Travel Vaccines and Advice for Madagascar

Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Madagascar. The National Travel Health Network and Centre and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Madagascar: COVID-19, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, rabies, polio and tetanus.

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 ring or start booking online now.

Visas for Madagascar are required and available on arrival. But, receiving your passport before travel is recommended. These visas are valid for three months at most. Passports must be valid for at least six months and have two blank pages on arrival.

Proof of yellow fever vaccination may be required if you are travelling from a region where yellow fever is present. Proof of onward travel is required for all travellers.

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

Sources: Embassy of Madagascar and GOV.UK

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, rucksack 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, whilst motoring 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 motoring 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 trousers 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. Hole-in-the-wall machines tend to be out of order. Keep some cash in bills smaller than $100.
• Raincoat – Tropical climate also means plenty of rain. Ensure 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.

If you are in Madagascar and have an emergency (for example, been attacked, arrested or someone has died) contact the nearest consular services. Contact the embassy before arrival if you have additional questions on entry requirements, safety concerns or are in need of assistance.

British Embassy Antananarivo
Ninth Floor Tour Zital
Ravoninahitriniarivo Street
Ankorondrano
Antananarivo
101
Madagascar
Telephone: +261 (0) 2022 33053
Emergency Phone: +261 (0) 2022 33053
Email: British.EmbassyAntananarivo@fco.gov.uk

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