Malawi, a landlocked country in southeastern Africa, is famed for its stunning Lake Malawi, one of the African Great Lakes, teeming with colorful fish and sandy beaches. Home to iconic sites like Liwonde National Park, Mount Mulanje, and the Zomba Plateau, Malawi offers breathtaking natural landscapes and vibrant culture. The country’s geography features lush highlands, rolling plains, and the vast lake.

Malawian culture blends African traditions with British influences, evident in its music, dance like the Gule Wamkulu, and cuisine including nsima (maize porridge) and chambo (fish). Known for its friendly people and as a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, Malawi is a charming destination for nature and cultural exploration.

Documents

Driving

Currency

Legal

Safety

Flights

Travel Documents: What You Need to Know

Passport Requirements

Non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens: A valid passport is generally required for entry into Malawi.
Passport validity: Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned departure date from Malawi.

Visa Requirements

Visa-exempt countries: Citizens from several nations, including most Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries, the UK, US, and EU nations, can enter Malawi with a valid passport and stay for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without a visa.
Visa-required countries: Travelers from nations not on the visa-exempt list must possess a valid passport and obtain a visa prior to entering Malawi, either through an embassy, high commission, or the e-Visa system.

Special Entry Provisions

Holders of valid, multiple-entry Schengen visas (previously used in a Schengen state) can enter Malawi without an additional visa.
Citizens with valid, multiple-entry US or UK visas (previously used in the issuing country) can enter without a Malawian visa.
Holders of valid residence permits from Schengen states, the US, or the UK can enter without a visa.

ID Card Entry

The following citizens can enter Malawi using only a valid national ID card:
- Southern African Development Community (SADC) member states (e.g., Zambia, Zimbabwe, South Africa)

Visa Types

Type "C" Visa: Allows entry and stay for 90 days within 180 days. Can be single, double, or multiple entry, with validity up to 3 years.
Type "D" Visa: For stays longer than 90 days. Valid for one year with a 90-day stay period, allowing application for a residence permit.

Important Links

Official Malawi e-Visa application portal: https://www.evisa.gov.mw/
Visa regime information: https://www.immigration.gov.mw/visa-services
Malawi Immigration Services: https://www.immigration.gov.mw/

Additional Considerations

Length of stay: Visa-free stays are typically limited to 90 days within a 180-day period for eligible countries.
Purpose of visit: Different rules apply for work, study, or long-term stays; contact the nearest Malawian embassy or high commission.
COVID-19 measures: Always check for current health-related entry requirements (e.g., vaccination certificates or testing) via the Ministry of Health.

Driving in Malawi

Current Toll Roads

As of 2025, Malawi has no official toll roads. Major routes like the Lilongwe-Blantyre road (M1) are publicly funded, but tolls may be introduced on key routes in the future due to infrastructure needs.

Toll Rates and Payment

Toll rates: Not applicable yet; monitor updates from the Malawi Road Authority.
Payment Methods:
- Cash: Malawian Kwacha (MWK) would be accepted if tolls are introduced.
- Credit/Debit Cards: Unlikely to be accepted initially; cash is king.
- Electronic Toll Collection: No system currently exists.

Driving in Malawi

Drive on the left side of the road (due to historical ties with the British Commonwealth).
Seat belts are mandatory for all vehicle occupants.
Speed limits:
- Urban areas: 40 km/h
- Rural roads: 80 km/h
- Highways: 110 km/h
Road conditions: Poor outside major cities like Lilongwe and Blantyre; unpaved, damaged, and unlit roads are common, especially during the rainy season (November to April). Exercise caution, particularly in rural areas.
International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended alongside your national driver’s license for stays up to 3 months; longer stays require a Malawian driver’s license.

Important Considerations

Vignette System: Malawi has no vignette system, but road taxes or checkpoints may apply—check locally.
Road Safety: Remain vigilant due to aggressive drivers, livestock on roads, and poor conditions in rural areas. Avoid night driving outside urban areas.
GPS and Maps: GPS is unreliable in rural areas; keep an updated physical map and a reliable communication device.
Emergency Number: Dial 112 for emergencies (police, ambulance, and fire).

Useful Links

Malawi Road Authority: https://www.mra.mw/roads (Ministry of Transport and Public Works).
Ministry of Infrastructure: https://www.infrastructure.gov.mw/
E-Malawi Services Portal: https://www.malawi.gov.mw/

Malawi Currency

The official currency of Malawi is the Malawian Kwacha (MWK).

Key Information

Banknotes: 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000, 2000, 5000 MWK
Coins: 1, 5, 10, 20, 50 tambala; 1 MWK
Symbol: MK

Currency Exchange

Exchange services available at banks, Kamuzu International Airport (Lilongwe), and major hotels in Lilongwe and Blantyre.
ATMs are limited but available in major cities for direct MWK withdrawals (major UK, US, and Euro cards may be accepted).

Payment Methods

Cash is preferred, especially outside urban areas.
Credit/debit cards are rarely accepted, limited to major hotels and some businesses in Lilongwe, Blantyre, and tourist areas.

Travel Tips

Inform your bank of travel plans, though card use may be unreliable.
Carry sufficient cash for small purchases and rural areas.
Check for currency conversion fees when exchanging or using cards.
For current exchange rates, visit the Reserve Bank of Malawi website: https://www.rbm.mw/exchange-rates

Legal Essentials for Traveling in Malawi

Understanding local laws and regulations is crucial for a safe and compliant visit. Below are key legal considerations for travellers in Malawi, updated as of 2025.

Local Laws & Restrictions

Drugs: Strict penalties for possession or trafficking, including lengthy prison sentences. Even small quantities can lead to criminal charges.
Alcohol & Smoking:
- Public intoxication is frowned upon and may result in fines or detention.
- Smoking banned in indoor public spaces and on public transport.
Cultural Sensitivities: Avoid discussing sensitive political or ethnic issues, especially related to the government or regional tensions.
LGBTIQ+ Rights: Same-sex relationships are illegal, with penalties up to 14 years in prison. 2SLGBTQI+ travelers should carefully consider the risks of traveling to Malawi.
Photography: Restricted near government buildings, military sites, or sensitive installations. Always ask permission for portraits of locals.

Duty-Free Limits

Alcohol: 1L spirits | Tobacco: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars.
Cash: Declare amounts over $10,000 USD (or equivalent).

Prohibited Items

Narcotics, weapons, endangered species products.
Counterfeit goods (may face fines or confiscation).

Luggage Issues

Report lost/damaged luggage within 7 days at the airport via a Property Irregularity Report (PIR).

Complaints

Submit grievances to the Malawi Tourism Office or local police stations.

Beach Access

No specific legal mandate for public beach access, as Malawi is landlocked, but lakefront areas like those along Lake Malawi are generally open to the public where applicable.

Key Resources

Malawi Tourism Agency: https://www.malawitourism.com/tourist-rights (Tourist rights & complaints).

Malawi Travel Safety

Malawi is generally safe for travellers, with low crime rates and a reputation for hospitality. However, travellers should remain aware of health precautions, road safety, and emergency protocols. Below is a concise guide to staying safe and healthy in Malawi.

Safety Overview

Crime: Petty theft (e.g., pickpocketing) is rare but possible in crowded areas like markets or tourist sites in Lilongwe and Blantyre. Violent crime against tourists is extremely uncommon.
Solo/Female Travelers: Malawi is considered safe, with locals often going out of their way to assist visitors. Avoid isolated areas at night.

Road Safety

Driving can be challenging due to narrow, winding roads, aggressive drivers, and poor rural road conditions.
Avoid night driving outside urban areas due to limited lighting and road hazards.
Seat belts and helmets (for motorbikes) are mandatory, though enforcement is limited.

Health Risks

Food/Water Safety:
- Avoid tap water; drink bottled or purified water.
- Practice safe eating habits to prevent travelers’ diarrhea.
Vaccinations:
- Recommended: Hepatitis A, typhoid, polio, hepatitis B, rabies (for long-term stays), and COVID-19.
- Yellow Fever: Required only if arriving from a risk country.
Insect-Borne Diseases: Use insect repellent to guard against malaria, dengue, and schistosomiasis (near Lake Malawi).
Altitude Sickness: Minimal risk, as no areas exceed 3,002 meters (Sapitwa Peak, Mulanje Mountain).

Medical Facilities

Hospitals: Private facilities like the Blantyre Adventist Hospital offer higher standards. Rural areas often lack advanced care.
Pharmacies: Available in cities; stock essential medications, but supplies can be limited.
Insurance: Ensure coverage includes medical evacuation.

Emergency Contacts

General Emergency: 112 (works for police, ambulance, and fire).
Ambulance: 998 | Fire: 999 | Police: 997.
Tourist Police (Lilongwe): +265 1 774 811.