Call 117 or visit the nearest police station.
Call 199.
Call 117.
Call 117 or go direct to a hospital.
Exercise a high degree of caution in Madagascar.
Exercise a high degree of caution in Madagascar due to the potential for crime, natural disasters and disease outbreaks.
Full travel advice: Safety
Full travel advice: Health
Full travel advice: Local laws
Full travel advice: Travel
Full travel advice: Local contacts
Crime, including violent crime, is a serious issue in Madagascar. Crime rates in Madagascar are significantly higher than in Australia.
Be alert.
Crime in Madagascar includes:
Police resources are stretched, and you may not get the level of service you would in Australia, especially for less serious petty crimes.
Foreigners have been the target of armed robberies, muggings, and theft. Vehicles carrying goods and people are regularly attacked. This includes taxi bes (urban minibuses), taxi brousses (rural minibuses), and river ferries. This is particularly prevalent on national routes.
Petty crime against tourists, such as bag-snatching, pick-pocketing and other crimes, happens across the country.
To protect yourself from robberies, muggings and petty crimes:
There have been reports of violent clashes and crimes, resulting in deaths, across all regions of Madagascar. Some regions include:
To protect yourself in regional areas:
If you're attacked or robbed, don't resist. Criminals are often armed, and you can be seriously injured or killed.
Carjacking
'Smash and grab' thefts from vehicles and carjacking are common, particularly:
To prevent theft when travelling by car:
Kidnapping
Kidnapping for ransom is a risk in Madagascar. This includes foreign nationals and expatriates working for international companies. Monitor the local news. If risks elevate, take extra precautions. Maintain a high level of vigilance. Watch for suspicious or unusual activity.
The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers.
More information:
Civil unrest, such as demonstrations and protests, is common in Madagascar.
Presidential elections are scheduled to commence on 9 November. Public protests and events, particularly those that draw large groups of people, can turn violent with little or no warning. Security forces may respond with force.
Deaths have occurred at anti-government protests in the past.
Monitor local news and avoid large gatherings and political demonstrations. Follow the instructions of local authorities.
Violent incidents have been reported in the capital Antananarivo, particularly around government buildings, the national stadium, historical monuments, and military installations.
To stay safe during periods of unrest:
More information:
Small bombs and grenades have been found in Antananarivo, with reported deaths and injuries.
Madagascar experiences natural disasters and severe weather, including:
Get updates on weather conditions, forecasts, natural disaster watches and warnings before and during your stay.
Monitor local and regional weather and disaster sites and plan accordingly.
If a natural disaster occurs:
More information:
The cyclone season is from November to April. However, storms and cyclones may occur at other times. Storms and cyclones can cause:
The direction and strength of cyclones can change without warning.
Cyclones have caused significant flooding, landslides/mudslides, and damage to buildings, roads, bridges and communication services across Madagascar. This includes the capital Antananarivo in the Analamanga region. Consider weather conditions when planning your travel.
If there's a cyclone or other severe weather event:
To prepare for a cyclone or storm:
Tsunamis
Tsunamis can occur in Madagascar. These are caused by an undersea earthquake, landslide, or volcanic eruption.
A tsunami can arrive within minutes of a nearby tremor or earthquake. It can also occur if no earthquake is felt.
Register with the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System to receive tsunami alerts.
Move immediately to high ground if advised by local or regional authorities or if you:
Don't wait for official warnings. Once on high ground, monitor local media.
Tour operators don't always follow safety and maintenance standards.
If you plan to do a tour or adventure activity:
If proper safety equipment isn't available, use another provider.
Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave.
Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.
If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.
If you're not insured, you may have to pay many thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.
Confirm:
Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition.
See your doctor or travel clinic to:
Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.
If you have immediate concerns for your welfare or the welfare of another Australian, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre in Australia on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.
More information:
Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.
If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Madagascar. Take enough legal medicine for your trip.
Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:
More information:
Insect-borne diseases
Bubonic plague is widespread in Madagascar. It is caused by the bite of an infected flea. You're most at risk in the wet season from October to February.
Malaria is widespread in Madagascar. Deaths due to malaria have been recorded in Madagascar. It is caused by the bite of infected mosquitos.
Dengue is a risk in the northeast of Madagascar, around Antalaha and Sambava.
Serious outbreaks of other insect-borne diseases have occurred, including:
To protect yourself from insect-borne diseases:
Visit a doctor if you have a fever, muscle pain, a rash or a bad headache.
More information:
The risk of polio still exists in Madagascar.
Check your vaccination status for polio. Do this at least 8 weeks before you travel.
If you aren't vaccinated, complete the full course of vaccinations before you leave. If you've been vaccinated in the past, get a booster dose if needed.
More information:
HIV/AIDS is widespread.
Take precautions if you engage in activities that expose you to the risk of infection.
Measles outbreaks can occur in Madagascar.
Make sure your vaccinations are up to date before you travel.
Outbreaks of waterborne, foodborne and other infectious diseases occur. These include:
To protect yourself from illness:
If you're bitten or scratched by an animal, get medical help straight away.
Get medical advice if you have a fever or diarrhoea.
More information:
Antananarivo's standard of medical facilities is basic, with routine medical operations possible. Facilities are extremely basic in rural areas outside of Antananarivo.
Only some doctors will speak English, predominantly in Antananarivo.
Most travellers attend private clinics. Before admitting you, private clinics usually require an upfront payment.
There's no shared healthcare agreement between Australia and Madagascar.
There are no decompression chambers in Madagascar. If you're scuba diving:
You'll need to be evacuated if you become seriously ill or injured. Medical evacuation can be very expensive.
Regular outbreaks of insect-borne diseases, plagues and natural disasters impact healthcare services and hospital capacity, including ambulance services and accident and emergency care.
You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.
If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.
More information:
Penalties for drug offences are severe and include prison sentences.
More information:
You must always carry an original photo ID, such as a passport or driver's licence. Police may ask you for it, especially if you're out late at night.
In Madagascar, it's illegal to:
Same-sex relationships are legal but are not widely accepted in Madagascar. Avoid public displays of affection.
The age of consent for same-sex couples is 21. Same-sex marriage isn't recognised.
There are no anti-discrimination protections for LGBTI travellers.
More information:
Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.
More information:
Visas
You need a visa to enter Madagascar.
If you're a tourist, you can get a 30 or 60-day visa for single entry to Madagascar on arrival at the airport. Fees are payable in euros, US dollars or Malagasy ariary. Visa fees are not applicable if you stay for less than 15 days. You must have proof of onward travel. Tourist visas can be extended up to 90 days.
In other situations, you'll need to apply for a visa at the nearest Malagasy Embassy or Consulate before you travel.
Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. You should contact the nearest embassy or consulate of Madagascar for the latest details.
More information:
Border measures
If you arrive from a country where yellow fever is widespread, you may need a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Madagascar. Some airlines may want to see one when you leave.
Find out about returning to Australia after exposure to yellow fever.
More information:
Minors travelling alone or with only one parent may need to show proof the other parent has approved the travel. Carry a signed letter or custody order showing both parents approve the travel.
More information:
Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.
Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.
You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.
The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.
Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.
Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.
If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:
The local currency is the Malagasy Ariary (MGA).
Some hotels and restaurants accept euros.
Some stores, hotels and banks in Antananarivo and in other major cities accept traveller's cheques.
Credit cards aren't widely used. Ask your bank if your cards will work in Madagascar.
You can drive in Madagascar with either:
You must get your IDP before leaving Australia. If you're staying in Madagascar for a long time, you can use your IDP to apply for a local licence at the Ministry of Interior. You have a period of one year to convert your licence to a local one from the moment you obtain a resident permit.
The minimum driving age is 18 years old.
If you plan on driving in Madagascar:
You're more likely to die in a motor vehicle accident in Madagascar than in Australia.
Common hazards include:
Carjacking, armed robberies and other crimes are a high risk when travelling by road. Be especially vigilant when travelling on National Routes at night. See Safety
Check if your travel insurance policy covers you for riding a motorbike, quad bike or similar vehicle.
Always wear a helmet.
More information:
Only use hire cars and limousines from providers with a good reputation.
Avoid taxis, as these are regularly attacked by armed bandits. This is especially the case for taxi bes (urban minibuses) and taxi brousses (rural minibuses).
Avoid public transport due to the lack of safety and crime risk.
Public buses are not well-maintained, and serious accidents have occurred.
Protect your belongings, especially when travelling overnight.
More information:
Boat travel may be dangerous.
Piracy occurs in the coastal areas of northern Madagascar. Reduce the risk of piracy by adjusting your route if required, and monitoring piracy reports from the International Maritime Bureau.
Several ferries and rivercraft operate in Madagascar. These may be overloaded, poorly maintained and lack life-saving equipment. A lack of navigation skills and unexpected storms have contributed to boating accidents.
To stay safe on the water:
More information:
DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.
Check Madagascar's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.
More information:
Depending on what you need, contact your:
Fire and rescue services
Call 18 or 118.
Medical emergencies
Call 117 or go directly to a hospital.
Police - responsible for security within cities
Call 17 or 117 (mobile phone) or 020 22 220 17 (landline) or visit the nearest police station.
Gendarmerie – responsible for security outside cities
Call 19 or 119 (mobile phone) or 020 22 223 02 (landline).
Emergency phone lines may not have English-speaking operators.
Response times may be longer than in Australia.
Always get a police report when you report a crime.
Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.
Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.
Australia's consulate in Madagascar provides limited consular services and can receive passport applications. The consulate in Antananarivo is open to the public via appointment only (see contact details below).
For full consular and passport services while in Madagascar, contact the Australian Embassy (based in Mauritius) via email (see contact details below).
Building C1 (AMCHAM Office), Explorer Business Park
Ankorondrano, Antananarivo, Madagascar
Phone: (+261) 32 05 596 01; (+261) 32 05 596 02; (+261) 34 10 863 41
Email: aust.consulate.madagascar@gmail.com
2nd Floor, Rogers House
5 President John Kennedy Street
Port Louis, Mauritius
Phone: +230 202 0160
General enquiries email: ahc.portlouis@dfat.gov.au
Consular enquiries email: consular.portlouis@dfat.gov.au
Passport enquiries: passports.portlouis@dfat.gov.au
Website: mauritius.highcommission.gov.au
Facebook: Australia in Mauritius, Seychelles, Madagascar and Comoros
Twitter: @AusHC_MU
The website will provide details about opening hours, any temporary closures to the public, and services offered.
In a consular emergency, if you can't contact the embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:
Be the first to know official government advice when travelling.