Malawi
Summary
Before you travel, check the ‘Entry requirements’ section for Malawi’s current entry restrictions and requirements. These may change with little warning. Monitor this advice for the latest updates and stay in contact with your travel provider.
If you plan to pass through another country to return to the UK, check the travel advice for the country you’re transiting.
It is more important than ever to get travel insurance and check it provides sufficient cover. See the FCDO’s guidance on foreign travel insurance.
Most visits to Malawi are trouble-free, but you should take sensible precautions to protect yourself from muggers and bag-snatchers. Most thefts from visitors take place around the main bus stations in Lilongwe and Blantyre. See Crime
You will need a visa to enter Malawi as a visitor. See Visas
Since March 2020 there have been reports of possible incidents of unrest and violence in rural areas of Mulanje, linked to rumours of bloodsuckers. This is further to similar incidents of violence and unrest reported in 2017 and 2018. See Local travel
TerroristTerrorists attacksare inlikely Malawito can’ttry beto ruledcarry out attacks in Malawi. See Terrorism
The rainy season runs from November to April and can make roads harder to pass, and make some areas impassable. Flooding is also a possibility. See Natural disasters
If you’re abroad and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the nearest British embassy, consulate or high commission.
Update history
2024-12-14 17:57
Addition of information about cyclone Chido and potential floods (Safety and Security page)
2024-07-31 12:36
New information on criminal kidnap (‘Safety and security’ page).
2024-06-26 11:08
Removal of information about memorial events between 15 and 17 June (‘Safety and security’ page).
2024-06-14 12:51
Updated information on political situation (‘Safety and security’ page).
2024-02-12 16:09
Information on no longer needing a visa if you are travelling to Malawi for a visit of 30 days or less on a British passport (‘Entry requirements’ page).
2023-11-21 10:53
This travel advice has been rewritten to make it easier to read and understand.
2023-10-04 17:01
Information about frequent fuel shortages in Malawi (‘Summary’ and ‘Safety and security’ pages).
2023-06-22 11:37
Information about the global terrorism risks to British nationals abroad on all FCDO travel advice pages.
2023-06-08 11:29
Information on the lifting of the mandatory exit/entry requirement of a COVID-19 vaccination certificate and/or PCR test (‘Summary’, Coronavirus and ‘Entry requirements’ pages).
2023-03-10 16:46
New information: Tropical Cyclone Freddy and updated information on PCR tests if not fully vaccinated (‘Summary’ and ‘Entry requirements’ pages).
2023-01-23 09:26
Updated information on threat level in Malawi (See ‘Summary’ and ‘Terrorism’ pages).
2023-01-10 11:19
Updated information and advice on health risks, including cholera (‘Health’ page).
2022-11-09 13:44
Updated information and advice on health risks, including cholera (‘Health’ page).
2022-08-26 09:42
Updated information and advice on health risks, including cholera (‘Health’ page).
2022-06-15 16:23
Removing need for a negative PCR test on arrival if fully vaccinated (‘Coronavirus’ and ‘Entry requirements’ page).
2022-05-19 10:20
Removing need for a negative PCR test on departure (‘Coronavirus’ and ‘Entry requirements’ page).
2022-03-30 16:55
Updated information on the threat from terrorism (‘Summary’ and ‘Terrorism’).
2022-03-22 11:56
Addition of information on the requirement for travellers to show proof of full COVID-19 vaccination status for entry to Malawi. Updated information on visa processes (‘Entry requirements’ page)
2022-03-10 13:29
Updated advice and links on Malawi’s rainy season (‘Natural disasters’ page)