Madagascar travel advice by the FCO: we advise against
all holiday and other non-essential travel to Madagascar for the time
being. The demonstrations and strike, which followed the presidential
elections on 16 December 2001, have stopped.
However, there are still outbreaks of violence around
the country. Martial law was declared in Antananarivo on 28 February,
and a curfew was imposed from 2100-0500.
Curfews have also been imposed in other cities around
the country. Barricades are still in place at points around the capital
and those situated on the main roads linking Antananarivo to the provinces
have been strengthened. This has made road travel around the country dangerous
and difficult.
Air Madagascar is not offering flights to Europe and
Asia at the moment. Air France is providing one flight per week. Flights
to and from South Africa are severely disrupted. Flights around the country
are also subject to disruption. There is no aviation fuel for commercial
use at Ivato, the main airport in the capital.
There have been cases of armed robbery in some National
Parks. All independent travellers intending to visit National Parks should
seek advice from a tour operator, or from the park administration.
There has been an increase in the number of travellers
being pick-pocketed at the airport. Visitors should exercise caution on
arrival and departure and should not leave bags unattended. Keep money
and passports separate.
There is a danger of mugging in urban areas. Do not carry
excessive money or wear prominent jewellery. Take sensible precautions
in crowded areas such as markets. It is wise to avoid walking at night
in city centres. Visitors are advised to carry a copy of their passport
and to keep the original safe (e.g. a hotel deposit box).
Avoid travelling outside urban areas at night, if at
all possible.
Visitors are advised not to wear military style clothing.
It is disapproved of locally and could lead to detention.
Medical supplies are becoming increasingly scarce in
Antananarivo and around the country. The shortage of medical supplies
together with lack of fuel is limiting the medical evacuation services
available.
www.fco.gov.uk/