Import regulations by Malawi customs

Imports:

Tobacco:200 cigarettes or 225 grams of tobacco in any form
Alcohol:(over 16) 1 litre of spirits, 1 litre of beer and 1 litre of wine

Export regulations by Malawi customs

Exports:
Prohibited:

plants and seeds
livestock
drugs
pharmaceuticals
live insects and snails
agricultural defensives
obscene literature


Prohibited items
The import of firearms is prohibited unless a permit has been bought in advance from the Registrar of Firearms, Box 41, Zomba.

Other Malawi customs information

A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers arriving from, or transiting through, infected areas.

Following WHO guidelines issued in 1973, a cholera vaccination certificate is not a condition of entry to Malawi. However, cholera is a risk in this country and precautions are essential. Up-to-date advice should be sought before deciding whether these precautions should include vaccination, as medical opinion is divided over its effectiveness; see the Health appendix.

Note: It has been reported that cholera vaccination certificates have been demanded at the border with Tanzania; if immunisation is necessary, avoid the use of local needles under all circumstances.

Typhoid may occur in rural areas.

Malaria risk exists all year throughout the country. The predominant malignant falciparum strain is reported to be highly resistant to chloroquine and resistant to sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine. The recommended prophylaxis is mefloquine.

Food drink: All water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated. Water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should have first been boiled or otherwise sterilised. Milk is unpasteurised and should be boiled. Powdered or tinned milk is available and is advised, but make sure that it is reconstituted with pure water. Avoid dairy products which are likely to have been made from unboiled milk. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish, preferably served hot. Pork, salad and mayonnaise may carry increased risk. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled.

Other risks: Bilharzia (schistosomiasis) is present, and has been confirmed to occur in some parts of Lake Malawi. Avoid swimming and paddling in slow-moving or stagnant fresh water; swimming pools which are well chlorinated and maintained are safe. Trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness) is reported. Hepatitis A, B, C and E and TB are all present. Meningococcal meningitis can occur, especially in the dry season. Avoid tick and insect bites, as they can result in viral diseases. HIV infection is a risk. Rabies is present. For those at high risk, vaccination before arrival should be considered. If you are bitten, seek medical advice without delay. For more information consult the Health appendix.

Health care: Health insurance is essential. It is advisable to take personal medical supplies, including needles.

http://malawi.usembassy.gov/