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) (20) 23-480-00 (Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.); EMER: +(261) (20) 23-480-00; US Embassy Antananarivo, Lot 207 A, Point Liberty, Andranoro, Antehiroka, 105 Antananarivo, Madagascar; antanA
Telephone Code
261
Local Emergency Phone
Local numbers only
Vaccinations
An International Certificate of Vaccination for yellow fever is required for travelers who have been in a yellow fever endemic country within 6 months of arrival, for travelers arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission, or for travelers having transited through the airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. See WHO recommendations. On 21 March 2022, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a Travel Alert for polio in Africa; Madagascar is currently considered a high risk to travelers for polio; the CDC recommends that before any international travel, anyone unvaccinated, incompletely vaccinated, or with an unknown polio vaccination status should complete the routine polio vaccine series; before travel to any high-risk destination, CDC recommends that adults who previously completed the full, routine polio vaccine series receive a single, lifetime booster dose of polio vaccine.
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
The left hand is considered unclean so try to avoid using it for gift giving or introductions.
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, December 08, 2022
