Travel Vaccines and Advice for Madagascar

Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Madagascar. The PHAC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Madagascar: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.

There is a risk of contracting malaria in Madagascar. Your risk may vary based on where you are going. Share your itinerary with a travel health specialist to see if antimalarial are right for you.

There is medical care in larger Madagascan cities and towns. For those staying in rural areas, there may be a need to travel far to get to the nearest physician.

For more details on any of the above vaccinations, visit our vaccination pages or make an appointment with your local Travel Medicine Specialist. To book your appointment either call or start booking online now.

Yes, a visa is required for travel to Madagascar. While visas are available at entry, it is best to obtain before leaving for Madagascar.

Madagascar Entry Requirements
Do I Need A…	For My Trip to Madagascar?
Passport
Tourist Visa
Business Visa
Vaccinations

Sources: Embassy of Madagascar and Canadian Travel and Tourism

Visit the Canadian Travel and Tourism website for more information on entry and exit requirements.

Madagascar tends to have a hot and tropical climate. The country has two predominant seasons, hot and rainy from November to April, cool and dry from May to October.

While the island tends to experience a tropical environment, climate varies throughout due to the changes in elevation. The western coast tends to be drier than the east or the central, and the southwest and deep south have a drier, desert-like climate.

• Antananarivo – As the capital of Madagascar has a humid and subtropical climate during the summer, with mild and dry winters.
• Mahajunga – Located in northwestern Madagascar, this region has a wet and dry season. The rainy season lasts from December to February, during which the whole island experiences monsoon season.
• Fianarantsoa – This southern city experiences less rain than the rest of the country. Warmer weather lasts from November through March and cooler climate ranges from May to September.

While travel within the country is relatively safe, travellers should exercise caution during times of political turmoil.

Demonstrations and political violence are becoming more common in Madagascar. Track the news and information before leaving for your trip.

Madagascar armed attacks directed at citizens are on the rise. Travellers should keep a vigilant eye in highly populated areas.

Keep your purse, backpack and belongings close to your body when walking during the day as pick-pocketing and and purse-snatching are not uncommon.

Hundreds of Baobabs, which are trees native to Madagascar, line the world-famous Avenue of Baobabs. Living up to 800 years, these trees have given rise to myths and stories.

Located in Morondava, a city on the west coast of the island, travel time can vary. Flying to the city from Antananarivo takes about an hour, while driving can take upwards of 10 hours.

Roads are narrow and winding. If you are planning on renting a car, be wary of sharp curves, cattle and avoid driving at night.

Some essential items to consider for your trip to Madagascar include:

• French/Malagasy to English Dictionary – There are a variety of different dialects in Madagascar, but its official languages are French and Malagasy.
• Water Purification Tablets – If you have plans on camping or visiting remote areas clean water may be rare. Carry purification tablets and use bottled water to drink, and brush teeth.
• Lightweight and Sun Protective Clothing – Heat, humidity and sun are abundant in Madagascar. Avoid wearing synthetic fabrics as they can become uncomfortable in the heat. Long pants and long-sleeved tops will protect you not only from the sun, but also from the high supply of mosquitoes present everywhere.
• Insect Repellent – Mosquitoes feast at night. Apply repellent whether you’re planning to go out on the town, or stay close to your lodging, especially during the country’s wet season.
• Cash – Credit Cards are accepted throughout the capital at hotels, restaurants and some shops. ATM machines tend to be out of order. Keep some cash in bills smaller than $100.
• Raincoat – Tropical climate also means plenty of rain. Make sure to pack either a raincoat or umbrella to shield you from wet weather.
• Headlamp – In many rural areas of Madagascar, there is no electricity. You may find yourself relying on a headlamp or a hand-held lamp to see where you’re going.

Canadian consular services can help travellers with many issues they may face including passport services. Once in Madagascar, the information for the Canadian consulate is:

Canadian Embassy Antananarivo
A/s QIT Madagascar Minerals
Villa 3H, Lot II J 169
Ivandry, Antananarivo
Madagascar
Tel: (+261) 20 22 425 59
Fax: (+261) 20 22 425 06

If you have any questions about travelling to Madagascar or are wondering what shots you may need for your trip, schedule an appointment by calling or book online now.