Warning – Level 3, COVID-19 risk in Malawi is high

What is the current situation?

COVID-19 risk in Malawi is high. CDC recommends travelers avoid all nonessential international travel to Malawi. Some examples of essential travel may include traveling for humanitarian aid work, medical reasons, or family emergencies. Older adults, people of any age with certain underlying medical conditions, and others at increased risk for severe illness should consider postponing all travel, including essential travel, to Malawi.

If you get sick in Malawi and need medical care, resources may be limited. Plan ahead and learn more about Getting Health Care Abroad.

If you get sick with COVID-19 (or test positive for COVID-19, even if you have no symptoms) while abroad, you may be isolated or not be permitted to return to the United States until you have recovered fully from your illness. If you get exposed to a person with COVID-19 while abroad, you may be quarantined or not be permitted to return to the United States until 14 days after your last exposure.

What can travelers do to protect themselves and others?

If you travel, take steps to protect yourself and others from COVID-19:

• Avoid close contact by staying at least 6 feet (about 2 arms' length) away from anyone who is not from your household. 
• Wear a mask to keep your nose and mouth covered when in public settings.
• Wash your hands often or use hand sanitizer.
• Avoid contact with anyone who is sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Do not travel if you are sick.

What do I need to do after I travel?

You may have been exposed to COVID-19 on your travels (domestic and/or international). You may feel well and not have any symptoms, but you can be contagious without symptoms and spread the virus to others. You and your travel companions (including children) pose a risk to your family, friends, and community for 14 days after you were exposed to the virus. Regardless of where you traveled or what you did during your trip, take these actions to protect others from getting sick:

• Stay at least 6 feet (about 2 arms’ length) from anyone who is not from your household. It’s important to do this everywhere -- both indoors and outdoors.
• Wear a mask to keep your nose and mouth covered when you are outside of your home.
• Wash your hands often or use hand sanitizer.
• Watch your health: Look for symptoms of COVID-19, and take your temperature if you feel sick.
• Because you have a higher risk for exposure to COVID-19, take additional recommended precautions

Because you traveled to a destination where COVID-19 risk is high, also take the following steps after travel:

• Stay home as much as possible.
• Avoid being around people at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19.
• Consider getting tested for COVID-19.

See CDC’s After Travel webpage for more information. Follow state and local recommendations or requirements after travel.

Clinician information

Healthcare providers should obtain a detailed travel history for patients with symptoms of potential COVID-19 infection, including: fever, cough, shortness of breath, chills, muscle pain, new loss of taste or smell, vomiting or diarrhea, and sore throat. If you suspect a traveler has COVID-19, see Information for Healthcare Professionals about Coronavirus (COVID-19) for information on evaluating, reporting, clinical care guidance, and infection control.

Additional information

• How CDC Determines the Level of a Destination's COVID-19 Travel Health Notice
• Coronavirus Disease 2019
• Information for Healthcare Professionals
• WHO, Coronavirus
• US Department of State: Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)