Malawi

Recommended Vaccinations For Malawi

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis A Vaccine

There is a significant risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

Hepatitis B Vaccine

There is a significant risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

For Some Travellers

Rabies Vaccine

Pre-travel vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) since they may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Persons with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk and should be vaccinated.

Polio Vaccine

Travellers who intend to visit this country for 4 weeks or more may be required to show proof of polio vaccination taken 4 weeks to 12 months at the time of departure from the country. Failure to produce this documentation may result in vaccination at the exit ports. Childhood vaccinations, including polio, should be up-to-date prior to travel.

Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine

A dose of Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for all travellers over 6 months of age.

Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) Vaccine

BCG vaccine is recommended for those at increased risk from coming in close contact with infected persons or for unvaccinated, children under 16 years of age, who are going to live in this country for more than 3 months.

Typhoid Fever Vaccine

There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through the consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities or rural areas, where food and water sources may be contaminated.

Yellow Fever Vaccine

The yellow fever vaccination is not recommended. However, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers over 1 year of age arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission and for travellers having transited more than 12 hours through an airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.

Cholera Vaccine

The U.K. NaTHNaC recommends the oral cholera vaccine for some travellers whose activities or medical history put them at increased risk, travelling to areas of active cholera transmission. These risk factors include: aid workers; those going to areas of cholera outbreaks who have limited access to potable water and medical care; travellers for whom the vaccination would be considered potentially beneficial, such as chronic medical conditions. The U.S. CDC recommends the cholera vaccine for travellers who are 18-64 years of age and who plan to travel to areas of active cholera transmission. CDC notes that most travellers do not travel to areas of active cholera transmission, and that safe food and water practices can prevent many cholera infections.

Recommended Medications For Malawi

For Some Travellers

Anti-malarial Drugs

Recommended anti-malaria medications include atovaquone-proguanil, mefloquine or doxycycline. Resistance to chloroquine and sulfadoxime-pyrimethamine has been reported.

Diseases To Be Aware of for Malawi

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis A

There is a significant risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in Malawi through contaminated food or water.

Hepatitis B

There is a significant risk for acquiring hepatitis B in Malawi.

Chikungunya Fever

Chikungunya fever has occurred in this country.

Cholera

Cholera outbreaks occur in Malawi. The risk to travellers is low unless living or working in poor sanitary conditions, drinking untreated water or eating poorly cooked or raw seafood in this country.

Dengue Fever

Outbreaks of dengue fever may occur.

For Some Travellers

Measles

There is a risk of Measles in this country, especially in infants aged 6 to 11 months.

Malaria

All areas of Malawi are at risk for malaria.

Hanta Virus

There is a risk of acquiring Hantavirus in this country through the consumption of food and water contaminated by an infected rodent or through rodent bites.

Leishmaniasis

There is a risk of acquiring Leishmaniasis in this country through sand fly bites, particularly between dusk to dawn. Adventure tourists, outdoor athletes, or humanitarian aid workers are at a higher risk.

Polio

Malawi is infected with wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) and vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) with the potential risk of global circulation. Unvaccinated or under-vaccinated travellers are at a higher risk if they come in direct contact with an infected person or through contaminated food and water, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas with poor hygiene standards.

Sleeping Sickness (Type 1)

There is an increased risk for travellers spending a lot of time outdoors or visiting game parks. Travellers to urban areas are not at risk.

Typhoid Fever

Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in Malawi, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where food and water sources may be contaminated.

Schistosomiasis

This disease is present in Malawi and is acquired through contact with freshwaters, such as swimming, bathing, or rafting. Well-chlorinated swimming pools and contact with saltwater in oceans or seas will not put travellers at risk for schistosomiasis.

Yellow Fever

There is no risk of yellow fever transmission in this country. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers over 1 year of age arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission and for travellers having transited more than 12 hours through an airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.

Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis occurs in Malawi. Travellers to Malawi are at risk for tuberculosis if visiting sick friends or family, working in the health care field, or having close prolonged contact with the general population.

African Tick Bite Fever

This disease may occur in this country.

Rabies

Rabies occurs in Malawi. Travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk.

Safety & Security in Malawi

Personal Safety

Malawi experiences petty crime regularly, especially pickpocketing and bag snatching at bus stations and crowded urban areas. Violent crime including armed robbery, burglary, and assault occurs, particularly in Lilongwe and Blantyre. Residential break-ins happen frequently, with perpetrators typically well armed and potentially violent. You face kidnapping risks for ransom, with business travelers and foreigners being targeted in some instances. In 2025, UK tourists were violently assaulted and robbed at their hotel in Mulanje. The Mulanje district presents heightened risks including unrest, property damage, intimidation, and violence against visitors. Carjackings occur mainly in Lilongwe and Blantyre, often targeting vehicles waiting at security gates. Food and drink spiking incidents have been reported, so decline food or drinks from strangers. Fraudsters operate in major cities and tourist destinations. Keep valuables secured and avoid displaying wealth. Walking at night carries significant risks even in groups, so use hotel-arranged taxis or car services. Police capabilities remain limited in deterring and investigating crimes. Emergency services are basic and the emergency number 998 is unreliable.

Extreme Violence

Malawi has no recent history of terrorism, though attacks cannot be ruled out. The country experienced a decline in homicide rates from 6.3 per 100,000 in 2006 to 1.8 per 100,000 in 2012. However, reporting rates for crimes remain low, with only 36% of all crimes reported according to surveys. Armed gangs conduct violent assaults and burglaries. Serial killings have occurred historically, including the Lilongwe Serial Killer case in 2009. Asylum seekers from war-torn countries in the Great Lakes region and Horn of Africa sometimes enter with guns and ammunition, contributing to gun violence. The terrorism threat in Southern Africa has become more widespread in recent years, with groups like ISCAP establishing regional presence, though Malawi itself has not been directly affected. Wildlife poses threats in game parks, with hippos being the most dangerous animal in Africa, killing more people than any other species. Crocodiles also present risks, particularly in the Shire River area.

Political Unrest

Demonstrations related to political and economic issues occur regularly and can turn violent quickly. In November 2024, armed masked men disrupted anti-government protests in Lilongwe while police stood by, an incident repeated in June 2025 when weapon-wielding men attacked demonstrators protesting electoral issues. These attacks are allegedly linked to ruling party youth militias. Tear gas is frequently deployed at demonstrations and roads may be blocked. Cost-of-living protests occurred in November 2023, and in February 2025 informal traders blockaded parliament over rising costs. Political violence has increased ahead of the September 2025 elections, with security forces issuing warnings about incitement to violence. Elections can trigger increased protest frequency. The Malawi Congress Party and opposition groups face tensions, with encounters between supporters potentially leading to confrontations. Political stability ranks in the 38th percentile globally. Avoid all demonstrations and large gatherings, monitor local media for updates, and keep travel plans flexible during politically sensitive periods.

Areas To Avoid

Bus and ferry terminals in major cities present high crime risks. The walk between Lilongwe Old Town and Capital City is a crime hotspot. Zomba has experienced kidnapping incidents targeting non-Malawians. The Mulanje district is considered high risk, with travelers facing intimidation and violence. In 2025, UK tourists were assaulted and robbed at their hotel in Mulanje. Contact the Mountain Club of Malawi before climbing Mount Mulanje for current security advice. Downtown areas near bus and railway stations in cities experience pickpocketing and theft from parked cars. Main bus stations in urban areas are where most tourist thefts occur. Less populated areas have limited public security force capacity, requiring extra caution. Cell phone reception is limited in many remote areas, making communication difficult in emergencies. Remote or rural areas should not be traveled alone or at night. During the rainy season from November to April, flooding can make areas inaccessible and cause landslides resulting in road closures.