Exercise Increased Caution
“Exercise increased cautionto Malawi due to crime and unrest. Crime Violent crime such as theft, burglary, armed robbery, and assault is common.”
Updated Thu, 14 May 2026
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Is Lilongwe safe? 🇲🇼
Malawi · Safety report last updated
As of October 2026, Lilongwe scores 59/100 on the IsMyTripSafe composite safety index — verdict: mostly — take normal precautions. Yes. Lilongwe is moderately safe for visitors who take standard precautions against petty crime and avoid walking alone after dark. The main risks for visitors are pickpocketing (moderate risk) and robbery (moderate risk). The U.S. State Department rates it Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution).
Safety Report
IsMyTripSafe.com
Lilongwe 🇲🇼
Malawi · Assessed 18 October 2026
59
/ 100
What drives this score
Crime57/100FairCrime index 45.9 / 100 · city-level
Sentiment63/100FairMixed feelings
Advisories75Good
Stability65Fair
Health52Caution
01 · Official Guidance
Advisories
Good
No advisory against travel
“Before you travel No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide.”
Updated 2026-10-07T10:21:30Z
Full advisory →Exercise a high degree of caution
“Canada's official risk level for Malawi: exercise a high degree of caution.”
Updated 2026-10-14T10:32:00.3759814-04:00
Full advisory →02 · Evidence Signals
Crime
Fair
Urban scale factor
1.1M residents
66
City SignalCity Geocoding
Homicide rate
1.8 / 100kHomicide rate · per 100kJapan0.2Switzerland0.6Malawi1.8World avg5.2United States5.8Brazil19.3South Africa43.7
88
Robbery / mugging
ModerateRisk of mugging and armed robbery exists, particularly in less populated areas and after dark.
Pickpocketing
ModeratePickpocketing and bag-snatching are common in busy markets, bus stations, and crowded public places.
▸ 3 more indicators▾ Hide extra indicators
03 · Environment
Health & Air
Caution
04 · Institutions
Stability
Fair
05 · Field Research
Current Situation
Moderate
Traveller sentiment score
Mixed feelings
63/100
Reported feel55Mixed feelings
Robbery risk62Moderate risk
Pickpocket risk78Moderate risk
Visitors report feeling safe walking alone in daylight but express concern after dark, with low confidence in nighttime safety reflected in survey data showing only about one-third feel secure walking alone after dark.
Yes. Lilongwe is moderately safe for visitors who take standard precautions against petty crime and avoid walking alone after dark.
Lilongwe has a moderate crime risk with pickpocketing and robbery common in crowded areas and after dark; violent crime is less frequent but occurs, particularly in less populated zones. Visitors generally report feeling safe during daylight hours but express concern about nighttime safety, aligning with low scores for feeling secure after dark. Recent police actions show ongoing efforts to counter scams targeting tourists.
Recent developments
- Oct 2026Lilongwe Police arrested two suspected serial tricksters for the 'mwandikumbukira' scam targeting unsuspecting victims along Kamuzu Procession Road.— MBC Malawi
- Jul 2026Malawi Police and UNDP advanced digital transformation of crime management to improve response to theft and assault cases.— United Nations Development Programme
Common scams
- mwandikumbukira trickster scam involving false promises of wealth or blessings
- unofficial taxi or transport scams overcharging or taking tourists to isolated areas
Full briefing
Lilongwe Police recently arrested two individuals for running the 'mwandikumbukira' scam, a trick involving false promises of wealth or blessings to swindle victims, highlighting ongoing fraud risks in the city. Pickpocketing remains a moderate threat in busy areas like markets and bus stations, while robbery risks increase after dark in less populated zones. Visitors generally feel secure during daylight hours but report low confidence walking alone at night, consistent with survey data showing only about a third feel safe after dark. To stay safe, use registered transport after dark, avoid displaying valuables, and keep belongings secured in crowded places. Standard precautions are sufficient for most travelers who remain alert and avoid isolated areas after dark.
Was this Lilongwe, Malawi report helpful?
06 · Neighbourhoods
Safest areas and areas to avoid
Our field research rated 8 Lilongwe districts for visitors: 2 safer, 4 needing caution and 2 best avoided. See them plotted on the Lilongwe safety map.
Kamuzu Procession Road areaavoidRecent scam arrests (mwandikumbukira) and opportunistic theft reported Oct 2026.
Along Lilongwe River banksavoidPoor lighting and isolated spots increase mugging risk after dark.
City CentrecautionPetty theft common in busy areas; avoid walking alone after dark.
Old TowncautionPickpocketing reported in markets; exercise normal precautions by day, avoid at night.
Lilongwe Market (City Market)cautionHigh pickpocketing risk in crowded conditions; keep valuables secure.
Bingu National Stadium vicinitycautionCrowds increase theft risk; avoid isolated areas, especially after events.
Area 10saferWell-patrolled residential and diplomatic zone; low crime incidence.
Area 43saferAffluent suburb with good security; recommended for visitors.
07 · After Dark
Is Lilongwe safe at night?
35% of people in Malawi say they feel safe walking alone at night in their area (UN SDG survey, 2019).
Risk of mugging and armed robbery exists, particularly in less populated areas and after dark.
After dark, be most careful around Kamuzu Procession Road area, Along Lilongwe River banks, City Centre, Old Town. Stick to busy, well-lit streets and licensed taxis or ride-hail late at night.
08 · Questions
Lilongwe safety FAQ (2026)
Is Lilongwe safe right now (2026)?
Yes. Lilongwe is moderately safe for visitors who take standard precautions against petty crime and avoid walking alone after dark. Lilongwe has a moderate crime risk with pickpocketing and robbery common in crowded areas and after dark; violent crime is less frequent but occurs, particularly in less populated zones. Visitors generally report feeling safe during daylight hours but express concern about nighttime safety, aligning with low scores for feeling secure after dark. Recent police actions show ongoing efforts to counter scams targeting tourists. (Assessed 18 October 2026.)
Is Lilongwe safe for women, families and solo travelers?
Safety is not one number, and this Lilongwe report does not pretend it is: the score is re-weighted for who is travelling. A woman travelling alone, a family with children and a solo backpacker face different street-level risks, so the headline score shifts and the report leads with the findings that matter for that group. Personalize this report in one click to see the 2026 score and safety briefing for your specific travellers.
Which areas of Lilongwe should tourists avoid?
Field research flags Kamuzu Procession Road area, Along Lilongwe River banks as best avoided. See the district-by-district safety map.
What are the most common scams in Lilongwe (2026)?
- mwandikumbukira trickster scam involving false promises of wealth or blessings
- unofficial taxi or transport scams overcharging or taking tourists to isolated areas
How does Lilongwe compare with other places in Malawi (2026)?
Lilongwe ranks #2 of 3 Malawi destinations we've assessed, scoring 59/100. See the Malawi safety overview for the full list.
How is this lilongwe safety score calculated (2026)?
The score blends 14+ public data sources — government advisories, UNODC/World Bank crime statistics, FBI crime data for U.S. cities, WHO health data, live air quality and disaster alerts — with AI field research over current local reporting. The databases carry the bulk of the weight; the traveller-sentiment score from field research carries the rest. Full methodology.
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Raw data: lilongwe.json (CC BY 4.0).