About Madagascar

Travel Advice

It is more important than ever to get travel insurance and check it provides sufficient cover. See the FCDO’s guidance on foreign travel insurance.

The cyclone season in Madagascar normally runs from November to April. Coastal areas are particularly affected, and remote areas throughout the country can become inaccessible and suffer damage and contamination to water supplies.

You should monitor the progress of approaching storms and follow alerts and instructions from the local authorities on the BNGRC Facebook page (in French/ Malagasy). See Natural disasters

You will need a visa to enter Madagascar. You can get a tourist visa on arrival at the airport. See Visas

Most visits to Madagascar are trouble-free. If possible, you should travel with established organisations or travel companies who know the terrain and have the capacity to warn of potential hazards and local customs. If hiring a guide in country, the National Tourism Office advises visitors to use the services of members of the Professional Tour Operators Association PTO.

Political demonstrations and other protests can occur, particularly in the capital Antananarivo. Due to the possibility of violence at these events, you should avoid all protests and demonstrations. See Political situation

Crime, particularly robbery and theft is widespread in Madagascar. See Crime

Take great care and follow local advice in the south of the country. In the southern triangle between Ihosy, Toliara/Tuléar and Fort-Dauphin the security situation remains tense and the roads are in very poor condition. There have been several attacks on vehicles. If travelling in the area you’re advised to use a recognised tour operator and to avoid travelling at night. Avoid overnight stays in the countryside. You’re advised not to travel by taxi-brousse (bush taxi). If you’re planning to travel to Fort Dauphin you should travel by air instead of via the RN 13. See Local travel - Southern Madagascar

Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in Madagascar, attacks can’t be ruled out. See Terrorism

Piracy remains a significant threat in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean, and has occurred more than 1,000 nautical miles from the Somali coast. See River and sea travel

If you’re abroad and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the nearest British embassy, consulate or high commission. Consular support may be limited in parts of Madagascar.

Coronavirus travel health

Check the latest information on risk from COVID-19 for Madagascar on the TravelHealthPro website

See the TravelHealthPro website for further advice on travel abroad and reducing spread of respiratory viruses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

International travel

Madagascar’s borders are open to international arrivals. See the Ministry of Tourism website for the latest travel alerts and information.

Entry and borders

See Entry requirements to find out what you will need to do before your departure and when you arrive in Madagascar.

Be prepared for your plans to change

No travel is risk-free during COVID-19. Countries may further restrict travel or bring in new rules at short notice, for example due to a new COVID-19 variant. Check with your travel company or airline for any transport changes which may delay your journey home.

Plan ahead and make sure you:

• can access money
• understand what your insurance will cover
• can make arrangements to extend your stay and be away for longer than planned

Travel in Madagascar

You should comply with any additional screening measures put in place by the authorities, including at city checkpoints and Ivato International Airport.

Accommodation

Hotel and guesthouse accommodation is open, although many businesses catering to tourists are operating with limited capacity. You should contact your accommodation provider for more information.

Public spaces and services

On 3 September 2021, the Government of Madagascar lifted the national Health State of Emergency which had been in place since March 2021. You are still advised to wear a face mask in enclosed public places and follow public health guidelines.

Healthcare in Madagascar

For contact details of English speaking doctors visit our list of healthcare providers.

If you think you have COVID-19 symptoms, you should attend your nearest health centre.

There is also a local helpline for medical advice if you have COVID-19 symptoms. This is available by dialling 914. English language support may be limited.

Your emotional and mental wellbeing is important. Read guidance on how to look after your mental wellbeing and mental health.

View Health for further details on healthcare in Madagascar.

See also the guidance on healthcare if you’re waiting to return to the UK.

Finance

For information on financial support you can access whilst abroad, visit our financial assistance guidance.

Further information

Keep up to date with information from your tour operator, transport or accommodation provider about the impact of COVID-19 regulations on any existing travel plans.

Crime

Robberies, theft and street crime occur frequently in towns and cities, in nature reserves and on beaches. Carjacking and theft from cars has become more frequent. Passengers in bush taxis have been robbed.

Be vigilant in the capital Antananarivo, particularly in markets and busy areas and especially vigilant at night. Don’t touch any suspect packages.

Never leave your bags unattended. Keep large amounts of money and valuable items including jewellery, cameras, computers and phones out of sight when walking outside. Use a hotel safe whenever possible to safeguard these items. Avoid walking alone in city centres after dark alone and be vigilant at all times. Foreigners are preferred targets for pickpockets and muggers. You should be vigilant when travelling around the city.

Beware of pickpockets in crowded areas like street markets and airports. You should carry your passport with you, but keep it concealed and secure. Leave copies of your travel documents, especially passports and flight tickets, in a safe place (e.g. hotel safe) and further copies with friends or family in the UK.

Be alert to the possibility of acts of disorder by security personnel and avoid any actions that might antagonise them (eg taking photographs). If you’re stopped by the police, show respect and stay calm. Ask for ID as there have been reports of individuals falsely claiming to be police.

If you’re attacked, don’t resist. Stay calm and consider handing over a small sum of money. Report the incident to the police and take a copy of the police report.

Useful phone numbers

Police: 17 or 117 from a mobile phone (emergencies).

Fire Brigade: 18 or 118 from a mobile phone.

Gendarmerie: 19 or 119 from a mobile phone.

Criminal kidnaps

There have been instances of kidnapping for ransom in Madagascar. Such cases often target wealthy foreign nationals and expatriates working for large international companies.

Be vigilant and keep a low profile when moving around the country. You’re advised to use a recognised tour operator. The long-standing policy of the British government is not to make substantive concessions to hostage takers. The British government considers that paying ransoms and releasing prisoners increases the risk of further hostage-taking.

Local travel - Antananarivo

Since 2012 there have been occasional explosions in Antananarivo. On 7 January 2021 an explosive device detonated in the Ampasanimalo district of Antananarivo. Don’t touch any suspect packages.

On 29 July 2022, over 30 persons were killed when criminals (dahalo) set fire to buildings in a village in the district of Ankazobe, north-west of Antananarivo. Armed forces are active in the area. Tourists have not been targeted but you should seek local advice before travelling.

Local travel - Northern Madagascar

A number of incidents involving violence and robberies have occurred in Nosy Be and in Ankify Port and Ambanja on the mainland. Incidents have occurred during the day on beaches and at night in crowded areas. You should be vigilant and avoid carrying large amounts of money or jewellery.

Use an official local guide and be vigilant if you’re visiting the ‘Montagne des Français’.

Local travel - Southern Madagascar

On 3 July 2023, ongoing demonstrations in the Lanirano area to the east of Fort Dauphin turned violent with reports of gunfire and injury to civilians. You are advised to avoid gatherings and demonstrations, and to follow advice of the local security services.

Violent incidents involving cattle rustlers (Dahalo) have caused fatalities to the north of Fort Dauphin, around the township of Betroka, along the west coast between Belo sur Tsiribihina and Toliara (Tuléar) and in the Commune of Ilakakabe (near Isalo National Park). On 22 May 2021 a large scale attack on 3 villages in the Midongy district resulted in the deaths of 17 civilians and 2 military officers. Armed forces are active in these areas. Tourists have not been targeted but you should seek local advice before travelling and check road travel advice below. You’re advised to use a recognised tour operator.

The security situation in the Southern triangle between Ihosy, Toliara (Tuléar) and Fort-Dauphin remains tense and the roads are in a very poor condition. You’re advised to use a recognised tour operator and avoid travelling at night in this area. If travelling to Fort Dauphin, you’re advised to travel by air. Do not stay overnight in the countryside.

Seek local advice and guidance before visiting beaches. You should remain vigilant when visiting beaches to the South and North of Toliara (Tuléar) as there have been attacks and robberies. Avoid visiting isolated and remote beaches, especially alone.

Criminal gangs are known to have attacked vehicles travelling in convoy on the RN7 (between Antananarivo and Toliara/Tuléar). Be vigilant when visiting night clubs in Toliara (Tuléar).

Local travel – Western Madagascar

Owing to reports of violent highway robberies, you should maintain a particularly high level of vigilance and use a recognised tour operator when travelling by road to or within western regions of Madagascar (the regions between Besalampy and Morombe) including the RN35 and RN1 (between Tsiroanomandidy and Maintirano). You should also maintain a high level of vigilance if you travel on the following roads: RN7, RN27, RN10 and RN34. You should avoid travelling at night.

Local travel - National Parks

If you intend to visit a National Park, seek advice from a tour operator or from the park administration in advance. Maintain vigilance during your visit and do not travel at night.

Road travel

There are frequent armed robberies on main roads, particularly at night. Lock car doors and keep windows closed at all times particularly in Antananarivo. There have been attempts by young women using traffic jams to jump into vehicles and accuse men of sexual harassment. Where possible drive in convoy and avoid driving outside major towns after dark. You should avoid travelling in multi-passenger taxi vans (known locally as taxi-brousses).

Don’t stop if you’ve been involved in, or see an accident. Call the police (117) or drive to the next town and report to the police directly. Road conditions vary greatly. Most main roads outside Antananarivo carry heavy freight traffic, and have steep gradients and sharp bends. Drive with extreme care, especially on bridges.

In the rainy season (December to April), many secondary roads are impassable (except by four-wheel-drive vehicles) and bridges are often washed away. There are frequent road deaths involving bush taxis. If you have concerns over the safety of a vehicle or the ability of the driver, use alternative transport.

If you wish to drive in Madagascar you will need to get an  International Driving Permit. or apply to convert your driving licence to a Malagasy one. The import and use of right-hand drive vehicles is now banned in Madagascar.

You should be prepared to be hassled by taxi drivers. At Antananarivo airport (but not in the city), taxi fees have been officially set. Ask the taxi driver to show you the fee table. At other airports in Madagascar, haggling over the taxi fee with the driver is normal. You should agree the fare before setting off.

Air travel

Air Madagascar has been removed from the list of airlines banned from operating within the European Union. Tsaradia and Madagasikara Airways both operate internal flights within Madagascar.

A list of recent incidents and accidents can be found on the website of the Aviation Safety network.

The FCDO can’t offer advice on the safety of individual airlines. However, the International Air Transport Association publishes a list of registered airlines that have been audited and found to meet a number of operational safety standards and recommended practices. This list is not exhaustive and the absence of an airline from this list does not necessarily mean that it is unsafe.

The International Civil Aviation Organisation has carried out an audit of the level of implementation of the critical elements of safety oversight in Madagascar.

River and sea travel

There have been cases of armed robberies on the Tsiribihina River in western Madagascar. If you’re travelling in the region you’re advised to use alternative modes of transport. Operation of river ferries may be irregular. Seek local advice on ferries from Tamatave- Sonierana to Sainte Marie Island and the West Coast (Toliara/Tuléar, Morondava, Mahajanga and Nosy Be). There have been several reported accidents with causalities due to overcrowding, poor maintenance, poor crew training and unexpected squalls. Check weather conditions locally before travelling.

Recent piracy attacks off the coast of Somalia and in the Gulf of Aden highlight that the threat of piracy related activity and armed robbery in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean remains significant. Reports of attacks on local fishing dhows in the area around the Gulf of Aden and Horn of Africa continue. The combined threat assessment of the international Naval Counter Piracy Forces remains that all sailing yachts under their own passage should remain out of the designated High Risk Area or face the risk of being hijacked and held hostage for ransom. For more information and advice, see our Piracy and armed robbery at sea page.

Political situation

Due to the possibility of violence, you should avoid large gatherings and political demonstrations, including those taking place in the area around Independence Square (“La Place du 13 mai”) and the Town Hall in Antananarivo. The next Presidential elections will take place in 2023. You should monitor local news and follow the advice of local authorities.

Stadiums and venues

Security and safety standards at stadiums and venues in Madagascar may be lower than in the UK. Take care if you’re planning to attend events with large numbers of spectators.

Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in Madagascar, attacks can’t be ruled out.

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. You should remain vigilant at all times.

In many 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 on clothing. Some areas subject to fady may be forbidden to foreigners. If you intend to visit remote areas, seek advice either locally or from your tour operator and respect local fady to avoid causing offence.

If you plan a longer stay in a village, ask to pay your respects to the head of Fokontany (administrative subdivision), the head of the village or ‘Ray aman-dreny’ (wise man).

Due to random police checks, you should carry your passport with you at all times. Always keep a photocopy of your passport, visa and insurance details somewhere safe, and leave further copies with family or friends in the UK.

Drug smuggling is a serious offence. Punishments can be severe.

Although homosexuality is not prohibited by law, public attitudes are less tolerant than in the UK and public displays of affection may attract negative attention. See our information and advice page for the LGBT community before you travel.

Paying for sex is punishable by 5 to 10 years imprisonment and / or a fine of €1,500 to €7,000. The campaign against sexual abuse of under age children (under 18 years) is strictly enforced with particular regard to foreign tourists. Identity cards of women are often faked.

The import and export of foodstuffs (including fruit), protected plants and animal products without prior permission is illegal. Removing protected plants (especially rosewood) and animals and animal products is illegal.

When leaving you may take the following, after declaring to Customs:

• Up to a maximum of 2kg of vanilla
• Jewellery: for residents, max 250g (hallmarked); for non-residents, max 1kg subject to presentation of currency exchange receipts
• Up to 400,000 Ariary
• Up to 1kg of pepper or cloves
• Some other plant and animal products, gold and currency may be exported if permission is obtained.

Full details of export allowances and requirements can be found on the website of Madagascar Customs (in French).

This page reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British Citizen’ passport from the UK, for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Madagascar set and enforce entry rules. If you’re unsure how Madagascar’s entry requirements apply to you, contact its UK embassy, high commission or consulate.

All travellers

On 11 August 2022, the Malagasy government lifted all COVID-19 health restrictions for travellers to Madagascar. Pre-departure PCR tests and testing on arrival are no longer required for entry to Madagascar. Proof of vaccination status is not required for entry. Further details and travel alerts can be found on the Madagascar Tourism website.

You will need a non-immigrant visa to enter or travel through Madagascar as a short term visitor for stays over 15 days, or an immigrant visa for stays over 90 days.

See Visas section for more information.

If you’re fully vaccinated

Entry requirements for Madagascar are the same for all travellers, regardless of COVID-19 vaccination status. See All travellers.

Proof of vaccination status

Proof of vaccination status is not required for entry to Madagascar or for access to local services.

You cannot use the UK COVID Pass to demonstrate your vaccination record when entering Madagascar.

If you’re not fully vaccinated

Entry requirements for Madagascar are the same for all travellers, regardless of COVID-19 vaccination status. See All travellers.

If you’ve had COVID-19 in the past year

There are no special entry requirements if you have had COVID-19 in the past year.

Children and young people

There are no exemptions or special COVID-19 requirements for children.

If you’re transiting through Madagascar

There are no COVID-19 health requirements for transit through Madagascar. For specific questions on transit requirements, you should contact the nearest Embassy of Madagascar (in the UK, this is the Madagascar Embassy in London).

Exemptions

There are no exemptions to Madagascar’s entry requirements.

Check your passport and travel documents before you travel

Passport validity

If you are visiting Madagascar, your passport should be valid for 6 months from the date you arrive, and with at least 2 blank visa pages. You should be able to show confirmation of your travel dates.

Check with your travel provider to make sure your passport and other travel documents meet their requirements.

Visas

If you are visiting Madagascar for less than 15 days, there is no visa requirement. However, travellers must pay a 10 Euro administrative fee on arrival.

You can buy a 30 or 60 day single entry tourist visa on arrival at the airport in cash using US$, Euros, or Malagasy Ariary. Up to date information on visa fees is available on the Ministry of Tourism website.

You can also apply in advance of travel to the Madagascar Embassy in London for a tourist or immigrant visa.

You will be asked for evidence of onward or return travel at check-in and on arrival in Madagascar.

Make sure an entry stamp is recorded in your passport, and that your visa is valid for the period and purpose of your journey. A tourist visa can be extended during your stay in Madagascar up to a total stay of 90 days. Overstaying may lead to detention and deportation.

Travelling with children

Children already in possession of a visa don’t need further parental approval to enter Madagascar. A parent leaving Madagascar alone with a child must carry written authorisation from the absent parent.

Yellow fever certificate requirements

Check whether you need a yellow fever certificate by visiting the National Travel Health Network and Centre’s TravelHealthPro website.

If you have a health condition, or you are pregnant, you may need specialist healthcare abroad. Check whether your destination country can provide the healthcare you may need and ensure you have appropriate travel insurance for unexpected medical evacuation or local treatment.

At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the latest country-specific health advice from the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) on the TravelHealthPro website. Each country-specific page has information on vaccine recommendations, any current health risks or outbreaks, and factsheets with information on staying healthy abroad. Guidance is also available from NHS (Scotland) on the FitForTravel website.

General information on travel vaccinations and a travel health checklist is available on the NHS website. You may then wish to contact your health adviser or pharmacy for advice on other preventive measures and managing any pre-existing medical conditions while you’re abroad.

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or purchased in the UK can be different in other countries. If you’re travelling with prescription or over-the-counter medicine, read this guidance from NaTHNaC on best practice when travelling with medicines. For further information on the legal status of a specific medicine, you’ll need to contact the embassy, high commission or consulate of the country or territory you’re travelling to.

While travel can be enjoyable, it can sometimes be challenging. There are clear links between mental and physical health, so looking after yourself during travel and when abroad is important. Information on travelling with mental health conditions is available in our guidance page. Further information is also available from the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC).

Other health risks

Outbreaks of plague tend to be seasonal and occur mainly during the rainy season, with around 500 cases reported annually. Whilst outbreaks are not uncommon in rural areas, the outbreak in 2017, saw an increase in reported cases in urban areas, including Antananarivo. 209 deaths were recorded, with none related to international travel. Further outbreaks cannot be ruled out. You can find further information and advice in the ‘Outbreaks’ section of the TravelHealthPro page for Madagascar.

You should drink or use only boiled or bottled water and avoid ice in drinks.

High levels of syphilis have been recorded.

Local medical care

Although there are public and private hospitals in Antananarivo, they can only handle routine operations. Complex surgery requires evacuation either to Mauritius, South Africa or La Reunion. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 17 (117 from mobile phone) or +261 20 22 357 53 and ask for an ambulance. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.

The cyclone season in Madagascar normally runs from November to April. Coastal areas are particularly affected, and remote areas throughout the country can become inaccessible and suffer damage and contamination to water supplies. You should monitor local and international weather updates from the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), Meteo Madagascar (French) or FB Cyclone Indien Ocean (French, Malagasy).

See our Tropical cyclones page for advice about what to do if you’re caught up in a storm.

The Malagasy Ariary (MGA) is the local currency of Madagascar. The most accepted foreign currency is the Euro, but US dollars and GBP are easily changed. You can exchange money at banks or make withdrawals from local ATMs. If you use a money exchange office, count your money immediately to make sure you haven’t been short changed. There have been a number of reports of this type of fraud in the exchange offices operating in the Antananarivo international airport.

Foreign travel checklist

Read our foreign travel checklist to help you plan for your trip abroad and stay safe while you’re there.

Travel safety

The FCDO travel advice helps you make your own decisions about foreign travel. Your safety is our main concern, but we can’t provide tailored advice for individual trips. If you’re concerned about whether or not it’s safe for you to travel, you should read the travel advice for the country or territory you’re travelling to, together with information from other sources you’ve identified, before making your own decision on whether to travel. Only you can decide whether it’s safe for you to travel.

When we judge the level of risk to British nationals in a particular place has become unacceptably high, we’ll state on the travel advice page for that country or territory that we advise against all or all but essential travel. Read more about how the FCDO assesses and categorises risk in foreign travel advice.

Our crisis overseas page suggests additional things you can do before and during foreign travel to help you stay safe.

Refunds and cancellations

If you wish to cancel or change a holiday that you’ve booked, you should contact your travel company. The question of refunds and cancellations is a matter for you and your travel company. Travel companies make their own decisions about whether or not to offer customers a refund. Many of them use our travel advice to help them reach these decisions, but we do not instruct travel companies on when they can or can’t offer a refund to their customers.

For more information about your rights if you wish to cancel a holiday, visit the Citizen’s Advice Bureau website. For help resolving problems with a flight booking, visit the website of the Civil Aviation Authority. For questions about travel insurance, contact your insurance provider and if you’re not happy with their response, you can complain to the Financial Ombudsman Service.

Registering your travel details with us

We’re no longer asking people to register with us before travel. Our foreign travel checklist and crisis overseas page suggest things you can do before and during foreign travel to plan your trip and stay safe.

Previous versions of FCDO travel advice

If you’re looking for a previous version of the FCDO travel advice, visit the National Archives website. Versions prior to 2 September 2020 will be archived as FCO travel advice. If you can’t find the page you’re looking for there, send the Travel Advice Team a request.

Further help

If you’re a British national and you have a question about travelling abroad that isn’t covered in our foreign travel advice or elsewhere on GOV.UK, you can submit an enquiry, or contact us on Twitter or Facebook. We’re not able to provide tailored advice for specific trips.