Risk level

Safety and security

Crime

Petty crime

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching occurs regularly.

Theft is frequent in:

• popular tourist areas including marketplaces and high-density residential areas
• main bus stations, especially in Lilongwe and Blantyre
• the ferry terminals for the Ilhla ferry
• restaurants, including patios located near streets
• hotels

During your stay in Malawi:

• ensure that your personal belongings, including your passport and your other travel documents are secure at all times
• avoid carrying large sums of cash or unnecessary valuables
• avoid walking at night, either alone or with a group
• pay attention to your surroundings, particularly in crowded and tourist areas

Violent crime

Violent crime occurs, especially in Lilongwe and Blantyre. Incidents include:

• carjacking
• residential burglary
• armed robbery
• assault

There are further reports of travellers being targeted in the Mulanje district and facing intimidation and violence.

During your trip:

• always be aware of your surroundings
• always keep your car windows up and doors locked
• be vigilant if approached by strangers befriending you, offering assistance or to become your tour guide
• if you're robbed, hand over cash, electronic devices and valuables without resistance

Road safety

Road safety is poor throughout the country. Fatal vehicle accident rates are high, partly due to the lack of emergency health care availability.  

Police rarely conduct road patrols. Hitchhiking and taking matola (informal lifts in the back of open vehicles) are considered dangerous.

Road conditions

Road conditions vary throughout the country. Highways are generally in good condition, but most roads don’t have road shoulders, leaving pedestrians, cyclists, and livestock to use roadways day and night.

Driving can also be dangerous due to:

• insufficient lighting
• potholes
• unpaved roads
• poorly maintained and abandoned vehicles

Driving habits

Drivers don’t always respect traffic laws and have poor driving skills.

Drinking and driving and cell phone use while driving are common.

Roadside assistance is very limited.

If you choose to drive in Malawi:

• always drive defensively
• avoid driving at night
• plan your trip in advance, especially if you are visiting a rural area
• don't pick up hitchhikers
• ask about insurance coverage options for roadside assistance when you rent a vehicle

Roadblocks

Roadblocks are common throughout the country.

You may be asked for identification.

• Make sure your ID documents are up to date
• Do not go through a checkpoint without stopping, even if it appears unattended
• If stopped, follow the instructions of police officers

Demonstrations

Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

• Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
• Follow the instructions of local authorities
• Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Fuel shortages

Fuel shortages occur frequently. This could lead to line-ups and gas stations and a reduction of essential services.

• Plan accordingly
• Keep a supply of fuel on hand

Tourist infrastructure

Tourist infrastructure is limited outside of major centres.

If you’re planning to travel to remote areas:

• plan your trip accordingly
• keep a supply of water, food and fuel on hand
• make sure you always have a complete emergency kit on hand
• bring a cell phone, charger and local emergency numbers
• use a reputable tour operator

Adventure tourism

Outdoor activities, such as kayaking, scuba diving, snorkelling, hiking, mountain biking, etc. and other adventure activities can be dangerous if unprepared. Trails are not always marked, and weather conditions can change rapidly, even during summer.

Tour operators may not always adhere to international safety standards.

If you intend to practice adventure tourism:

• never do so alone, and do not part with your tour companions 
• contact the Mountain Club of Malawi for security advice before climbing Mount Mulanje
• obtain detailed information on your activity and on the environment in which you will be setting out 
• buy travel insurance that includes helicopter rescue and medical evacuation  
• ensure that your physical condition is good enough to tackle the challenges of your activity 
• ensure that you’re adequately equipped and bring sufficient water  

Wildlife viewing

Wildlife viewing poses risks, particularly on foot or at close range.

• Only use reputable and professional guides or tour operators
• Always maintain a safe distance when observing wildlife
• Only exit a vehicle when a professional guide or warden says it’s safe to do so
• Closely follow park regulations and warden’s advice

Spiked food and drinks

Never leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers. Be wary of accepting snacks, beverages, gum or cigarettes from new acquaintances. These items may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery.

Women’s Safety

Women travelling alone may be subject to some forms of harassment and verbal abuse.

Advice for women travellers

Public transportation

Long-distance buses between big cities are generally safe but some operate with standing passengers. Public transport is limited in rural areas. Travel by minibus is not recommended, as the vehicles are overcrowded and poorly maintained.

Some ferries operating on Lake Malawi have poor safety measures. Don’t board a ferry that appears overloaded or unseaworthy.

Air travel

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Entry and exit requirements

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the Malawian authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada.

Passport

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid at least six months beyond the date you expect to leave Malawi and have a least 2 blank pages.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

Visas

Tourist visa: not required for stays up to 30 days
Business visa: not required for stays up to 30 days
Student visa: required

If you wish to extend your stay in Malawi, contact the Department of Immigration and Citizenship of Malawi. You may be fined upon departure if you overstay the 30-day period without proper authorization.

Specific documents are required for Canadians volunteering in Malawi.

Visa information - Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services, Republic of Malawi

Children and travel

Learn more about travelling with children.

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Health

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your routine vaccinations, as per your province or territory, are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. 

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

• Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
• Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
• Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs. 

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

• Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
• Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
• Minimize exposure to insects
• Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette, which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

•  washing your hands often
• avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
• avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), HIV, and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.  

Medical services and facilities

Medical facilities are available in rural and major urban centers. However, most lack supplies, medical equipment, and specialised personnel.

Medical evacuation may be required for serious conditions.

Cash payment is expected and may be required before any service is provided.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Health and safety outside Canada

Medication

Some prescription medications may not be available in Malawi.

If you take prescription medications, you’re responsible for determining their legality in the country.

• Bring sufficient quantities of your medication with you
• Always keep your medication in the original container
• Pack them in your carry-on luggage
• Carry a copy of your prescriptions

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a travel health kit, especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

Laws and culture

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad.

Drugs

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect heavy fines and a lengthy jail sentence.

Drugs, alcohol and travel

Photography

Photography of sensitive installations is prohibited. This includes:

• military sites
• government buildings
• airports
• bridges
• places of worship

Seek permission before taking photos of individuals.

Imports and exports

It's illegal to import and export:

• drugs
• pornographic material
• ivory

You must have a licence to import firearms and munitions for hunting.

It’s illegal to purchase or export uncut precious stones.

2SLGBTQI+ persons

Malawian law prohibits sexual acts between individuals of the same sex.

This law is currently suspended.

However, 2SLGBTQI+ persons could be discriminated against based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or sex characteristics.

2SLGBTQI+ persons should carefully consider the risks of travelling to Malawi.

Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is not legally recognized in Malawi.

If local authorities consider you a citizen of Malawi, they may refuse to grant you access to Canadian consular services. This will prevent us from providing you with those services.

Dual citizens

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. It does not apply between Canada and Malawi.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Malawi by an abducting parent:

• act as quickly as you can
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in Malawi to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country's judicial affairs.

Useful links

• International Child Abductions: A guide for affected parents
• Children and travel
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Request emergency assistance

Identification

Local authorities may request to see your passport and visa at any time.

• Always carry a photocopy of your passport including your visa
• Keep a photocopy of your passport in a safe place in case it’s lost or seized
• Keep a digital copy of your ID and travel documents

Dress and behaviour

Malawi is generally a conservative society.

To avoid offending local sensitivities:

• dress conservatively
• behave discreetly and avoid public displays of affection
• respect religious and social traditions

Money

The local currency is the Malawi kwacha (MWK). The economy is predominately cash based.

US dollars are widely accepted.

You must declare all foreign currencies upon arrival and departure in Malawi.  Local authorities may detain you or confiscate your passport if you do not comply.

Ensure you carry enough currency, as credit and debit cards are not widely accepted outside tourist establishments.

Natural disasters and climate

Earthquakes

Malawi is located in a seismic zone. Although infrequent, earthquakes do occasionally occur and may cause landslides. Strong aftershocks are possible up to one week after the initial quake.

Rainy season

The rainy season extends from November to April.

Seasonal flooding can hamper overland travel and reduce the provision of essential services. Secondary roads may become impassable due to mudslides and landslides. Bridges, buildings, and infrastructure may be damaged.

• Monitor local media for the latest updates, including on road conditions
• Stay away from flooded areas
• Monitor weather reports
• Follow the instructions of local authorities, including evacuation orders