Malawi
Last update 21 April 2023Diplomatic missions
Risk index
Level 3: Increased level of risk (recommendation not to travel in certain areas of the country unless necessary)
3
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Republic of Malawi
The Republic of Bulgaria does not have an embassy in the capital city of Malawi Lilongwe. For any consular issues, all Bulgarian citizens (staying either short-term or long-term) in Malawi, can refer to the Bulgarian Embassy in Pretoria, Republic of South Africa.
Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria in Pretoria
Address: 1071, Church St., 0083 Hatfield, Pretoria, Republic of South Africa
Telephone: +27 012 342 37 20, +27 012 342 79 41
Fax: + 27 012 342 37 21
Office hours: 09.00 - 12.00 (Mon to Fri)
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.mfa.bg/embassies/nigeria
The embassy of Malawi in Berlin has been accredited to Bulgaria.
Embassy of the Republic of Malawi in Berlin
Address: Westfealische Strasse 86, 10709, Berlin, Germany
Тel.: +49 0 308431540
Fax. +49 0 3084315430
Consular: [email protected]
Economic: [email protected]
Tourism: [email protected]
Info: [email protected]
Website: www.malawiembassy.de; www.malawi-berlin.com
General information
General information
(1.) Security level:
(2.) Healthcare:
(3.) Recommended vaccines and personal hygiene advice:
(4.) Customs requirements:
(5.) Traffic on roads:
(6.) Practical advice:
(7.) Local currency:
(8.) Climatic characteristics:
(9.) Other:
Local currency
Malawian Kwacha (MWK)
When travelling to Malawi you are advised to have some USD, GBP or a cheque book on you.
Crime and security
Visitors are advised to pay special attention to their security. In July 2011, there were mass demonstrations in the country; people were killed and injured. Further demonstrations on social grounds are to be expected. There is a high level of crime in the major cities and tourist centres.
Legislation specifics
Large amounts of marijuana are produced and sold illegally in Malawi.
Violations in this regard shall be punished severely according to Malawian legislation.
Such legislation also applies to tourists.
Purchase of raw precious stones is illegal.
Homosexuality in Malawi is prohibited and punishable by imprisonment of up to five years.
Demonstrative homosexual behaviour is not tolerated in public, neither is similar behaviour between representatives of the opposite sexes. Nudism is prohibited.
Customs requirements
You can bring an unlimited amount of foreign currency into the country, but it must be declared.
You can bring into the country 200 cigarettes or 225 grams of tobacco, 1 litre of spirits, 1 litre of beer and 1 litre of wine, duty-free.
The import of drugs and drug substances of any kind is prohibited.
Hunting weapons may be imported only with a permit.
The export of up to 3,000 MWK is allowed per person.
Road traffic
If you travel by car you need to provide your insurance at the border, when entering Malawi.
It is usually recommended to hire taxis at hotels or airports. Avoid travelling by public transport minibuses. Be very careful when travelling by car after dark.
Healthcare
If necessary, it is recommended to only use the services of missionary hospitals. A number of contagious diseases, including AIDS, are widespread in the country. Mosquitoes carry various diseases. Be careful when eating fruit and vegetables.
Travel papers and visas
Bulgarian citizens, travelling to Malawi (holders of ordinary, official or diplomatic passports) need a visa, which they can obtain from the embassy of Malawi in Berlin.
If you travel by plane, you can get your visa at the airport, but we advise you to check this at the Embassy of Malawi in Berlin beforehand.
Once you are in the country your visa may be extended for a stay of up to 6 months from the date of entering Malawi.
For further information on visa regulations HERE.
You can only enter the country with a passport that is valid for at least three months from the date of entry into Malawi.
Special immunisations are not required.
Further information on vaccines necessary for Malawi can be obtained from the National Centre of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases in Sofia, tel. +359 2944 69 99 221.
Practical advice
Be extra careful at the Central Bus Station in the capital Lilongwe or if you drive after dark.
It is recommended to have a photocopy of your personal documents on you.
Children’s travel
There are no special requirements, but it is advisable for children to travel with separate passports.
Competitive service
For any consular issues, all Bulgarian citizens (staying either short-term or long-term) in Malawi can refer to the Bulgarian Embassy in Pretoria, Republic of South Africa.
For emergencies outside working hours, during official holidays orat weekends, please call mobile tel. +27 79 893 7336.
Certifications and Legalisations
Malawiis a party to the Hague Convention for abolishing the requirement of legalisation for foreign public documents.
For all Bulgarian citizens’ documents, issued by Malawian authorities, to be valid in Bulgaria and to be recognised by Bulgarian institutions, they need an ‘Apostille’ from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Malawi.
Thus prepared, the documents must be translated into Bulgarian by an authorised translation agency in Bulgaria, and the translation needs to be certified by the Certifications and Legalisations Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bulgaria.
Emergency Travel Document
In cases of emergency - damaged, lost or stolen passport - Bulgarian citizens can apply for an Emergency Travel Document at the Embassy of any Member State of the EU in Lilongwe.