
Malawi Holidays
Lake Malawi's freshwater beaches, golden sand, and crystal-clear water in the warm heart of Africa. Get flights, travel tips, and info for Malawi.
Today
Weather in Malawi
Sun
Mon
Tue
SPF level in Malawi
Autumn
SPF 50+
Spring
SPF 50+
Summer
SPF 50+ (extreme)
Winter
SPF 50+
Entry requirements for Malawi
You must have a passport that is valid for at least 6 months after your arrival date in Malawi.
You must apply for a visa to enter Malawi.
You can obtain a single-entry or multiple-entry visa on arrival, payable in US dollars cash.
Online e-visas are also available through the Malawi Immigration website.
You must complete a Traveller Health Check form, accessible via a QR code on arrival or in advance.
Good to know:
You must have a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you are arriving from a country listed as a transmission risk.
You must declare any goods that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty upon entry.
Safety in Malawi
Malawi is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Avoid walking in quiet areas after dark and keep valuables in a hotel safe.
Do not accept food or drinks from strangers, as people have been robbed after spiking.
Carry a copy of your passport, visa or residence permit because police may ask for ID.
Dress conservatively outside main tourist areas to respect local sensitivities.
Never buy uncut gemstones or protected wildlife products, including ivory.
Bonus tips:
If driving, wear a seatbelt, avoid night travel and carry your licence.
Plan fuel stops carefully because shortages can cause long queues and empty stations.
Saily eSIM for Malawi
Skip roaming fees with Saily, our partner eSIM provider. Use code ATOBEACH for 10% off. Plans start at $7.19 for 1GB, valid for 7 days.
Activates when you land
200+ destinations
Code ATOBEACH at checkout
Driving in Malawi
A UK driving licence is valid for up to 90 days. After that, an International Driving Permit or a Malawian driving licence is required.
Side of the road
Left
Motorway speed limit
120 km/h
Urban speed limit
50 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.08%
Remember: Malawi drives on the left. Take extra care at junctions if you normally drive on the right.
Health in Malawi
Make sure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, including emergency evacuation. Check that your policy covers all activities you plan to do. GHIC/EHIC is not applicable in Malawi.
No vaccinations required
Malaria is a risk in Malawi, so take precautions to avoid mosquito bites and consider antimalarial medication. Drink bottled or boiled water. Seek medical advice before travelling and ensure all routine vaccinations are up to date.
Cards & payments
Limited
Visa
Medium
Mastercard
Medium
American Express
Low
Lost card? Call Visa: +13039671096
Tipping in Malawi
Tipping is appreciated in Malawi for good service, but it is not mandatory. Wages are generally low, so tips can supplement income.
Restaurant
10-15% of the bill
Bar/Café
Around 10% for good service
Taxi
Round up the fare or a small tip for good service
Hotel Porter
MWK 500-1000 per bag
Hotel Housekeeper
MWK 500-1000 per day
Tour Guide
MWK 2000-5000 per day, depending on the length and quality of the tour
Mobile & roaming
Roaming charges can be high in Malawi. Check with your UK mobile provider for specific rates before travelling. EU roaming agreements no longer apply post-Brexit, so standard international roaming rates will apply.
Local SIM
5GB for 10000 MWK (~£8)
Network coverage
GSM, 3G, 4G
Electrical in Malawi
Voltage
230V / 50Hz
Plug types
Type C, Type G
WiFi & internet
Limited
Average speed
5 Mbps
WiFi is available in some hotels, cafes, and restaurants, primarily in larger towns and tourist areas. However, connection speeds can be slow and unreliable. Purchasing a local SIM card for mobile data is usually a better option for consistent internet access.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
997
Police
997
Ambulance
998
Fire
999
Save 997 in your phone before travelling.
Calling Malawi
Country code
265
To call Malawi from abroad, dial 265 followed by the local number.
UK Embassy
British High Commission, Area 13, Plot No. 10, Presidential Way, Lilongwe 3, Malawi
Phone
+265 (0) 1 772 400
Website
Kamuzu International Airport
Chileka International Airport
Chelinda Airport
Club Makokola Airport
Likoma Island Airport
Mzuzu Airport
Recent updates
No recent updates for Malawi.
Beaches in Malawi
No beaches listed for Malawi yet.
Frequently asked Questions
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.