Travel Report for Madagascar

Country Profile for
Madagascar

TRAVEL REPORTS:

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TRAVEL REPORT

Last Updated: December 5, 2006 9:11 EST
Still Valid: December 8, 2006 22:45 EST

Madagascar

1.	INTRODUCTION
2.	ATTENTION
3.	SAFETY AND SECURITY
4.	LOCAL TRAVEL
5.	NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE
6.	LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS
7.	ASSISTANCE FOR CANADIANS ABROAD
8.	ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS
9.	MONEY

10.	GENERAL INFORMATION
11.	TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM
12.	ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION
13.	RETURNING TO CANADA
14.	INTERNATIONAL ADOPTIONS
15.	TRAVEL TIPS
16.	HEALTH AND TRAVEL INSURANCE
17.	FOR MORE INFORMATION
18.	ANNEX

1. INTRODUCTION

Section 2 of this Travel Report has been updated.

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2. ATTENTION

The presidential elections were held on December 3, 2006. In the period surrounding the announcement of official results, an increase in tension could possibly affect security conditions, particularly in Antananarivo and in other large cities. Canadians should exercise caution, monitor local news reports closely, and avoid large crowds, particularly political meetings or rallies.

OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada offers a registration service for Canadians travelling or residing abroad. Although Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada does not warn against travel to this country or region(s) of this country, Canadians are encouraged to register with the responsible Canadian government office due to the security situation and/or the absence of Canadian representation in this country. Registration can be done on-line or by calling the responsible Canadian government office abroad to request a registration form.

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3. SAFETY AND SECURITY

Most Canadian visitors to

Madagascar

do not experience problems. However, Canadians in

Madagascar

should still maintain a high level of personal security awareness.

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, although this problem is less severe than in many cities on the African continent. In Antananarivo, certain districts are to be avoided, especially at night. It is recommended to look for advice with local authorities as for the 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 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. Avoid walking in or travelling outside urban areas after dark. Exercise caution when visiting beaches or other isolated areas. Armed robberies have also been reported in some national parks. Seek advice from a tour operator or park administration prior to visiting national parks.

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4. LOCAL TRAVEL

You 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. 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.

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 (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.

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended.

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5. 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 the western part too, by causing destructive floods. Travellers should keep informed of regional weather forecasts and plan accordingly.

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6. LOCAL 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 7 below. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.

The Department publishes A Guide for Canadians Imprisoned Abroad, specifically targeted at incarcerated Canadians. Its prime objective is to inform Canadian detainees, their families, and friends about available assistance and advice.

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 7 below) for further information regarding customs requirements.

Photography of military and government installations is prohibited.

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

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7. ASSISTANCE FOR CANADIANS ABROAD

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

Madagascar - ANTANANARIVO, Consulate of Canada
Address: c/o QIT Madagascar Minerals SA, Villa 3H, Lot II J 169, Ivandry, Antananarivo 101, Madagascar
Postal Address: P.O. Box 4003, Antananarivo, 101, Madagascar
Tel.: 261 (20) 22-425-59
Fax: 261 (20) 22-425-06
E-mail: consulat.canada@wanadoo.mg

The High Commission of Canada in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, has consular responsibility for Madagascar. The address is as follows:

Tanzania - DAR ES SALAAM, High Commission of Canada
Address: 38 Mirambo Street, Corner Garden Avenue, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Postal Address: P.O. Box 1022, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Tel.: 255 (22) 216-3300
Fax: 255 (22) 211-6897
E-mail: dslam@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.daressalaam.gc.ca

For emergency assistance after hours, call the Canadian High Commission in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, and follow the instructions. You may also call the Department in Ottawa at 613-996-8885.

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8. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS

The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with the Malagasy authorities and, to the best of our knowledge, was valid on June 5, 2006. However, entry and exit requirements are subject to change.

It is the sole prerogative of each country to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries 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 country or countries to be visited. Conditions are subject to change.

Foreign Affairs

Canada

’s Office of Protocol provides contact details for the Embassy of the Republic of Madagascar and its consulates, where you can obtain further information on entry and exit requirements.

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
Business Visa: Required
Student Visa: Required

Canadians who have spent the previous six days in an area infected with yellow fever must show proof of vaccination against yellow fever upon arrival in

Madagascar

.

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 visa requirements for this and other countries, 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 may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.

Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries 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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9. MONEY

The currency, the Malagasy Ariary (MGA) may not be exported. There are still foreign currency shortages in

Madagascar

. 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 ATMs in Antananarivo (PIN is required), one of which (located in the lobby of the Madagascar Hilton) offers 24-hour service.

Check with your bank for information on ATM services in other countries. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ATMs around the world. Your bank can advise if you need a new personal identification number (PIN) for overseas access to your account. Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. ATMs 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. GENERAL INFORMATION

Madagascar (capital: Antananarivo) is an island located in the Indian Ocean, off the coast of Mozambique. Tourist facilities are available but vary in quality. The official languages are Malagasy and French.

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11. TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM

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 Medicine Program 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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12. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

Medical facilities and supplies are limited outside the capital.

Water used for consumption should be boiled first or otherwise sterilized. You should also take measures to reduce the risk of insect bites.

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13. RETURNING TO CANADA

Please consult the Current Issue on returning to Canada.

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14. INTERNATIONAL ADOPTIONS

Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child from another country, 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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15. TRAVEL TIPS

Please consult our Traveller's Checklist.

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16. 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.

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17. FOR MORE INFORMATION

N/A

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18. ANNEX

N/A

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