Is Malawi safe in 2026?
Malawi scores 82.9/100 on the live safety index — generally safe. The main pressure on the score comes from economy, natural disasters, crime. The 24-hour AI forecast calls the trend stable (projected 82.9/100).
82.9 /100generally safe
30-day trend
Malawi's score changed by +0.2 over the last 22 days (82.8 → 82.9) — within normal day-to-day noise. No single event moved the index.
Risk factors
Open the interactive country card to inspect current factors. For historical factor data and integrations, see the customer API.
Conflict & War
1.0/34.1 safety points.
Official travel advisory
2 Exercise Increased Caution
The U.S. State Department places Malawi at Level 2 — Exercise Increased Caution citing unrest and crime. Our live index reads 82.9/100. That advisory was last revised May 14, 2026, 155 days ago; the index above is recomputed continuously from current reporting.
Violent crime affects visitors and residents alike in Malawi, with theft, burglary, armed robbery and assault all reported frequently. The Malawi Police Service is building its capabilities, though limited resources constrain its ability to prevent crime, pursue investigations, detain suspects and support those targeted. Political tensions and electoral events can prompt demonstrations, which may recur at short notice. Security forces frequently deploy tear gas against such gatherings, and roads in affected areas are sometimes closed to traffic.
Source: U.S. Department of State, revised May 14, 2026. Levels run 1 (normal precautions) to 4 (do not travel). This page is not travel advice.
Latest recorded events
- Malawi motorists queue for days as fuel shortage bites - Malawi’s fuel shortage has brought daily life in the capital Lilongwe to a halt.
- British woman abducted in Malawi, police say
24-hour forecast
Trend: stable · projected score 82.9/100 (generated )
No new events and recent performance remains close to baseline.
Compared with nearby countries
| Country | Score | 0–100 | vs Malawi |
|---|---|---|---|
| Malawi | 82.9 | — | |
| Mozambique | 60.9 | −22.0 | |
| Zambia | 84.5 | +1.6 | |
| Tanzania | 79.8 | −3.1 | |
| Zimbabwe | 71.5 | −11.4 | |
| Comoros | 79.9 | −3.0 |