VZCZCXYZ0008
RR RUEHWEB

DE RUEHLG #0381/01 1370539
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 170539Z MAY 07
FM AMEMBASSY LILONGWE
TO AMEMBASSY PRETORIA 2610

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 LILONGWE 000381 
 
SIPDIS 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: KHIV MI
SUBJECT: COUNTRY CLEARANCE FOR CATHERINE BROKENSHIRE-SCOTT, PEPFAR 
COUNTRY COORDINATOR, SOUTH AFRICA 
 
 
¶1. American Embassy Lilongwe grants country clearance and 
welcomes the visit of Ms. Catherine Brokenshire-Scott from May 27th, 
2007 to June 1st, 2007, for the purpose of assisting post in the 
transition of Strategic Information Advisors for the PEPFAR program 
in preparation of partner orientation to full COP requirements for a 
non-focus country and implementation of the FY 2007 COP. The Control 
Officer for the visit will be Dr. Mamadi Yilla, PEPFAR Country 
Coordinator; office telephone number 265-1-773-166, ext. 3462; home 
telephone number 265-1-794-442; cell phone number 265-9-188-252; and 
e-mail YillaM@state.gov. 
 
¶2. The Embassy understands Ms. Brokenshire-Scott will need 
assistance in making hotel and transportation reservations. A car 
will meet her at the airport to transfer her to her residence in 
Area 10. 
 
¶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, which must be paid in U.S. 
dollars (today's exchange rate is USD 1.00 to 138.00 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 traveler's 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. 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 
$10, $20, and $50. 
 
¶6. Climate 
Malawi's climate is generally subtropical.  There is little 
to no rainfall throughout most of 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 (41o-57oF). 
 
¶7. What to wear 
Visitors are particularly requested to observe local dress 
customs, which used to strongly emphasize modesty under the 
former president. While attitudes and customs have changed, 
so that wearing trousers for women and shorts for both men 
and women is acceptable in urban and tourist areas, in 
villages it is inappropriate for women to appear without 
wearing a skirt or long dress.  This can be accomplished 
easily by tying a wrap around the waist, locally called 
chitenjes or khangas and available inexpensively in markets. The 
wrap can be worn over trousers or shorts.  It is well to remember 
that Malawian's are very conventional, even conservative, people and 
to respect local customs and 
traditions when visiting villages and markets. The older 
generation and particularly in the rural areas, expect to see 
visitors dressed conservatively, respect always works. 
 
¶8. Excess Baggage 
Officials at Lilongwe 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. 
 
¶9. 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. 
 
¶10. 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 problem 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 
 
LILONGWE 00000381  002 OF 002 
 
 
drinking.  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. 
 
¶11. 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. 
 
¶12. 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-jacking 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.   Malawi currently enjoys political stability with few 
instances of civil unrest or public demonstrations. 
 
¶13. 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 the country.  It is the greatest attraction for visitors to 
this peaceful 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. 
 
¶14.  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. 
 
¶15. TAKULANDIRANI/MWALANDILIDWA! Welcome to Malawi, the warm heart 
of Africa. 
 
EASTHAM