How safe is Madagascar for travelers?

What the two advisories actually say

• The FCDO advises against travel to no part of Madagascar. There is no advisory zone and no "all but essential travel" line anywhere in the country.
• Global Affairs Canada rates the whole country "exercise a high degree of caution", because of the high crime rate and the potential for political instability. That is one step above normal precautions and two below "avoid non-essential travel".
• Read that as a country you can go to and should not be careless in, rather than a country under warning.

The political situation

• Significant protests took place in Antananarivo and elsewhere in late September and early October 2025, including violence and looting.
• On 14 October 2025 the military took over and announced a two year transition with an interim President, followed by new elections. A transitional government was formally established on 17 October.
• Canada's assessment is that the interim measures have been implemented without major unrest and conditions remain calm.
• Politically linked rallies are still possible anywhere in the country, and roads may close in response to demonstrations. Avoid large gatherings.

Crime

• Robberies and thefts are commonplace throughout Madagascar, and foreigners are targets for pickpockets and muggers.
• In Antananarivo, be particularly careful on the steps up to the Rova, on the Avenue de l'Independance, at the Analakely market, on the road to Soarano station, and in 67 Hectares, Itaosy, Antaninarenina and Tsaralalana.
• Do not walk alone in city centres or poorly lit areas after dark. Do not use your phone or show cash on the street. Be wary of over-friendly approaches and of criminals working in pairs.
• Armed gangs commit home invasions, carjackings, robberies and kidnappings, and foreigners have been targeted in urban, rural and isolated areas.
• There have been violent robberies and assaults in daylight on isolated beaches, including Nosy Be, Ankify port, Ambanja, the beaches north and south of Toliara, Sainte Marie, Isalo, Ihosy and Pic Saint Louis at Fort Dauphin.
• Attacks by people presenting themselves as guides are a documented pattern. Use a national guide accredited by the Ministry of Tourism, and ask to see the badge.

The roads, which is where the risk concentrates

• Armed robberies on main roads are frequent, particularly at night and outside major towns. Where possible, travel in convoy, or let a recognised operator or your hotel arrange the transport.
• Named roads: attacks on convoys on the RN7 between Antananarivo and Toliara; ambushes on the RN13 between Ihosy and Fort Dauphin; highway robbery between Besalampy and Morombe including the RN35 and the RN1; and vigilance on the RN27, RN10 and RN34.
• Fly to Fort Dauphin. That is the FCDO's specific instruction, not a suggestion.
• Do not drive at night. Many vehicles have no lights and few roads are lit.
• In the rainy season, December to April, many secondary roads are impassable except by 4x4 and bridges are often washed away.
• An accident causing injury or death leads to a mandatory court case, and the losing party pays all costs. If you are involved, you must stay in Madagascar at your own expense until the case is resolved. Do not leave the scene; report to the police on 117, or drive to the nearest town and report it there if that is safer.

Laws that catch visitors out

• It is an offence for civilians to wear camouflage or military-style clothing, and it can lead to detention and fines. Check what is in the bag.
• Photography of military and government installations is prohibited, and photographing police or security personnel is a good way to provoke them.
• Always carry your passport. Police make random ID checks and do not accept copies, certified or otherwise.
• Paying for sex is illegal, punishable by a fine of 1,500 to 7,000 euros and up to 10 years in prison. The law on sexual abuse of under-18s is strictly enforced against foreign tourists, and underage sex workers may carry fake identity cards.
• Drug offences carry severe punishments and prison conditions are harsh and life-threatening.
• It is illegal to collect, buy or export protected animals, plants or products made from them, including rosewood items. Souvenir stalls sell things you cannot legally take home.
• Fady, local taboos, regulate daily life in much of the country and vary from place to place, from forbidden foods to restrictions on clothing. In a village, ask your guide whether to greet the Fokontany head and the Ray aman-dreny.

LGBT+ travellers

• Same-sex sexual activity is legal between people aged 21 and over.
• Public attitudes are considerably less tolerant than in the UK, and Canada's advice is that 2SLGBTQI+ travellers should carefully consider the risks. Public affection may attract negative attention.

Weather and water

• Cyclone season runs from November to April, with coastal areas most at risk. Storms cut access to remote areas and contaminate water supplies.
• Riptides are common and several drownings occur each year. Sharks are present, particularly around Tamatave and Manakara.
• Ferries have sunk from overcrowding and poor maintenance. Check for life jackets, do not board an overloaded boat, and check the weather locally.
• Armed criminals have boarded and robbed boats on the Tsiribihina River. Both governments say to find another route.