Madagascar

The Land of Lemurs
and Baobabs

Flag of Madagascar

Madagascar, an island nation off Africa’s east coast, is renowned for its unique biodiversity, including lemurs, baobab trees, and rare plants. Home to iconic landmarks like the Avenue of the Baobabs, Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park, and Nosy Be Island, Madagascar offers a stunning mix of natural beauty and cultural heritage. The country’s geography ranges from tropical rainforests to arid deserts.

Malagasy culture blends African, Asian, and French influences, reflected in its music, art, and cuisine featuring dishes like romazava (meat stew) and ravitoto (cassava leaves). Known for its warm hospitality and as one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots, Madagascar presents a captivating destination for nature lovers and cultural explorers alike.

Travel Documents

Documents

Toll

Driving

Currency

Laws

Legal

Safety

Flights

Travel Documents

Travel Documents: What You Need to Know

Passport Requirements

  • Non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens: A valid passport is generally required for entry into Madagascar.
  • Passport validity: Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned departure date from Madagascar.

Visa Requirements

  • Visa-exempt countries: Citizens from several nations, including most African Union countries and some EU nations, can enter Madagascar with a valid passport and stay for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without a visa.
  • Visa-required countries: Travelers from nations not on the visa-exempt list must possess a valid passport and obtain a visa prior to entering Madagascar, either through an embassy or upon arrival (subject to approval).

Special Entry Provisions

  • Holders of valid, multiple-entry Schengen visas (previously used in a Schengen state) can enter Madagascar without an additional visa.
  • Citizens with valid, multiple-entry US or UK visas (previously used in the issuing country) can enter without a Malagasy visa.
  • Holders of valid residence permits from Schengen states, the US, or the UK can enter without a visa.

ID Card Entry

  • No countries are permitted to enter Madagascar using only a national ID card. A passport is mandatory for all travelers.

Visa Types

  • Type "C" Visa: Allows entry and stay for 90 days within 180 days. Can be single, double, or multiple entry, with validity up to 3 years.
  • Type "D" Visa: For stays longer than 90 days. Valid for one year with a 90-day stay period, allowing application for a residence permit.

Important Links

Additional Considerations

  • Length of stay: Visa-free stays are typically limited to 90 days within a 180-day period for eligible countries.
  • Purpose of visit: Different rules apply for work, study, or long-term stays; contact the nearest Malagasy embassy or consulate.
  • COVID-19 measures: Always check for current health-related entry requirements (e.g., vaccination certificates or testing) via the Ministry of Health.
Toll

Driving in Madagascar

Current Toll Roads

  • As of 2025, Madagascar has no official toll roads. Major routes like the Antananarivo-Toamasina road are publicly funded, but tolls may be introduced on key routes in the future due to infrastructure needs.

Toll Rates and Payment

  • Toll rates: Not applicable yet; monitor updates from the Madagascar Road Authority.
  • Payment Methods:
    • Cash: Malagasy Ariary (MGA) would be accepted if tolls are introduced.
    • Credit/Debit Cards: Unlikely to be accepted initially; cash is king.
    • Electronic Toll Collection: No system currently exists.

Driving in Madagascar

  • Drive on the right side of the road.
  • Seat belts are mandatory for all vehicle occupants, though enforcement is limited.
  • Speed limits:
    • Urban areas: 40 km/h
    • Rural roads: 80 km/h
    • Highways: 110 km/h
  • Road conditions: Poor outside major cities like Antananarivo and Toamasina; unpaved, damaged, and unlit roads are common, especially during the rainy season (November to March). Exercise caution, particularly on rural and mountainous routes.
  • International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended alongside your national driver’s license for stays up to 3 months; longer stays require a Malagasy driver’s license.

Important Considerations

  • Vignette System: Madagascar has no vignette system, but road taxes or checkpoints may apply—check locally.
  • Road Safety: Roads are hazardous due to poor maintenance, aggressive drivers, livestock, and bandits in remote areas. Avoid night driving outside urban areas.
  • GPS and Maps: GPS is unreliable in rural areas; keep an updated physical map and a reliable communication device.
  • Emergency Number: Dial 117 for police, 118 for ambulance, or 119 for fire (national emergency number 112 also works, but service may be limited).

Useful Links

Madagascar Currency

The official currency of Madagascar is the Malagasy Ariary (MGA).

Key Information

  • Banknotes: 100, 200, 500, 1000, 2000, 5000, 10000 MGA
  • Coins: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 MGA
  • Symbol: Ar

Currency Exchange

  • Exchange services available at banks, Ivato International Airport (Antananarivo), and major hotels in Antananarivo and Toamasina.
  • ATMs are limited but available in major cities for direct MGA withdrawals (major UK, US, and Euro cards may be accepted).

Payment Methods

  • Cash is preferred, especially outside urban areas.
  • Credit/debit cards are rarely accepted, limited to major hotels and some businesses in Antananarivo and tourist areas.

Travel Tips

  • Inform your bank of travel plans, though card use may be unreliable.
  • Carry sufficient cash for small purchases and rural areas.
  • Check for currency conversion fees when exchanging or using cards.
  • For current exchange rates, visit the Central Bank of Madagascar website: https://www.banque-centrale.mg/en/exchange-rates
Laws

Legal Essentials for Traveling in Madagascar

Understanding local laws and regulations is crucial for a safe and compliant visit. Below are key legal considerations for travellers in Madagascar, updated as of 2025.

Local Laws & Restrictions

  • Drugs: Strict penalties for possession or trafficking, including lengthy prison sentences. Even small quantities can lead to criminal charges.
  • Alcohol & Smoking:
    • Public intoxication is frowned upon and may result in fines or detention.
    • Smoking banned in indoor public spaces and on public transport.
  • Cultural Sensitivities: Avoid discussing sensitive political or ethnic issues, especially related to the government or historical conflicts.
  • LGBTIQ+ Rights: Same-sex relationships are not explicitly illegal, but public displays of affection may attract unwanted attention or legal scrutiny. Same-sex marriage is not recognized. 2SLGBTQI+ travelers should exercise caution.
  • Photography: Restricted near government buildings, military sites, or sensitive installations. Always ask permission for portraits of locals.

Duty-Free Limits

  • Alcohol: 1L spirits | Tobacco: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars.
  • Cash: Declare amounts over $10,000 USD (or equivalent).

Prohibited Items

  • Narcotics, weapons, endangered species products.
  • Counterfeit goods (may face fines or confiscation).

Luggage Issues

  • Report lost/damaged luggage within 7 days at the airport via a Property Irregularity Report (PIR).

Complaints

  • Submit grievances to the Madagascar Tourism Office or local police stations.

Beach Access

  • Public beaches must allow free access within 2.5 meters of the shoreline. Wheelchair access is legally mandated on major beaches like those in Nosy Be and Toliara.

Key Resources

Madagascar Travel Safety

Madagascar is generally safe for travellers, with low crime rates and a reputation for hospitality. However, travellers should remain aware of health precautions, road safety, and emergency protocols. Below is a concise guide to staying safe and healthy in Madagascar.

Safety Overview

  • Crime: Petty theft (e.g., pickpocketing) is rare but possible in crowded areas like markets or tourist sites in Antananarivo and Toamasina. Violent crime against tourists is extremely uncommon.
  • Solo/Female Travelers: Madagascar is considered safe, with locals often going out of their way to assist visitors. Avoid isolated areas at night.

Road Safety

  • Driving can be challenging due to narrow, winding roads, aggressive drivers, and poor rural road conditions.
  • Avoid night driving outside urban areas due to limited lighting and road hazards.
  • Seat belts and helmets (for motorbikes) are mandatory, though enforcement is limited.

Health Risks

  • Food/Water Safety:
    • Avoid tap water; drink bottled or purified water.
    • Practice safe eating habits to prevent travelers’ diarrhea.
  • Vaccinations:
    • Required: Yellow fever (for all travelers over 1 year old).
    • Recommended: Hepatitis A, typhoid, polio, hepatitis B, rabies (for long-term stays), malaria prophylaxis, and COVID-19.
  • Insect-Borne Diseases: Use insect repellent to guard against malaria, dengue, and plague (in remote areas).
  • Altitude Sickness: Minimal risk, as no areas exceed 2,876 meters (Maromokotro).

Medical Facilities

  • Hospitals: Private facilities like the Polyclinique de l’Hôpital Militaire in Antananarivo offer higher standards. Rural areas often lack advanced care.
  • Pharmacies: Available in cities; stock essential medications, but supplies can be limited.
  • Insurance: Ensure coverage includes medical evacuation.

Emergency Contacts

  • General Emergency: 117 (works for police, ambulance, and fire; national emergency number 112 also works).
  • Ambulance: 118 | Fire: 119 | Police: 117.
  • Tourist Police (Antananarivo): +261 20 22 373 73.

Travel Tips

  • Roads: Rent a 4x4 for rural or mountainous areas. Check insurance coverage for rentals.
  • Hiking: Use local guides for remote trails (e.g., Andringitra National Park).
  • Cultural Sensitivity: Avoid discussing sensitive political or government-related issues.
  • Air Quality: Generally good, but monitor dust levels during dry seasons (May to October).

Key Links

Flying to Madagascar

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