Travel Summary
- The situation in the centre of Antananarivo remains unstable and potentially volatile. Visitors should avoid any crowds or political gatherings which may occur. The Ambohijatovo, Lac Anosy, Ankorondrano, Mahamasima, Tsimbazaza and Analakely areas have been subject to such gatherings and outbreaks of violence for the duration of the political unrest. Following the recent breakdown of negotiations on resolving the political crisis, there have been reports of renewed demonstrations in Antananarivo, with security personnel using tear gas to disperse crowds. There are reports that vehicles owned by members of the international community resident in Antananarivo, including those owned by diplomats, have been attacked during demonstrations. You should remain vigilant and maintain a low profile while moving around, in particular if travelling alone.
- There has been continued political unrest in Madagascar since January 2009. The political situatiuon remains fluid and subject to unexpected change. For further information plse see the Political Situation and Local Travel sections of this Travel Advice.
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In June 2009, two bombs exploded in the centre of Antananarivo and a number of others were defused. There were no reported injuries. On 18 July 2009, one man was killed and two others injured when an explosive device they were carrying went off prematurely in their vehicle. It is unclear who was responsible for these attacks.
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We advise visitors to Madagascar to travel with established organisations or travel firms who have the capacity to monitor the local media and warn of possible trouble. If travelling independently we advise that you monitor the local media closely and keep abreast of the situation for the duration of your visit. Business travellers should take similar precautions.
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You should remain alert to the possibility of acts of disorder by elements of the security forces and avoid any actions that might antagonise them, e.g. taking photographs. You should also carry an ID at all times. Avoid travelling at night. If it is essential that you travel at night, do so with care and lock vehicle doors.
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Due to the speed at which events can develop we advise all British nationals in Madagascar to monitor the local media and remain in touch with our Honorary Consuls and local authorities. We encourage all British citizens visiting Madagascar to register on LOCATE so that our High Commission staff in Port Louis, Mauritius can provide assistance if needed.
- There is no British Embassy in Madagascar, but there are Honorary British Consuls in Antananarivo and Toamasima. Madagascar is covered from the British High Commission in Port Louis., Mauritius. See the General (Representation) section of this Travel Advice.
- The cyclone season in Madagascar normally runs from January to March; coastal areas are particularly affected. See the Natural Disasters section of this travel advice and our Tropical Cyclones page.
- The main type of problem for which British nationals required consular assistance in Madagascar in 2008 was for the replacement of lost or stolen passports. There is a significant risk of crime in Madagascar. See the Crime section of this Travel Advice.
- There is a low threat from terrorism. But you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks which could be in public areas, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.
- We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. See the General (Insurance) section of this Travel Advice for and our Travel Insurance page.
Safety and security
Terrorism
There is a low threat from terrorism. But you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks which could be in public areas, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.
There is a low threat from terrorism. But you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks which could be in public areas, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.
For more information see Terrorism Abroad.
With the weakening of government authority and rising unemployment, muggings and robberies are occurring with increasing frequency, not only in urban areas but in nature reserves and on beaches. There have also been increasing numbers of robberies from bus taxi passengers. During the current political crisis, there have been a number of instances of large-scale looting of shops and stores. The potential for further similar instances remain. You should keep clear of any street disturbances and not leave your bags unattended. You should keep large amounts of money, jewellery, cameras and cell phones out of sight when walking in town centres. Avoid walking in city centres after dark.
You should also take sensible precautions in crowded areas such as street markets and airports, where pick-pocketing is common.
Safeguard valuables, important documents and cash. Deposit them in hotel safes, where practicable. Keep copies of important documents, including passports, in a separate place to the documents themselves.
Vehicle theft and theft from cars has become more frequent during recent months.
For more information see our Victims of Crime Abroad page
Political Situation
Madagascar Country Profile
Political Situation
Madagascar Country Profile
There has been political unrest in Madagascar since January 2009, which has resulted in a number of violent incidents and lootings in Antananarivo and regional centres, resulting in a number of deaths. President Ravalomanana resigned in March 2009 and Andry Rajoelina was installed as head of a transitional government, the “High Transitional Authority” (HAT). On 9 August and 7 November 2009 the key political Malagasy parties signed agreements to form an inclusive transitional government and to hold elections within 15 months of the initial agreement. However, these agreements broke down during December 2009, with Andry Rajoelina unilaterally announcing plans to replace the previously agreed transitional leadership with his own nominees, and proposing parliamentary elections to be held in March 2010. This has led to further demonstrations and renewed unrest. The political situation remains fluid and subject to unexpected change.
The situation in the centre of Antananarivo remains unstable and potentially volatile. Visitors should avoid any crowds or political gatherings that may occur. The Ambohijatovo, Lac Anosy, Ankorondrano, Tsimbazaza, Analakely and the Mahamasima areas have been subject to such gatherings and outbreaks of violence for the duration of the political unrest. Following the recent breakdown of negotiations on resolving the political crisis, there have been reports of renewed demonstrations in Antananarivo, with security personnel using tear gas to disperse crowds.
Any movements around the city should be made with great care. Avoid receiving or touching any parcels which may appear suspect. Security in the city is deteriorating, with muggings, pick pocketing and burglary usually involving armed bandits.
Avoid travelling outside urban areas at night as there have been occasional armed robberies on the main highways.
There have been incidences of armed robbery in some National Parks. If you intend to visit a National Park, seek advice from a tour operator or from the park administration in advance.
If you plan to travel outside Antananarivo, you should re-confirm bookings before departure.
You should avoid driving outside urban areas after dark, as there have been armed robberies at night on some of the major roads.
Road conditions vary greatly. In the rainy season (December to April), most secondary roads are impassable (except by four-wheel-drive vehicles) and bridges are frequently washed away. There has recently been a series of accidents resulting in fatalities involving bush taxis. If you have concerns over the safety of the vehicle or the ability of the driver, you should use alternative methods of transport.
Operation of river ferries may be irregular. Check with the local authorities before setting off to find out whether your chosen route is passable.
Most of the major roads out of Antananarivo carry heavy freight traffic and have a number of steep gradients and sharp bends. Drive with extreme caution.
Malagasy regulations specify that foreigners driving in Madagascar require an international driving licence.
For more general information see our Driving Abroad page.
The EU has published a list of air carriers that are subject to an operating ban or restrictions within the community. You should check the to see whether this will affect your travel - European Commission Transport - Air.
For more general information see Airline Security.
For more general information see Airline Security.
Local laws and customs
In some parts of Madagascar aspects of daily life are regulated by taboos, known as fady. These vary from one region to another. Fady can range from forbidden foods to restrictions in clothing. Some areas subject to fady may be forbidden to foreigners, but these are mainly in remote parts of the country. If you intend to visit remote areas, you should seek prior advice either locally or from your tour operator and respect local fady wherever possible to avoid causing offence.
Drug smuggling is a serious offence. Punishments can be severe.
There are no laws against homosexuality.
The Malagasy Authorities have recently introduced laws against consorting with female prostitutes. The campaign against sexual abuse of under age children (18 years) is strictly enforced with particular regard to foreign tourists.
You should carry some form of identification with you at all time. The police can and do stop vehicles and pedestrians to check papers, particularly late at night.
The import and export of foodstuffs (including fruit), protected plants and animals is illegal.
Non-residents may take up to 1 kilogram of precious and semi-precious stones out of the country provided proper receipts are produced; residents are restricted to taking 250 grams out of Madagascar.
You may only take out 100 grams of vanilla.
For more general information for different types of travellers see our Your trip page.
Entry requirements
Visas
Visas are required for entry to Madagascar. 30-day tourist visas may be obtained at the airport on arrival. If obtaining a visa at the airport, you should ensure that an entry stamp is recorded in your passport. The visa fee is currently suspended. The Embassy of Madagascar in London also offers a visa service.
Please ensure that your visa is valid for the period and purpose of your journey. Overstaying can lead to detention and eventual deportation.
Visas are required for entry to Madagascar. 30-day tourist visas may be obtained at the airport on arrival. If obtaining a visa at the airport, you should ensure that an entry stamp is recorded in your passport. The visa fee is currently suspended. The Embassy of Madagascar in London also offers a visa service.
Please ensure that your visa is valid for the period and purpose of your journey. Overstaying can lead to detention and eventual deportation.
Your passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the date of your departure from Madagascar.
Return Air Ticket
Malagasy law requires that visitors have a return air ticket. You will be asked for evidence of this at check-in in the UK and on arrival in Madagascar.
Travelling with children
Minors already in possession of a visa do not need further parental approval for travel.
Yellow Fever Vaccination certificate
If you have previously visited a country where yellow fever is prevalent, you will need to produce a certificate of vaccination against yellow fever on entry. If you cannot produce a certificate, you will be required to visit the Institut Pasteur in Antananarivo to be vaccinated.
Health
Although there are a number of public and private hospitals in Antananarivo, only routine operations can be handled. If complex surgery is required you will be evacuated either to South Africa or La Reunion.
Bilharzia, tuberculosis, rabies, bubonic plague and malaria are common to Madagascar. There have also been reported cases of dengue fever and Chikungunya virus. Outbreaks of cholera do occur, particularly during the rainy season (December-April). You should drink or use only boiled or bottled water and avoid ice in drinks. If you suffer from diarrhoea during a visit to Madagascar you should seek immediate medical attention.
You should avoid mosquito bites and contact with domestic animals such as cows, goats and sheep and the blood, organs or body fluids of such animals.
In December 2009, there was a report of a death from yellow fever in the provinces. British nationals in Madagascar should check the status of their yellow fever vaccinations and ensure they carry a valid health certificate when travelling abroad.
In the 2008 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that around 13,000 adults aged 15 or over in Madagascar were living with HIV; the prevalence rate was estimated at around 0.1% of the adult population. This compares to the prevalence rate in adults in the UK of around 0.2%. You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general information on how to do this see our HIV and AIDS page.
You should seek medical advice before travelling to Madagascar and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up to date. For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you should visit the websites of the National Travel Heath Network and Centre NaTHNaC and NHS Scotland's Fit For Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.
You should avoid mosquito bites and contact with domestic animals such as cows, goats and sheep and the blood, organs or body fluids of such animals.
In December 2009, there was a report of a death from yellow fever in the provinces. British nationals in Madagascar should check the status of their yellow fever vaccinations and ensure they carry a valid health certificate when travelling abroad.
In the 2008 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that around 13,000 adults aged 15 or over in Madagascar were living with HIV; the prevalence rate was estimated at around 0.1% of the adult population. This compares to the prevalence rate in adults in the UK of around 0.2%. You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general information on how to do this see our HIV and AIDS page.
You should seek medical advice before travelling to Madagascar and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up to date. For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you should visit the websites of the National Travel Heath Network and Centre NaTHNaC and NHS Scotland's Fit For Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.
For more general health information see our Travel Health and Pandemic Influenza pages.
Natural disasters
The cyclone season in Madagascar normally runs from January to March. Coastal areas are particularly affected. You should monitor local and international weather updates from the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) and the National Hurricane Center. See our Tropical cyclones page.
On 17 February 2008 Tropical Cyclone Ivan hit the north east coast of Madagascar; travel and communication in these areas may still be restricted.
The capital Antananarivo is not seriously affected by cyclones.
General
Insurance
We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. This should include cover for medical evacuation by air ambulance. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. See our Travel Insurance page.
We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. This should include cover for medical evacuation by air ambulance. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. See our Travel Insurance page.
If things do go wrong when you are overseas then see our When Things Go Wrong page.
Register with our LOCATE service to tell us when and where you are travelling abroad or where you live abroad so our consular and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency.
- More information about registering with LOCATE.
Limits on the amount of money which can be changed at one time are in place, although these are gradually being relaxed. You should check with individual banks. Western Union operates for inward currency transfers only. You should also check opening hours of Western Union agencies as these may vary. Some banks will only change Euros or US Dollars. Travellers' cheques are accepted by most banks. However, there have been cases of fraudulent American Express travellers’ cheques in circulation and some banks now refuse to accept them. The local bank, BMOI, will not accept travellers’ cheques issued by Thomas Cook.
Credit cards are accepted at a growing number of outlets in Antananarivo and in the provinces, but their use is still not widespread. A charge of up to 7% of the transaction value is levied. ATM's are increasingly available around the capital and in some of the larger towns. A charge of about 1.5% is made.
The maximum amount of Malagasy currency you can withdraw at a time is 400,000 Ariary (approximately £120). Some banks will not exchange local currency back into foreign currency. Youshould ensure you are not left with large amounts of Malagasy Ariary at the end of your stay. Keep transaction slips showing amounts of foreign currency transferred in local currency. Foreign currency of more than 7,500 Euros in value must be declared on arrival.
