Travel Report for Malawi

Country Profile for
Malawi

TRAVEL REPORTS:

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TRAVEL REPORT

Last Updated: October 13, 2006 16:24 EDT
Still Valid: December 8, 2006 23:12 EST

Malawi

1.	INTRODUCTION
2.	ATTENTION
3.	SAFETY AND SECURITY
4.	LOCAL TRAVEL
5.	NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE
6.	LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS
7.	ASSISTANCE FOR CANADIANS ABROAD
8.	ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS
9.	MONEY

10.	GENERAL INFORMATION
11.	TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM
12.	ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION
13.	RETURNING TO CANADA
14.	INTERNATIONAL ADOPTIONS
15.	TRAVEL TIPS
16.	HEALTH AND TRAVEL INSURANCE
17.	FOR MORE INFORMATION
18.	ANNEX

1. INTRODUCTION

Sections 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 12 of this Travel Report have been updated.

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2. ATTENTION

OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada offers a registration service for Canadians travelling or residing abroad. Although Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada does not warn against travel to this country or region(s) of this country, Canadians are encouraged to register with the responsible Canadian government office due to the security situation and/or the absence of Canadian representation in this country. Registration can be done on-line or by calling the responsible Canadian government office abroad to request a registration form.

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3. SAFETY AND SECURITY

Civil unrest can occur. As well, political demonstrations and strike activity can turn violent. You should exercise caution, monitor local news reports, and avoid large crowds and demonstrations.

Muggers, bag snatchers, and con artists are active in major cities and tourist destinations such as Blantyre, Cape Maclear, Nkhata Bay, Senga Bay, Mzuzu and Zomba. They are also active in buses and bus stations. There has been an increase in aggressions on Kenyatta promenade in Lilongwe, particularly after dark. Muggings have resulted in the loss of travel and identification documents. Ensure your personal belongings and travel documents are secure. You should carry copies of your passport’s identification page and other travel documents while placing your originals in safekeeping facilities. Do not show signs of affluence. Be wary of over-friendly people who offer their services as tourist guides. Do not accept food or drink from passengers on public transportation, as it could be drugged. Luggage should not be left unattended. Residential break-ins and carjackings are common in urban areas.

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4. LOCAL TRAVEL

Traffic drives on the left. Potholes, animals and abandoned vehicles pose risks. Avoid driving outside cities after dark. Emergency roadside assistance is very limited.

Overland travel between

Malawi

and

Zimbabwe

along the Tete Corridor in

Mozambique

can be dangerous. Armed carjackings, particularly of four-wheel-drive vehicles, are common. You should not resist if threatened by carjackers. Violent crimes, including murder, have also occurred. You should travel in convoy, during daylight hours only. Keep windows closed and doors locked and never leave your personal belongings, including handbags and backpacks in a vehicle.

Travelling on Mount Mulanje requires a local registered tour guide since paths are not marked.

Public transport is limited in rural areas. There are regular flights and bus services between Blantyre, Zomba, Lilongwe, and Mzuzu. Exercise caution when travelling on minibuses; they are overcrowded and poorly maintained.

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended.

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5. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE

The rainy season extends from November to April. Secondary roads may be impassable to all but four-wheel-drive vehicles during this period. You should remain informed of regional weather forecasts and plan accordingly. If intending to visit flood affected areas, ensure you have sufficient quantities of potable water in reserve.

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6. LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS

You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail or death sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons.

Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 7 below. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.

The Department publishes A Guide for Canadians Imprisoned Abroad, specifically targeted at incarcerated Canadians. Its prime objective is to inform Canadian detainees, their families, and friends about available assistance and advice.

It is illegal to purchase uncut precious stones and they should not be exported.

It is prohibited to import ivory, drugs, and pornographic material. A licence is required to import firearms and munitions for the purpose of hunting. Canadians should contact the High Commission of the Republic of Malawi (see section 8 below) for specific information regarding customs requirements.

Homosexual activity is illegal.

Common sense and discretion should be exercised in dress and behaviour. Respect religious beliefs and social conventions to avoid offending local sensitivities.

Spitting in public is illegal. Drinking in public is also prohibited.

Penalties for drunk driving and speeding are severe in

Malawi

.

Carrying prescription drugs without a doctor's note or a drug store receipt is forbidden.

Photography of people, government buildings, airports, churches or synagogues, bridges and military installations is strictly prohibited.

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7. ASSISTANCE FOR CANADIANS ABROAD

You can obtain consular assistance and further consular information at the following address:

Malawi - BLANTYRE-LIMBE, Consulate of Canada
Address: Accord Centre, M Chipembere Highway, Blantyre-Limbe, Malawi
Postal Address: P.O. Box 51902, Blantyre-Limbe, Malawi
Tel.: 265 (1) 845-441, 841-612, or 843-277
Fax: 265 (1) 843-446
E-mail: kokhai@malawibiz.com

Canadians may also contact the High Commission of Canada in Lusaka, Zambia. The address is as follows:

Zambia - LUSAKA, High Commission of Canada
Address: 5199 United Nations Avenue, Lusaka, Zambia
Postal Address: P.O. Box 31313, Lusaka, Zambia
Tel.: 260 (1) 25-08-33
Fax: 260 (1) 25-41-76
E-mail: lsaka@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.lusaka.gc.ca

For emergency assistance after hours, call the High Commission of Canada in Lusaka, Zambia, and follow the instructions. You may also make a collect call to the Department in Ottawa at 613-996-8885.

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8. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS

The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with the

Malawi

authorities and, to the best of our knowledge, was valid on September 29, 2006. However, entry and exit requirements are subject to change.

It is the sole prerogative of each country to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the country or countries to be visited. Conditions are subject to change.

Foreign Affairs

Canada

’s Office of Protocol provides contact details for the High Commission of the Republic of Malawi and its consulates, where you can obtain further information on entry and exit requirements.

A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Malawi. The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected return to

Canada

. A return or onward ticket is also required.

Tourist Visa: Not required
Business Visa: Not required
Student Visa: Not required

Travellers are required to carry evidence of a yellow fever vaccination.

There is an airport departure tax payable only in US dollars.

Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.

Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify visa requirements for this and other countries, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.

Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.

Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.

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9. MONEY

The local currency is the

Malawi

kwacha (MWK). Credit cards are not widely accepted outside major hotels. ATM devices may not accept international cards.Canadian currency and traveller's cheques are not widely accepted worldwide. Check with your bank for information on ATM services in other countries. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ATMs around the world. Your bank can advise if you need a new personal identification number (PIN) for overseas access to your account. Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. ATMs should be used during business hours inside a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.

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10. GENERAL INFORMATION

Malawi (capital: Lilongwe) is located in southern Africa between

. The official language is English and Chichewa is also spoken. Tourist facilities are limited outside of major centres.

In urban areas, telephones are available in hotels and offices. Public telephones are limited. Cellular phone coverage is available in major towns. There are a number of Internet cafés in Lilongwe and Blantyre. Electricity, water supplies, and telecommunications are unreliable in rural areas due to aging or lack of infrastructure. There are few telephones in rural areas.

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11. TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM

The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Medicine Program Web site.

The Public Health Agency of Canada is following the incidence of meningitis in and around the African meningitis belt. This belt extends from Guinea to Senegal in the west to Ethiopia and western Eritrea in the east. Epidemics most often occur during the dry season (December to June) in this region. Since the mid-1990s, meningitis has occurred on an unprecedented scale and has spread beyond the usual boundaries. Additional information and health recommendations concerning meningitis can be obtained through the Public Health Agency of Canada's Travel Medicine Web site .

The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.

Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.

The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.

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12. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

You should bring sufficient medication for the duration of your stay. You should also only drink boiled or sealed bottled water.

As the level of HIV/AIDS infection in Malawi is high, you should be cautious about activities involving the transmission of bodily fluids.

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13. RETURNING TO CANADA

Please consult the Current Issue on returning to Canada.

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14. INTERNATIONAL ADOPTIONS

Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child from another country, you must first obtain information about the adoption regulations of the province or territory in which the child will reside. While adoption is a provincial/territorial responsibility, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is responsible for allowing an adopted child entry into Canada. Entry can be refused if the child does not hold the appropriate immigrant visa. A visa may be denied, even if the adoption has already been completed. For more information contact CIC at 1 888 242-2100 (in Canada only), check the CIC Web site or contact your provincial or territorial government.

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15. TRAVEL TIPS

Please consult our Traveller's Checklist.

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16. HEALTH AND TRAVEL INSURANCE

Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.

Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.

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17. FOR MORE INFORMATION

N/A

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18. ANNEX

N/A

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