Special News Break - MADAGASCAR

29 September 2017

MADAGASCAR - TRAVEL ADVICE

AUSTRALIAN DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND TRADE - Latest advice, 29 September 2017

In September 2017, deaths suspected to be associated with the pneumonic plague were reported in the regions of Toamasina, Moramanga and Antananarivo. Pneumonic plague is spread from person to person by respiratory droplets in the air. Affected persons experience flu-like symptoms. Practice good hygiene and speak to your health provider before travelling (see Health). The level of our advice has not changed. Exercise a high degree of caution in Madagascar. Higher levels apply in some parts of the country.

Summary - Exercise a high degree of caution in Madagascar. Use common sense and look out for suspicious behavior, as you would in Australia. Monitor the media and other information sources for changes to local travel conditions. Armed robberies and violence occur regularly in Madagascar, particularly in and around Antananarivo, but also in rural and isolated areas. Be particularly cautious if driving outside of main cities. There has been continued political instability in Madagascar since the 2009 coup d’état. Despite the political transition back to democracy in early 2014, the situation remains fragile and may have an impact on security, especially in the capital, the larger regional cities, and the Betroka region in the south. Since 2012, violent confrontations between bandits (Dahalo) and security forces have increased in the southern region of Anosy. Be alert when travelling in the region.

Do not travel to Batterie Beach, north of Tuléar, due to the risk of violence.

There are health risks in Madagascar. Speak to your health provider before travelling.