Sub Saharan Africa

• Travel Summary
• Safety and security
• Local laws and customs
• Entry requirements

• Health
• Natural disasters
• General
 

Travel Summary

• There are confirmed human cases of the A (H1N1) virus (Swine Influenza) in Madagascar. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has raised its Pandemic Threat Alert Phase to Level 6. The WHO website has further details. Check Swine Flu for further information.
  
  

• There has been political unrest in Madagascar since January 2009, which has resulted in a number of deaths. The political situatiuon remains fluid and subject to unexpected change. For further information plse see the Political Situation and Local Travel sections.
  

• We advise against travel to the centre of Antananarivo unless absolutely necessary. The situation remains unstable and visitors should avoid any crowds or political gatherings which may occur particularly around the Ambohijatovo, Lac Anosy, Ankorondrano and the Mahamasima areas.  Visitors should also avoid the Behoririka and Analakely areas. After the announcement of a new "transitional government", there have been reports of renewed protests and demonstrations in Antananarivo.  The authorities have broken these up using tear gas.  There are also reports of barricades being erected across the city.
  

• In June, two artisanal bombs exploded in the centre of Antananarivo and a number of others were defused.  There were no reported injuries. On 18 July, one man was killed and two others injured when an explosive device they were carrying went off prematurely in their vehicle. It is unclear who is responsible for these attacks.
  

• We advise visitors to Madagascar to travel with established organisations or travel firms who have the capacity to monitor the local media and warn of possible trouble.  If travelling independently we advise that you monitor the local media closely and keep abreast of the situation for the duration of your visit.  Business travellers should take similar precautions.
  

• You should remain vigilant and maintain a low profile while moving around. You should remain alert to the possibility of acts of disorder by elements of the security forces and avoid any actions that might antagonise them, e.g. taking photographs.  You should also carry an ID at all times.  Avoid travelling at night.  If it is essential that you travel at night, do so with care and lock vehicle doors.
  
  

• Due to the speed at which events can develop we advise all British nationals in Madagascar to monitor the local media and remain in touch with our Honorary Consuls and local authorities. We encourage all British citizens visiting Madagascar to register on LOCATE so that our High Commission staff in Port Louis can provide assistance if needed.
  
  

• There is no British Embassy in Madagascar, but there are Honorary British Consuls in Antananarivo and Toamasima.  Madagascar is covered from the British High Commission in Port Louis.  See the General (Representation) section of this advice for more details.
  
  
• The cyclone season in Madagascar normally runs from January to March; coastal areas are particularly affected.   See the Natural Disasters section of this travel advice and Tropical Cyclones for more details.
  
  
• The main type of problem for which British nationals required consular assistance in Madagascar in 2008 was for the replacement of lost or stolen passports. There is a significant risk of crime in Madagascar. See the Crime section of this advice for more details.
  
  
• There is a low threat from terrorism. But you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks which could be in public areas, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.
  
  
• We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling.  You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. See the General (Insurance) section of this advice for and Travel Insurance more details.