U.S. Department of State
Level 2Exercise Increased Caution
Exercise increased cautionto Malawi due to crime and unrest. Crime Violent crime such as theft, burglary, armed robbery, and assault is common.
Full advisory →Personalize Report NowTailor this report specifically to you and get the latest and most valuable insights with one click.US Level 2 3 assessed
Is Malawi safe? 🇲🇼
Africa · Updated
As of October 2026, Malawi scores 59/100 on the IsMyTripSafe safety index (average across assessed destinations). The U.S. State Department rates Malawi Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution. Of the 3 Malawi destinations assessed, Nkhata Bay scores highest (63/100), while Blantyre scores lowest (54/100).
01 · Official Guidance
Government advisories
UK Foreign Office (FCDO)
Level 1No advisory against travel
Before you travel No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide.
Full advisory →Government of Canada
Level 2Exercise a high degree of caution
Canada's official risk level for Malawi: exercise a high degree of caution.
Full advisory →02 · Destinations
Malawi destinations by safety score
#1🇲🇼Nkhata BayModerate · updated 29 July 202663#2🇲🇼LilongweModerate · updated 18 October 202659#3🇲🇼BlantyreModerate · updated 13 October 202654
Missing a place? Generate its report in about a minute.
03 · Evidence Signals
Malawi safety data
| Indicator | Value | Score | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Government travel advisoryCA / US | Level 2 — Exercise Increased Caution · 2 govts | 75 | CA / US |
| Homicide rateWorld Bank Open Data · 2012 | 1.8 / 100k | 88 | World Bank Open Data (2012) |
| Feel safe walking alone after darkUN SDG Global Database · 2019 | 35.2% | 28 | UN SDG Global Database (2019) |
| Physical assault (past year)UN SDG Global Database · 2019 | 15.1% | 44 | UN SDG Global Database (2019) |
| Political stability & no terrorismWorld Bank Governance Indicators · 2025 | 63/100 | 63 | World Bank Governance Indicators (2025) |
| Rule of lawWorld Bank Governance Indicators · 2025 | 56/100 | 56 | World Bank Governance Indicators (2025) |
| Road traffic deathsWHO Global Health Observatory · 2021 | 20.2 / 100k | 42 | WHO Global Health Observatory (2021) |
04 · Questions
Malawi safety FAQ
Is Malawi safe to visit right now?
The U.S. State Department currently rates Malawi Level 2 of 4 — Exercise Increased Caution. On our composite index Malawi averages 59/100. See the destination reports above for city-level detail. (Updated 18 October 2026.)
What is the safest place to visit in Malawi?
Of the destinations we've assessed, Nkhata Bay currently scores highest at 63/100 (Moderate). Blantyre scores lowest at 54/100.
Where does this Malawi safety data come from?
Directly from public sources: US, UK and Canadian government advisories, World Bank and UNODC crime statistics, WHO health data, live air-quality, disaster and earthquake feeds — plus AI field research over current local reporting. Read the full methodology.