Malawi: is it safe to visit?

US State Dept rates Malawi at level 2 of 4. Exercise Increased Caution: Due to crime.

Malawi: what currency is used?

Currency in Malawi: Malawian Kwacha (MWK).

Malawi: what language do people speak?

Languages of Malawi: English, Nyanja, Tumbuka.

Malawi: what is the capital?

The capital of Malawi is Lilongwe.

Malawi travel guide: visa requirements, safety & facts

At a glance

Malawi: know before you go

At a glance

Capital: Lilongwe
Population: 17,563,749
Area: 118,484 km² · 45,747 sq mi
Languages: English, Nyanja, Tumbuka
Currency: Malawian Kwacha (MWK)
Time zone: UTC+02:00, Africa/Blantyre
Calling code: +265
Drives on the: Left
Internet domain: .mw
Landlocked: Yes

More facts

Native name: Malaŵi
Continent: Africa
Demonym: Malawians
Government: presidential republic

Member of

African Union
United Nations

Neighbouring countries

Malawi visa requirements

Open the visa checker

Malawi entry requirements by passport: of 197 passports, 55 can enter without a visa, 83 get a visa on arrival, 59 apply online before they travel and 0 need a visa from an embassy or consulate.

Do you need a visa?

Check visa requirements for Malawi

Find your passport for the documents, the cost and how long you can stay.

Visa-free55 passports

Visa on arrival83 passports

e-Visa59 passports

Safety

Malawi safety: is it safe to visit?

Level 2 of 4Exercise Increased Caution

Due to crime

US State Dept, updated June 25, 2025. Advisories change: check your own government's travel advice before you go.

Questions

Malawi: frequently asked questions

Malawi visa: do I need one?: Malawi entry requirements by passport: of 197 passports, 55 can enter without a visa, 83 get a visa on arrival, 59 apply online before they travel and 0 need a visa from an embassy or consulate.
Malawi: is it safe to visit?: US State Dept rates Malawi at level 2 of 4. Exercise Increased Caution: Due to crime.
Malawi: what currency is used?: Currency in Malawi: Malawian Kwacha (MWK).
Malawi: what language do people speak?: Languages of Malawi: English, Nyanja, Tumbuka.
Malawi: what is the capital?: The capital of Malawi is Lilongwe.

At a glance

The flag

The flag has horizontal black, red, and green stripes with a red rising sun on the black stripe; the colors are often said to represent the people, the struggle for independence, and the country's fertile land.

Travel guide

In the community

See who has been there and what you need to travel.