Africa
Madagascar
Unique wildlife, baobabs and beaches at low prices, but slow, rough travel and little English; French or Malagasy helps. Roads are poor and power and internet are patchy outside Antananarivo and Nosy Be.
- US travel advisoryLevel 2Exercise increased cautionDetails
- Visa0 of 198passports can visit visa-freeDetails
- CurrencyMGAUS$1 ≈ Ar4,399.69Details
- Price level31%of US prices (World Bank PPP)Details
- English1/5RareDetails
- PlugsType C, D, E, J, K220 V, 50 HzDetails
- Emergency117Police 117 · Ambulance 124 · Fire 118
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledDrink bottled or filtered water; avoid ice outside good hotels and restaurants.Details
- LGBTQ+LegalSame-sex acts are not criminalised, but the society is conservative and no legal protections exist.Details
- DrivingOn the rightCarry an IDP with your home licence; most visitors hire a driver rather than self-drive.
Where to go in Madagascar
2 places with full guides. Comfortable monthly budget for one person, rent included.
| Place | Safety | Month, comfortable | Best months | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AntananarivoCapital city | 3/5 | $796–1,360 | May–Oct | 49/100 |
| Nosy BeIsland | 3/5 | $864–1,480 | May–Jun, Sep–Nov | 60/100 |
When to visit Madagascar
April–November is dry and best for travel; July–September is peak for wildlife and whales off Sainte-Marie. December–March is hot, rainy and cyclone-prone.
Good to know
Entry
- Apply for an e-visa before travel or buy a visa on arrival; tourist visas are 30 or 60 days, with longer stays extended in-country.
- Some nationalities get a short visa-free stay with a small fee on arrival; check the e-visa portal for your passport.
- Yellow fever certificate is required if arriving from risk countries; passport needs 6 months validity.
Laws visitors break by accident
- Do not export lemurs, wood or wildlife products
- Drug offences are heavily punished
- Photographing the military or government buildings may lead to detention
Etiquette
- Respect fady (local taboos) that guides explain at each site
- Greet people politely before asking for anything
- Dress modestly in villages
- Don't point with one finger; use an open hand
Tipping
5–10% for good restaurant service; tip guides and drivers 5,000–20,000 Ar per day.
Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- Madagascar e-Visa
- UK FCDO travel advice: Madagascar
- World Bank open data
Country facts are researched by SoloSquare; advisory levels, crime, health and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.