Travel Vaccines and Advice for Madagascar
Set amid the varying spectrum of blue jewel-toned waters of the Indian Ocean is Madagascar. The island nation features a unique array of wildlife, plants and culture.
For those who like to experience destinations by their cuisine, Madagascar offers a wide variety of options. Restaurants specialize in French, Creole and native Madagascan dishes.
Whether you’re travelling to ‘The Red Island’, for the landscape, the culture or the food, adventure is not in short supply.
Do I Need Vaccines 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, cholera, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travellers - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Recommended for travellers to most regions. - Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Recommended for travellers
to most regions. - Cholera –
Food & Water –
Recommended for travel to most regions. - Yellow Fever –
Mosquito –
Required if travelling from a country where yellow fever is present. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given seperately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - Meningitis –
Airborne & Direct Contact –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended.
See the tables below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Madagascar |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travellers |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Recommended for travellers to most regions. |
| Typhoid | Food & Water | Recommended for travellers to most regions. |
| Cholera | Food & Water | Recommended for travel to most regions. |
| Yellow Fever | Mosquito | Required if travelling from a country where yellow fever is present. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
Routine Vaccinations for Madagascar |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given seperately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| Meningitis | Airborne & Direct Contact | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. |
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.
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for Madagascar
“Great overall experience! She was very friendly and knowledgeable. She made sure I understood everything for Madagascar and more!”
“The nurse was excellent and very pleasant. She explained the information about Madagascar very well and was also very knowledgeable in her professional approach. A very enjoyable experience.”
“We arrived early for our appointment and were able to be seen right away. Very organized office and great service! Our consultant was very professional, personable and knowledgeable. She offered great suggestions for Madagascar, options and was familiar with our medical history that we had completed online prior to the appointment (a very nice alternative to having to complete paperwork in-office). Fees were reasonable and the discount for seeing both myself and my husband at the same time was an added bonus. Highly recommended and would go back.”
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Madagascar?
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 |
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| 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.
What Is the Climate Like in Madagascar?
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.
How Safe Is Madagascar?
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.
Travelling to the Avenue of Baobabs
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.
What Should I Take To Madagascar?
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 Embassy in Madagascar
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.
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Madagascar?
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Madagascar?
What Is the Climate Like in Madagascar?
How Safe Is Madagascar?
Travelling to the Avenue of Baobabs
What Should I Take To Madagascar?
Canadian Embassy in Madagascar
