Madagascar Travel Guide

Passports

Country	Passport Required	Visa Required	Return Ticket Required
Other EU	Yes	Yes	Yes
USA	Yes	Yes	Yes
Canadian	Yes	Yes	Yes
Australian	Yes	Yes	Yes
British	Yes	Yes	Yes

Passports valid for six months after date of entry required by all nationals referred to in the chart.

Visas

Required by all nationals referred to in the chart above except:
(a) transit passengers continuing their journey by the same or first connecting aircraft within 24 hours provided holding onward or return documentation and not leaving the airport.

Note 1: Return or onward tickets are required.

Note 2: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements.

Visa Note

(a) All visas for a stay of up to 90 days are available on arrival in Madagascar. (b) For stays over three months, nationals will need to apply for a long-stay visa from the Madagascan Ministry of Interior. The Embassy of Madagascar in France can issue a one-month visa (€105) extendable into a long-stay visa to enable the applicant to finalise his/her dossier in Madagascar at the Ministry of Interior. Please note that the Embassy of Madagascar in the UK closed in February 2011.

Types of Visa and Cost

Single/Multiple-entry: On arrival: free (30 days), €70 (60 days), €100 (90 days).

Validity

Visas are issued for stays of up to 90 days and are valid for six months from date of issue.

Applications to:

Consulate (or consular section at embassy). Some nationalities are able to get a visa at Antananarivo Airport on arrival; however it is strongly recommended to obtain a visa prior to this. Contact the embassy for further information before departure (see Important Addresses).

Working Days Required

Same day (personal applications); up to three days (postal applications).

Travel Warnings

The situation in the center of Antananarivo remains unstable and potentially volatile. Visitors should avoid any crowds or political gatherings which may occur. The Ambohijatovo, Lac Anosy, Ankorondrano, Mahamasima, Tsimbazaza and Analakely areas have been subject to such gatherings and outbreaks of violence for the duration of the political unrest. Following the recent breakdown of negotiations on resolving the political crisis, there have been reports of renewed demonstrations in Antananarivo, with security personnel using tear gas to disperse crowds. You should remain vigilant and maintain a low profile while moving around, in particular if traveling alone.

In June 2009, two bombs exploded in the center of Antananarivo and a number of others were defused. There were no reported injuries. On 18 July 2009, one man was killed and two others injured when an explosive device they were carrying went off prematurely in their vehicle. It is unclear who was responsible for these attacks.

Bilharzia, tuberculosis, rabies, bubonic plague and malaria are common to Madagascar. There have also been reported cases of dengue fever and Chikungunya virus. You should avoid mosquito bites and contact with domestic animals and the blood, organs or body fluids of such animals. In December 2009, there was a report of a death from yellow fever in the provinces. British nationals in Madagascar should check the status of their yellow fever vaccinations.

Most visits to Madagascar are trouble-free but you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate international terrorist attacks, which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners.

Travelers should avoid driving outside urban areas after dark, as there have been armed robberies at night on some of the major roads.

Muggings and armed robberies do occur, particularly in urban areas. Travelers should keep clear of any street disturbances and not leave any bags unattended. Travelers are also advised to keep large amounts of money, jewelry, cameras and cell phones out of sight when walking in town centers and to avoid walking in city centers after dark.

The cyclone season in Madagascar normally runs from January to March, coastal areas are particularly affected.

This advice is based on information provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the UK. It is correct at time of publishing. As the situation can change rapidly, visitors are advised to contact the following organizations for the latest travel advice:

British Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Tel: 0845 850 2829.
Website: www.fco.gov.uk

US Department of State
Website: http://travel.state.gov/travel

Health Care

Health insurance is strongly recommended; it should include cover for emergency repatriation. Private and public healthcare is available, but public facilities can be very limited. It is highly recommended that visitors bring medication for stomach upsets.

Vaccinations

Vaccination	Special Precaution
Diphtheria	Yes
Hepatitis A	Yes
Malaria	Yes
Rabies	Sometimes
Tetanus	Yes
Typhoid	Yes
Yellow Fever	No*

Special Notes

* A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travelers coming from infected areas.