Malawi

Petty crime

Petty crime is common, including on public transport and around public transport terminals.

Common crimes include:

• pickpocketing
• bag-snatching
• robbery

Violent crime

Burglaries are common in residential areas. Criminals often carry weapons and may become violent. Lock your accommodation, even when you're in it.

If you're a victim of violent crime, especially sexual assault, seek immediate medical help. The risk of HIV infection is high.

Attacks on women wearing pants, leggings and short skirts have occurred in Blantyre, Mzuzu and Zomba. Female travellers in these areas may want to avoid wearing close-fitting clothing and should remain aware of their surroundings. 

Throughout the country, women travelling alone may be subjected to harassment and verbal abuse.

Road-based crime

Carjacking is a hazard. Take care if you're driving:

• in urban areas, especially if you're in a 4WD vehicle
• along the Tete corridor of Mozambique (between Malawi and Zimbabwe)
• on Kenyatta Drive in Lilongwe

To protect yourself against road-based crime:

• always keep your windows up and doors locked
• keep your valuables out of sight
• never offer a lift to strangers

Don't resist if your vehicle is attacked.

Criminal hotspots

Criminals are active:

• at bus stations in Lilongwe and Blantyre
• along the main ports for the Ilala ferry
• on the walk between Lilongwe Old Town and the Capital City
• in quiet residential areas

Other crimes

Other crimes include: 

• theft from accommodation
• robbery by criminals pretending to be tour guides in major cities and at tourist destinations
• robbery or assault after travellers' food or drink was spiked

To protect yourself from crime:

• avoid walking at night, particularly in urban areas
• don't leave drink or food unattended
• never accept drinks, food, gum or cigarettes from strangers or people you've just met
• look out for suspicious behaviour, especially in Blantyre and Limbe

Crime in the Mulanje district

Malawi police have reported many incidents in the Mulanje district. Sometimes criminals target travellers.

Dangers in the Mulanje district include:

• unrest
• property damage
• intimidation
• violence

Risks increase after dark.

Before climbing Mount Mulanje, contact the Mountain Club of Malawi for safety advice.

Be alert to the potential risks around drink spiking and methanol poisoning through consuming alcoholic drinks. See our advice on partying safely while overseas.

Get urgent medical attention if you think you or someone else has been drugged.

Methanol can be used in unregulated alcohol production to lower costs. Methanol is highly toxic. As little as one shot can be fatal. Act quickly if you suspect you, or someone you're travelling with, has been poisoned. Urgent medical attention could save your life or save you from permanent disability. Report suspected cases of methanol poisoning to the police.

• be careful drinking cocktails and drinks made with spirits
• drink only at reputable licensed premises
• avoid home-made alcoholic drinks
• labels on bottles aren't always accurate.

More information:

• Partying safely while overseas 

Demonstrations can happen at any time. They often take place in market and city centre areas. 

Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent.

To protect yourself during periods of unrest:

• avoid all crowds and demonstrations
• monitor the media and avoid protest areas
• be alert to unrest, especially in markets
• follow the instructions of local authorities

If you come across a protest, leave the area when it's safe to do so.

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

More information:

• Terrorism

Transport and tour operators don't always follow safety and maintenance standards.

If you plan to do an adventure activity:

• check if your travel insurance policy covers it
• ask about and insist on minimum safety requirements
• always use available safety gear, such as life jackets or seatbelts

If proper safety equipment isn't available, use another provider.

Mount Mulanje

Paths on Mount Mulanje aren't marked. Use a registered local guide.

Before climbing Mount Mulanje, contact the Mountain Club of Malawi for safety advice.

Wildlife safety

Respect wildlife laws. Maintain a safe and legal distance when watching wildlife, including marine animals and birds.

Use well-known and professional guides or tour operators.

Follow park rules and the advice of wardens.

Malawi experiences natural disasters and severe weather.

Earthquakes

Malawi experiences earthquakes.

Get to know what to do in an earthquake.

Severe weather

The rainy season is from November to April.

Flooding may occur. Roads can become impassable.

If you're travelling to areas affected by flooding:

• take extra care
• monitor weather updates
• follow the advice of local authorities

If a natural disaster occurs:

• keep your passport on you, but in a waterproof bag
• monitor local media and other sources
• follow the advice of local authorities
• keep in touch with your friends and family
• register with the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System to receive alerts on major disasters

Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave. 

Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.

Confirm:

• what activities and care your policy covers
• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition.

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need
• carry a record of your blood group

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

If you have immediate concerns for your welfare, or the welfare of another Australian, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.

More information:

• General health advice
• Healthy holiday tips (Healthdirect Australia)

Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Malawi. Take enough legal medication for your trip.

Carry a copy of your prescription and a dated letter from your doctor stating:

• what the medication is
• your required dosage
• that it's for personal use

More information:

• Medication

Insect-borne diseases

Malaria is common and occurs year-round.

Other common insect-borne diseases include:

• filariasis
• plague
• African sleeping sickness

To protect yourself from disease:

• check your accommodation is insect-proof
• use treated mosquito nets
• use insect repellent
• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing
• consider taking medicine to prevent malaria

Visit a doctor if you have a fever, muscle pain, a rash or a bad headache.

HIV/AIDS

The rate of HIV/AIDS infection is high.

Take steps to reduce your risk of exposure to the virus.

Cholera

Outbreaks of cholera are common during the rainy season, from November to April.

The 2023 cholera outbreak was the deadliest outbreak in the country’s history. 

Cholera is transmitted by consuming contaminated food or water. Practice safe food and water precautions. To protect yourself from illness:

• drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids
• avoid ice cubes
• avoid raw and undercooked food, such as salads
• practice good hygiene
• don't swim in fresh water
• avoid contact with dogs and other mammals

Other health risks

Other waterborne, foodborne and infectious diseases sometimes occur, including:

• schistosomiasis
• hepatitis
• tuberculosis
• rabies
• COVID-19

Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.

Practice safe food and water precautions and avoid contact with dogs and other mammals.

If you're bitten or scratched by an animal, get medical help straight away.

Get medical help if you have a fever or diarrhoea.

More information:

• Infectious diseases

Medical facilities

Public medical facilities are limited.

There are some private clinics in Lilongwe and Blantyre. They may not meet Australian standards.

If you become seriously ill or injured, you may need to be evacuated. Medical evacuation can be very expensive.

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Drugs

You face severe penalties for using or carrying illegal drugs, including cannabis. Penalties include long prison sentences in local jails.

More information:

• Carrying or using drugs

Proof of identity

You must always carry your passport or a copy of your passport with you.

You are legally required to:

• show your passport or immigration permit when a police officer or immigration official asks for it
• meet your visa conditions or other immigration rules

Other laws

In Malawi it's illegal to:

• buy or export uncut precious stones
• import ivory
• import pornography

It's illegal to photograph:

• government buildings
• airports
• churches
• synagogues
• bridges
• military installations

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

More information:

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

Malawi does not currently recognise dual nationality of adults. Children under the age of 21 can hold dual citizenship.

More information:

• Dual nationals

Some areas have modest standards of dress and behaviour. Take care not to offend.

Dress modestly. If you're a woman, wear loose clothing that covers your legs and shoulders.

Avoid public displays of affection.

LGBTQIA+ information

Consensual same-sex sexual activity is illegal in Malawi and carries harsh penalties. Society can be hostile to the LGBTQIA+ community. Avoid public attention.

More information:

• Advice for LGBTQIA+ travellers

Visas

From 7 February 2024, if you're an Australian citizen travelling on an Australian passport, you won't need a visa if visiting Malawi for tourism purposes for up to 90 days. On arrival, you may only be granted a 30-day permission to stay. However, when you're in Malawi you can then apply for a 60-day extension by visiting a Malawi Department of Immigration office.

Australians wanting to migrate, work or do business in Malawi will need to apply for the appropriate visa. For more information, visit the Malawian Department of Immigration website, or contact your nearest Malawian diplomatic mission.

Border measures

You can only cross land borders during daylight hours. Check border opening times before you cross to confirm that immigration and customs services will be available.

You must have a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate if you're arriving from an area or country with yellow fever.

Validity

Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

• In Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service.
• If you're overseas, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate.

Passport with 'X' gender identifier

Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can't guarantee that a passport showing 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers. 

More information:  

• LGBTQIA+ travellers 

The local currency is the Malawi Kwacha (MWK).

Declare any foreign currency when you arrive and depart. This covers all forms of currency, not only cash. When you leave, authorities will take any foreign currency you didn't declare on entry.

You're allowed to export foreign currency that you declare on entry. You're also allowed to export both:

• up to $US3000 with approval from a bank
• an approved amount of Kwacha, but authorities will take any amount over your limit when you leave

Ask Malawian authorities for advice if you want to export currency.

The $US is the most easily exchanged foreign currency. Some hotels and restaurants will accept payments in $US.

Credit cards and traveller's cheques aren't widely accepted in Malawi. Before you arrive, ask your host, hotel or tour operator about the best ways to pay.

ATMs are increasingly common but they often run out of cash. Some ATMs accept some Australian cards.

Ask your bank if your bank cards will work in Malawi.

Driving permit

To drive in Malawi, you need both:

• a valid Australian driver licence
• an International Driving Permit (IDP)

Get your IDP before leaving Australia.

If you'll be in Malawi for an extended period, you'll need to apply for a local driver's licence.

Road travel

Driving in Malawi is dangerous, particularly at night.

Hazards include:

• poor road conditions
• poorly maintained vehicles without lights
• unlicensed motorcycle riders
• poorly lit roads
• pedestrians, animals and abandoned vehicles on roads

Road accidents are a common cause of death.

Petrol and diesel shortages occur. You may experience long queues at petrol stations. Plan ahead. There are no roadside assistance organisations for stranded drivers.

Police regularly conduct breathalyser tests on drivers. Main roads have speed cameras.

Drivers caught speeding or over the 0.08% alcohol limit face immediate:

• licence confiscation
• vehicle confiscation
• fines and imprisonment

Police place roadblocks throughout the country. If stopped, you may need to show:

• a valid driver's licence
• a copy of your passport or residence permit

Before you drive:

• check that your travel insurance will cover you
• find out about local traffic laws and practices

To protect yourself while driving:

• stay alert to possible hazards
• be aware of animals and pedestrians straying onto roads
• avoid driving at night if possible

More information:

• Driving or riding

Motorcycles

Check if your insurance policy covers you for the vehicle you intend to ride. You might need extra cover for an accident on a motorbike, quad bike or similar vehicle.

Always wear a helmet.

Taxis

Use only registered taxis. Book them through your hotel.

Public transport

Malawi has limited and unreliable public transport, particularly in rural areas.

Air travel

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Check Malawi's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

More information:

• Air travel

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider
• employer
• airline

Fire and rescue services

Call 999.

Medical emergencies

Call 998 or go to a hospital.

Police

Call 997 or visit the nearest police station.

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Check the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

There is an Australian Consulate in Malawi. 

Australian Consulate, Lilongwe

Email: Australian.Consulate.Malawi@gmail.com or phone +265 (0) 999960120.

The Australian Embassy in Harare, Zimbabwe, provides consular and passport services to Australians in Malawi. Contact the embassy in Harare for dates of the next consular visit to Malawi. 

Australian Embassy, Harare

1 Green Close
Borrowdale
Harare, Zimbabwe
Phone: +263 24 853 235 55 
Fax: +263 24 2870 566
Website: zimbabwe.embassy.gov.au
Email: zimbabwe.embassy@dfat.gov.au
Facebook: Australian Embassy, Zimbabwe
X: @AusEmbZim

Check the Embassy website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures. 

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas

• 1300 555 135 in Australia