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TRAVEL REPORT
Madagascar

1. RECENT UPDATES

The level of Travel Warning in this report has not changed.

Minor editorial changes have been made.

See our Global Issues page for information on the H1N1 Flu Virus.

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2. WARNINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Madagascar

Exercise normal security precautions

Exercise high degree of caution

Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid all travel

OFFICIAL WARNING: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises against non-essential travel to Madagascar due to the ongoing political crisis.

The situation remains volatile and could deteriorate with little notice, as demonstrated by violent clashes between security forces and protesters and acts of looting on September 12, 2009. Since late January 2009, demonstrations fuelled by political tensions have occurred on a regular basis in Antananarivo and other cities. Although the government imposed a ban on all public protests on April 21, 2009, further civil unrest has been taking place and is expected to continue until the political situation stabilizes. Local services could be disrupted, the airport could close with little to no advance notice and flights may be cancelled or postponed.

Canadians in Madagascar are strongly advised of the importance of avoiding all demonstrations, even those expected to be peaceful, as deaths and injuries have been reported in the past. Canadians should adopt personal safety measures, and avoid the vicinity of historical monuments in Antananarivo, where violent incidents have occurred. They should also monitor the situation on a regular basis, follow the instructions of local authorities, and ensure that their travel documents are in order.
 
Canadians seeking emergency consular assistance should contact the Emergency Operations Centre in Ottawa at 613-996-8885.

OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: We offer a registration service for all Canadians travelling or living abroad. This service is provided so that we can contact and assist you in an emergency abroad, such as a natural disaster or civil unrest, or inform you of a family emergency at home. Registration can be done on-line or by contacting a Canadian government office abroad. For more information, see our FAQs on Registration of Canadians Abroad.

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3. SAFETY AND SECURITY

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. Travellers are responsible for their own personal safety. The Government of Canada takes the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provides credible and timely advice in its Travel Reports. In the event of a crisis situation that requires evacuation, the Government of Canada’s policy is to provide safe transportation to the closest safe location. Canada will assist Canadians in leaving a country or a region as a last resort, when all means of commercial or personal transportation have been exhausted. This service is provided on a cost-recovery basis. Onward travel is at the individual’s personal expense. Situations vary from one location to another, and there may be constraints on government resources, which can limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide assistance, particularly in countries or regions where the potential for violent conflict or political instability are high.

Crime

The country is still recovering from an economic crisis that exacerbated the already poor living conditions in most of its regions. Robberies and break-ins, often violent, have increased, especially in and around the capital.

In Antananarivo, certain districts are to be avoided, especially at night. Local authorities should be contacted for areas of concern. Be wary of persons representing themselves as "guides," particularly in coastal towns, where a number of robberies have been reported in similar contexts. Armed robberies have also been reported in some national parks. Seek advice from a tour operator or park administration prior to visiting national parks.

Assault

Armed attacks have occasionally occurred on the RN7 highway, near the Isalo Reserve in the Southwest. Road travel and hiking in the southern region of the country between Fianarantsoa and Tulear are the activities most vulnerable to this type of incident.

Muggings, purse snatching, pickpocketing, and thefts from vehicles occur. Ensure personal belongings and travel documents are secure, especially in airports and crowded places.

General safety information

Avoid walking in or travelling outside urban areas after dark. Exercise caution when visiting beaches or other isolated areas. Tourist facilities are available but vary in quality.

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4. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS

It is the sole prerogative of each country or region to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries or regions have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) to be visited. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties.

The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with the Malagasy authorities. However, these requirements are subject to change at any time. It is the traveller’s responsibility to check with the Embassy of the Republic of Madagascar and its consulates for up-to-date information.

A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Madagascar. The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected departure from the country. Canadians must also be in possession of a visa and a round-trip ticket. Tourist and business visas may be obtained at the airport upon entry.

Tourist Visa: Required (for stays up to 90 days)
Business Visa: Required (for stays up to 90 days)
Student Visa: Required

Canadians who have travelled through an area infected with yellow fever in the six days prior to entering Madagascar must show proof of vaccination against yellow fever upon arrival.

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A Certificate of Canadian Citizenship is not a travel document. A Canadian passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document available to Canadians for the purpose of international travel. Canadian citizens returning to Canada who present other documents, such as a Certificate of Canadian Citizenship, birth certificate, provincial driver’s licence, or foreign passport, instead of a Canadian passport, may face delays or be denied boarding by transport companies.

Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.

Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify all visa requirements for this and other destinations, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.

Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries or regions may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country or region without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.

Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries or regions do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.

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5. CANADIAN GOVERNMENT CONTACTS

You can obtain consular assistance and further consular information at the following address:

Madagascar - ANTANANARIVO, Consulate of Canada
Address: Immeuble Fitaratra, Ankorondrano, Antananarivo 101, Madagascar
Tel.: (261) 20 22 397 37 / 22 397 35
Fax: (261) 20 22 540 30
E-Mail: consulat.canada@moov.mg

The High Commission of Canada in Pretoria, South Africa, has consular responsibility for Madagascar. The address is as follows:

South Africa - PRETORIA, High Commission of Canada
Address: 1103 Arcadia Street, Hatfield, Pretoria, 0083, South Africa
Postal Address: P.O. Box Private Bag X13, Hatfield, Pretoria, 0028, South Africa
Tel.: 27 (12) 422-3000
Emergency toll-free to Ottawa: 0800-992-773
Fax: 27 (12) 422-3052
E-Mail: pret@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.southafrica.gc.ca

For emergency assistance after hours, call the High Commission of Canada in Pretoria, and follow the instructions. You may also call the Emergency Operations Centre in Ottawa at 613-996-8885.

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6. TRAVEL HEALTH

The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Health Web site.

The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.

Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.

The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.

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7. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

Medical facilities and supplies are limited and extremely limited outside the capital.

There are no decompression chambers in Madagascar.

Immediate cash payment is expected in private clinics. Medical evacuation, usually to South Africa or Reunion, is necessary for serious illness cases or accidents.

In Madagascar, malaria is endemic. The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) reminds travellers that anti-malarial medication and the use of personal protective measures against mosquito bites are recommended to prevent getting malaria while visiting the country.

There are current or recent outbreaks of chikungunya in areas of Asia, India and and Africa, including Madagascar. For more information, see PHAC's Travel Health Notice.

Water used for consumption should be boiled first or otherwise sterilized.

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8. LAWS AND CUSTOMS

You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons.

Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 5 above. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.

The procedures required in legal proceedings or police investigations may be different from the procedures in force in the Canadian legal system. Canadians wishing to undertake such proceedings can expect to face long delays and additional efforts in order to resolve their case. The Government of Canada cannot intervene in ongoing legal proceedings in other countries or regions, unless requested to do so by local authorities. Such requests are rare.

An export permit is required for items such as precious or semi-precious stones, jewels, wooden sculptures, butterflies, hewed stones, and vanilla. The permit must be delivered by the sellers, the Ministry of Industry, Commerce Craft and Tourism, or the Ministry in charge of mines. It is strictly forbidden to export rare fossils, funerary statues in ancient wood, and endangered animals such as lemurs, turtles, crocodiles, and chameleons. Contact the Embassy of the Republic of Madagascar (see section 4 above) for further information regarding customs requirements.

Canadians travelling for the express purpose of having sex with children or prostitutes should know that it is punishable with prison sentences from 5 to 10 years and/or a fine of 4,000 Ariary.

The Department publishes a booklet entitled, Child Sex Tourism: It’s a Crime, specifically targeted at Canadians travelling for the purpose of engaging in sexual conduct with children.

Photography of military and government installations is prohibited.

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9. TRAVEL AND CURRENCY

Road travel

Travellers are advised against driving in Madagascar; the vast majority of rental agencies only rent cars with drivers. 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 elsewhere in the country, such as Toamasina, Mahajanga, Fianarantsoa, and Toliara. The use of four-wheel drive vehicles is advisable.

Rural roads are poorly marked. General road conditions may get worse during the rainy season, especially in the Northern provinces. Pedestrians, roaming animals as well as slow-moving and poorly maintained vehicles pose hazards.

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is severely penalized.

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended.

Air travel

Inadequate maintenance and severe cyclone damage in some areas in recent years has left the road and rail networks of Madagascar in a dismal state. The poor state of the roads and railways, however, has led to the development of an extensive domestic airline network, reaching all parts of the country.

See our FAQ on transportation in order to verify if national airlines meet safety standards.

Roadblocks

Local authorities occasionally set up roadblocks throughout the country. You should follow their instructions and carry personal photographic identification with you at all times, preferably a certified true copy of your passport’s identification page.

Public transportation

Public transportation (including bush taxis) is unreliable, as vehicles are poorly maintained. There is a semi-luxury minibus service between Antananarivo and Tamatave. Urban transport in regional towns generally closes down (as do most public activities) at about 8 p.m., leaving the rickshaw or pousse-pousse as the sole means of travel.

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Currency

The currency, the Malagasy Ariary (MGA) may not be exported. There are still foreign currency shortages in Madagascar particularly due to the ongoing economic crisis. Some banks will not reconvert local currency to hard currency. Upon arrival, travellers have to declare their foreign currency if they have the equivalent of EUR10,000 or more.

An increasing number of stores, hotels, and banks in Antananarivo accept credit cards. Traveller's cheques are accepted by some stores, hotels, and banks in the capital and in major cities. VISA cash advances can be obtained from a limited number of automated banking machines in Antananarivo (PIN is required), one of which (located in the lobby of the Madagascar Hilton) offers 24-hour service.

Canadian currency and traveller's cheques are not widely accepted worldwide. Check with your bank for information on automated banking machine (ABM) services outside Canada. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ABMs around the world. Verify with your financial institution whether your bank card can be used with ABMs abroad. Some countries use chip and/or personal identification number (PIN) technology for credit cards. Check with your bank to find out if your credit card will be accepted abroad. Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. ABMs should be used during business hours inside a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.

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10. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE

The rainy season extends from November to April. Some roads may become impassable during this period. Cyclones can occur from late December to late March. They affect mainly the eastern part of the island, but some years thay make landfall on the western part as well and cause destructive floods. Travellers should monitor local weather forecasts and follow the advice of authorities.

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11. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Returning to Canada

Traveller's Checklist

Health and Travel Insurance: Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.

Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.

Adoption: Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child abroad, you must first obtain information about the adoption regulations of the province or territory in which the child will reside. While adoption is a provincial/territorial responsibility, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is responsible for allowing an adopted child entry into Canada. Entry can be refused if the child does not hold the appropriate immigrant visa. A visa may be denied, even if the adoption has already been completed. For more information contact CIC at 1 888 242-2100 (in Canada only), check the CIC Web site or contact your provincial or territorial government.

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12. ANNEX

N/A

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