Madagascar

Political instability may affect your safety in the capital and regional areas.

Unrest can grow quickly and without warning. Follow the instructions of local authorities.

Demonstrations and protests

Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent.

Demonstrations and protests can occur with little warning. Security forces may respond with force.

In June 2019, a stamped at the National Stadium in Antananarivo Independence Day celebrations resulted in several fatalities.

In April 2018, two people died during an anti-government protest in the capital.

In Antananarivo, there have been violent outbreaks in:

• the Avenue de l'Indépendance

• Ambohijatovo

• Lac Anosy

• Ankatso

• Analakely areas

• military barracks

To stay safe during periods of unrest:

• avoid demonstrations and other large public gatherings

• watch for planned and possible civil unrest

• avoid affected areas

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

Bombs and grenades

Small bombs and grenades have been found in Antananarivo.

In June 2016, a grenade exploded at an Independence Day event in Antananarivo. It killed two people and injured at least 50 others.

Bandit group clashes

Violent clashes between bandit groups (Dahalos) and security forces are common in the southern region of Anosy.

Avoid taking the road between Ihosy and Fort Dauphin (RN13) because it is especially dangerous.

Bandits have attacked people in the Ankazoabo region. In February 2018, Dahalos attacked a village in the Amoron’I Mania region and killed three villagers. In June 2016, Dahalos attacked a bus in Ankazoabo's south and killed at least 29 people.

You could be caught in violence directed at others. Stay alert while travelling.

To help protect yourself:

• avoid travelling on your own

• be alert to possible bandit activity if travelling in the Ankazoabo region

If you plan to travel to Anosy's southern region:

• get local security advice before you go

• avoid driving at night

• be alert to possible security threats

• follow the instructions of local authorities

• fly to Fort Dauphin rather than drive

Violent crime occurs throughout Madagascar and includes:

• kidnapping

• armed robbery

• carjackings

• home invasions

Kidnapping is especially on the rise. The family members of wealthy business people are most at risk.

As a foreigner, you might be a target for crime in Antananarivo. Armed bandits regularly attack vehicles carrying goods and people, including taxis (taxi be and taxi brousse) and public transport, especially on the National Routes (RNs).

Thieves target cars stuck in traffic for 'smash-and-grab' robberies.

Violent crime

Areas particularly prone to violent crime include:

• Batterie Beach, north of Tuléar

• the steps leading to Rova, the Avenue de l'Indépendance and the Analakely market in Antananarivo

• Pic Saint-Louis in Fort Dauphin

• along main highways, including main roads in Toliara province and in Toliara (Tuléar) township 

• Diego Suarez (Antsiranana), especially in poorly lit areas outside the city centre

• Nosy Be island

• other tourist areas

Travellers have also been robbed at beaches and in national parks, including:

• Andohahela National Park

• Montagne d'Ambre

• Ankarana in northern Madagascar

To protect yourself from violent crime:

• avoid travelling on the RN6 near Diego Suarez and outside urban areas at night

• ask your tour operator about security risks before visiting national parks and beaches

• keep vehicle doors locked, windows up and valuables out of sight, including when moving

• be wary of carjacking — be alert to threats, including when stopped in traffic

• visit tourist sights with an authorised guide

Monitor local media for up-to-date information on crime.

Petty crime

Thieves and pickpockets often target travellers at airports and in crowded tourist areas.

To reduce your risk of petty crime, avoid:

• walking at night, even if in a group

• remote locations at all times

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

More information:

• Terrorism

Madagascar experiences natural disasters and severe weather, including:

• cyclones and storms

• tsunamis

If a natural disaster occurs:

• secure your passport in a safe, waterproof place

• monitor local weather and news reports

• follow the advice of local authorities

• keep friends and family up to date on your safety

More information:

• Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System

Cyclones and storms

The cyclone season is from November to April.

Storms and cyclones can cause flooding and disrupt essential services.

Roads and bridges could close. Ferry services can be disrupted.

A tropical cyclone can change direction or become stronger without warning.

If there's a cyclone or severe tropical storm:

• you may not be able to leave the area

• flights could be delayed or suspended

• available flights may fill quickly

• access to ports could be affected

• adequate shelter may not be available

Consider weather conditions when planning your travel, particularly to coastal areas.

Keep an eye on storm developments via:

• Cooperative Institute for Meteorological Satellite Studies 

• World Meteorological Organization Severe Weather Information Centre 

These websites provide up-to-date information on:

• weather conditions and forecasts

• cyclone watches

• severe weather warnings

If you know severe weather is approaching:

• know how to evacuate from your hotel or cruise ship

• find your local shelter

Tsunamis

Madagascar can experience tsunamis.

To receive tsunami alerts, register with the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System.

Move immediately to high ground if advised by local or regional authorities or if you:

• feel a strong earthquake that makes it hard to stand up

• feel a weak, rolling earthquake that lasts a minute or more

• see a sudden rise or fall in sea level

• hear loud and unusual noises from the sea

Don't wait for official warnings. Once on high ground, monitor local media.

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 1000s of dollars up-front for medical care.

Confirm:

• what activities and care your policy covers

• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition.

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up

• ask if your travel plans may affect your health

• plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

More information:

• General health advice

• International travel and health

• Medications

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:

• what the medication is

• how much you'll take

• that it's for personal use

More information:

• Medication

COVID-19

COVID-19 is present in Madagascar. The Government has announced a nationwide health state of emergency.  Further measures have been announced by the Government for at least two weeks including bans on cultural and sporting events and closure of schools and universities. New measures may be introduced with little notice. Follow the advice of authorities closely.

On 22 March Madagascar announced that all individuals who arrived in Madagascar in the past 14 days will be subject to a medical check and test at home by health authorities, as well as anyone who has visited those individuals in the past 14 days. More information can be found on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (French only), the Facebook page of the Ministry of Public Health (Malagasy only), and the Facebook page of the Ministry of Transport, Tourism and Weather (Malagasy only). The authorities have also established a 24/7 hotline for individuals to call to seek guidance. Individuals in Madagascar can call 910.

Plague

Bubonic plague is widespread in Madagascar. It's caused by the bite of an infected flea. You're most at risk in the wet season from October to February.

Pneumonic plague is a risk in Madagascar. It spreads from person to person via droplets in the air. It's fatal if left untreated.

If you have flu-like symptoms, visit a doctor right away.

Other insect-borne diseases

Malaria is widespread in Madagascar. 

Other insect-borne diseases occur, including:

• dengue

• chikungunya

• Rift Valley fever

• filariasis

Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.

North-eastern Madagascar has seen cases of dengue, mostly in the Antalaha and Sambava regions.

To protect yourself from disease:

• make sure your accommodation is insect-proof

• use insect repellent

• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing

• consider taking medication to prevent malaria

Visit a doctor if you have a fever, muscle pain, a rash or a bad headache.

More information:

• Infectious diseases

Polio

The risk of polio still exists in Madagascar.

Check your vaccination status for polio with a doctor or travel clinic. 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:

• Australian Immunisation Handbook (Department of Health)

HIV/AIDS

HIV/AIDS is widespread.

Take precautions if you engage in activities that expose you to the risk of infection.

Measles

Measles outbreaks can occur in Madagascar. In 2018, 114 of 116 districts experienced an outbreak, with 91 districts declaring the outbreak as an epidemic.

Make sure your vaccinations are up to date before you travel.

The measles outbreak has occurred alongside seasonal plague outbreaks. This can place extra pressure on the public health system.

Other health risks

Waterborne, foodborne and other infectious diseases are common. These include:

• cholera

• hepatitis

• schistosomiasis

• tuberculosis

• rabies

Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.

To protect yourself from illness:

• drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids

• avoid ice cubes

• avoid raw and undercooked food, such as salads

• don't swim in fresh water

• avoid contact with dogs and other mammals

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:

• Infectious diseases

Medical facilities in Antananarivo are limited. However, routine medical operations are possible. Facilities are extremely limited outside of Antananarivo.

Most travellers attend private clinics where upfront payment is requested.

There are no decompression chambers in Madagascar. If you're scuba diving:

• dive within safety limits

• check your insurance policy covers diving and medical evacuation

If you become seriously ill or injured, you'll need to be flown to a place with better facilities. This is usually South Africa or Reunion. Medical evacuation can be very expensive and may not be available due to restrictions around COVID-19.

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.

Drugs

Penalties for drug offences include prison sentences.

More information:

• Carrying or using drugs

Other laws

Always carry an original photo ID. Police may ask you for it, especially if you're out late at night.

In Madagascar, it's illegal to:

• take photos of military installations or airports

• wear military-style clothing

• export protected plants or animals without approval

• export gemstones or vanilla for a commercial purpose without a permit

Contact the Ministry of Mining for a gemstones export permit. To export vanilla, contact the Ministry of Agriculture.

Same-sex relationships are legal but are not widely accepted in Madagascar. Avoid public displays of affection.

Malagasy law states 21 as the consent age for same-sex couples. Same-sex marriage isn't recognised.

Malagasy law contains no anti-discrimination protections for LGBTI travellers.

More information:

• Advice for LGBTI travellers

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

More information:

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

Madagascar recognises dual nationality.

More information:

• Dual nationals

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders.

Make sure you meet all entry and exit conditions. If you don't, the Australian Government can't help you.

Tourist visa

You need a visa to enter Madagascar.

Get a tourist visa on arrival if you have proof of onward travel and you are planning to stay for a maximum period of 90 days.

In other situations, you'll need to apply for a visa before you travel.

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Check with the nearest embassy or consulate of Madagascar for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.

COVID-19

The Government of Madagascar has implemented entry restrictions at airport and seaports in response to the COVID-19 pandemic:

• Effective from 22 March, Madagascar has announced that all individuals who arrived in Madagascar in the past 14 days will be subject to a medical check and test at home by health authorities, as well as anyone who has visited those individuals in the past 14 days
• Effective from 20 March, Madagascar will suspend all international flights for 30 days
• Effective from 15 March, Madagascar has suspended all cruise ships from entering any port in Madagascar for 30 days
• All returning Malagasy nationals and resident expatriates have until Thursday 19 March to return to Madagascar
• New measures may be announced at short notice. Follow the advice of local authorities.
• You should should seek further details on these restrictions from Malagasy authorities and remain in contact with airline, travel or tour operators.
• More information can be found on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (French only), the Facebook page of the Ministry of Public Health (Malagasy only), and the Facebook page of the Ministry of Transport, Tourism and Weather (Malagasy only).

Yellow fever vaccination

If you arrive from a country where yellow fever is widespread, you may need a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate. Some airlines may want to see one when you leave.

Find out about returning to Australia after exposure to yellow fever.

More information:

• Countries with a risk of yellow fever (PDF 74KB)

Travel with children

Minors travelling alone or with only one parent 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:

• Advice for people travelling with children

Validity

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.

Lost or stolen 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:

• In Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service.

• If you're overseas, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate.

The local currency is the Madagascar 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 card will work in Madagascar.

Driving permit

You can drive in Madagascar with either:

• a valid Australian driver's licence, or

• an International Driving Permit (IDP)

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.

Road travel

Accoring to the World Health Organisation (WHO), you're five times more likely to die in a motor vehicle accident in Madagascar than in Australia. Be especially vigilant when travelling on National Routes at night.

Common driving hazards include:

• poorly maintained roads and vehicles

• poor or insufficient street lighting

• people and animals roaming on roads

Carjackings, robberies and other crimes are a high risk when travelling by road. See Safety

Police will check vehicles and people at random throughout Madagascar. You may need to show documents, such as:

• your passport

• vehicle registration

• ownership papers

If you plan to drive in Madagascar:

• check your insurance covers you

• get to know local traffic laws and practices

• carry your identity documents

• guard against carjacking and other vehicle-related crimes

More information:

• Driving or riding

Motorcycles

Check if your travel insurance policy covers you for riding a motorbike, quad bike or similar vehicle.

Always wear a helmet.

Taxis

Only use hire cars and limousines from providers with a good reputation.

Avoid taxis because armed bandits regularly attack taxis, this is especially the case for 'taxi be' and 'taxi brousse', which are large vans commonly used by locals to travel both within the cities and to remote areas.

Public transport

Avoid public transport due to traffic safety. There's also the risk of crime.

Many public buses are not well-maintained. Serious accidents occur.

Protect your belongings, especially when travelling overnight.

Sea travel

In Madagascar's north, pirates attack all types of ships around Somalia's waters and the Gulf of Aden.

Sailing vessels are especially at risk of attack.

Don't travel within 1000 nautical miles (1850km) off the Somali coast.

Check the International Maritime Bureau for piracy reports.

Air travel

Domestic flights in Madagascar may be cancelled with little or no notice. Contact your airline to confirm your flights, especially when flying from provincial airports.

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:

• Air travel

Madagascar has implemented entry restrictions in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. It has declared a health state of emergency.

Effective from 20 March, Madagascar will suspend all international flights for 30 days. Madagascar also suspended all cruise ships from entering any port in Madagascar for a 30 days from 15 March. Air France has commissioned two flights to depart Madagascar at commercial expense. Australians who are seeking to depart Madagascar should contact the Air France office in Antananarivo (Tel: +261 20 23 230 23) as soon as possible to explore whether further flights may be scheduled. Conditions and restrictions may apply in relation to onward travel and should be discussed directly with airline operators.

You should continue to follow the advice of local authorities. New measures may be introduced at short notice.

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends

• travel agent

• insurance provider

• employer

• airline

Police - responsible for security within cities

Call 117 or visit the nearest police station.

National gendarmerie - responsible for security outside cities

Call 199.

Fire and rescue services

Call 117.

Medical emergencies

Call 117 or go direct to a hospital.

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.

Contact your provider with any complaints about tourist services or products.

Check the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

Australia's consulate in Madagascar provides some consular services but doesn't issue passports.

For full consular services while in Madagascar, contact the Australian High Commission in Port Louis, Mauritius.

Australian Consulate, Antananarivo

Building C1 (AMCHAM Office), Explorer Business Park

Ankorondrano, Antananarivo, Madagascar

Phone: (+261) 33 55 004 74 or (+261) 32 05 596 01

Email: hon.consul@aust-consulate-madagascar.com

Australian High Commission, Port Louis

2nd Floor, Rogers House

5 President John Kennedy Street

Port Louis, Mauritius

Phone: +230 202 0160

E-mail: ahc.portlouis@dfat.gov.au

Website: mauritius.highcommission.gov.au

Facebook: Australia in Mauritius, Seychelles, Madagascar and Comoros

Twitter: @AusHC_MU

The Australian High Commission in Port Louis is temporarily closed to the public as a result of COVID-19 restriction measures in place in Mauritius. Staff are working remotely. Please check the High Commission website for details for any changes to these arrangements.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas

• 1300 555 135 in Australia