Travel Advice for Madagascar

Terrorism is a threat throughout the world. You can find more information about this threat in our General Advice to Australian Travellers .

We advise you to exercise a high degree of caution in Madagascar at this time due to the unpredictable political situation. Pay close attention to your personal security at all times and monitor the media and other local sources of information about possible new safety or security risks.

The security situation remains calm, however, political tensions have not been resolved and the security situation could deteriorate rapidly without warning. Demonstrations and protests can occur with little warning.

In November 2011 and January 2012, demonstrations and rioting occurred in Antananarivo. The police used tear gas to disperse the crowd and there were reports of looting.

On 22 July 2012, different elements of Madagascar?s Armed Forces clashed at a military base near the airport of Antananarivo. Three people were killed and four were injured. As a precaution, airlines suspended flights in and out of the capital for 24 hours.

You should avoid all protests and demonstrations throughout Madagascar, especially in central Antananarivo, as they may become violent and attract a heavy response from security forces. The Ambohijatovo, Lac Anosy, Antaninarenina and Analakely areas, as well as military barracks, are potential flashpoints and have been subject to such gatherings and outbreaks of violence. You should be alert and maintain a low profile while moving around, in particular if travelling alone. Australians could be caught up in violence directed at others.

Since 2009 there have been a number of violent incidents, including demonstrations and looting, and an attempted military coup in 2010. In March 2009, the former mayor of Antananarivo, Andry Rajoelina, became president of a transitional government following the removal of President Ravalomanana. Madagascar?s rival political parties have since failed to reach a political settlement and tensions remain. In September 2011, mediation efforts by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) led to the signature of a roadmap towards resolving the political impasse. The implementation of these resolutions led to the formation of a Government of National Unity in November 2011 and the establishment of a transitional parliament. Presidential and legislative elections are scheduled for 8 May and 3 July 2013.

Anosy Region: Since September 2012, violent clashes between bandits (Dahalo) and security forces have increased in the southern region of Anosy. Australians travelling in the region should exercise extreme vigilance, follow the instructions of local authorities, and seek local security advice. The road between Ilosy and Fort Dauphin (RN13) is particularly dangerous and it is recommended that Australians fly to Fort Dauphin rather than drive.

The incidence of armed robberies and violence especially against foreigners has increased in Madagascar, particularly in and around Antananarivo and southern districts of Toliara and Fianarantsoa provinces. Armed robberies have been committed in some national parks and beaches. Hiring authorised guides may reduce the risk of robbery.

Carjackings, kidnappings for ransom and attacks on taxis/public transport are frequent, especially at night, and have increased as the economic situation worsens due to political instability. Armed hold-ups have occurred along some of the main roads in Toliara province and in the township of Toliara. Avoid travelling at night outside urban areas. Avoid remote locations. Thieves have targeted cars stuck in traffic for smash and grab robberies. When driving keep your windows up, doors locked and valuables out of sight.

Petty crime, including pickpocketing at airports and in crowded tourist areas, occurs. Thieves are known to target foreigners. Avoid walking at night, either alone or in groups, in urban areas.

Emergency assistance can be contacted by calling 117. The police in Antananarivo can be contacted on +261 20 22 227 35 and +261 20 22 281 70. An English speaker may not be available.

Before you go, organise a variety of ways to access your money in Madagascar, such as credit cards, travellers' cheques, cash, debit cards or cash cards. Consult with your bank to find out which is the most appropriate currency to carry and whether your ATM card will work overseas. Credit cards are accepted at a growing number of outlets in Antananarivo and in the provinces, but their use is still not widespread. Travellers? cheques are accepted by some stores, hotels and banks in the capital and in major cities. The local bank (BMOI) does not accept travellers' cheques issued by Thomas Cook. Western Union and Moneygram operate inward currency transfers only. There are foreign currency shortages in Madagascar. It is difficult to exchange local currency (Ariary) into foreign currencies.

Make two photocopies of valuable documents such as your passport, tickets, visas and travellers' cheques. Keep one copy with you in a separate place to the original and leave another copy with someone at home.

While travelling, don't carry too much cash and remember that expensive watches, jewellery, cameras, mobile phones and electronic equipment may be tempting targets for thieves.

As a sensible precaution against luggage tampering, including theft, lock your luggage. Information on luggage safety is available from Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority .

Your passport is a valuable document that is attractive to criminals who may try to use your identity to commit crimes. It should always be kept in a safe place. You are required by Australian law to report a lost or stolen passport. If your passport is lost or stolen overseas, report it online or contact the nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate as soon as possible.

You are required to pay an additional fee to have a lost or stolen passport replaced. In some cases, the Government may also restrict the length of validity or type of replacement passports.

In November 2011, the European Commission banned two Boeing 767-300 aircraft operated by Air Madagascar from flying within the European Union zone. The Commission expressed concerns about the overall safety of Air Madagascar, as well as the safety oversight capability of civil aviation authorities. Please refer to our travel bulletin for information about Aviation Safety and Security.

Domestic flights in Madagascar may be cancelled with little or no notice to passengers if flights are not full. We recommend you contact you airline to confirm flight details, especially when flying from provincial airports.

The rainy and cyclone seasons extend from November to April, when flooding and disruptions to essential services may occur. Roads and bridges may become impassable and ferry services disrupted. When planning coastal ferry trips, you should consider weather conditions carefully. Cyclone information for the Indian Ocean region is available from the Cooperative Institute for Meteorological Satellite Studies . Information about severe weather is also available at the World Meteorological Organization Severe Weather Information Centre website.

If you are travelling during cyclone season, you should contact your tour operator to check whether tourist services at your planned destination have been affected.

In the event of an approaching cyclone, you should identify your local shelter. We encourage Australians in affected areas to follow the instructions of local authorities and monitor the media for the latest developments. Flights in and out of affected areas could be delayed or suspended. Available flights may fill quickly. The cyclone could also affect access to sea ports in the region. In some areas, adequate shelter from a severe cyclone may not be available to all who may choose to stay. You should familiarise yourself with your hotel or cruise ship evacuation plans. You should carry your travel documents at all times (i.e. passport, photo identification) or secure them in a safe, waterproof location. We also suggest that you contact friends and family in Australia with updates about your welfare and whereabouts. For further information, see our severe weather page.

All oceanic regions of the world can experience tsunamis, but in the Indian and Pacific Oceans, there is a more frequent occurrence of large, destructive tsunamis because of the many large earthquakes along major tectonic plate boundaries and ocean trenches. See the Tsunami Awareness brochure .

If a natural disaster occurs, follow the advice of local authorities.

Australians are advised to respect wildlife laws and to maintain a safe and legal distance when observing wildlife, including marine animals and birds. You should only use reputable and professional guides or tour operators and closely follow park regulations and wardens' advice.

For general information and tips on travelling with children see our Travelling with Children brochure.

If you are planning on placing your children in schools or childcare facilities overseas we encourage you to research the standards of security, care and staff training within those establishments.

Ideas on how to select childcare providers are available from the smartraveller Children's Issues page , Child Wise and the National Childcare Accreditation Council .