U.S. Citizen Services

September 9, 2009

This Warden Message alerts U.S. citizens to the latest information regarding human cases of 2009-H1N1 Influenza, sometimes referred to as swine flu or novel H1N1.  The Ministry of Health has reported a single case of H1N1 in Mangochi, Southern Region.

American citizens should be aware that the Embassy cannot demand their immediate release if they have been detained or quarantined in accordance with local public health and legal authorities. 

Any questions or concerns about influenza or other illnesses should be directed to a medical professional.  Although the Embassy cannot provide medical advice or provide medical services to the public, a list of hospitals and doctors can be found on our website at http://lilongwe.usembassy.gov/services12.html .

Please note that the Embassy is NOT advising Americans in Malawi to depart.  At this time, the Embassy advises that Americans review the guidance provided by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and the World Health Organization, and make their own decisions about whether to remain in Malawi. 

For more information on U.S. Government policy during a pandemic, and for travel safety information, please see the State Department’s “Pandemic/Avian Influenza” and “Remain in Country” fact sheets on www.travel.state.gov.  Further information about 2009-H1N1 Influenza, including steps you can take to stay healthy, can be found at  the U.S. Centers for Disease Control website at http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/, the U.S. Government pandemic influenza website at http://www.pandemicflu.gov, and the World Health Organization website at http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html.

U.S. citizens may also call the Office of Overseas Citizens Services in the United States for the latest travel information.  The Office of Overseas Citizens Services can be reached from 8:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, Monday through Friday, by calling 1-888-407-4747 from within the U.S. and Canada, or by calling (202) 501-4444 from other countries.
 
Americans living or traveling in Malawi are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department's travel registration website, https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/ so that they can obtain updated information on travel and security within Malawi.  Americans without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.  By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency.  The U.S. Embassy is located at Area 40, Plot 20 Kenyatta Drive, Lilongwe (Tel. 265-1-773-166, 1-773-342 and 1-773-367) In the event of an after-hours emergency, please call the above number and ask to be transferred to the duty officer.

August 12, 2009
Warden Message

This message is intended for all American citizens visiting or residing in Malawi.  American Citizen Wardens are requested to distribute the following notice to all American citizens within your registration zone. Thank you.

Malawian Immigration Officials have notified the U.S. Embassy that there is an on-going immigration enforcement effort focused on foreigners who illegally entered Malawi or who have overstayed their visas.  Some American citizens have been detained for not being able to show a copy of their passport and immigration status.  The Commissioner of Immigration has stated that foreigners must be able to produce a copy of their passport data page and immigration stamp/visa upon demand by police and immigration officials.

We remind all American Citizens to carry a copy of their passport (biodata) page and copy of their visa or immigration permit at all times.  You should keep your passport in a safe location not on your person and report to the United States Embassy immediately if it is lost or stolen.

U.S. citizens residing in or planning travel to Malawi should regularly check the Department’s Country Specific Information for Malawi at http://travel.state.gov and the U.S. Embassy Lilongwe website at http://lilongwe.usembassy.gov for the latest safety and security information.  Please also refer to “A Safe Trip Abroad” found at http://travel.state.gov for additional safety and security information.  U.S. citizens planning travel to Malawi are advised to register their presence with the U.S. Embassy at https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/.

As the Department continues to develop information on any potential security threats to U.S. citizens overseas, it shares credible threat information through its consular information program documents, available on the Internet at http://travel.state.gov .  In addition to information on the Internet, travelers may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S. and Canada, or by calling a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444 from other countries.

American citizens can register their presence in Malawi via the Internet at http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/tips/registration/registration_1186.html or in person at the U.S. Embassy in Lilongwe, located at Area 40, Plot 20 Kenyatta Drive (Tel. 265-1-773-166,1-773-342 and 1-773-367;) on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:00 am – 12:00 noon or 1:30 – 4:30 pm or Fridays from 8:00 am – 1:00 pm).  In the event of an after-hours emergency, please call the above number and ask to be transferred to the duty officer.

Malawi Elections
Lilongwe, Malawi
May 13, 2009

This message is intended for all American citizens visiting or residing in Malawi.  American Citizen Wardens are requested to distribute the following notice to all American citizens within your registration zone. Thank you.

This warden message is being issued to remind U.S. citizens that Malawi will hold presidential and parliamentary elections on May 19, 2009.  U.S. citizens should be aware of the possibility of demonstrations and other civil disturbances surrounding election activities during this campaign period, especially in urban areas.  These disturbances will not likely target U.S. citizens, but it is possible for U.S. citizens to become accidentally involved.  U.S. citizens may wish to prepare for the possibility of service interruptions.  U.S. citizens are advised to monitor local media, to be aware of local events, and to avoid large crowds and political rallies or demonstrations.

U.S. citizens residing in or planning travel to Malawi should regularly check the Department’s Country Specific Information for Malawi at http://travel.state.gov and the U.S. Embassy Lilongwe website at http://lilongwe.usembassy.gov for the latest safety and security information.  Please also refer to “A Safe Trip Abroad” found at http://travel.state.gov for additional safety and security information.  U.S. citizens planning travel to Malawi are advised to register their presence with the U.S. Embassy at https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/.

As the Department continues to develop information on any potential security threats to U.S. citizens overseas, it shares credible threat information through its consular information program documents, available on the Internet at http://travel.state.gov .  In addition to information on the Internet, travelers may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S. and Canada, or by calling a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444 from other countries.

American citizens can register their presence in Malawi via the Internet at http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/tips/registration/registration_1186.html or in person at the U.S. Embassy in Lilongwe, located at Area 40, Plot 24,  16th Jomo Kenyatta Drive (Tel. 265-1-773-166,1-773-342 and 1-773-367;) on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:00 am – 12:00 noon or 1:30 – 4:30 pm or Fridays from 8:00 am – 1:00 pm).  In the event of an after-hours emergency, please call the above number and ask to be transferred to the duty officer.