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Exercise a high degree of caution
Exercise a high degree of caution in Malawi due to crime.
Malawi
Malawi’s lakeshore rhythms, highland breezes, and compact cities offer a distinctly local pace along Africa’s Great Rift.
Overview
English and Chichewa guide daily life from Lilongwe’s crossroads to Blantyre’s markets and the lakeside towns that dot Lake Malawi. The country’s geography—highlands, lake, and southern cities—shapes routines and regional contrasts in a compact setting.
At a glance
Languages
- Chichewa(Official)
- English(Official)
Population18,622,104
CurrencyMalawian Kwacha (MWK)
Popular places
Cost of living
Numbeo publishes these source indexes relative to New York City.
RentPotentially much less expensiveSource category: Rent | 2026
GroceriesPotentially much less expensiveSource category: Grocery | 2026
RestaurantPotentially much less expensiveSource category: Restaurant | 2026
Sources
- Numbeo Cost of Living Index
Quality of life
SafetyMixedSource category: Safety | 2026 | Safety index (100 = safest)
HealthcareLimitedSource category: Healthcare | 2026 | Healthcare quality index (100 = best healthcare)
PollutionElevatedSource category: Pollution | 2026 | Pollution index (100 = most polluted)
TrafficHighSource category: Traffic | 2026 | Overall traffic index (considers time + inefficiency + CO2)
Sources
- Numbeo Cost of Living Index
Entry requirements
Visa and residency reference data is available for Official / Diplomatic Visa, Official / Diplomatic Visa, Tourist / Visa Waiver, and 4 more.
Official / Diplomatic Visa
- Courtesy Visa
Malawi courtesy visa route for government-invited visitors who are not entitled to diplomatic passports and are entering to pay courtesy calls.
- Diplomatic Visa
Malawi diplomatic visa route for diplomatic passport holders entering for an official visit or mission to Malawi.
- Official Visa
Malawi official visa route for official or service passport holders making official business visits to Malawi.
Tourist / Visa Waiver
- Malawi e-Visa
Official Malawi e-Visa route permitting entry into Malawi, with applicants creating an account, completing the online application, paying by card, and presenting the approved eVisa on arrival.
- Tourist Visa
Malawi tourist visa route for visiting, residence, or business entry purposes, with the single-entry visa valid for three months.
- 3 months
- No work rights
- Visa on Arrival
Malawi visa-on-arrival route for designated Category Two countries at official ports of entry, while Category One countries must obtain a visa or prior authorization before departure.
Transit Visa
Malawi transit visa for travelers transiting through Malawi, with the source listing a seven-day validity.
- 7 days
- No work rights
Languages
- Chichewa(Official)
- English(Official)
Sources
- Country language reference
Safety
3 source-backed travel advisories are available for Malawi.
United Kingdom
No destination-wide FCDO travel warning
FCDO travel advice currently has no destination-wide warning for Malawi. Review the full FCDO travel advice before travelling, including safety, entry, health, and insurance guidance.
United States
Level 2Exercise increased caution
Exercise increased caution to Malawi due to crime and unrest. Crime Violent crime such as theft, burglary, armed robbery, and assault is common. The capabilities of the Malawi Police Service are growing, but its resources and ability to deter and investigate crimes are limited. They also struggle to assist victims and apprehend criminals. Unrest Demonstrations may occur more often because of political issues and events like elections. Tear gas is often used at these protests, and roads might be blocked.
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