Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06LILONGWE915
2006-10-19 09:52:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Lilongwe
Cable title:
Country Clearance granted
how-toVZCZCXYZ0023 RR RUEHWEB DE RUEHLG #0915/01 2920952 ZNR UUUUU ZZH R 190952Z OCT 06 FM AMEMBASSY LILONGWE TO RHMCSUU/CDRUSAMRMC FT DETRICK MD RUEKJCS/DIA WASHINGTON DC RUEPAOA/CDR AOA FT GEORGE G MEADE MD RHEFAFM/DIRAFMIC FT DETRICK MD RHMFISS/HQ USEUCOM VAIHINGEN GE//ECJ1// RHMFISS/HQ USEUCOM VAIHINGEN GE//ECJ4// RHMCSUU/CDRUSAMRMC FT DETRICK MD RUENAAA/CNO WASHINGTON DC RUEHOR/USODC GABORONE BC RUEHSB/USDAO HARARE ZI
UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 03 LILONGWE 000915
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: MASS MARR PREL OTRA MI
SUBJECT: Country Clearance granted
REF: 061925Z OCT 06
UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 03 LILONGWE 000915
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: MASS MARR PREL OTRA MI
SUBJECT: Country Clearance granted
REF: 061925Z OCT 06
1. American Embassy Lilongwe grants country clearance and
welcomes the visit of LTC Pak Hon S, from October 28
November 2, 2006 to Malawi to attend a conference at
Baylor ChildrenQs Foundation to speak and show how
telemedicine could be used to better manage patients with
HIV disease in Malawi. Control Officer for the visit will
be the Political Officer Tyler Sparks, office telephone
number 265-1-773-166, ext. 3463; cell phone Number
265-9-960-182; and e-mail sparkstk@state.gov.
2. Accommodations
Not requested
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 USD
1.00 to 133.35 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
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 $1, $2, $5, $10, $20, and $50.
7. 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 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. Excess Baggage
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,
LILONGWE 00000915 002 OF 003
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 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
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 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.
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 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.
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,
LILONGWE 00000915 003 OF 003
the warm heart of Africa.
EASTHAM
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: MASS MARR PREL OTRA MI
SUBJECT: Country Clearance granted
REF: 061925Z OCT 06
1. American Embassy Lilongwe grants country clearance and
welcomes the visit of LTC Pak Hon S, from October 28
November 2, 2006 to Malawi to attend a conference at
Baylor ChildrenQs Foundation to speak and show how
telemedicine could be used to better manage patients with
HIV disease in Malawi. Control Officer for the visit will
be the Political Officer Tyler Sparks, office telephone
number 265-1-773-166, ext. 3463; cell phone Number
265-9-960-182; and e-mail sparkstk@state.gov.
2. Accommodations
Not requested
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 USD
1.00 to 133.35 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
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 $1, $2, $5, $10, $20, and $50.
7. 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 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. Excess Baggage
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,
LILONGWE 00000915 002 OF 003
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 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
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 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.
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 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.
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,
LILONGWE 00000915 003 OF 003
the warm heart of Africa.
EASTHAM