Malawi - Consular Information Sheet
October 18, 1993

Country Description:  Malawi is a developing African nation.  Facilities for 
tourists exist, but are limited.

Entry Requirements:  A passport is required.  Visas are not required for a 
stay of up to one year.  Strict dress codes apply to anyone visiting Malawi. 
 Women must wear dresses that cover the shoulders, arms and knees and may 
not wear slacks except in specifically designated areas.  Men with long hair 
cannot enter the country.  For further information, the traveler may contact 
the Embassy of Malawi, 2408 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 
20008, telephone (202) 797-1007, or the Malawi Mission to the U.N., 600 
Third Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10016, telephone, (212) 949-0180.

Areas of Instability:  Spontaneous civil disturbances are not common in 
Malawi, but have occurred.  Strikes and demonstrations in the city of 
Blantyre in the southern region of the country and in the capital city of 
Lilongwe have become violent at times.

Medical Facilities:  Medical facilities are limited.  Some medicines are in 
short supply.  Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for 
health care services.  U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside 
the United States.  In some cases, supplemental medical insurance with 
specific overseas coverage has proven useful.  Information on health matters 
can be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control's international 
travelers hotline, telephone (404) 332-4559.

Information on Crime:  Petty crime, including purse snatching, occurs in 
urban areas.  Residential break-ins have increased significantly during the 
last six months. The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be 
reported immediately to local police and to the nearest U.S. embassy or 
consulate.  The pamphlets "A Safe Trip Abroad" and "Tips for Travelers to 
Sub-Saharan Africa" provide useful information on protecting personal 
security while traveling abroad and on travel in the region in general.  
Both are available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government 
Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.

Drug Penalties:  U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in 
which they are traveling.  Penalties for possession, or dealing in illegal 
drugs are strict and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines.

Registration:  U.S. citizens who register at the U.S. Embassy may obtain 
updated information on travel and security within Malawi.

Embassy Location:  The U.S. Embassy is located in Area 40, City Center, in 
the capital city of Lilongwe.  The mailing address is P.O. Box 30016.  The 
telephone numbers are (265) 783-166 and 783-342; the fax number is (265) 780-
471.

No. 93-281

This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated December 24, 1992, to add 
the U.S. Embassy's fax number and information on reporting the loss or theft 
abroad of a U.S. passport.