Africa
Is Malawi safe?
L2Exercise increased caution
Is Malawi safe?
Friendly and relatively low-violence, but petty theft, opportunistic crime in Lilongwe and Blantyre and poor roads are real. Fuel and currency shortages disrupt travel plans.
Key facts
- US travel advisory: Level 2: Exercise increased caution, updated 2026-02-24.
- Homicide rate: 1.8 per 100,000 people (2012, UNODC via World Bank).
- Road deaths: 33.4 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
- Emergency numbers: Police 997 · Ambulance 998 · Fire 999.
- Solo women: Solo women generally find locals welcoming; avoid isolated beaches and walking after dark, and use trusted taxis.
Risks, scams and laws
Main risks
- Road crashes and night driving
- Theft from lakeside rooms and beaches
- Bilharzia risk in Lake Malawi shallows and malaria
- Fuel and power shortages
Common scams
- Touts selling overpriced tours or souvenirs at the lake
- Black-market money changers with short-changing tricks
Laws visitors break by accident
- Photographing government buildings and the military is prohibited
- Cannabis remains illegal for recreation
- Do not buy wildlife products
Safety by place in Malawi
| Place | Safety |
|---|---|
| Cape Maclear | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Lilongwe | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
Quick answers
Is Malawi safe for tourists?
Friendly and relatively low-violence, but petty theft, opportunistic crime in Lilongwe and Blantyre and poor roads are real. Fuel and currency shortages disrupt travel plans.
Is Malawi safe for solo female travelers?
Solo women generally find locals welcoming; avoid isolated beaches and walking after dark, and use trusted taxis.
What is the emergency number in Malawi?
Police 997 · Ambulance 998 · Fire 999.
Safety by place
Sources
- World Bank: intentional homicides
- US State Department travel advisory
- Malawi Department of Immigration
- UK FCDO travel advice: Malawi
- World Bank open data
Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.