Malawi Crime Rate & Safety
Homicide statistics, crime trends, and travel safety for Malawi
US State Department Travel Advisory
Exercise Increased Caution
Updated February 25, 2026
Malawi recorded 1.8 intentional homicides per 100,000 people in 2012, a rate that is low by global standards. That places Malawi #122 of 195 countries by homicide rate, compared with the Africa average of 7.6 per 100,000 and a world average of 5.2. Homicide rates have fallen 63% over the past decade (from 4.8 in 2002). For travelers, the US State Department currently rates Malawi at Level 2 of 4: Exercise Increased Caution.
Homicide Rate
1.8 /100k
Safety Rank
#74 of 195
Travel Advisory
Level 2 of 4
Data Year
2012
Homicide Rate Trend (2000-2012)
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people. Homicide rates have fallen 63% over the past decade (from 4.8 in 2002). Source: UNODC via World Bank.
How Malawi Compares
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people, latest available year per country.
Safety for Travelers
Summary of the current US State Department advisory for Malawi:
There was no change to the advisory level or risk indicators. Advisory summary was updated. Exercise increased caution to Malawi due to crime and unrest . Advisory summary Crime Violent crime such as theft, burglary, armed robbery, and assault is common. The capabilities of the Malawi Police Service are growing, but its resources and ability to deter and investigate crimes are limited. They also struggle to assist victims and apprehend criminals. Unrest Demonstrations may occur more often because of political issues and events like elections.
Level 1
Exercise Normal Precautions
Level 2
Exercise Increased Caution
Level 3
Reconsider Travel
Level 4
Do Not Travel
About This Data
Homicide figures are intentional homicides per 100,000 people, compiled by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and published by the World Bank (indicator VC.IHR.PSRC.P5). Homicide is the most reliably comparable crime statistic across countries because definitions of other offences (assault, theft, robbery) vary widely between national legal systems and reporting practices.
Travel advisory levels are issued by the US Department of State and updated continuously. They reflect risks to travelers including crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health, and natural disasters — not only crime rates. Countries report crime data with different lags; the most recent available year is shown for each metric.
Malawi Population & Demographics
Population of 21,655,286, growth trends, economy, and more.
Crime & Safety in Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Malawi safe to visit?
The US State Department rates Malawi at Level 2 of 4 (Exercise Increased Caution). The homicide rate of 1.8 per 100,000 is low by global standards.
What is the crime rate in Malawi?
Malawi has an intentional homicide rate of 1.8 per 100,000 people (2012, World Bank/UNODC), ranking #122 of 195 countries.
What is the US travel advisory level for Malawi?
Malawi is currently at Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution. Advisory levels range from Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions) to Level 4 (Do Not Travel).
How does crime in Malawi compare to other countries?
Malawi's homicide rate of 1.8 per 100,000 is below the world average of 5.2 and below the Africa average of 7.6.