• Malawi:
• Society:
• Traveller information

Malawi - Traveller information

Local laws and conventions: Drug taking and smuggling (including the purchase of cannabis) are illegal and penalties can be severe. Buying uncut precious stones is also illegal.

Handshaking is the usual form of greeting. Modest dress should be worn, especially by women who must ensure that their legs and shoulders are covered.

Business meeting appointments should always be made and the use of business cards is customary. Business is conducted in English. Kwacha International Conference Centre in Blantyre is Malawi’s only dedicated conference centre, with seating for up to 500 people. The best months for business are May to July and September to November. Business hours are Mon–Fri 0730–1700.

Immigration and customs: Visas are not required for British, Australian, Canadian and US citizens. Passports must be valid for six months from the date of entry. Visitors will need to ensure they have a return air ticket.

Single parents travelling with children should have documentary evidence of parental responsibility.

A yellow fever vaccination certificate will be required by visitors arriving from infected areas.

It is recommended that visitors copy the photopage of their passport and keep their passports and documents in the hotel safe.

Travel within the country: Traffic drives on the left. Car hire is increasing and chauffeur-driven cars are available. Visitors may drive in Malawi on an international driving permit for up to one year. The wearing of seatbelts is compulsory. Drink-driving is illegal.

Air Malawi provides regular links between Blantyre, Lilongwe, Mzuzu, Makokola and Liwonde.

There is a national rail service run by Central East African Railways which runs between the main towns.

Malawi has a good bus network between the major towns and luxury coaches connect Blantyre to Lilongwe and Mzuzu. Taxis are in short supply and need to be booked.

Travel health: Visitors must ensure they have comprehensive medical insurance, as facilities outside urban areas are limited and for serious medical treatment medical evacuation may be necessary. Visitors will need protection against malaria, together with insect repellent and suitable clothing to discourage bites; bilharzia and rabies are also present.

All prescription medicine should be packaged in their original containers, clearly marked to avoid confusion. It is advisable to bring a sealed, personal emergency medical pack, including syringes.

All water used for drinking, brushing teeth and making ice should be boiled. Bottled water is available. Powdered or tinned milk is advised.

Money: Credit cards are not widely accepted in Malawi. Travellers cheques are recommended. Money can be changed at airports, banks or bureaux de change. US dollars, pounds sterling, euros and South African rand are the easiest to change. There are very few ATM machines even in tourist areas. Banking hours are Mon–Fri 0800–1400.

There were 471,000 tourist arrivals in 2004.