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

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.

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.

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

Most travel to Malawi is trouble-free. Petty crime is common, including pickpocketing and theft. Carjackings do occur. Keep doors locked and windows up. Do not carry valuables or large amounts of cash. Always keep valuables out of sight. Avoid walking in isolated areas, and avoid walking at night. Tourists have been targeted walking from the Old Town to the new Capital City. If mugged or robbed, do not resist as the assailants are usually armed.

Be very cautious of anyone asking for a ride, claiming to be a tour guide, or offering food or drink. There are reports of people being robbed after their food or drink is drugged.

There is a high road fatality rate in Malawi. Road conditions can be poor, and vehicles can be in disrepair. Avoid travelling at night as roads and vehicles may not have lights. Note that fuel shortages are common in Malawi. Police roadblocks are also common in Malawi. Always have your passport and visa to present to the police if stopped. Do not use public transportation in Malawi as it is unreliable and very limited.

If choosing to participate in outdoor adventure activities, always do so with a group or reputable guide. Note that the trails on Mount Mulanje are not marked. Consider purchasing travel and medical insurance before departing, and ensure your insurance policy covers these types of activities and emergency medical evacuation.

There are stiff penalties for drinking and driving and speeding.

There are heavy penalties for drug possession, sale, or use.

Do not take photos of military and government installations, airports, bridges and religious buildings.

Same-sex relations are illegal in Malawi, and society is generally intolerant towards LGBTI people.

All travellers should dress and behave conservatively. Avoid public displays of affection.

Earthquakes occur in Malawi. The rainy season is between November-April. Flooding, landslides, major damage to infrastructure and disruption to travel plans may result. Monitor weather reports closely. If a natural disaster occurs, follow advice of local authorities.

Extreme Violence

Crime, such as theft, burglary, armed robbery, assault, and carjacking may become extremely violent.

Political Unrest

Large demonstrations do occur in Malawi. Always avoid public gatherings and demonstrations.

Areas To Avoid

Exercise a high level of caution in Lilongwe, Mulanje and Blantyre due to unrest, crime, and violence. Use a high level of caution around the bordering areas of Malawi as carjackings are frequent, especially in Lilongwe and Blantyre.