Country Clearance granted - ACSS Malawi

UNCLAS LILONGWE 000156

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: MASS MARR PREL OTRA MI
SUBJECT: Country Clearance granted - ACSS Malawi

REF: 261409Z FEB 07


1. American Embassy Lilongwe grants country clearance
and welcomes the visit of Mr. Angelo Sommer, Mr. Enoch A.
Sarbeng and Mr. Jeffrey Yeck to coordinate support for
the upcoming Africa Center Seminar in Blantyre from
10-17 February 2007. Control Officer for the visit will be
Political/Military Officer Tyler Sparks, office telephone
number 265-1-773-166, ext. 3463+ cell phone number
265-9-965-544; and e-mail sparkstk@state.gov.


2. Accnmmodations
Reservations have buen made at Cresta Hotel in Lilongwe,
telephone number 256-1-770-333 under confirmation numbers
21401 and 21402 and RyallQs hotel in Blantyre 265-1-620-955/201,
under confirmation numbers 7387/7389/7390 for the dates specified
in reftel. The current room rate is USD90 for Cresta and USD110.00
for RyallQs which inclUdes tax and Breakfast.


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 USD1.00 to 140.48 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
An embassy representative will meet you at the airport. 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
$2, $5, $10, &20, and $50.


7. Climate
Malawi's climate is generally subtropical. There is little
to no rainfall throughout most ov 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. ExcessBaggage
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, 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 visit the embassy's travel
section early in their visit in order 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 projlem 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 lrinking. 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 tie country. It is the greatest attraction for visitors to this
pmaceful 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, the warm heart
of Africa.
EASTHAM