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Madagascar Register Travel insurance Destinations

Last updated: November 19, 2015 08:52 ET Still valid: December 2, 2015 05:11 ET Latest updates: An editorial change was made.

Advisories

Advisories

MADAGASCAR - Exercise a high degree of caution

There is no nationwide advisory in effect for Madagascar. However, you should exercise a high degree of caution due to the current political situation and increasing crime rate.

Security

Security

The decision to travel is your responsibility. You are also responsible for your personal safety abroad. The purpose of this Travel Advice is to provide up-to-date information to enable you to make well-informed decisions.

National parks

Be extremely vigilant when visiting national parks. Do not visit parks alone, and seek advice from a tour operator or the park administration prior to visiting national parks.

Nosy Be

Violent demonstrations took place in Hell-Ville and Ambatoloaka (Nosy be) in early October 2013. Two foreigners were killed. Exercise increased caution.

Anosy region

Since June 2012, a number of violent incidents involving cattle rustlers and killing several people have occurred in the Anosy Region of southeast Madagascar. Exercise extreme caution and maintain a high level of personal security awareness when travelling within Anosy, where tensions remain.

Political situation

Madagascar s political situation has been unstable since the 2009 coup. Presidential elections were held in late 2013, but tensions could remain for a while.

Demonstrations

Demonstrations are taking place in Toamasina, in Tamatave, due to power cuts. Violent incidents causing injuries have occurred.

Avoid all demonstrations, even those expected to be peaceful, as they could turn violent without notice. The situation remains volatile. Avoid the vicinity of historical monuments in Antananarivo, where violent incidents have occurred. Be watchful of suspicious, unaccompanied packages or bags left in public places, as there have been intermittent bombings in and around Antananarivo. Should unrest occur, airports may be closed with little notice and other departure options may be limited. Ensure that you have adequate supplies of water, food, fuel, money and medications, and that your documentation remains up-to-date. Monitor the situation on a regular basis and follow the instructions of local authorities.

Crime

Robberies and break-ins, often violent, have increased, especially in and around the capital, Antananarivo, but also in rural and isolated areas. Muggings, purse snatchings and pickpocketing also occur. Be particularly vigilant in areas frequented by tourists, including the steps leading to Rova, the Avenue de l Ind pendance, the Analakely market, the road leading to the Soarano train station, the Caf de la gare and Tsaralalana. Ensure that your personal belongings and travel documents are secure, especially in airports and crowded places.

There have been a number of instances of large-scale looting of shops and stores in recent years. The potential for further similar incidents remains.

Gangs are known to commit home invasions and kidnappings, and to patrol areas where foreigners tend to congregate. Employees of non-governmental organizations may also be targeted.

Be wary of persons representing themselves as guides, particularly on beaches and in coastal tourist areas, as there have been reports of attacks and robberies. Avoid visiting these areas alone.

Thefts from vehicles occur frequently. Thieves target cars stuck in traffic for smash-and-grab robberies. When driving, you should keep the windows up, doors locked and valuables out of sight. Attacks on taxis and public transport are frequent, especially at night.

Armed attacks occur on main highways, especially at night and particularly in the southern region of the country between Fianarantsoa and Tulear.

Piracy

Pirate attacks and armed robbery against ships occur in coastal waters. Mariners should take appropriate precautions. For additional information, consult the Live Piracy Report published by the International Maritime Bureau.

Road travel

Traffic drives on the right, yielding the right of way to vehicles coming from the left. The use of seat belts is mandatory. You are advised against driving in Madagascar; the vast majority of rental agencies only rent cars with drivers. Roads are in poor condition, except for a few main streets in the capital and some well-maintained roads to towns on the outskirts of the capital and to a few large towns elsewhere, including Tamatave, Mahajanga, Fianarantsoa and Toliara. Use a four-wheel drive vehicle if you must drive.

Rural roads are poorly marked. Road conditions may get worse during the rainy season, especially in the northern provinces. Bridges are frequently washed away. Before setting out, confirm with local authorities that your chosen route is passable. Pedestrians and roaming animals, as well as slow-moving and poorly maintained vehicles, pose hazards.

Local authorities occasionally set up roadblocks throughout the country. Follow their instructions and carry personal photographic identification at all times, preferably a certified true copy of your passport s identification page.

Public transportation

Public transportation (including bush taxis) is unreliable, as vehicles are poorly maintained. There is a semi-luxury minibus service between Antananarivo and Tamatave. Urban transport in regional towns generally closes down, as do most public activities, at about 8 p.m. leaving the rickshaw (pousse-pousse) as the sole means of travel.

Air travel

The Government of Canada does not assess foreign domestic airlines compliance with international aviation safety standards. See Foreign domestic airlines for more information.

General safety information

Avoid walking after dark and exercise caution when visiting beaches and isolated areas. Tourist facilities are available but vary in quality.

Travel outside of Antananarivo at night is not recommended.

Sharks are present, particularly in the Tamatave area.

Dial 117 for emergency services.

Entry/exit requirements

Entry/exit requirements

It is the sole prerogative of every country or territory to determine who is allowed to enter or exit. Canadian consular officials cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet entry or exit requirements. The following information has been obtained from Malagasy authorities and is subject to change at any time. The country- or territory-specific entry/exit requirements are provided on this page for information purposes only. While every effort is made to provide accurate information, information contained here is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, express or implied. The Government of Canada assumes no responsibility, and shall not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided. It is your responsibility to check with the Embassy of the Republic of Madagascar and its consulates for up-to-date information.

Official (special and diplomatic) passport holders must consult the Official Travel page, as they may be subject to different entry requirements.

Passport

To visit Madagascar, Canadians must present a passport. which must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of arrival in Madagascar.

Visas

Canadians must also be in possession of a visa and a round-trip ticket.

Tourist visa: Required for stays up to 90 days

Business visa: Required for stays up to 90 days