Malawi

Driving permit

To drive in Malawi, you need both:

• a valid Australian driver licence
• an International Driving Permit (IDP)

Get your IDP before leaving Australia.

If you’ll be in Malawi for an extended period, you’ll need to apply for a local driver’s licence.

Road travel

You’re 6 times more likely to die in a motor vehicle accident in Malawi than in Australia.

Driving in Malawi is dangerous, particularly at night.

Hazards include:

• poor road conditions
• poorly maintained vehicles without lights
• poorly lit roads
• pedestrians, animals and abandoned vehicles on roads

Road accidents are a common cause of death.

Petrol and diesel shortages have occurred. Roadside assistance organisations don’t exist for stranded drivers.

Police regularly conduct breathalyser tests on drivers. Main roads have speed cameras.

Drivers caught speeding or over the 0.08% alcohol limit face immediate:

• licence confiscation
• vehicle confiscation
• fines and imprisonment

Police place roadblocks throughout the country. If stopped, you may need to show:

• a valid driver’s licence
• a copy of your passport and visa or residence permit

Before you drive:

• check that your travel insurance will cover you
• find out about local traffic laws and practices

To protect yourself while driving:

• stay alert to possible hazards
• be aware of animals and pedestrians straying onto roads
• avoid driving at night if possible

More information:

Motorcycles

Check if your insurance policy covers you for the vehicle you intend to ride. You might need extra cover for an accident on a motorbike, quad bike or similar vehicle.

Always wear a helmet.

Taxis

Use only registered taxis. Book them through your hotel.

Public transport

Malawi has limited and unreliable public transport, particularly in rural areas.

Air travel

DFAT doesn’t provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Check Malawi’s air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

More information:

Read the original advice at SmartTraveller.gov.au by Australian Government