Madagascar Travel Guide

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Passports and Visas

Foreign visitors to Madagascar of most nationalities can obtain a tourist visa on arrival, provided they have at least one blank page in their passport reserved for the Immigration Authorities of Madagascar. Tourist visas are valid for 90 days, and cost MGA 140,000 (or equivalent in USD or EUR). A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required to enter Madagascar, if arriving within six days of leaving or transiting through an infected area. NOTE: It is highly recommended that your passport has at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Americans

US citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date of their arrival in Madagascar. A visa is required, and can be obtained on arrival (see note, below).

UK Nationals

British citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date of their arrival in Madagascar. A visa is required, and can be obtained on arrival (see note, below).

Canadians

Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date of their arrival in Madagascar. A visa is required, and can be obtained on arrival (see note, below).

Australians

Australians require a valid passport and a visa to enter Madagascar. A 90-day visa can be obtained on arrival.

South Africans

South African citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date of their arrival in Madagascar. A visa is required, and can be obtained on arrival (see note, below).

Irish Nationals

Irish citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date of their arrival in Madagascar. A visa is required, and can be obtained on arrival (see note, below).

New Zealanders

New Zealand citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date of their arrival in Madagascar. A visa is required, and can be obtained on arrival (see note, below).

Healthcare

Malaria is a risk throughout the year and is highest on the coast of Madagascar. Cases of chikungunya fever were reported in February 2010 and are transmitted by mosquitoes; precautionary measures against being bitten should be taken at all times. In April 2008, an outbreak of Rift Valley fever was reported in five regions; contact with domestic animals and mosquitoes should be avoided. While AIDS has not reached the levels of other sub-saharan countries, protection should be used at all times. All travelers coming from a country with yellow fever require inoculation against the disease. Other risks include bilharzia, tuberculosis and rabies. Tap water should not be drunk unless it has been boiled or chemically treated. Medical facilities are limited, and outside of the capital medical care may be difficult to find. Limited French medications are available in Tana and it is advisable to bring along a medical kit for private use. Comprehensive medical insurance is advised.

Safety

The political situation in Madagascar is unstable, especially in the Ambohijatovo, Lac Anosy, Antaninarenina and Analakely areas. It is advised to travel with an established agency, and solo travelers should continually monitor the local media. Precautions against opportunistic crime, especially in the urban areas, should be taken. Pickpockets operate at the airport and in crowded areas such as markets. Travelers should carry ID at all times. At night, avoid walking around city centers and road travel outside urban areas as there have been occasional hold-ups on the main routes. The height of the cyclone season is from January to March and affects the coastal regions. Piracy is a concern in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean.