What the governments of the United Kingdom, the United States and Canada tell their own citizens about travelling to Malawi, in their own words, plus practical help with packing.
Each government rates the risks for its own citizens, on its own scale. The levels are shown exactly as published; they are not equivalent to each other and are not combined here.
Does not advise against travel
No numbered levels
Updated 3 July 2026
Latest change, in the source's words: New information about Traveller Health Check form ('Entry requirements' page).
The official source shows no update to this advice in over 12 months. Check the official page for the current version.
Trip Rulebook could not refresh this source since 30 September 2026. The official website may have newer advice.
Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution
Level 2 of 4
Updated 25 February 2026
The official source shows no update to this advice in over 12 months. Check the official page for the current version.
Trip Rulebook could not refresh this source since 30 September 2026. The official website may have newer advice.
Exercise a high degree of caution
Level 2 of 4
Updated 24 September 2026
Latest change, in the source's words: The Health section was updated - travel health information (Public Health Agency of Canada)
The official source shows no update to this advice in over 12 months. Check the official page for the current version.
Trip Rulebook could not refresh this source since 30 September 2026. The official website may have newer advice.
From the section “Emergency services in Malawi” of the UK government's travel advice for Malawi, written for British travellers. Reproduced without changes to the wording; formatting adapted.
Ambulance: 998
Fire: 999
Police: 990 or 997
Emergency numbers are unreliable in Malawi.
There may be other numbers for the areas you visit – ask your hotel or the local police.
From the section “Laws and cultural differences” of the UK government's travel advice for Malawi, written for British travellers. Reproduced without changes to the wording; formatting adapted.
Police sometimes ask to see ID. Always carry a copy of your passport, visa or residence permit.
Outside the main tourist areas, dress conservatively to avoid offending local sensitivities.
Penalties for drug use and smuggling can be severe. This includes cannabis.
It is illegal to buy uncut precious gemstones.
Same-sex sexual activity is illegal and may result in a custodial sentence. Malawi is a socially conservative society and showing affection in public may receive unwanted and negative attention.
Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.
It is illegal to buy, sell, kill or capture any protected wild animal or trade its parts without a licence. Buying or selling ivory is illegal. If you are caught buying or carrying these items, you will be prosecuted and get a prison sentence or a fine.
From the section “Medication” of the UK government's travel advice for Malawi, written for British travellers. Reproduced without changes to the wording; formatting adapted.
The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.
Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.
From the section “Extreme weather and natural disasters” of the UK government's travel advice for Malawi, written for British travellers. Reproduced without changes to the wording; formatting adapted.
Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.
Cyclones and floods are common during the rainy season from November to April. They often cause landslides, which result in road closures and disruption to travel and public transport.
Monitor local reports and international weather updates from the World Meteorological Organization.
The rainy season runs from November to April and can make road travel difficult. Floods can make areas of Malawi inaccessible.
Monitor weather services, including the:
Check your route before travelling and follow the advice of the local authorities.
Earthquakes are a risk in Malawi. The US Federal Emergency Management Agency has advice about what to do before, during and after an earthquake.
Practical suggestions from Trip Rulebook, based on open data and fixed rules. They are not safety or legal advice: rules on clothing, medicines and restricted items are covered only by the official text on this page.
Plug and voltage data: Wikipedia, “Mains electricity by country”, CC BY-SA 4.0 (licence), retrieved 2026-09-29. Sockets in hotels can differ; the label on your charger (for example “INPUT 100–240V”) tells you which voltages it accepts.
Rainfall Average temperature
National averages for 1991-2020. Coasts, mountains and regions can be very different, and any given year can be warmer, colder or wetter. Suggestions come from fixed rules based on these averages. Climate data: World Bank Climate Change Knowledge Portal, observed climate data (CRU TS), CRU TS (cru_ts4.09), Climatic Research Unit, University of East Anglia, CC BY 4.0 (licence).
What is acceptable to wear is a matter of local law and custom: read Local laws and customs. For seasonal hazards such as storms, floods or extreme heat, read the official section Extreme weather and natural disasters.
A general list for any trip. Ticks are not saved.
Visa and entry rules depend on your nationality and change often, so Trip Rulebook does not summarise them. Each government explains the rules for its own citizens. If you travel on another passport, check with the embassy or the official immigration website of Malawi.
This page is guidance, not legal advice. Laws and advice change without notice and are written for each government's own citizens, so they may apply to you differently. Confirm everything with the official source before you travel. Terms of use.