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DE RUEHLG #0156/01 0600538
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 010538Z MAR 07
FM AMEMBASSY LILONGWE
TO RHMFIUU/AFRICA CENTER FOR STRATEGIC STUDIES WASHDC
INFO RHMFIUU/NDU WASHINGTON DC//NDU-P/RMD/NDU-ACSS//
RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHINGTON DC//USDP/ISA-AFR//
RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC//AF/EUR/PM// 3922
RHMFISS/CDR USEUCOM VAIHINGEN GE//ECDC//
RHMFISS/HQ USEUCOM VAIHINGEN GE//POLAD/ECJ5/ECSM//
RUEKJCS/DIA WASHINGTON DC//DIAC/DHO-7//
RHEHNSC/NSC WASHDC//AF/EUR//
RUEHOR/USODC GABORONE BC
RUEHSB/USDAO HARARE ZI

UNCLAS LILONGWE 000156 
 
SIPDIS 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: MASS MARR PREL OTRA MI
SUBJECT: Country Clearance granted - ACSS Malawi 
 
REF: 261409Z FEB 07 
 
¶1. American Embassy Lilongwe grants country clearance 
and welcomes the visit of Mr. Angelo Sommer, Mr. Enoch A. 
Sarbeng and Mr. Jeffrey Yeck to coordinate support for 
the upcoming Africa Center Seminar in Blantyre from 
10-17 February 2007. Control Officer for the visit will be 
Political/Military Officer Tyler Sparks, office telephone 
number 265-1-773-166, ext. 3463+ cell phone number 
265-9-965-544; and e-mail sparkstk@state.gov. 
 
¶2. Accnmmodations 
Reservations have buen made at Cresta Hotel in Lilongwe, 
telephone number 256-1-770-333 under confirmation numbers 
21401 and 21402 and RyallQs hotel in Blantyre 265-1-620-955/201, 
under confirmation numbers 7387/7389/7390 for the dates specified 
in reftel. The current room rate is USD90 for Cresta and USD110.00 
for RyallQs which inclUdes tax and Breakfast. 
 
¶3. Airport Departure Tax 
Regardless of diplomatic or other official status, all 
departing air travelers are subject to an airport departure 
tax of thirty U.S. dollars ($30), which must be paid in U.S. 
dollars. Today's exchange rate is USD1.00 to 140.48 Malawi 
Kwacha. 
 
¶4. Foreign Exchange 
Banking services are very limited throughout Malawi and there 
are no ATM machines.  Further, the country is experiencing a 
shortage of hard currency and it is particularly difficult to 
obtain U.S. dollars even via accommodation exchanges with the 
embassy cashier. Whereas the Embassy Cashier will cash travelers 
checks, usually for Malawi Kwacha only at the current exchange 
rate posted by RAMC-Paris, the local money changers normally 
charge a 10% fee.  For all of these reasons, travelers are 
advised to consider bringing a small, whatever is reasonable 
amount of U.S. dollars if they are planning any personal 
in-country travel. 
 
¶5. Airport Transfer 
An embassy representative will meet you at the airport. All 
visitors should check in with their host agency Executive 
office at their earliest opportunity. 
 
¶6. Cellular Telephones 
Cellular telephones are available for rent at the airport 
for travelers requiring such capability.  The cost is 
approximately $2.50 per day plus a refundable deposit of 
$200.  Calling cards may be purchased in denominations of 
$2, $5, $10, &20, and $50. 
 
¶7. Climate 
Malawi's climate is generally subtropical.  There is little 
to no rainfall throughout most ov the country from May to 
October. It is hot and humid from October to April along the 
lake and in the Lower Shire Valley. Lilongwe is also hot and 
humid during these months, albeit far less than in the south. 
The rest of the country is warm during those months. From 
June through August, the lake areas and far south are 
comfortably warm, but the rest of Malawi can be chilly at 
night, with temperatures ranging from 5o-14oC or 41o-57oF. 
 
¶8. What to wear 
Visitors are particularly requested to observe local dress 
customs, which strongly emphasized modesty under the former 
president.  While attitudes and customs have changed so that 
women wearing trousers and women and men wearing shorts is 
acceptable in urban and tourist areas, in outlying villages 
it is still inappropriate for women to appear without wearing 
a skirt or long dress.  This can be easily accomplished by 
tying a wrap around the waist to cover shorts, trousers, or 
short skirts.  The wraps, called chitenjes or khangas, are 
inexpensive, readily available in local markets, and, as a 
bonus, are usually quite beautiful.  In sum, Malawians are 
very conventional and conservative people and our display of 
obvious respect for their customs and traditions goes a long 
way toward furthering our mutual relations, and this is 
particularly so in the rural areas. 
 
¶9. ExcessBaggage 
Officials at Kamuzu International Airport can be very strict 
concerning excess baggage; and because fees for excess baggage 
are not posted, travelers run the risk of incurring excessive 
charges.  Therefore, when appropriate for reasons of official 
business, post recommends that visitors have an excess baggage 
allowance added to their tickets at the time of purchase. 
 
 
¶10. Flight Reconfirmation 
Because flights from Lilongwe are frequently overbooked, 
travelers are encouraged to visit the embassy's travel 
section early in their visit in order to reconfirm onward 
travel. 
 
¶11. Health 
Travelers to Malawi should check with their agency's medical 
unit several weeks before arrival in Lilongwe to receive 
recommended immunizations and to begin malaria prophylaxis. 
Malaria is a significant health projlem in Malawi. Swimmers 
should be aware of the risk of contracting schistosomiasis. 
Although tap water is treated in the major cities, quality 
varies and it is not always safe for lrinking.  Do not drink 
water outside of the cities; bottled water is readily available 
in stores and in restaurants.  HIV/AIDS is prevalent in Malawi 
and visitors should exercise extreme caution at all times to 
avoid contact that might result in HIV/AIDS transmission. 
 
A yellow fever vaccination received within the last ten years 
and evidenced with a World Health Organization International 
Certificate of Vaccinations may be required for entry into Malawi. 
 
¶12. Security 
During your visit to Malawi, you should use the same security 
precautions you would exercise in any urban area of the developing 
world.  Carjacking and robberies occur throughout Malawi and all 
visitors should use caution.  You should not carry personal 
valuables or large amounts of currency when visiting the downtown 
areas of Lilongwe or Blantyre.  We recommend that you not venture 
out alone at night. Given the high rate of vehicular accidents, use 
of USG vehicles outside urban areas after dark is prohibited and the 
mission strongly discourages individuals from driving their private 
vehicles outside urban areas after dark. 
 
¶13. Threat Assessment 
Malawi is rated critical for crime.  Porous borders, easily acquired 
small arms, and an under-resourced police service provide an easy 
environment for criminals.  Besides petty thefts, the majority of 
reported crimes are car-jackings and burglaries.  Even though there 
are no known terrorist organizations operating in Malawi, the 
conditions noted above also allow for a possible, undetected terrorist 
presence. The current government was democratically elected in 1994 
then re-elected in 1999 and 2004.   Malawi currently enjoys political 
stability with few instances of civil unrest or public demonstrations. 
 
¶14. Travel 
Malawi is a long and narrow country, covering more than 1000 km from 
North to South.  The geography is dominated by the tranquil waters of 
Lake Malawi, nearly 600km long and up to 80km wide, bordering the east 
of tie country.  It is the greatest attraction for visitors to this 
pmaceful place well known for its friendly people, golden shores, and 
stunning natural scenery.  Malawi also has eleven national parks and 
game reserves where everything from elephants to orchids are protected. 
The three national parks of Lengwe, Liwonde, and Lake Malawi National 
Park are located in the south; Kasungu National Park is in the central 
region; and Nyika National Park is in the north.  Additionally, game 
reserves are accessible from all parts of the country. 
 
¶15. Visas 
U.S. citizens bearing diplomatic, official or tourist passports do 
not require visas when entering Malawi for business or vacation. For 
longer-term stays that require a residency visa, the embassy's 
Consular Section will assist you. 
 
¶16. TAKULANDIRANI or MWALANDILIDWA! Welcome to Malawi, the warm heart 
of Africa. 
EASTHAM