Island in Diana, Madagascar
Is Nosy Be safe?
Tourist areas are usually fine, but theft and robberies occur on dark roads and beaches.
Is Nosy Be safe?
Tourist areas are usually fine, but theft and robberies occur on dark roads and beaches. Avoid exposed valuables and night walks; sexual exploitation is a local issue.
Key facts
- SoloSquare safety rating: 3/5, take real precautions.
- US travel advisory: Level 2: Exercise increased caution, updated 2025-12-03.
- Road deaths in Madagascar: 29.2 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
- Emergency numbers: Police 117 · Ambulance 124 · Fire 118.
Safety in Nosy Be at a glance
| What to expect | |
|---|---|
| Overall | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Crime | Bag and phone snatching in Ambatoloaka, theft from beach bungalows, and occasional robberies on poorly lit roads at night. |
| At night | Take a hotel taxi after dark; Ambatoloaka's bars are busy but side streets are poorly lit. |
| Solo women | Solo women are common at dive shops. Expect persistent offers from touts; dress modestly in town, avoid isolated beaches and watch drinks. |
| Other risks | Rip currents and sudden boat swells; Malaria year-round; Cyclones Jan–Mar |
Scams, areas and local laws
Common scams
- Unofficial guides and boat touts demanding high prices
- Bar workers adding unrequested drinks or charges
- Fake 'visa' or park fees at island entrances
Take care
- Beach and road walks after dark
- Handing passports to unlicensed agents or boat men
Calmer areas to stay
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
How Nosy Be compares in Madagascar
| Place | Safety |
|---|---|
| Antananarivo | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Nosy Be | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
Quick answers
Is Nosy Be safe for solo female travelers?
Solo women are common at dive shops. Expect persistent offers from touts; dress modestly in town, avoid isolated beaches and watch drinks.
Is Nosy Be safe at night?
Take a hotel taxi after dark; Ambatoloaka's bars are busy but side streets are poorly lit.
What is the crime rate in Nosy Be?
Bag and phone snatching in Ambatoloaka, theft from beach bungalows, and occasional robberies on poorly lit roads at night.
What number do I call in an emergency in Nosy Be?
Police 117 · Ambulance 124 · Fire 118.
More about Nosy Be
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Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- Madagascar e-visa portal
- Madagascar tourism
- World Bank: intentional homicides (UNODC)
- World Bank: road traffic deaths (WHO)
Safety ratings are SoloSquare's editorial judgment from official advisories, crime data and local reporting. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.