I wanted to go but they got me too scared to go now. With 150+ adventure activities covered and 24/7 emergency assistance. From lemurs and rare bird species to colorful chameleons and humpback whales, a visit here is truly unique. Dangers & Annoyances in Antananarivo, Madagascar. Visit the Embassy's COVID-19 page for more information on COVID-19 in Madagascar. By telling us your country of residence we are able to provide you with the most relevant travel insurance information. Coronavirus (COVID-19) and travel: The situation around the world is changing dramatically. I used taxi brousse where possible although i flew in and out of Fort Dauphin as the road journey is quite long (3 days) and is arduous and can be dangerous. River ferries are available although service may be somewhat irregular due to frequent changes in routes. Madagascar is a safe country to travel. They'll offer you anything from cigarettes to candy to DVDs and an endless array of tourist souvenirs. Excursions to smaller hut villages to observe animals are no more dangerous than any excursion in Europe. This organization knows how to help people in Madagascar! Now sadly it is not a safe country any more. Free travel blogs, travel safety advice and language guides to keep you travelling safely in Madagascar. Flights to neighbouring Indian Ocean countries and islands (Seychelles, Comoros, Mauritius, La Réunion) remain suspended. The following tips will provide information on avoiding potential dangers, scams, and annoyances that may be experienced. Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. Lowering the world population should be a priority. … Madagascar is a member of the United Nations, the African Union (AU), the Southern African Development Community (SADC), and the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie. If you are unfamiliar with the area, this can be hazardous. Travel curiously and carefully to keep yourself safe. Madagascar is home to some 70 different types of lemurs, so you'll certainly see a few during your stay. For example, do not walk around the cities of the country after sunset, avoid beggars and strangers, keep personal belongings with you, and do not shine with a lot of jewelry and cash. Domestic flights and ground transport have resumed, as well as limited commercial international flights to and from Nosy Be. Too many people already. I frequently go here to feel better about myself. Demonstrations and political violence are becoming more common in Madagascar. Don’t use bush taxis as I have seen too many broken down. It's important to note that these crimes not only occur in urban areas but also in nature reserves and beaches. Exercise increased caution in Madagascar due to crime. Now it is unthinkable. For the latest travel warnings and alerts around the world, read about lockdowns and border restrictions. More information about Madagascar is available on the Madagascar Page and from other Department of State publications and other sources listed at the end of this fact sheet.. U.S.-MADAGASCAR RELATIONS . It is highly recommended that you avoid walking at night in urban areas. Violent crime, such as armed robbery and assault, may occur throughout Madagascar and particularly in: Last Update: Reissued with updates to COVID-19 information. Children in Madagascar. If you are driving a rented vehicle, be aware reports of carjackings have increased. It's wonderful to see all the street trash trying to get by. Reconsider travel to Madagascar due to COVID-19.Exercise increased caution in Madagascar due to crime.. Read the Department of State’s COVID-19 page before you plan any international travel.. Political situation in Madagascar. The people are great... really great. Be cautious when traveling in bush taxis (taxi-brousse), and try to only use reputable companies, as some drivers are reckless on the roads. Yeah, Im not going to any place in Africa anytime soon. I use a guide or at least a driver. Owing to reports of an increasing number of violent highway robberies, you should maintain a particularly high level of vigilance and use a recognised … For me, this was never the case. While the COVID-19 environment has improved, some restrictions may still be in place. The forests are wonderful, there are no dangerous animals in them. Most carjacking crimes occur at night, so do your best to drive during daytime. To stay safe in Madagascar, also try to avoid travelling at night on buses where possible as robberies take place on some of the main highways. This area is full of beggars and street merchants who can get quite aggressive in their sales pitches. Check Madagascar's tourism board for the latest information on who is permitted to fly to Nosy Be, and contact your airline for information on the availability of flights. In addition, the Ambohijatovo, Lac Anosy, Antaninarenina and Analakely areas and military barracks should be avoided, as they have been subject to political gatherings resulting in outbreaks of violence. Madagascar has experienced repeated bouts of political … The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication assesses Madagascar at Level 2, indicating travelers should exercise increased caution due to civil unrest and crime.. How Safe Is Madagascar? I travelled most of madagascar independently over 4 months at the end of 2019. There was a time when one could walk in the middle of the night with no worries anywhere in Madagascar. While travel within the country is relatively safe, travelers should exercise caution during times of political turmoil. It is the fourth largest island in the world. It is highly recommended to travel as a group and to have hired cars and drivers with you. Various governments have changed their travel warnings to restrict travel during this time. Madagascar is currently in the midst of political instability and travelers should take caution during their visit, though it is generally a safe area for tourists. Prior to independence in 1960, Madagascar was a French colony, although British missionaries were also very influential in the decades before France … Risk level for Batterie Beach It may break down but you will be rescued although that may take hours. Stay alert in locations frequented by tourists. It's one thing to want to be more environmentally conscious, but sometimes hard to put that into action. Find answers to some of our common questions about COVID-19, How to Travel Safely During the COVID-19 Pandemic, Family Travel: How to Keep Your Kids Safe and Healthy. I am traveling in Madagascar for my third time. Madagascar, and Antananarivo especially, was so far the worst place I’ve ever been to. Criminals have also been known to stage breakdowns that block the roadway forcing drivers to slow down in order to victimize them. Exercise increased caution in Madagascar due to crime. To understand how this may impact cover under your policy, please go to our FAQs and select your country of residence. Madagascar has experienced repeated bouts of political instability, including coups, violent unrest and disputed elections since gaining independence from France in 1960. Many of the roads that lead out of Antananarivo, although not necessarily in bad shape, are very crowded and are steep with a lot of sharp bends. Highlights are ile st marie, fort dauphin and the coast around tulear. As stunning as this island is, you should be aware of a number of things to stay safe while traveling in this incredible country. If your itinerary includes a visit to the Avenue de L'independence area, be prepared. In April 2011 the European Commission imposed flight restrictions on two of Air Madagascar's aircraft due to safety concerns – despite Air Madagascar having no fatal accidents since 1981. Taxi brousse or bush taxi is the way to go on a budget and to meet locals. Steer clear of street disturbances and keep in mind that large scale looting has been reported as a result of the political unrest the country is experiencing. You are advised to avoid any sea travel further than 12 nautical miles from shore. Before you go, be aware of water and insect borne diseases, rabies, and food poisoning so you can do your best to avoid getting sick in Madagascar. Beware of local villagers who will often block the road by placing a tree log or other debris in the roadway. Some buses now travel in convoys with a member of the gendarmerie (part of the security forces) on board. This is because, for example, there are reports of political demonstrations that take place in the center of the country’s capital, Antananarivo, quite often. You are about to leave travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the U.S. Department of State. Always check with the local authorities prior to setting off to determine whether your chosen route is safe and passable. There is also a risk of the drivers robbing passengers. A sk someone to pin Madagascar on a map and there's a slim chance they'll manage to locate it. That´s actually a lie; there is one spice of wild lemurs on Comoros. As you can see here, all of Madagascar is relatively safe, though travel advice is recommended before you decide to travel inside the country. The people are very kind and the lemurs, geckos, and birds are very special. Madagascar is a very safe country. From the day one, everything went wrong. Armed hold-ups have occurred on some of the main roads in Toliara province and in the township. The Ministry and the Madagascar Tourism Association have declared the Tsingy safe for travel again, but uprisings could happen again. Most of them mean no harm but some can be pushy and they often swarm around foreigners in groups so try not to be intimidated. Feedback Madagascar Wondering how your travel insurance might be affected by the COVID-19 outbreak? It is the fourth largest island in the world, and was torn away from the African and Indian landmasses millions of years ago after an earthquake that set it adrift. If you wish to remain on travel.state.gov, click the "cancel" message. Trash everywhere, endless trash, is depressing. poverty is shocking even for experienced travellers. The Mozambique government has criticised the move, it says its own national airline and Air Madagascar are among 14 African airlines on an EU blacklist, which they claim gives major European airlines a competitive advantage. During the rainy season (typically December to April), many of the secondary roads throughout the country become impassable, and bridges often wash away. Madagascar is an often-overlooked travel destination perfect for nature lovers. Single motherhood, marriage without financial responsibility should end ASAP. Foreigners are often targeted for these types of crime so take precautions when walking in street markets and urban areas. Insecurity has increased in Tana since the political events of 2009. Travel writers have an opportunity to influence the planet in positive ways. It is not safe to walk after dark; you should always travel by taxi at night. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 4 Travel Health Notice for Madagascar due to COVID-19. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 4 Travel Health Notice for Madagascar due to COVID-19. Overall Crime and Safety Situation . In 2016 Air Madagascar was taken off the blacklist, and flies to 14 cities around Madagascar and 13 foreign destinations. Do not display signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive jewelry or watches. Latest travel advice for Madagascar, including how to stay safe during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and information on returning to the UK. Please note that not all content is translated or available to residents of all countries. Madagascar is one of the safest and friendliest countries we have travelled to. Despite apaling poverty, there were not so much violent crimes. I was just so unlucky that I never got to see those places. Travel to mainland Madagascar will not be permitted until an unspecified later date. I traveled for years in Madagascar, not recently though, and it was really safe, in terms of the life threatening robberies, compared to mainland Africa and South America. The good news is that Madagascar is absolutely fantastic for solo travellers. Find answers to some of our common questions about COVID-19. As in any country, it is important to never leave your bags unattended and never go near someone else's unattended bag. Madagascar has specific safety and security concerns that could put you at risk so try to avoid any or all unnecessary travels. Although located some 250 miles from the African continent, Madagascar’s population is primarily related not to African peoples but rather those of Indonesia, more than 3,000 miles to the east. Armed bandits often position themselves on major routes after dark to ambush vehicles. I would go back in a heartbeat. Think hard before spending your time here. There have been increased reports of "smash and grab robberies" in which thieves will target cars stuck in traffic. Much of Madagascar is still wild and undeveloped, with mountains, lush forests and vibrant coral reefs waiting to be explored. Having travelled all over the world, Madagascar is much safer than many very popular destinations. The locals, staff and guides are all welcoming and friendly, happy to answer your questions and keen to talk. Read the Department of State’s COVID-19 page before you plan any international travel. The remote island nation is well worth worth the long trip, especially for adventurers and nature lovers. Air Madagascar is OK, just be prepared to get a flight delay or cancellation... same situation as you would have experienced in the U.S with Jet Blue a few years ago. But that’s only provided you take one essential item: the right (casual) attitude. In addition, vehicle theft and theft from cars has become more frequent in recent months. 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