Travel Facts
US State Dept Travel Advisory
The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise increased caution in Malawi due to crime and civil unrest. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws, and special circumstances in this country.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements
US citizens should make sure their passport will not expire for at least 6 months after they enter the country even if they do not intend to stay that long. They should also make sure they have at least 1 blank page in their passport for each entry stamp/visa that will be required. A visa is required. US citizens will need to get in touch with the country’s embassy or nearest consulate to obtain a visa prior to visiting the country.
US Embassy/Consulate
(+265) (0) 177 3166 ; US Embassy in Lilongwe, 16 Jomo Kenyatta Road, Lilongwe 3, Malawi; https://mw.usembassy.gov/
LGBTQIA+ Travelers
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) travelers can face unique challenges when traveling abroad. Laws and attitudes in some countries may affect safety and ease of travel. Legal protections vary from country to country. Many countries do not legally recognize same-sex marriage. Approximately seventy countries consider consensual same-sex sexual relations a crime, sometimes carrying severe punishment.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/travelers-with-special-considerations/lgbtqi.html
Telephone Code
265
Local Emergency Phone
Ambulance: 998; Fire: 999; Police: 997
Vaccinations
The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Malawi: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, cholera, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia, COVID-19, and influenza.
http://www.who.int/
Climate
Sub-tropical; rainy season (November to May); dry season (May to November)
Currency (Code)
Malawian kwachas (MWK)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
230 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): G
Major Languages
English, Chichewa (common), Chinyanja, Chiyao, Chitumbuka, Chilomwe, Chinkhonde, Chingoni, Chisena, Chitonga, Chinyakyusa, Chilambya
Major Religions
Protestant 33.5%, Roman Catholic 17.2%, other Christian 26.6%, Muslim 13.8%, traditionalist 1.1%
Time Difference
UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Potable Water
Opt for bottled water
International Driving Permit
Suggested
Road Driving Side
Left
Tourist Destinations
Lake Malawi; Mulanje Mountain Forest Reserve; Likoma Island; Liwonde National Park; Zomba Plateau; Chongoni Rock-Art
Major Sports
Soccer, rugby, track and field, basketball, tennis
Cultural Practices
Making a circle with the thumb and index finger can be taken as an insult.
Tipping Guidelines
Tipping is completely voluntary and dependent on the quality of the service you receive. Group guides and general hotel staff should receive $5-10 (USD) per day.
Souvenirs
Carved wooden masks, statues, and toys; tribal jewelry; hand-woven baskets and twig rugs; Batik wall hangings, clothing, and bags; wood/cane/raffia furniture and decorative items; soapstone carvings; ceramics/pottery
Traditional Cuisine
Chambo (fish) with nshima/nsima (a thick porridge made from cassava, corn, or other starchy flour)
Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.
World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.
US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.
To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs:
American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)
How to get help in an emergency?
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers:
from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444
Page last updated: Wednesday, October 11, 2023
