{"metadata":{"generated":{"timestamp":1393624894,"date":"2014-02-28 23:01:34"}},"data":{"country-iso":"MG","advisory-state":1,"has-advisory-warning":0,"has-regional-advisory":0,"has-content":1,"update-metadata":"","eng":{"name":"Madagascar","url-slug":"madagascar","friendly-date":"February 19, 2014 13:00 ","advisory-text":"Exercise a high degree of caution","recent-updates":"A minor editorial change was made.","advisories":"
There is no nationwide advisory in effect for Madagascar. However, you should exercise a high degree of caution in light of the unresolved political crisis and the possibility of the resumption of demonstrations.<\/p>\n<\/span><\/div>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>","security":"
The decision to travel is your responsibility. You are also responsible for your personal safety abroad. The purpose of this Travel Advice is to provide up-to-date information to enable you to make well-informed decisions.<\/p>\n
Violent demonstrations took place in Hell-Ville and Ambatoloko (Nosy be) in early October 2013. Two foreigners were killed. Exercise increased caution.<\/p>\n
Since June 2012, a number of violent incidents involving cattle rustlers have occurred in the Anosy Region of southeast Madagascar, killing several people. Exercise extreme caution and maintain a high level of personal security awareness if you are travelling to the southeast region of the country, as tensions remain.<\/p>\n
Recent elections culminated with the presidential inauguration in Antananarivo on January 25, 2014; however, the political situation remains tense and the possibility of politically motivated violence continues to exist. A grenade exploded hours after the presidential inauguration, causing one death and dozens of injured. In September 2013, a bomb was detonated in front of the Plaza Hotel, and two other bombs were found in the centre of Antananarivo. A militant group claimed responsibility for the September bombing, while criticizing recent international involvement in Madagascar’s domestic politics. These developments represent an increase in security threats, particularly to foreigners, in the period surrounding and following the elections. Remain vigilant, avoid demonstrations and large gatherings.<\/p>\n
Robberies and break-ins, often violent, have increased, especially in and around the capital, Antananarivo, but also in rural and isolated areas. Muggings, purse snatchings and pickpocketing also occur. Crime rates in Antananarivo are expected to increase in the lead-up to the holidays. Be particularly vigilant in areas frequented by tourists, including the steps leading to Rova, avenue de l’Indépendance, the Analakely market, the road leading to the Soarano train station, café de la gare and tsaralalana. Ensure that your personal belongings and travel documents are secure, especially in airports and crowded places.<\/p>\n
There have been a number of instances of large-scale looting of shops and stores in recent years. The potential for further similar crimes remains. Keep clear of any street disturbances. Do not leave your bags unattended or go near unattended bags.<\/p>\n
Gangs are known to commit home invasions and kidnappings and to patrol areas where foreigners tend to congregate. Employees of non-governmental organizations may also be targeted.<\/p>\n
Certain districts of Antananarivo should be avoided, especially at night. Contact local authorities for areas of concern. Be wary of persons representing themselves as \"guides,\" particularly on beaches and in coastal tourist areas, where there have been reports of attacks and robberies. Avoid visiting these areas alone. Armed robberies have also been reported in some national parks. Seek advice from a tour operator or the park administration prior to visiting national parks.<\/p>\n
Thefts from vehicles occur. Thieves target cars stuck in traffic for smash-and-grab robberies. When driving, you should keep the windows up, doors locked and valuables out of sight. Attacks on taxis and public transport are frequent, especially at night.<\/p>\n
Armed attacks occur on main highways, especially at night. 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.<\/p>\n
Avoid all demonstrations, even those expected to be peaceful, as they could turn violent without notice. The situation remains volatile. The government ban on public protests, imposed in April 2009, has not been lifted, but public protests remain a possibility until a credible political agreement to return a legitimate government to power is reached. Avoid the vicinity of historical monuments in Antananarivo, where violent incidents have occurred. Be watchful of suspicious, unaccompanied packages or bags left in public places as there have been intermittent bombings in and around Antananarivo in spring 2012. Should unrest occur, airports may be closed with little notice and other departure options may be limited. Ensure that you have adequate supplies of water, food, fuel, money and medications, and that your documentation remains up-to-date. Monitor the situation on a regular basis and follow the instructions of local authorities.<\/p>\n
Armed attacks targeting tourists have recently been reported in the Montagne d’Ambre and Ankerana national parks in northern Madagascar. Be extremely vigilant when visiting national parks.<\/p>\n
Pirate attacks and armed robbery against ships occur in coastal waters. Mariners should take appropriate precautions. For additional information, consult the Live Piracy Report<\/a> published by the International Maritime Bureau.<\/p>\n Traffic drives on the right, yielding the right of way to vehicles coming from the left. The use of seat belts is mandatory. The use of mobile telephones while driving is illegal, even when fitted with a hands-free device.<\/p>\n 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. Use four-wheel-drive vehicles if you must drive.<\/p>\n Rural roads are poorly marked. Road conditions may get worse during the rainy season, especially in the northern provinces. Bridges are frequently washed away. Operation of river ferries may be irregular. Check with the local authorities before setting off to find out whether your chosen route is passable. Pedestrians, roaming animals, as well as slow-moving and poorly maintained vehicles, pose hazards.<\/p>\n Local authorities occasionally set up roadblocks throughout the country. Follow their instructions and carry personal photographic identification at all times, preferably a certified true copy of your passport’s identification page.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Consult our Transportation FAQ<\/a> in order to verify if national airlines meet safety standards.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Avoid walking in or travelling outside urban areas after dark and exercise caution when visiting beaches or other isolated areas. Tourist facilities are available but vary in quality.<\/p>\n Travel outside of Antananarivo at night is not recommended.<\/p>","entry-exit":" It is the sole prerogative of each country or region to determine who is allowed to enter. Canadian consular officials cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet entry requirements. The following information on entry and exit requirements has been obtained from the Malagasy authorities. However, these requirements are subject to change at any time. It is your responsibility to check with the Embassy of the Republic of Madagascar<\/a> and its consulates<\/a> for up-to-date information.<\/p>\n Official (special and diplomatic) passport holders must consult the Official Travel<\/a> page, as they may be subject to different entry requirements.<\/p>\n Canadians must present a passport<\/a> to visit Madagascar, which must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of expected departure from Madagascar.<\/p>\n Canadians must also be in possession of a visa and a round-trip ticket.<\/p>\n Tourist visa: Required (for stays up to 90 days) 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 and in relation to the return date indicated on a round trip ticket. Travellers who opt to obtain a visa at the airport require two blank pages in their passport and can expect long delays.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Children need special documentation to visit certain countries. Please consult our Children<\/a> page for more information.<\/p>\n Some countries require proof of yellow fever vaccination before allowing entry. Consult the World Health Organization’s country list<\/a> to obtain information on this country’s requirements.<\/p>","health":" Be sure that your routine vaccines<\/a> are up-to-date regardless of your travel destination.<\/p> You may be at risk for these vaccine-preventable diseases while travelling in this country. Talk to your travel health provider about which ones are right for you.<\/p> \n\tHepatitis A<\/a> is a disease of the liver spread by contaminated food or water. All those travelling to regions with a risk of hepatitis A infection should get vaccinated.<\/p>\n<\/details> \n\tHepatitis B<\/a> 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 or occupational exposure) should get vaccinated.<\/p>\n<\/details> \n\tSeasonal influenza<\/a> 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 through personal contact with unwashed hands. Get the flu shot.<\/p>\n<\/details> \n\tMeasles occurs worldwide but is a common disease in developing countries, particularly in parts of Africa and Asia. Measles<\/a> is a highly contagious disease. Be sure your vaccination against measles is up-to-date regardless of the travel destination. \n\tRabies<\/a> is a disease that attacks the central nervous system spread to humans through a bite, scratch or lick from a rabid animal. Vaccination should be considered for travellers going to areas where rabies exists and who have a high risk of exposure (i.e., close contact with animals, occupational risk, and children).<\/p>\n<\/details> \n\tTyphoid<\/a> is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among travellers going to rural areas, visiting friends and relatives, or with weakened immune systems. Travellers visiting regions with typhoid risk, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation should consider getting vaccinated.<\/p>\n<\/details> Yellow fever is a disease caused by the bite of an infected mosquito.<\/p> Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.<\/p>Road travel<\/h3>\n
Air travel<\/h3>\n
Public transportation<\/h3>\n
General safety information<\/h3>\n
Passport<\/h3>\n
Visas<\/h3>\n
Business visa: Required (for stays up to 90 days)
Student visa: Required<\/p>\nSame-sex marriages<\/h3>\n
Children and travel<\/h3>\n
Yellow fever<\/h3>\n
Vaccines<\/summary>
Routine Vaccines<\/h3>
Vaccines to Consider<\/h3>
Hepatitis A<\/summary>
Hepatitis B<\/summary>
Influenza<\/summary>
Measles<\/summary>
\n\t <\/p>\n<\/details>Rabies<\/summary>
Typhoid<\/summary>
Yellow Fever Vaccination<\/h3>