Find information on dual nationality, prevention of international child abduction, and customs regulations on our websites.

See the Department of State Travel Advisory and Alerts for Malawi. 

For emergency services in Malawi, dial 998. Please note this number is not reliable and travelers should maintain back-up numbers, such as police and ambulance services, for the areas they visit. 

Crime: Crime is common in Malawi. Most crimes against U.S. citizens involve property. Residential break-ins are frequent; perpetrators are usually well armed and may become violent with little provocation. Petty street crime (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 Zomba.

Carjackings occur, especially in Lilongwe and Blantyre. Carjackers often block the rear of a victim’s vehicle while it waits to pass through a security gate into a residence. Then, the assailants threaten the driver and take the car. Victims are often assaulted. Drivers are advised to lock their car doors, close their windows, and remain vigilant when entering or exiting a residence. When traveling, ensure your windows are up and doors are locked.

You should avoid traveling on foot at night, especially in urban areas, as armed muggings and assaults have occurred. Non-Malawians have been targeted in Lilongwe, and several U.S. citizens have been injured. City streets should be considered unsafe after dark even when walking in a large group. Pedestrians should also be cautious during daylight hours. Visitors in need of transportation should request that hotel or restaurant management call a taxi or car service.

The capacity and availability of public security forces is limited, we recommend you use caution when visiting and/or especially when staying in less populated areas such as the Mount Mulanje region. You should take appropriate action to ensure your safety if traveling to remote areas, and never travel alone or at night. Ensure you are communicating with a friend or family member as to your whereabouts while traveling in Malawi, as cell phone reception is limited in many areas.

Demonstrations frequently occur. They may take place in response to political or economic issues, on politically significant holidays or election dates, or during international events.

• Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly become violent. Be aware of tear gas and other riot control measures.
• Avoid areas around protests and demonstrations. 
• Check local media for updates and traffic advisories. Both spontaneous and planned civil disturbances and demonstrations, primarily related to governance and economic issues, can occur. U.S. citizens should avoid crowds, political rallies, and street demonstrations, and maintain security awareness at all times. 

GPS Navigation Apps are helpful in getting U.S. citizens around in a foreign country. Prior to using the GPS app make sure you research the route to make sure it is safe. GPS navigation app may give you the shortest route without safety consideration.

Be cautious of using dating apps/online dating websites abroad as U.S. citizens can be targeted by scammers. Make sure to inform your friends and family of your whereabouts, meet at a well-known public location, and do not consume suspicious food or drinks. Avoid traveling alone to bars or nightclubs.

Victims of Crime: You may report crimes to the local police at 199 or 997 and/or contact the U.S. Embassy at +265 (0)88 477 3166.

Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime.

We can: 

• Help you find appropriate medical care  
• Assist you in reporting a crime to the police
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent
• Provide general information regarding the victim’s role during the local investigation and following its conclusion
• Provide a list of local attorneys. We do not endorse or recommend any specific attorneys. 
• Provide our information on victim’s compensation programs in the United States
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution
• Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home
• Replace a stolen or lost passport

Domestic Violence: U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the Embassy for assistance.

Tourism: The tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections for equipment and facilities do not commonly occur. Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified either by the host government or by recognized authorities in the field. In the event of an injury, medical treatment is typically available only in/near major cities. First responders are generally unable to access areas outside of major cities to provide urgent medical treatment. U.S. citizens are strongly encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. 

See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage.

Visa Infractions: U.S. citizens entering Malawi with tourist visas or visitor’s permits have been arrested, fined, and deported if found engaging in activities inconsistent with their tourist status, e.g., business or volunteer services.

Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities, prior to practicing or operating a business.

Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website.

Arrest Notification: If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. If you are able to contact a relative or friend, you should also ask them to contact the U.S. Embassy on your behalf.

See our webpage for further information.

Special Circumstances: Wild animals pose a threat to life and safety even in the most serene settings. Please observe local or park regulations and heed all instructions given by tour guides.  

Credit cards are not commonly accepted outside of major cities. There are a limited number of ATMs in Malawi that accept Visa, MasterCard, and international ATM cards.

Dress codes prohibiting short skirts on women and long hair on men no longer exist. However, travelers should be aware that Malawi is a conservative society so be mindful of your dress, especially when visiting remote or rural areas. 

Counterfeit and Pirated Goods: Counterfeit and pirated goods are prevalent in many countries and they may be illegal according to the local laws. Counterfeit and pirated goods may pose significant risks to consumer health and safety. You may be subject to fines and/or have to give up counterfeit and pirated goods if you bring them back to the United States.

See the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website and U.S. Department of Justice website for more information.

Faith-Based Travelers: See our following webpages for details:

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report – see country reports
• Human Rights Report – see country reports

International Volunteers:

• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

LGB Travelers: LGB persons are denied, by law and practice, basic civil, political, social, and economic rights in Malawi. Consensual 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 between males.” Same-sex sexual activity may also be prosecuted as “conduct likely to cause a breach of the peace.”  As of July 2014, the government has implemented a moratorium on the enforcement of laws criminalizing consensual same-sex sexual activity, though the general public largely remains hostile to LGB persons.

See our LGB Travel Information page and section 6 of our Human Rights report for further details.

Travelers With Disabilities: The law in Malawi prohibits discrimination against persons with physical, sensory, intellectual or mental disabilities, but the law is not enforced consistently. Expect accessibility to be limited in public transportation, lodging, communication/information, and general infrastructure. Some modern buildings may have wheelchair accessible entrances. Generally, public transportation is not accessible for travelers with disabilities. The Disability Act of 2013 prohibits discrimination in education, health care, social services, the workplace, housing, political life, and cultural and sporting activities for persons with disabilities. However, the government has yet to adopt standards and plans for its enforcement and implementation.

Students: See our Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips.

Women Travelers: The penal code criminalizes rape of women and girls with a maximum penalty of death for conviction. The 2015 Marriage, Divorce, and Family Relations Act explicitly introduced the concept of spousal rape, but the act does not prescribe specific penalties for conviction and 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, and convicted rapists routinely receive prison sentences. Data on the prevalance of rape or spousal rape, prosecutions, and convictions is unavailable; however, press reporting or rape and defilement arrests and convictions are an almost daily occurence. Although the maximum penalty for conviction of rape is death or life imprisonment, the courts generally impose lesser prison sentences.

Although sexual harassment was believed to be widespread, there is no data on its prevalence or on the effectiveness of government enforcement of the law. The law makes conviction of sexual harassment punishable by up to five years’ imprisonment and places an obligation on government to have policies and procedures aimed at eliminating sexual harassment. Conviction of “insulting the modesty” of a woman is a misdemeanor punishable by one year’s incarceration. Conviction in extreme cases, such as indecent assault on a woman or girl is punishable by sentences of up to 14 years’ imprisonment.

See our travel tips for Women Travelers

For emergency services in Malawi, dial 998. Please note this number is not reliable and travelers should maintain back-up numbers, such as police and ambulance services, for the areas they visit. 

Ambulance services are not widely available. The training and availability of emergency responders are generally below U.S. standards. More information can be found here. 

Medical facilities are rudimentary. While all health workers have some degree of English proficiency, communication can be difficult. Diarrhea and other food borne illnesses are a common problem. You should avoid tap water, ice cubes, and raw fruits and vegetables. Bottled water is recommended for drinking and food preparation. Consume only food that is well-cooked and served hot.

Many medications are not available. You should bring adequate quantities of medications to last the duration of your stay. Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging with your doctor’s prescription. We encourage you to check with your primary healthcare provider or local travel clinic regarding malaria prophylaxis medications. 

For major medical problems, you should consider obtaining medical treatment in South Africa, where advanced medical care is available. 

We highly recommend that all travelers review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Travelers’ Health webpage and general Traveler Advice for Malawi.

• Select your destination in the Travelers’ Health webpage.
  • Review all sub-sections including the Travel Health Notices, Vaccines and Medicines, Non-Vaccine-Preventable Diseases, Stay Healthy and Safe, Healthy Travel Packing List, and After Your Trip.
• Review the Traveler Advice webpage that provide advice on medical considerations including:
  • Reasons for Travel (for example:  Adventure Travel, Spring Break Travel, etc.)
  • Travelers with Special Considerations (for example:  Allergies, Long-Term Travelers and Expatriates, etc.)
  • and General Tips (for example:  Traveling with Medications, Travel Vaccines, etc.)

The Department of State, U.S. embassies, and U.S. consulates do not pay medical bills. Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance.

Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage. Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas.

The Department of State strongly recommends supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. The following diseases are prevalent: 

• Malaria
• Schistosomiasis
• Tuberculosis
• Cholera
• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• HIV
• Measles
• Rabies
• Typhoid
• Yellow Fever
• Leptospirosis
• African Sleeping Sickness
• African Tick Bite Fever
• Chikungunya
• Dengue
• Leishmaniasis
• Hantavirus

Travelers should use the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended mosquito repellents and sleep under insecticide-impregnated mosquito nets. Chemoprophylaxis is recommended for all travelers even for short stays.

HIV infection is endemic in the Malawian population. Travelers are advised to take appropriate precautions to limit the risk of transmission through blood or sexual contact.

Vaccinations: Be up-to-date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Air Quality: Visit AirNow Department of State for information on air quality at U.S. Embassies and Consulates.

The U.S. Embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals, available at https://mw.usembassy.gov/medical-assistance/. We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.

Health facilities in general:

• Public medical clinics lack basic resources and supplies.
• Hospitals and doctors require advance payment prior to service or admission. Credit card payment is not always available. Most hospitals and medical professionals require cash payment. 
• Private hospitals require advance payment before admitting a patient.
• Psychological and psychiatric services are limited, even in the larger cities, with hospital-based care only available through government institutions.

Pharmaceuticals 

• Exercise caution when purchasing medication overseas. Pharmaceuticals, both over the counter and requiring prescription in the United States, are often readily available for purchase with little controls. Counterfeit medication is common and may prove to be ineffective, the wrong strength, or contain dangerous ingredients. Medication should be purchased in consultation with a medical professional and from reputable establishments.
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug Administration are responsible for rules governing the transport of medication back to the United States. Medication purchased abroad must meet their requirements to be legally brought back into the United States. Medication should be for personal use and must be approved for usage in the United States. Please visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug Administration websites for more information.

Non-Traditional Medicine 

• U.S. citizens have suffered serious complications while seeking medical care from non-traditional healers and practitioners in Malawi. Ensure you have access to licensed emergency medical facilities in such cases. 

 Water Quality 

• Tap water is not potable. Bottled water and beverages are generally safe, although you should be aware that many restaurants and hotels serve tap water unless bottled water is specifically requested. Be aware that ice for drinks may be from tap water. 

 Adventure Travel

• Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about Adventure Travel.

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. You should 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. We do not recommend travel by foot along roadways.

See our Road Safety page for more information.

Traffic Laws: Police roadblocks are common but properly documented drivers usually pass quickly and without incident. Malawian police operate radar-based speed traps throughout the country, and 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.

Public Transportation: Visitors in need of transportation should request that hotel or restaurant management call a taxi or car service.

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. These vehicles are frequently overburdened, and the drivers are inexperienced and untrained. In the cities, public transport includes bicycle taxis or small, motorized tricycles; each is unsafe. Modern coach buses are increasingly common on the main cross-country routes.

See our Road Safety page for more information.

Aviation Safety Oversight: Aviation concerns in Malawi have intensified following two plane crashes in 2024. In response to these incidents, authorities have faced growing pressure to modernize aviation infrastructure, adopt stricter safety regulations, and improve weather monitoring systems to prevent future accidents. As there is no direct commercial air service to the United States by carriers registered in Malawi, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed the government of Malawi’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards.

Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page.