Location: Malawi
Event: Change in Malawi’s Arrival/Departure Requirements
As of January 20, 2021, there are 13,888 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Malawi. There are 8,082 active cases, 6,206 recovered patients, and 353 deaths are COVID-19 related. Malawi is experiencing a rapid and steep rise in COVID-19 cases.
Arrival: The government of Malawi requires all arriving passengers to produce a negative SARS Cov-2 PCR test certificate obtained within 10 days prior to arrival and to complete a health declaration form. Although the Malawian health authorities have indicated testing may be available upon arrival for US $100, the U.S. Embassy recommends all U.S. Citizens have their testing done in advance to avoid complications during travel or denial of entry. Although a quarantine is no longer required for those arriving with a negative SARS Cov-2 PCR test, the government requests all arriving passengers to self-monitor for 14 days, after which district health officials will follow up with them.
Departure: The government is also requiring a negative SARS Cov-2 PCR test certificate obtained within 10 days of departure from Malawi. The test must be taken in a Government of Malawi approved testing facility. To be tested, bring your passport, a flight itinerary, and the equivalent to US $100 in kwachas. Check with the Government of Malawi for the most up to date departure requirements.
The government of Malawi has implemented other measures to limit the spread of the virus, including a curfew from 9 pm to 5 am, the closure of markets at 5 pm and drinking establishments at 8 pm, no gathering of more than 50 people and mandatory face mask usage. Those who do not comply with the mask mandate may be subject to fines.
The U.S. Embassy remains unable to resume routine American Citizen Services or non-immigrant or immigrant visa services. To submit a request for an emergency service, email LilongweConsular@state.gov.
Actions to Take:
- Consult the CDC website for the most up-to-date information.
- For the most recent information on what you can do to reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19, please see the CDC’s latest recommendations.
- Visit the COVID-19 crisis page on travel.state.gov for the latest information.
- Check with your airlines, cruise lines, or travel operators regarding any updated information about your travel plans and/or restrictions.
- Visit our Embassy webpage on COVID-19 for information on conditions in Malawi https://mw.usembassy.gov/.
- Visit the Department of Homeland Security’s website on the latest travel restrictions to the United States
Assistance:
- U.S. Embassy Lilongwe, Malawi, Area 40, City Center Lilongwe, Malawi
- U.S. citizens with emergencies: +265-887-38-41-09
- Outside of office hours: +265-999-960-178
- E-mail: LilongweConsular@state.gov
- Website: https://mw.usembassy.gov/services/
- State Department – Consular Affairs 888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444
- Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alert
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