▲Malawi SKETCH SCORE: 70/100▲Malawi moved +6 this week▪Malawi’s risk score rose six points to 70 today, so check the US and Canadian level 2 advisories before you book. A global measles notice remains in effect for all travelers.▲Malawi SKETCH SCORE: 70/100▲Malawi moved +6 this week▪Malawi’s risk score rose six points to 70 today, so check the US and Canadian level 2 advisories before you book. A global measles notice remains in effect for all travelers.
Malawi

Go, but pay attention.

Malawi’s risk score rose six points to 70 today, so check the US and Canadian level 2 advisories before you book. A global measles notice remains in effect for all travelers.

Verified Jul 12, 2026Confidence high▲ +6 this week
70Sketch Score
90-day trend

Governments, one trip

What they're telling their own citizens about Malawi

United States

Lv 2

Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

United Kingdom

Lv 1

See FCDO advice.

Canada

Lv 2

Exercise a high degree of caution

The real score

The breakdown

78advisoryConsensus
48Political Stability
47Police Trust
76Health
96Crime
20LGBTQ+

See it from your perspective

70

Go, but pay attention.

The general Sketch Score, unweighted for any specific traveler.

Don't fall for it

Scams to know

Nightclub pickpocketing

Pickpockets operate in bars and nightclubs. Carry minimal cash and avoid bringing cameras to reduce your risk.

Don't do this

Laws that jail tourists

Homosexuality prohibition

Homosexuality is prohibited by law. LGBT couples must exercise discretion to avoid arrest and potential sentencing to hard labor.

Staying healthy

What to watch out for, health-wise

Active notices

  • • Global Measles

Vaccines

Recommended:

From people who've been there

Local know-how

Staying safe

  • •Malawi has been known for years as "The Warm Heart of Africa", and Malawians are known for their friendliness and hospitality.
  • •There are a lot of pickpockets operating in nightclubs and bars. Just exercise caution, don't bring too much money and cameras, etc.so don't bring hordes of cash with you.
  • •Homosexuality is prohibited by the law, and LGBT couples should exercise discretion when travelling to Malawi.
  • •Swimming in water bodies can be dangerous for crocodiles and hippos.

Staying healthy

  • •As with its neighbouring countries malaria can be a problem.
  • •The adult HIV prevalence in the country is at 14% or 1 in 7 adults. Do not have unprotected sex. Do not use injecting drugs.
  • •Tap water in major cities like Lilongwe, Blantyre, Zomba and Mzuzu is generally safe.
  • •Dogs, cats and other animals can spread rabies.

Adapted from Wikivoyage, CC BY-SA — edited by travelers, not us.

Pack this, know this

The little things that trip people up

🔌

Plug & voltage

G · 230V

🚗

Driving side

left

🚨

Emergency

police: 997 / ambulance: 998 / fire: 999

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Printable pre-trip checklist for Malawi →