Genvisec advises that all business trave should be allowed to continue. Certain categories of traveller may require enhanced security.

 

We advise against all travel to Batterie Beach, north of Toliara (Tuléar), where there have been violent attacks including fatalities.

 

Take great care and follow local advice in the south-east 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. Avoid overnight stays in the countryside. 

You should avoid travelling at night on Route Nationale 13 (RN 13) between Ambovombe and Ihosy and on the RN 10 between Betioky and Andranovory (the western route to Toliara/Tuléar). There have been several attacks on vehicles. Take great care on these roads during the daytime.

 

Crime

 

Muggings, robberies 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.

 

Never leave your bags unattended. Keep large amounts of money, jewellery, cameras, computer and phones out of sight when walking outside. Use a hotel safe whenever possible to safeguard these items. Avoid walking in city centres after dark alone and be vigilant at all times.

 

Beware of pickpockets in crowded areas like street markets and airports. Take certified copies of your travel documents with you and leave originals, especially passports and flight tickets, in a safe place (eg hotel safe).

 

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)

 

Gendarmerie: 19 or 119 from a mobile phone.

 

Police stations

 

Antananarivo: +261 20 22 227 35/36 - +261 20 22 357 09/10 - +261 20 22 281 70; Diego Suarez: +261 34 05 998 59

Mahajanga: +261 20 62 229 32 - +261 34 05 998 66

Tuléar: +261 34 05 998 78

Fort Dauphin: +261 34 05 529 46

Morondava: +261 34 05 529 94

Antsirabé: +261 20 44 480 33 - +261 34 05 998 83

Fianarantsoa: +261 20 75 943 75 - +261 34 05 998 71

Tamatave: +261 20 53 320 17/305 78 - +261 34 05 998 54

 

Criminal kidnaps

 

There have been rare instances of kidnapping for ransom in Madagascar.Since January 2014 at least 3 foreign nationals have been kidnapped in the Antananarivo area for ransom. The threat of kidnapping is increasing, targeting wealthy foreign nationals and expatriates working for large international companies.

 

Antananarivo

 

Since 2012 there have been a number of explosions in Antananarivo linked to civil unrest. On 25 January 2014, the day the of the new President’s inauguration, an explosion killed 2 people and injured 50. Other small explosive devices and grenades have been found in the city.

 

The situation in the centre of Antananarivo remains unstable and potentially volatile. The Ankatso areas of the Avenue de L’ Independence, Ambohijatovo, Analakely, Bohorika, Isoraka, Ampasamandinika, 67ha, Analakely as well as military barracks are potential flashpoints. Although foreigners have not been targeted, you should take care when travelling around the city and avoid any crowds or political gatherings. Don’t touch any suspect packages.

 

Foreigners are the preferred targets for pickpockets and muggers. You should be vigilant when travelling around the city.

 

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 the village or ‘Ray aman-dreny’ (wise man).

 

Northern Madagascar

 

Nosy Be

 

A number of incidents involving violence and robberies to foreigners have occurred in Nosy Be and in Antsohihy, the port for Nosy Be on the mainland. Incidents have occurred during the day on beaches and at night in crowded areas. In October 2013, two visitors were burned alive in Nosy Be by the local population. You should be vigilant and avoid carrying large amounts of money.

 

Diego-Suarez

 

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

 

Southern Madagascar

 

Violent incidents involving cattle rustlers (Dahalo) have caused fatalities to the north of Fort Dauphin, around the township of Betroka and along the west coast between Belo sur Tsiribihina and Tuléar. Armed forces are now active in these areas. Tourists have not been targeted but you should seek local advice before travelling.

 

Southern triangle between Ihosy, Tuléar and Fort-Dauphin

 

The security situation remains tense and the roads are in a very poor condition. You should avoid travelling at night in this area. Stay overnight in cities or villages, not in the countryside.

 

Tuléar-Beaches

 

Genvisec advises against travel to Batterie Beach, North of Tuléar, following violent and fatal attacks on foreigners. This beach is fady. On beaches to the South and North of Tuléar you should be vigilant as there have been attacks and robberies. Avoid visiting these beaches alone.

 

Criminal gangs are known to have attacked vehicles travelling in convoy on the RN7 (between Antananarivo and Tuléar).

 

National Parks

 

If you intend to visit a National Park, seek advice from a tour operator or from the park administration in advance. . There have been armed attacks and robberies involving tourists visiting the National Parks Montagne d’Ambre and Ankarana in the north of the country. Visitors are accompanied by police and local villagers during their visits.

 

In Andohahela National Park, the “Tsimelahy” circuit has recently reopened as it has been over a year since attacks in the Northern part of the park. Advice should be sought before your visit and to maintain vigilance during your visit.

 

Road travel

 

There are frequent armed robberies on main roads, particularly at night. Lock car doors at all times particularly in the capital, 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 towns after dark. If night travel is essential, do so with care and lock vehicle doors.

 

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 the 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.

 

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 may wish to ask the airport staff to advise you on the fare payable.

 

Air travel

 

A number of aircraft operated by Air Madagascar have been refused permission to operate services to the EU as they don’t meet European safety standards. Although the remainder of the Air Madagascar fleet is allowed to fly into the EU, the European Commission has expressed concerns about the overall safety of the airline.

 

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

 

River and sea travel

 

Operation of river ferries may be irregular. Seek local advice on ferries from Tamatave- Sonierana to Ste Marie Island and the West Coast (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.

 

Piracy is a significant threat in the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean and has occurred as far as 1,000 nautical miles from the coast of Somalia. Sailing vessels are particularly vulnerable. We advise against all but essential travel by yacht and pleasure craft on the high seas (more than 12 nautical miles from shore) in the Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea and parts of the Indian Ocean including areas to the north of Madagascar.

 

Political situation

 

The coup of 2009 was followed by 5 years of political unrest during which, according to the World Bank, Madagascar became the poorest country in the world not in conflict. The Presidential elections in 2013 were won by Mr Hery Rajaonarimampianina. In his investiture speech, President Rajaonarimampianina undertook to improve the country’s security situation. However, the situation remains fragile.

 

Local laws and customs

 

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

 

There are no laws against homosexuality.

 

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.

 

You should carry a certified copy of your ID with you at all times. The police often stop vehicles and pedestrians to check papers, particularly late at night.

 

The import and export of foodstuffs (including fruit), protected plants and animals is illegal. There’s a ban on the export of all crocodile products. Non-residents may take up to 1kg of precious and semi-precious stones out of the country as long as you provide proper receipts. Residents may only take out 250 grams. You may only take 100 grams of vanilla out of the country.

 

Money

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.

 

Health

 

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.

 

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

 

Over 6% of the population is estimated to have syphilis.

 

Outbreaks of plague tend to be seasonal and occur mainly during the rainy season. Around 500 cases are reported annually. For more information about cases reported in 2014 see the website of the National Travel Health Network and Centre.

 

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.

 

Health facilities

 

Antananarivo

Espace Médical (emergency service) +261 20 22 625 66, +261 34 02 088 16, +261 34 02 009 11

Hôpital Militaire de Soavinandriana HJRA +261 20 23 397 51, +261 32 07 230 30

Clinique et Maternité St.François +261 20 22 223 84, +261 20 22 672 21, +261 20 22 235 54

Polyclinique d’Ilafy +261 20 22 425 66, +261 20 22 425 69

Tamatave

Tamatave Hospital: +261 20 533 20 21

Diego-Suarez

Diego-Suarez Military Hospital: +261 34 14 586 41, +261 34 14 586 45, +261 34 15 586 51

 

Natural disasters

The cyclone season in Madagascar normally runs from November to April. Coastal areas are particularly affected. You should monitor local and international weather updates from the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), Meteo Madagascar (French)](http://www.meteomadagascar.mg/cyclone) or FB Cyclone Indien Ocean (French, Malagasy).

 

Visas

 

You can get a 30-day tourist visa free of charge at the airport on arrival. Make sure an entry stamp is recorded in your passport. For further information about entry requirements, or if you wish to get a visa before travel, Contact the Embassy of Madagascar in Brussels, which offers a visa service (telephone +32 (0)2 770 17 26; email: info@madagascar-embassy.eu).

 

Make sure that your visa is valid for the period and purpose of your journey. Overstaying may lead to detention and deportation.

 

Passport validity

 

Your passport must be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date of entry into Madagascar. You should have at least 2 blank pages in your passport on arrival.

 

The authorities in Madagascar have confirmed they will accept British passports extended by 12 months by British Embassies and Consulates under additional measures put in place in mid-2014.

 

Airport security fee

 

Airport security tax has been imposed since 1 March 2014. This tax is normally included in the ticket fare.

 

Proof of onward or return travel

 

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

 

Emergency Travel Documents

 

Emergency Travel Documents are accepted for entry, airside transit and exit from Madagascar.

 

Travelling with children

 

Children already in possession of a visa don’t need further parental approval to enter Madagascar.

 

Yellow fever

 

Yellow Fever vaccination is required for travellers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission. If you can’t produce a certificate, you will have to visit the Institut Pasteur in Antananarivo for vaccination.