Africa

Is Madagascar safe?

Capital: AntananarivoFrench, MalagasyUpdated October 2026

L2Exercise increased caution

Is Madagascar safe?

Tourist areas are largely safe, but theft and robbery in Antananarivo and on rural roads rise at night. Political tension and unrest have occurred; check advice and avoid protests.

Key facts

US travel advisory: Level 2: Exercise increased caution, updated 2025-12-03.
Road deaths: 29.2 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
Emergency numbers: Police 117 · Ambulance 124 · Fire 118.
Solo women: Solo women travel here but attract attention; avoid night walks, dress modestly and use hotel-booked transport, especially outside Nosy Be.

Risks, scams and laws

Main risks

Armed robbery on remote roads, especially at night
Pickpocketing and bag snatching in Antananarivo
Cyclones and floods, roughly January–March
Plague (pneumonic) outbreaks in the rainy season and poor roads

Common scams

Overpriced unofficial guides and taxi drivers at airports
Fake official fees demanded at park entrances

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

Safety by place in Madagascar

Place	Safety
Antananarivo	3/5 · Take real precautions
Nosy Be	3/5 · Take real precautions

Quick answers

Is Madagascar safe for tourists?

Tourist areas are largely safe, but theft and robbery in Antananarivo and on rural roads rise at night. Political tension and unrest have occurred; check advice and avoid protests.

Is Madagascar safe for solo female travelers?

Solo women travel here but attract attention; avoid night walks, dress modestly and use hotel-booked transport, especially outside Nosy Be.

What is the emergency number in Madagascar?

Police 117 · Ambulance 124 · Fire 118.

Safety by place

Sources

Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.