Madagascar – Advice for Visitors and Travel Insurance

Madagascar is a name that conjures up magical images of an island inhabited by mysterious plants and creatures that are found nowhere else on earth. 

Thanks to the efforts and documentaries of David Attenborough and other naturalists, those not lucky enough to be able to visit in person are able to glimpse into this amazing world of bizarre insects, lemurs and baobab trees. 

The computer-animated DreamWorks film of the same name, with a cast of former zoo animals shipwrecked on Madagascar, stirred the imaginations of kids (and kidults) everywhere.

At the time of writing, the island is affected by tropical cyclone ‘Bingiza’, with heavy rain causing flooding in the north.  The cyclone seasons runs from approximately January to March and mainly affects coastal areas.

At the end of February 2011 the Malagasy Embassy in London is scheduled to close with visa services transferred to the Malagasy Embassy in Paris.  (The Republic of Madagascar was formerly known as Malagasy. Malagasy is the native language; French and English are also spoken).

Some political unrest has been reported in Madagascar, but at the time of writing there are no government advisories against travel in effect. In particular, the situation in the capital, Antananarivo, remains unstable and visitors are advised to avoid any political gatherings or crowds.

Visitors are advised to travel with an established company or travel firm who have knowledge and experience of the island and the political situation.  Those travelling alone should monitor media reports for updates.

According to the FCO there is a significant crime risk in Madagascar and muggings and robberies, mainly involving passports and money, do occur – not just in major towns but also on beaches and in the nature reserves. Pick-pocketing is common and visitors should be vigilant in crowded places.  Particular caution is advised if going out at night, especially alone.  Other important FCO advice includes;

• International driving license required to drive in Madagasca
• Avoid causing offence regarding ‘fady’ restrictions
• Export and import of items is very strictly monitored
• Tourist visas can be obtained upon arrival
• Passports must be valid for minimum six months with two blank pages
• Visitors are required to have a return air ticket
• Visitors must carry identification at all times
• Drink boiled or bottled water and avoid ice
• Important advice re changing money
• Note: local BMOI bank does not accept Thomas Cook travellers’ cheques
• Vaccination and health advice
• Take precautions against mosquito bites

Medical facilities are limited and anything other than routine procedures requires evacuation to La Reunion or S. Africa.  It is, therefore, very important that visitors take out comprehensive travel insurance which includes medical evacuation by air ambulance and medical repatriation (ours does!).  Check that your policy has sufficient levels of cover for medical emergencies and covers your planned activities.  Many of our policies include cover for mugging, and natural catastrophes such as earthquake, fire, hurricane and flood.

For further information visit our Travel Guide to Madagascar and follow the link for the FCO for their updated travel advice. 

Flickr cc Image: Frank Vassen (White-headed Lemur)