Official Global Travel Advisories
- Avoid non-essential travel outside Canada until further notice
- Avoid all cruise ship travel outside Canada until further notice
Mandatory COVID-19 testing
To be allowed to board a flight to Canada, all air passengers 5 years of age or older, including Canadians, are required to show a negative COVID-19 molecular test result taken within 72 hours of their scheduled time of departure to Canada. If the traveller has a connecting flight to Canada, the pre-departure test must be conducted within 72 hours of the last direct flight to Canada. This means they may need to schedule a COVID-19 test at their transit city within 72 hours of their direct flight to Canada.
All travellers 5 years of age or older, including Canadians, arriving to Canada by land are required to show a negative COVID-19 molecular test result taken in the United States within 72 hours prior to crossing the border into Canada.
Alternatively, travellers can present a positive COVID-19 molecular test taken between 14 and 90 days prior to departure.
More information on measures in place to enter Canada – Government of Canada
Madagascar Register Travel insurance Destinations
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Latest updates: Safety and security - Updated information on a lockdown in the region of Analamanga
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Risk level(s)
Risk level(s)
COVID-19 – Global travel advisory
Effective date: March 13, 2020
Avoid non-essential travel outside Canada until further notice.
This advisory overrides other risk levels on this page, with the exception of any risk levels for countries or regions where we advise to avoid all travel.
MADAGASCAR - Exercise a high degree of caution
Exercise a high degree of caution in Madagascar due to the high crime rate and the potential for political instability.
Batterie beach - Avoid all travel
Avoid all travel to Batterie Beach, just north of Toliara, where violent assaults have occurred.
Safety and security
Safety and security
COVID-19 - Preventative measures and restrictions
Preventative measures and restrictions are in place. A curfew is in effect from midnight to 4 a.m. in the regions of Analamanga and Diana.
A lockdown is in place on weekends for the region of Analamanga.
You must wear a face covering in public.
- Follow the instructions of local authorities, including those related to physical distancing
- Avoid crowded areas
Batterie Beach
Violent attacks have occurred on Batterie Beach, north of Toliara. Some of these attacks have resulted in fatalities.
Anosy Region
Violent incidents involving cattle rustlers have occurred in the Anosy Region of southeast Madagascar. Tensions remain high.
Exercise extreme caution and maintain a high level of personal security awareness when travelling here.
Demonstrations
Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.
- Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
- Follow the instructions of local authorities
- Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations
More about mass gatherings (large-scale events)
Crime
Crime is widespread in Madagascar. Armed gangs are known to commit home invasions and kidnappings, and to stalk areas where foreigners congregate.
Robberies and break-ins, often violent, occur, especially in and around Antananarivo, but also in rural and isolated areas. Muggings, purse snatchings and pickpocketing also occur. Be particularly vigilant in areas frequented by tourists in Antananarivo, specifically:
- the steps leading to the Rova
- the Avenue de l’Indépendance
- the Analakely market
- the road leading to the Soarano train station
- the Café de La Gare
- 67 Hectares
- Itaosy
- Antaninarenina
- Tsaralalana
Ensure that your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times, especially in airports and crowded places.
Keep valuables (such as electronic devices, jewels and expensive sunglasses) out of sight. Do not use your cell phone while walking or while driving. Be aware of your surroundings at all times.
Assaults
Be wary of persons representing themselves as “guides,” particularly on beaches and in coastal tourist areas, as there have been reports of attacks and robberies by such persons.
Violent assaults have been reported on the island of Sainte Marie (also known as Nosy Boraha), at Pic Saint Louis in Tôlanaro (formerly Fort Dauphin) and on Batterie Beach. Avoid visiting these areas alone.
On the road
Armed attacks occur on main highways, especially at night and particularly between Fianarantsoa and Toliara in the south. Avoid driving on Route nationale 13 (RN13), where there have been attacks on vehicles; the portion of RN13 between Ihosy and Fort Dauphin is particularly dangerous. Flying is recommended over driving. Theft from vehicles occurs frequently. Thieves target cars stuck in traffic for smash-and-grab robberies. When driving, windows should be closed, doors locked and valuables out of sight.
National parks and beaches
Be extremely vigilant when visiting national parks. Armed gangs are known to assault tourists in isolated areas, such as beaches and national parks.
Do not visit parks alone.
Seek advice from your tour operator or the park administration to enlist the services of a national guide accredited by the Ministry of Tourism. They must show you their badge.
Sharks are present, particularly in the Tamatave and Manakara areas.
There are no decompression chambers in Madagascar.
Piracy
Pirate attacks and armed robbery against ships occur in coastal waters. Mariners should take appropriate precautions.
Live piracy report - International Maritime Bureau’s Piracy Reporting Centre
Road safety
Exercise caution when driving in Madagascar. Most rental agencies only rent cars with drivers. If you must drive, do so only during the day and in a four-wheel-drive vehicle.
Road conditions vary throughout the country.
Rural roads are poorly marked. Bridges are frequently washed away. Pedestrians and roaming animals, as well as slow-moving and poorly maintained vehicles, pose hazards.
Road conditions may get worse during the rainy season, especially in the northern provinces. Before setting out, confirm with local authorities that the chosen route is passable.
Traffic accidents can quickly draw large and sometimes violent crowds. Remain calm if there is a dispute, particularly in a public place. If threatened by a large crowd, seek direct intervention of local police.
Local authorities occasionally set up roadblocks throughout the country. These checkpoints are routine and could result in vehicle and/or person searches. Follow the instructions of local authorities and carry your passport with you at all times.
Public transportation
Public transportation (including small buses known as bush taxis or “taxis brousse”) is unreliable and should only be used during daytime hours. Vehicles are poorly maintained. Urban transportation in regional towns generally ceases operations in the early evening. Taxis can be used for short distances in Antananarivo but are scarce outside of the capital, where local alternatives such as “taxi be” and “taxi brousse” are the primary means of public transportation.
Rail services are extremely limited and unreliable.
Air travel
We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.
General information about foreign domestic airlines
General safety information
Do not walk around after dark. Tourist facilities are available but vary in quality.
Travel outside of Antananarivo at night is not recommended.
Entry/exit requirements
Entry/exit requirements
COVID-19 - Entry, exit and transit restrictions and requirements
In an attempt to limit the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), most governments have implemented special entry and exit restrictions and requirements for their territory.
Before travelling, verify if the local authorities of both your current location and destinations have implemented any specific restrictions or requirements related to this situation. Consider even your transit points, as many destinations have implemented strict transit rules which could disrupt your travel.
These could include:
- entry bans, particularly for non-residents
- exit bans
- quarantines of 14 days or more upon arrival, some in designated facilities, at your own cost
- proof of a negative COVID-19 test result
- health screenings and certificates as well as proof of adequate travel health insurance
- travel authorization documents to be obtained before you travel
- border closures
- airport closures
- flight suspensions to/from certain destinations, and in some cases, all destinations
- suspensions or reductions of other international transportation options
Additional restrictions can be imposed suddenly. Airlines can also suspend or reduce flights without notice. Your travel plans may be severely disrupted, making it difficult for you to return home. You should not depend on the Government of Canada for assistance related to changes to your travel plans.
- Monitor the media for the latest information
- Contact your airline or tour operator to determine if the situation will disrupt your travel plans
- Contact the nearest foreign diplomatic office for information on destination-specific restrictions
Foreign Representatives in Canada – Global Affairs Canada
COVID-19 - Flight suspensions and border closures
Malagasy authorities have announced the suspension of all commercial flights in and out of the country and the closure of sea borders until further notice.
Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.
We have obtained the information on this page from the authorities of Madagascar. It can, however, change at any time.
Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada.
Passport
Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.
Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.
Regular Canadian passport
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the date you enter Madagascar.
Passport for official travel
Different entry rules may apply.
Other travel documents
Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest diplomatic mission for your destination.
Useful links
Visas
Canadians must also be in possession of a visa and a round-trip ticket.
Tourist visa: Required for stays up to 90 days
Business visa: Required for stays up to 90 days
Student visa: Required
You should apply for a visa before travelling to Madagascar, even though a tourist visa can be obtained at the airport for stays of up to 90 days, with no extensions. If you choose to obtain a visa at the airport, ensure your passport has two blank pages and expect long delays.
Health screening
Due to the ongoing outbreak of Ebola virus disease in neighbouring countries you may be subject to a quick thermal scanner screening and/or a health questionnaire at the airports upon boarding or disembarking a plane.
Children and travel
Learn about travel with children.
Yellow fever
Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).
Health
Health
- Pandemic COVID-19 all countries: avoid non-essential travel outside Canada - April 22, 2021
- Global Measles Notice - July 23, 2019
Vaccines
Routine Vaccines
Be sure that your routine vaccines, as per your province or territory, are up-to-date regardless of your travel destination.
Some of these vaccines include: measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.
Vaccines to Consider
You may be at risk for these vaccine-preventable diseases while travelling in this country. Talk to your travel health professional about which ones are right for you.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is a disease of the liver spread through contaminated food and water or contact with an infected person. All those travelling to regions with a risk of hepatitis A infection should get vaccinated.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a disease of the liver spread through blood or other bodily fluids. Travellers who may be exposed (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) should get vaccinated.
Influenza
Seasonal influenza occurs worldwide. The flu season usually runs from November to April in the northern hemisphere, between April and October in the southern hemisphere and year round in the tropics. Influenza (flu) is caused by a virus spread from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Get the flu shot.
Measles
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.
Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.
Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.
Polio
The Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) has identified this country as no longer poliovirus-infected but at high risk of an outbreak. Polio can be prevented by vaccination, which is part of the routine vaccines for children in Canada.
Recommendations:
- Be sure that your vaccination against polio is up to date.
- One booster dose of the polio vaccine is recommended as an adult.
Rabies
Rabies is a deadly illness spread to humans through a bite, scratch or lick from an infected animal. Vaccination should be considered for travellers going to areas where rabies exists and who have a high risk of exposure (e.g., are children, have an occupational risk, or in close contact with animals, including free roaming dogs in communities).
Yellow Fever - Country Entry Requirements
Yellow fever is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.
Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.
Risk
- There is no risk of yellow fever in this country.
Country Entry Requirement*
- Proof of vaccination is required if you are coming from or have transited through an airport of a country where yellow fever occurs.
Recommendation
- Vaccination is not recommended.
- Discuss travel plans, activities, and destinations with a health care professional.
- There is currently a shortage of the yellow fever vaccine in Canada. It is important for travellers to contact a designated Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre well in advance of their trip to ensure that the vaccine is available.
About Yellow Fever
Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada
* It is important to note that country entry requirements may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.
Food/Water
Food and Water-borne Diseases
Travellers to any destination in the world can develop travellers' diarrhea from consuming contaminated water or food.
In some areas in East Africa, food and water can also carry diseases like cholera, hepatitis A, schistosomiasis and typhoid. Practise safe food and water precautions while travelling in East Africa. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
Schistosomiasis
Schistosomiasis can be spread to humans through freshwater sources contaminated by blood flukes (tiny worms). The eggs of the worms can cause stomach illnesses like diarrhea and cramps or urinary problems. Risk is generally low for most travellers. Avoid swimming in freshwater sources (lakes, rivers, ponds). There is no vaccine available for schistosomiasis.
Travellers' diarrhea
- Travellers' diarrhea is the most common illness affecting travellers. It is spread from eating or drinking contaminated food or water.
- Risk of developing travellers' diarrhea increases when travelling in regions with poor standards of hygiene and sanitation. Practise safe food and water precautions.
- The most important treatment for travellers' diarrhea is rehydration (drinking lots of fluids). Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling.
Typhoid
Typhoid is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among children, travellers going to rural areas, travellers visiting friends and relatives or those travelling for a long period of time.
Travellers visiting regions with a risk typhoid, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation should speak to a health care professional about vaccination.
Insects
Insects and Illness
In some areas in East Africa, certain insects carry and spread diseases like African trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness), chikungunya, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, dengue fever, leishmaniasis, lymphatic filariasis, malaria, onchocerciasis (river blindness), plague, Rift Valley fever, West Nile virus, yellow fever and Zika virus.
Travellers are advised to take precautions against bites.
Chikungunya
There is currently a risk of chikungunya in this country. Chikungunya is a virus spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Chikungunya can cause a viral disease that typically causes fever and pain in the joints. In some cases, the joint pain can be severe and last for months or years.
Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times. There is no vaccine available for chikungunya.
Dengue
- In this country, dengue fever may occur sporadically. It is a viral disease spread to humans by mosquito bites.
- Dengue fever can cause severe flu-like symptoms. In some cases, it can lead to dengue haemorrhagic fever, which can be fatal.
- The level of risk of dengue fever changes seasonally, and varies from year to year. After a decline in reported dengue cases worldwide in 2017 and 2018, numbers have been steeply rising again.
- Mosquitoes carrying dengue typically bite during the daytime, particularly around sunrise and sunset.
- Protect yourself from mosquito bites. There is no vaccine or medication that protects against dengue fever.
Malaria
Malaria
- There is a risk of malaria throughout the year in the whole country.
- Malaria is a serious and occasionally fatal disease that is spread by mosquitoes. There is no vaccine against malaria.
- Protect yourself from mosquito bites. This includes covering up, using insect repellent and staying in well-screened air-conditioned accommodations. You may also consider sleeping under an insecticide-treated bednet or pre-treating travel gear with insecticides.
- See a health care provider or visit a travel health clinic, preferably six weeks before you travel to discuss the benefits of taking antimalarial medication and to determine which one to take.
Animals
Animals and Illness
Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, monkeys, snakes, rodents, and bats. Certain infections found in some areas in East Africa, like avian influenza, Ebola, and rabies, can be shared between humans and animals.
Plague
There is a risk of plague in this country. Plague is a bacterial disease that can cause serious illness, and if left untreated, death.
The occurrence of cases in areas where the plague bacteria are known to circulate can be influenced by weather and environmental conditions. In some countries, this results in seasonal outbreaks.
Travellers to areas where plague routinely occurs may be at risk if they are camping, hunting, or in contact with rodents.
Plague is spread by:
- bites from fleas infected with the plague
- direct contact with body fluids or tissues from an animal or person who is sick with or has died from plague
Overall risk to travellers is low. Protect yourself by reducing contact with fleas and potentially infected rodents and other wildlife.
Person-to-Person
Person-to-Person Infections
Crowded conditions can increase your risk of certain illnesses. Remember to wash your hands often and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette to avoid colds, the flu and other illnesses.
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV are spread through blood and bodily fluids; practise safer sex.
Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis is an infection caused by bacteria and usually affects the lungs.
For most travellers the risk of tuberculosis is low.
Travellers who may be at high risk while travelling in regions with risk of tuberculosis should discuss pre- and post-travel options with a health care professional.
High-risk travellers include those visiting or working in prisons, refugee camps, homeless shelters, or hospitals, or travellers visiting friends and relatives.
Medical services and facilities
COVID-19 - Testing
Contact local health authorities, or the nearest Government of Canada office abroad to find out where you can get a COVID-19 test.
Medical facilities and supplies are limited in Antananarivo and extremely limited outside the capital. The availability of both prescription and over-the-counter medications is also limited. Bring sufficient supplies of medication for the duration of your stay and carry a copy of any original prescription.
There are no decompression chambers in Madagascar.
Immediate cash payment is expected in private clinics. Medical evacuation is necessary for cases of serious illness or accident.
Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.
Keep in Mind...
The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.
Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a travel health kit, especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.
Laws and culture
Laws & culture
You must abide by local laws.
Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad.
Identification
You must carry your passport on you at all times. If you are stopped by police, they will not accept certified copies.
Exports
An export permit is required for the following items:
- precious or semi-precious stones
- jewels
- wooden sculptures
- butterflies
- hewed stones
- vanilla
The export permit must be provided by the seller, the Ministry of Industry, Commerce of Craft and Tourism or the Ministry of Mines. There are strict restrictions on the export of gemstones and vanilla.
It is strictly forbidden to export the following items:
- rare fossils
- funerary statues in ancient wood
- food
- protected plants and animals, including crocodile products
If you need more information on customs requirements, contact the Embassy of the Republic of Madagascar.
List of foreign diplomatic missions and consulates in Canada
Illegal or restricted activities
There are harsh penalties for sexual exploitation of minors. Travelling for the express purpose of having sex with children or prostitutes in Madagascar is punishable by prison sentences of 5 to 10 years and/or a fine.
Information on the risks of child sex tourism
Photography of military and government installations is prohibited.
It is an offence for civilians to dress in camouflage or other military-style clothing. Wearing military-style clothing can lead to detention and fines.
Drug smuggling is a serious offence. Penalties for drug offences, including those involving “soft” drugs, are severe and include prison sentences.
LGBTQ2 travellers
Madagascar’s law doesn’t prohibit sexual acts between individuals of the same sex. However, homosexuality is not socially tolerated. LGBTQ2 travellers should carefully consider the risks of travelling to Madagascar.
General safety information and advice for LGBTQ2 travellers abroad
Dual citizenship
Dual citizenship is legally recognized in Madagascar.
If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of Madagascar, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements.
General information for travellers with dual citizenship
Driving
You can drive in Madagascar with your Canadian driver’s licence or with an international driving permit (IDP) for up to 3 months. For stays longer than 3 months, you can apply for a local driving licence at the Ministry of the Interior. To do so, you must present an IDP or Canadian driver’s licence.
Traffic drives on the right.
Yield the right of way to vehicles coming from the left.
Penalties for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs are severe.
An accident causing injury or death leads to a mandatory court case. The losing party is required to pay all costs. If you are involved in such an incident, you must stay in Madagascar at your own expense until the case is resolved.
More about the International Driving Permit
Money
The currency is the Malagasy ariary (MGA).
You may not export MGAs. Euros are widely accepted.
Credit cards are accepted in some locations. VISA is widely accepted; MasterCard and American Express are only accepted in certain locations.
There is a shortage of foreign currency in Madagascar due to an ongoing economic crisis. Some banks will not reconvert local currency to hard currency.
Upon arrival, you must declare your foreign currency in excess of 10,000 euros.
You can make cash withdrawals from a limited number of ATMs in Antananarivo.
Natural disasters and climate
Natural disasters & climate
Rainy season
The rainy season extends from November to March. Some roads may become impassable during this period.
Cyclones
The cyclone season occurs from November to April.
Severe storms can put you at risk and can hamper the provision of essential services.
If you decide to travel to Madagascar during this time:
- you expose yourself to serious safety risks
- be prepared to change your travel plans on short notice, including cutting short or cancelling your trip
- stay informed of the latest regional weather forecasts
- carry emergency contact information for your airline or tour operator
- follow the advice and instructions of local authorities
Useful links
Assistance
Assistance
Local services
Emergency services
Dial 117 for emergency assistance.
Consular assistance
Antananarivo - Consulate of Canada
Pretoria - High Commission of Canada
For emergency consular assistance, call the the High Commission of Canada to South Africa in Pretoria and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.
The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.
The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.
If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.
Learn more about consular services.