Madagascar Travel Safety

Precautions

Ensure that your personal belongings and travel documents are secure, especially in airports and crowded places. Avoid showing signs of affluence (e.g. electronic devices, jewels and expensive sunglasses). Do not use your mobile phone while walking or while driving. Be aware of your surroundings at all times. 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 by such persons. Violent assaults have been reported on the island of Sainte Marie (also known as Nosy Boraha), at Pic Saint Louis in Fort Dauphin and on Batterie Beach, north of Toliara. Avoid visiting these areas alone. Armed attacks occur on main highways, especially at night and particularly in the southern region of the country, between Fianarantsoa and Toliara. Avoid driving on Route Nationale 13 (RN13), where there have been several attacks on vehicles; the portion of RN13 between Ihosy and Fort Dauphin is particularly dangerous. You should fly into Fort Dauphin rather than drive. Theft from vehicles occurs 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.

Road safety

Exercise caution when driving in Madagascar. 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, including Tamatave, Mahajanga, Fianarantsoa and Toliara. Rural roads are poorly marked. Road conditions may get worse during the rainy season, especially in the northern provinces. Before setting out, confirm with local authorities that the chosen route is passable. Most rental agencies only rent cars with drivers. If you must drive, do so only during the day, in a four-wheel drive vehicle. Bridges are frequently washed away. Pedestrians and roaming animals, as well as slow-moving and poorly maintained vehicles, pose hazards. Traffic accidents can quickly draw large and sometimes violent crowds. Remain calm if there is a dispute, particularly in a public place. If threatened by a large crowd, seek direct intervention of local police. Local authorities occasionally set up roadblocks throughout the country. These checkpoints are routine and could result in vehicle and/or person searches. Follow the instructions of local authorities and carry your passport with you at all times.

Public transportation

Public transportation (including small buses known as bush taxis or "taxis brousse") is unreliable and should only be used during daytime hours. Vehicles are poorly maintained.

Rail transportation

Rail services are extremely limited and unreliable.

Taxis

Taxis can be used for short distances in Antananarivo but are scarce outside of the capital, where local alternatives such as "taxi be" and "taxi brousse" are the primary means of public transportation.

Women's safety

Madagascar is generally safe, women travelling alone should maintain personal security awareness. Avoid dark or non-tourist areas at night. Instead try to be around larger crowds, whether they are fellow tourists or local citizens. Women, particularly foreigners may be subject to unwanted male attention and catcalls in certain places. Be vigilant if approached by strangers seeking assistance and exercise common precautions throughout your travel.

Piracy

Pirate attacks and armed robbery against ships occur in coastal waters. Mariners should take appropriate precautions.

Crime

Crime is widespread in Madagascar. Armed gangs are known to commit home invasions and kidnappings, and to patrol areas where foreigners tend to congregate. 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 in Antananarivo, including the steps leading to the Rova, the Avenue de l'Indépendance, the Analakely market, the road leading to the Soarano train station, the Café de La Gare, 67 Hectares, Itaosy, Antaninarenina and Tsaralalana.

LGBT

Although homosexuality is not prohibited by law, public attitudes are less tolerant and public displays of affection may attract negative attention.

Illegal or restricted activities

The import and export of foodstuffs (including fruits), protected plants and animal products without prior permission is illegal. Removing protected plants (especially rosewood) and animals and animal products is illegal. Aying for sex is punishable by 5 to 10 years imprisonment and/or a fine of €1,500 to €7,000. Drug smuggling is a serious offence.

Driving

You can drive in Madagascar with your International Driving Permit (IDP) for up to three months. For stays longer than three months, you can apply for a local driving licence at the Ministry of Interior, you must present an IDP. Traffic drives on the right, yielding the right of way to vehicles coming from the left. A motor vehicle accident causing injury or death leads to a mandatory court case. If you are involved in such an incident, you must stay in the country at your own expense until the case is resolved.