Sub Saharan Africa

Terrorism

There is a low threat from terrorism.  But you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks which could be in public areas, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.  For more general information see Terrorism Abroad.

Crime

Most visits to Malawi are trouble-free, but you should be alert to muggers and bag-snatchers.  Avoid walking around quiet areas, especially after dark. If you are mugged, offer no resistance and hand over your possessions without question.

 

You should lock car doors and keep windows closed, especially when stopping your vehicle. Armed car jacking is a risk, especially for drivers of four-by-four vehicles.  Do not offer lifts to strangers and be alert to obstructions in the road. If your car is targeted do not resist or act impulsively.  Drivers have been wounded by assailants.

 

Exercise caution with over-friendly people who approach you offering to act as guides or selling goods. Do not accept food or drink from strangers as people have been robbed after eating drugged food.

 

The majority of thefts from visitors take place around the main bus stations in Lilongwe and Blantyre. Thefts are also common at the main ports for the Ilala ferry.

House burglaries, including by armed gangs, are common.  Be alert to anything unusual and keep on good terms with any staff who have access to the premises.  Security precautions at home are as important as on the streets.  We advise you to seek security advice from the Mulanje Mountain Club if you intend to climb Mulanje Mountain.

 

Take sensible precautions.  Safeguard valuables and cash. Deposit them in hotel safes, where practical.  Keep copies of important documents, including passports, in a separate place to the documents themselves.

 

Lost or stolen passports are sometimes handed to the police within a few days. You should report the loss to the nearest police station as soon as possible, and remain in touch with that station in case of recovery. The High Commission is not always informed when a passport is found.

 

For more general information see Victims of Crime Abroad.

 

Political Situation

Malawi Country Profile

 

The recent Presidential and Parliamentary elections were conducted in a peaceful environment despite high political tension beforehand.  You should avoid demonstrations, rallies and large public gatherings as a precaution.

Local Travel

Road Travel 

Driving in Malawi can be hazardous. Drive carefully, always wear a seatbelt and avoid travel after dark. Potholes, animals, abandoned vehicles and cyclists can often cause serious accidents, as do vehicles travelling at night without lights.

You should be aware that Malawi has a very high rate of fatalities on the road in proportion to the number of vehicles. Travel between towns by public minibus or pick-up truck is not recommended; vehicles are often in poor condition and overloaded.  Fatal accidents are frequent and emergency services are basic. Larger coach services do run between the major towns and are more reliable.

The Malawi Police Service has introduced breathalyser tests, and regularly stop vehicles for speeding. Drivers caught drink driving or speeding can have their licences and/or vehicles confiscated on the spot, for return only after appearance before a magistrate. Convicted drivers face a fine and/or imprisonment. The blood alcohol limit is 0.08g per 100ml of blood, the same as in the UK.  

UK driving licences are acceptable in Malawi for up to 90 days; international driving licences for up to a year.

 

For more general information see Driving Abroad.

 

Air Travel

As Air Malawi planes do not fly into the UK the UK Civil Aviation Authority has not assessed Malawi’s Department for Civil Aviation for compliance with International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) or European Union aviation safety standards.  British Government employees are advised, where possible, to avoid Air Malawi and use other airlines/modes of transport. You should bear this in mind when making travel plans.

 

Air Malawi operates direct flights between Lilongwe, Malawi and Gatwick, UK.  However, this is part of a franchise with Air Zimbabwe.  Only Air Zimbabwe planes fly between Malawi and the UK. The UK has assessed Air Zimbabwe planes but not Air Malawi ones.

For more general information see Airline Security.