13open jobs
7organisations hiring
0violent events in 3 months
To prepare a mission or a new post: the essential context, region by region. This briefing does not replace your organisation's security briefing on arrival.
Malawi shares its name with the Chewa word for flames and is linked to the Maravi people from whom the Chewa language originated. The Maravi settled in what is now Malawi around 1400, during one of the later waves of Bantu migration across central and southern Africa. A powerful Maravi kingdom established around 1500 reached its zenith around 1700, when it controlled what is now southern and central Malawi and portions of neighboring Mozambique and Zambia. The kingdom eventually declined because of destabilization from the escalating global trade in enslaved people. In the early 1800s, widespread conflict in southern Africa displaced various ethnic Ngoni groups, some of which moved into Malawi and further undermined the Maravi. Members of the Yao ethnic group -- which had long traded with Malawi from Mozambique -- introduced Islam and began to settle in Malawi in significant numbers in the mid-1800s, followed by members of the Lomwe ethnic group. British missionary and trading activity increased in the area around Lake Nyasa in the mid-1800s, and in 1891, Britain declared a protectorate called British Central Africa over what is now Malawi. The British renamed the territory Nyasaland in 1907, and it was part of the colonial Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland -- including present-day Zambia and Zimbabwe -- from 1953 to 1963 before gaining independence as Malawi in 1964.
Hastings Kamuzu BANDA served as prime minister at independence and then as president when the country became a republic in 1966. He later instituted one-party rule under his Malawi Congress Party (MCP) and was declared president for life. After three decades of one-party rule, the country held multiparty presidential and parliamentary elections in 1994 under a provisional constitution that came into full effect the following year. Bakili MULUZI of the United Democratic Front party became the first freely elected president of Malawi when he defeated BANDA at the polls in 1994; he won reelection in 1999. President Bingu wa MUTHARIKA was elected in 2004 and reelected to a second term in 2009. He died abruptly in 2012 and was succeeded by Vice President Joyce BANDA. MUTHARIKA's brother, Peter MUTHARIKA, defeated BANDA in the election in 2014. Peter MUTHARIKA was reelected in a disputed election in 2019 that resulted in countrywide protests. The courts ordered a new election, and in 2020, Lazarus CHAKWERA of the MCP was elected president. Population growth, increasing pressure on agricultural lands, corruption, and HIV/AIDS pose major problems for Malawi.
presidential republic
There can be demonstrations related to political and economic issues. Avoid large crowds and demonstrations. Monitor local media for updates. Keep local and international travel plans under review.
Chewa 34.3%, Lomwe 18.8%, Yao 13.2%, Ngoni 10.4%, Tumbuka 9.2%, Sena 3.8%, Mang'anja 3.2%, Tonga 1.8%, Nyanja 1.8%, Nkhonde 1%, other 2.2%, foreign 0.3% (2018 est.)
English (official), Chewa (dominant), Lambya, Lomwe, Ngoni, Nkhonde, Nyakyusa, Nyanja, Sena, Tonga, Tumbuka, Yao
Protestant 33.5% (includes Church of Central Africa Presbyterian 14.2%, Seventh Day Adventist/Baptist 9.4%, Pentecostal 7.6%, Anglican 2.3%), Roman Catholic 17.2%, other Christian 26.6%, Muslim 13.8%, traditionalist 1.1%, other 5.6%, none 2.1% (2018 est.)
Country profiles: The World Factbook (CIA), public domain, last edition (2025-2026).
low-income East African economy; primarily agrarian; investing in human capital; urban poverty increasing due to COVID-19; high public debt; endemic corruption and poor property rights; poor hydroelectric grid; localized pharmaceutical industry
22.2 MPopulation2025
17.6 %Urban population2025
$672GDP per capita2025
1.9 %GDP growth2025
28.4 %Inflation2025
75.4 %Extreme poverty (international line)2019
5.1 %Unemployment2025
70.2 %Adult literacy2020
19 %Internet users2024
15.6 %Access to electricity2024
35,241refugees hosted2025
25,251asylum seekers2025
2,330refugees and asylum seekers from the country2025
Indicators: World Bank (CC BY 4.0); refugees and displaced people: UNHCR Refugee Data Finder. Latest available year for each figure.
Malawi Defense Force (MDF): Malawi Army (Land Forces), Malawi Maritime Force (MMF), Malawi Air Force (MAF), Malawi National Service (MNS)Ministry of Homeland Security: Malawi Police Service (2025)
Informative list, to be complemented by your organisation's security analysis and NGO security forums.
UK government (FCDO) travel advice. Some guidance is aimed at British nationals; always follow your organisation's instructions.
No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:
If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.
Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
Follow FCDO:
Organised violence events recorded by UCDP, July – September 2026.
No organised violence event recorded in the country over this period.
There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.
Although there is no recent history of terrorism in Malawi attacks cannot be ruled out.
There can be demonstrations related to political and economic issues. Avoid large crowds and demonstrations. Monitor local media for updates. Keep local and international travel plans under review.
There are occasional reports of kidnappings for ransom in Malawi. These kidnaps have generally been for financial gain or motivated by criminality. In some instances, the kidnapped individuals have been British Nationals, so kidnappers may also target foreigners. Business/wealthy individuals are likely to be at increased risk of this activity.
There is a risk of mugging and bag-snatching. Take sensible precautions to protect yourself such as:
Most thefts from tourists take place around main bus stations in urban areas. Report any thefts to the police as soon as possible.
Be cautious if over-friendly people approach you offering to act as guides, selling goods, or claiming to know you and asking for a lift.
People have been robbed after eating drugged food. Do not accept food or drink from strangers.
There has been an increase in cases of serious illness caused by alcoholic drinks containing methanol in popular travel destinations around the world.
Even small amounts of methanol can kill. It is not possible to identify methanol in alcoholic drinks by taste or smell. See Travel Aware Drink Spiking and Methanol Poisoning for information about how to reduce the risks.
Seek urgent medical attention if you or someone you are travelling with show the signs of methanol poisoning after drinking.
There is a risk of burglaries and violent assault, including by armed gangs. A group of UK tourists were violently assaulted and robbed in 2025 in their hotel in Mulanje. There has been an increase in break-ins in Lilongwe, Blantyre and Limbe, including violent assaults on residents. Review your security systems and watch out for anything unusual.
If you plan to climb Mulanje Mountain, get security advice from the Mountain Club of Malawi.
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.
If you are planning to drive in Malawi, see information on driving abroad.
You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Malawi for up to 90 days. If you still have a paper driving licence, you may need to update it to a photocard licence. If you get an international driving permit (IDP), you can drive for up to one year.
Always carry your licence when driving, you may need to show it at police checkpoints.
There are frequent fuel shortages in Malawi and there can often be long queues. Do not assume fuel will be available on your route. Plan ahead to make sure you can reach your destination.
Police use breathalyser tests and regularly stop vehicles for speeding. There are speed cameras on main roads, often where there are no speed limit signs. Police can give on-the-spot speeding fines. Drivers caught drink-driving or speeding can also have their licences and vehicles immediately confiscated. Convicted drivers face fines and possible imprisonment.
Driving in Malawi can be hazardous and there is a high rate of road fatalities. Potholes, animals, abandoned vehicles and cyclists can cause serious accidents, as can vehicles travelling at night without lights. Emergency services are basic.
Always wear a seatbelt and avoid travelling after dark.
Public minibuses and pick-up trucks are often in poor condition and overloaded. Larger coach services running between the major towns are more reliable.
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.
67.6yearsLife expectancy2024
48.8per 1,000 live birthsUnder-5 mortality2024
225per 100,000 live birthsMaternal mortality2023
294.5per 1,000 people at riskMalaria (new cases)2024
0.05per 1,000 peoplePhysicians2022
73.1 %Basic drinking water access2024
Before you travel check that:
This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
Call 998 and ask for an ambulance.
Emergency numbers are unreliable in Malawi.
There may be other numbers for the areas you visit – ask your hotel or the local police.
Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.
At least 8 weeks before your trip:
See what health risks you’ll face in Malawi including:
Altitude sickness is a risk in parts of Malawi. Read more about altitude sickness on TravelHealthPro.
In late 2022 and early 2023, Malawi experienced the largest cholera outbreak in its history. Cases are likely to rise again during the rainy season.
Tap water may not be safe to drink, especially in rural areas.
You should take normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS.
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.
General medical facilities throughout Malawi are unable to provide the same standard of healthcare as in the UK. Facilities in rural areas are basic and emergency services are limited. You should carry basic medical supplies. Many medical facilities expect up-front payment. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad, medical evacuation and repatriation.
FCDO has a list of medical providers in Malawi where some staff will speak English.
Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.
Passport Index Data (passportindex.org), MIT licence. Indicative, for a tourist stay; always check with the embassy or consulate. (17 February 2026)
This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Malawi’s current rules for the most common types of travel.
The authorities in Malawi set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Malawi Revenue Authority.
Your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the day you arrive in Malawi.
Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.
You must apply for a visa to enter Malawi.
Single or multiple entry visas can be obtained on arrival. You are advised to bring US dollars in cash for payment:
On-line e-visas are available on the Malawi Immigration website.
If you wish to live, work or study in Malawi, visit the Malawi Immigration website for further information.
If you’re travelling with children aged 17 and under and passing through South Africa, see what documents you need in South Africa travel advice.
To enter Malawi, you must have certificates to prove you’ve had:
For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Malawi guide.
The Ministry of Health and Sanitation require arriving passengers to complete a Traveller Health Check form. This can be accessed on arrival through a QR code or completed in advance.
There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Malawi. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
If you are visiting Malawi on a foreign passport, tourism businesses may require you to pay in foreign currency by cash, card or bank transfer.
Declare any foreign currency you have in cash at the airport or border crossing when you arrive. Keep the receipt as proof.
You must get permission from the Reserve Bank of Malawi to:
Before you arrive, register with the coordination bodies: they share alerts, cluster meetings and useful contacts.
Clusters: health, nutrition, protection, WASH, food security, shelter, education, logistics, emergency telecommunications and CCCM. OCHA publishes their meetings and contacts in each country where they are activated.
Organisations hiring in the country, based on open jobs on the site:
Violence over the last 3 months, jobs and passages of official advice that mention the region.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
There is a risk of burglaries and violent assault, including by armed gangs. A group of UK tourists were violently assaulted and robbed in 2025 in their hotel in Mulanje. There has been an increase in break-ins in Lilongwe, Blantyre and Limbe, including violent assaults on residents. Review your security systems and watch out for anything unusual.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
There is a risk of burglaries and violent assault, including by armed gangs. A group of UK tourists were violently assaulted and robbed in 2025 in their hotel in Mulanje. There has been an increase in break-ins in Lilongwe, Blantyre and Limbe, including violent assaults on residents. Review your security systems and watch out for anything unusual.
If you plan to climb Mulanje Mountain, get security advice from the Mountain Club of Malawi.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
There is a risk of burglaries and violent assault, including by armed gangs. A group of UK tourists were violently assaulted and robbed in 2025 in their hotel in Mulanje. There has been an increase in break-ins in Lilongwe, Blantyre and Limbe, including violent assaults on residents. Review your security systems and watch out for anything unusual.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
This briefing gathers public information to prepare a mission. It does not replace your organisation's security analysis, your security focal point's instructions or the country's authorities.