Madagascar

Crime, including violent crime, is a serious issue in Madagascar. 

Petty crimes, such as bag-snatching and pickpocketing are common, particularly in urban and crowded areas such as markets. Foreigners have also been the target of muggings and theft.

To protect yourself:

• be vigilant in tourist and transport locations
• don't go out alone after dark especially on foot
• don't leave luggage and valuables unattended
• don't display cash or valuables
• always keep your vehicle and accommodation locked

If you're attacked or robbed, don't resist. Criminals could be armed.

Report crimes to local police noting that resources are stretched, and you may not get the level of service you would in Australia, especially for petty crimes.

Regional crime

There have been reports of violent clashes and crimes, resulting in deaths, across various regions of Madagascar. This includes:

• Northern Madagascar: in the beach and crowded areas of Nosy Be, Ankify Port and Ambanja
• Western Madagascar: on National Routes around Besalampy, Morombe, Tsiroanomandidy and Maintirano
• Southern Madagascar: in the Southern triangle between Ihosy, Toliara and Fort-Dauphin

Before travelling to regional or remote areas:

• seek local security advice 
• use a recognised tour operator or official local guide 
• avoid travelling at night especially if travelling by road
• don't visit beaches or national parks alone

Carjacking

'Smash and grab' thefts from vehicles and carjacking are common. This includes taxi bes (urban minibuses), taxi brousses (rural minibuses), and river ferries. This is particularly prevalent: 

• on national routes
• at major intersections
• during traffic congestion
• after dark

To prevent theft when travelling by car:

• keep doors locked and windows up especially in Antananarivo
• keep valuables out of sight
• avoid driving after dark
• use registered tour operators or ask your hotel to arrange transport

If you’re stopped by security personnel or police, politely ask for identification. There have previously been reports of criminals posing as police. 

Civil unrest and political tension

Protests related to political or economic conditions occur regularly, particularly in periods near election.

Protests and events that attract large numbers of people can sometimes turn violent with little or no warning. Security forces may respond with force. Roads may be closed.

Violent incidents have been reported in the past in Antananarivo, around government buildings, the national stadium, historical monuments, and military installations. 

To stay safe during periods of unrest:

• avoid demonstrations and other large public gatherings
• monitor local news 
• follow the instructions of local authorities. 

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

Cyber security

You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you're connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth. 

Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media. 

More information:  

• Cyber security when travelling overseas 

Kidnapping can happen anywhere, anytime, including in destinations that are typically at lower risk.

Kidnapping for ransom is a risk in Madagascar. Foreigners have been targeted.

Always be alert to your personal security and surroundings and check your accommodation has appropriate security measures.

The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers.

More information:

• Kidnapping

Terrorism is a threat worldwide. Terrorist attacks could occur anywhere and at any time. Be alert to possible threats, especially in public places. Terrorists may target tourist areas or other places frequented by foreigners and where large crowds may gather.

More information:

• Terrorism

Madagascar experiences natural disasters and severe weather, including cyclones and tsunamis.

If there's a severe weather event:

• you may get stuck where you are
• flights could be delayed, suspended or fill quickly
• seaports could close
• safe shelter may not be available
• medical facilities may be limited

Consider weather conditions when planning your travel and stay up-to-date with weather forecasts and natural disaster warnings before and during your stay. 

If a natural disaster or weather event 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:

• Cooperative Institute for Meteorological Satellite Studies (Tropical Cyclones)
• World Meteorological Organization Severe Weather Information Centre
• Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System

Cyclones and storms

The cyclone season is from November to April. However, storms and cyclones may occur at other times. The direction and strength of cyclones can change without warning. Coastal areas are most at risk. 

Storms and cyclones can cause:

• flash flooding
• torrential rain
• storm surges
• winds up to 300km/h
• landslides/mudslides

Cyclones can cause damage to buildings, roads, bridges and communication services across Madagascar. This includes in the capital, Antananarivo. 

To prepare for a cyclone or storm:

• know the evacuation plan for your hotel, cruise ship, or other accommodation
• identify your local shelter
• follow the instructions of local authorities

Tsunamis

Tsunamis can occur in Madagascar. These are caused by an undersea earthquake, landslide, or volcanic eruption and can arrive within minutes. They can also occur if no earthquake is felt.

Register with the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System to receive tsunami alerts.

Tour operators don't always follow safety and maintenance standards.
If you plan to do a tour or adventure activity:

• check if your travel insurance policy covers it
• ask about and insist on minimum safety requirements
• always use available safety gear, such as life jackets or seatbelts

If proper safety equipment isn't available, use another provider.

Swimming safety

Avoid visiting isolated beaches, especially if you are alone. Seek local advice or use an experienced travel operator when visiting coastal areas. Don’t swim in freshwater as the risk of waterborne and infectious diseases is high.

If you plan to spend time in or on the water:

• check weather reports or seek local information about weather conditions and potential dangers
• take warnings seriously
• speak to your travel provider about safety equipment 
• ensure you have travel insurance and that your policy covers your planned activities

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 or repatriation. (see 'Medical care' below)

Confirm:

• what activities and care your policy covers
• your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away (including stopovers on the way to your destination)

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.

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:

• General health advice
• Healthy holiday tips (HealthDirect Australia)

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
• your required dosage
• that it's for personal use

More information:

• Medication

There is a high exposure risk to diseases in Madagascar. Serious outbreaks of insect-borne and other infectious diseases occur. Consult your travel doctor for the latest vaccine recommendations at least 8 weeks before you leave.

Insect-borne diseases

Malaria is widespread in Madagascar, particularly during the wet season from October to May, but may can occur anytime. 

Outbreaks of bubonic plague also happen regularly. This can be treated with antibiotics, but it is crucial to seek medical treatment immediately if you experience any plague signs or symptoms.

Other insect-borne diseases include:

• Dengue 
• Chikungunya
• Rift Valley Fever
• Filariasis (elephantiasis).

To protect yourself from insect-borne diseases:

• make sure your accommodation is insect-proof
• use insect repellent
• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing.

If you have a fever, muscle pain, rash or a bad headache, seek medical advice.

Other health risks

HIV/AIDS is widespread. Take precautions if you engage in activities that expose you to the risk of infection. Polio is still present in Madagascar. Check your vaccination status for polio – you may need a booster even if you have been vaccinated in the past. Outbreaks of waterborne, foodborne and other infectious diseases are common. These include:

• cholera
• hepatitis
• schistosomiasis
• tuberculosis
• rabies
• COVID-19
• measles

To protect yourself from illness:

• wash and sanitise your hands regularly
• 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. Seek medical advice if you have a fever or diarrhoea.

More information:

• Australian Immunisation Handbook (Department of Health and Aged Care)
• Infectious diseases
• WHO Madagascar (French)
• WHO Country Disease Outlook for Madagascar

All hospitals require payments (public and private, costs differ). 

• Patients need to present their ID for admission.
• Government hospitals require patients’ families to bring all necessities – including food and linens. This is not so in private hospitals, although fees are much higher in private hospitals.

The standard of medical facilities in Madagascar is basic and extremely limited in rural areas. Regular outbreaks of diseases and natural disasters impact healthcare services and hospital capacity, including ambulance services and accident and emergency care.

There are some public and private hospitals in Antananarivo, but only routine medical operations are possible. You'll need to be evacuated if you become seriously ill or injured. Medical evacuation can be expensive.

All hospitals require payment up front. Most travellers attend private clinics which can be expensive. In public hospitals you’ll need to provide your own necessities – including food and linen. 

You’ll need provide ID for admission. Only some doctors speak English.

There's no shared healthcare agreement between Australia and Madagascar. Check your insurance covers hospital stays and medical evacuation.

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

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:

• Arrested or jailed

Drugs

Drug offences are serious. Punishments can be severe and prison conditions are harsh.

More information:

• Carrying or using drugs

Other laws

Always carry 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:

• 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.

Paying for sex is illegal. Fines range between 1500 and 7000 euros or prison sentences up to 10 years. Strict laws have been implemented against sexual abuse of children 17 years old and under, especially if foreigners are involved. Some underage sex workers may carry fake IDs, putting you at risk of prosecution or blackmail.

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

In Madagascar, “fady” are strict traditional taboos. They dictate what is forbidden in daily life and can include food and clothing. Breaking them can lead to serious consequences. The fady are especially observed in rural areas of the country. 

Before travelling to rural or remote areas, seek advice from your tour operator or local guide about what the local practices, such as standards of dress and behaviour, especially on traditional sites. If you plan to stay longer in a village you may need to inform the local authority or village head.

Same-sex relationships are legal for people over 21 but same-sex marriage isn't recognised. Same sex relationships are not widely accepted in Madagascar. Avoid public displays of affection.

There are no anti-discrimination protections for LGBTQIA+ travellers.

More information:

• Advice for LGBTQIA+ travellers

Visas

You need a visa to enter Madagascar. If you’re a tourist, you can apply for a visa for up to 60 days on arrival at the airport. You’ll need to show evidence of onward or return travel. Visitor visas are for single-entry only.

For trips shorter than 15 days there’s no visa fee, however you’ll need to pay a 10 euro administration fee for border control formalities. There are fees for 30 or 60 day visas. These can be paid in euros, US dollars or Malagasy ariary. 

You can apply for an extension of up to 90 days but this needs to be done through the immigration service.

Make sure your passport is stamped when passing through immigration. Take care not to overstay your visa otherwise you may be detained or deported.

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. You should contact the Consulate-General of Madagascar or nearest embassy for the latest details.

More information:

• Ministry of Tourism in Madagascar (English, French)
• Embassy or Consulate of Madagascar

Border measures

If you’re arriving from a country affected by cholera, you'll need to undertake additional sanitary controls and could be asked to take anti-cholera medication.

You may be offered alternative medication if you:

• are pregnant 
• are under 8 years old  
• have a pre-existing medical condition.

You may also need to provide contact details so health authorities can follow up for 3 – 5 days.

If you arrive from a country where yellow fever is widespread, you’ll need to provide proof of vaccination to enter Madagascar. 

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

More information:

• Yellow Fever
• Countries with a risk of yellow fever (PDF 252KB)

Travelling with children

Children under 21 travelling alone or with only one parent may need to show proof both parents have approved the travel. Carry a letter authorising the travel that is signed by both parents and legalised.

More information:

• Advice for people travelling with children

Customs regulations

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Madagascar. This includes food, precious woods, stones, metals, jewellery and cash. 

You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty on arrival.

Foreign currency

If you travel to Madagascar with foreign currency that you intend to take out of the country, you must declare this to customs on arrival. You can't leave Madagascar with more than 10,000 euros. For amounts over 1,000 euros, you’ll need to show bank receipts. 

More information:

• Customs Department (French) 
• Practical advice from Madagascar Tourism

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. You 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

Passport with ‘X’ gender identifier 

Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can’t guarantee that a passport showing 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers. 

More information:  

• LGBTQIA+ travellers 

The local currency is the Malagasy Ariary (MGA) but euros are widely accepted.

Madagascar has a cash-based economy. Credit cards aren't widely used, although some credit cards are accepted at major hotels, some restaurants and shops. 

You can make cash withdrawals from a limited number of ATMs in Antananarivo. Ask your bank if your cards will work in Madagascar.

There is a shortage of foreign currency in Madagascar so banks will not easily reconvert local currency to foreign currency.

Road travel

The standard of roads in Madagascar can be poor. Common hazards include:

• poorly maintained roads and vehicles
• poor or insufficient street lighting
• people and animals roaming on roads.

Following severe cyclones and weather events in 2024, road networks in some regions have been damaged. If you’re planning to drive check your route is still open. 

Carjacking, armed robberies and other crimes are a high risk when travelling by road. Be especially vigilant when travelling on National Routes and avoid driving at night (see 'Safety').

Driver’s licence

You can drive in Madagascar with a valid Australian driver's licence (digital driver's licences may not be accepted) for stays shorter than 90 days. For longer stays you’ll need to apply for an International Driver’s Permit from Australia.

The minimum driving age in Madagascar is 18 years old.

If you plan on driving in Madagascar:

• check your insurance covers driving
• check local traffic laws and practices
• be aware of potential dangers on the roads
• avoid remote roads, particularly at night
• drive carefully and legally
• don't drink and drive 
• carry photo identity and vehicle registration documents, as you may be stopped by police.

Motorcycles

There is a high risk of motorcycle accidents in Madagascar, due to the poor state of roads. Avoid riding motorcycles, especially at night. 

More information:

• Driving or riding

Taxis and hired vehicles

Avoid taxis, as these are regularly attacked by armed robbers. This is especially the case for taxi bes (urban minibuses) and taxi brousses (rural minibuses).

Only use hired cars (or limousines) with drivers from recommended providers with a good reputation. 

Public transport

Public transport is not reliable and vehicles are not well maintained. Serious accidents have occurred. Avoid public transport due to the lack of safety and risk of crime.

More information:

• Transport and getting around safe

Sea travel

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 water:

• check safety standards are in place
• check there is enough safety equipment for everyone
• wear your life jacket
• avoid travelling after dark
• don't get on overcrowded boats.

More information:

• Travelling by boat
• Going on a cruise

Air travel

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

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider
• employer
• airline

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.

For full consular and passport services while in Madagascar, contact the Australian Embassy (based in Mauritius) via email (see contact details below).

Australian Embassy, Mauritius

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
X: @AusHC_MU

The website will provide details about opening hours, any temporary closures to the public, and services offered.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

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

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia