Travel Facts
US State Dept Travel Advisory
The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise increased caution in Madagascar due to crime and civil unrest. Some areas have increased risk. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws, and special circumstances in this country.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements
US citizens should make sure their passport will not expire for at least 6 months after they enter the country even if they do not intend to stay that long. They should also make sure they have at least 3 blank pages in their passport for any entry stamp that will be required. A visa is required, but US citizen travelers may obtain the visa upon entering the country.
US Embassy/Consulate
(+261) 33 44 320 00; US Embassy Antananarivo, Lot 207 A, Point Liberty, Andranoro, Antehiroka, 105 Antananarivo, Madagascar; https://mg.usembassy.gov/
LGBTQIA+ Travelers
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) travelers can face unique challenges when traveling abroad. Laws and attitudes in some countries may affect safety and ease of travel. Legal protections vary from country to country. Many countries do not legally recognize same-sex marriage. Approximately seventy countries consider consensual same-sex sexual relations a crime, sometimes carrying severe punishment.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/travelers-with-special-considerations/lgbtqi.html
Telephone Code
261
Local Emergency Phone
Police 117, Fire & Rescue 118
Vaccinations
The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Madagascar: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia, COVID-19, and influenza.
http://www.who.int/
Climate
Tropical along coast, temperate inland, arid in south
Currency (Code)
Malagasy ariary (MGA)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
220 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): C, E
Major Languages
French, Malagasy, English
Major Religions
Christian, indigenous, Muslim
Time Difference
UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Potable Water
Opt for bottled water
International Driving Permit
Suggested
Road Driving Side
Right
Tourist Destinations
Ile Sainte Marie; Isalo National Park; Tsingy de Bemaraha; Avenue of the Baobabs; Royal Hill of Ambohimanga
Major Sports
Soccer, rugby, track and field, basketball, tennis
Cultural Practices
Personal space is much less than an arms length away unless you are sick. Eye contact is usually limited between the majority of the separate groups of Madagascar, mainly out of respect. If you point your index finger it is rude unless it is bent.
Tipping Guidelines
Tipping is expected for tour guides and drivers. Tip the guide the equivalent of 15,000-20,000 AR ($7-10 USD) per day and the driver 5,000-10,000 AR (about $5 USD) per day. Bellboys and housekeepers should receive about 2000 AR per bag or per day as a tip.
Souvenirs
Vanilla, baobab seeds, Batik/handwoven fabric and hand-beaded slippers; gold or silver hairpins, brooches, and other jewelry; pewter goods
Traditional Cuisine
Romazava — beef and green leaves stew
Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.
World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.
US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.
To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs:
American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)
How to get help in an emergency?
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers:
from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444
Page last updated: Thursday, September 28, 2023
