Practical A–Z

Visa

Germans, Austrians, and Swiss need a visa for Madagascar. The easiest way is to get a Visa on Arrival at Ivato Airport:

You need: passport (valid for at least 6 months), return ticket, and sufficient cash (€ or USD) for the fee. Credit cards are often not accepted at the visa counter. The visa is stamped directly into the passport — the queue can take 30–60 minutes.

Alternative: Apply for an E-Visa in advance via evisamada.gov.mg (faster processing at the airport).

Extension: The visa can be extended for another 30 days in Tana at the Police des Frontières (about 20€). Overstaying can lead to fines and problems upon departure.

Customs

Import bans: weapons, drugs, counterfeits. Observe export bans: No rosewood, no live animals, no fossils without permission. Vanilla, spices, and crafts are unproblematic. If carrying more than 10,000€ in cash: declaration required.

Vaccinations

The following vaccinations are recommended for Madagascar:

Consult a tropical medicine institute 6–8 weeks before departure for personalized advice.

Malaria

Madagascar has a year-round malaria risk — especially on the coast and in rainforest areas. The highlands (Tana, Antsirabe) have a lower risk, but not zero. Malaria prophylaxis (Malarone or Doxycycline) is strongly recommended. Additionally:

• Wear long clothing at dusk and night
• Use insect repellent with DEET (30%+) on exposed skin
• Sleep under an impregnated mosquito net (good accommodations provide one)

Further Health Advice

• Drinking water: Drink ONLY bottled water. No tap water, no ice in drinks (except in upscale hotels/restaurants). Brush teeth with bottled water.
• Gastrointestinal issues: The most common illness among travelers. Wash hands, eat only peeled fruit, prefer cooked foods. Have Imodium and electrolyte powder on hand.
• Schistosomiasis: Do not swim in freshwater (lakes, rivers) — the parasites are invisible and dangerous. It's safe in the sea.
• Plague: Yes, the plague still exists — in rural highland areas. The risk for tourists is minimal but real. Avoid contact with rats, seek medical attention immediately for unexplained fever.
• Medical care: In Tana, there are some private clinics at an acceptable level (Clinique des Soeurs, Espace Médical). Outside the capital, care is rudimentary. International travel health insurance with repatriation is absolutely essential!

Safety

Madagascar is not a dangerous travel destination — but it's not worry-free either. Most travelers experience a trouble-free, safe journey if they follow a few basic rules:

Important rules:

• Do not walk at night — anywhere, not even in tourist areas
• Do not wear jewelry, expensive watches, or visible electronics
• Carry cash distributed (money belt, various pockets)
• Leave valuables in the hotel safe
• In case of a robbery: Do not resist, hand everything over. Your life is more important than your wallet
• Stay informed about the current security situation: Foreign Office (auswaertiges-amt.de)

Internet & Communication

Mobile internet in Madagascar is surprisingly good in cities and tourist areas. In rural areas, the signal can be weak or non-existent.

• Local SIM card: Buy Telma, Orange, or Airtel at the airport or in any city (1–2€). Data packages: 1 GB from 1€, 5 GB from 3€. 4G in cities, 3G/Edge in rural areas.
• Wi-Fi: Available in most hotels, quality varies greatly. In budget accommodations often only in the lobby.
• Roaming: EU roaming does NOT apply to Madagascar. A local SIM is significantly cheaper.

Emergency Numbers

117 (Police), 118 (Fire Department). In practice: Contact your hotel or driver/guide, who can usually help faster than the authorities.

Clothing

• Light, long-sleeved clothing: Protection from sun and mosquitoes. Prefer light colors (fewer mosquitoes).
• Rain jacket: Useful year-round, especially on the east coast.
• Fleece/warm layer: For the highlands — it can cool down to 5°C at night!
• Hiking boots: Waterproof, ankle-high, broken in. Essential for national parks and Tsingy.
• Sandals/flip-flops: For beach and accommodation.
• Swimwear: For beaches and natural pools.
• Gloves: For the Tsingy de Bemaraha (razor-sharp limestone!).

Health & Hygiene

• Insect repellent (DEET 30%+): Bring a large amount — hard to find locally.
• Sunscreen (SPF 50+): Tropical sun is brutal, expensive locally, and often of poor quality.
• Travel pharmacy: Imodium, electrolyte powder, paracetamol, band-aids, disinfectant, Malarone/Doxycycline.
• Water filter or purification tablets: Alternative to plastic bottles.
• Mosquito net: In case the accommodation doesn't provide one (budget range).

Miscellaneous

• Headlamp/flashlight: For night hikes and power outages (frequent!).
• Power bank: Electricity is unreliable in rural areas.
• Adapter: Type C/E (Schuko plugs usually fit, but an adapter for the grounding pin doesn't hurt).
• Binoculars: Indispensable for lemurs and birds.
• Dry bag: For boat trips and rainforest (protect electronics!).
• Small gift for hosts: Pens, notebooks, or soap for villages (no sweets — promotes cavities and begging).

Language

The official languages are Malagasy and French. In tourist areas, you can get by with French. English is not widely spoken outside top hotels. A few words of Malagasy open hearts: