Travel Facts
US State Dept Travel Advisory
The US State Department currently recommends US citizens exercise increased caution in Madagascar due to crime and civil unrest. Some areas have increased risk.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements
For the latest passport and visa requirements for this country, please consult the U.S. State Department’s “Learn About Your Destination” search tool, available through the link below.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages.html
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
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, influenza, and COVID-19.
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: Tuesday, June 18, 2024
