Country Risk Report
Madagascar
Antananarivo
Malagasy and French (official)
Malagasy ariary (MGA)
Executive Summary
Madagascar is classified as a MEDIUM risk destination, reflecting a recent political upheaval, widespread violent crime and weak infrastructure rather than organised conflict. In October 2025, following weeks of youth-led protests over chronic power and water shortages, an elite military unit ousted President Andry Rajoelina, and Colonel Michael Randrianirina was sworn in to lead a military-led transition. The situation has since calmed but remains fragile. Violent crime is the dominant everyday risk. Armed robbery and assault occur throughout the country, particularly after dark, in remote areas and along major national roads in the south and west, and petty crime is common in tourist locations. Confrontations between the Dahalo, armed cattle-rustling gangs, and the security forces have increased in several southern and western regions, adding banditry risk on rural routes. Political and economic grievances persist, and protests and strikes can recur, particularly around the transition and any elections, sometimes turning violent with heavy security responses. Beyond crime and politics, the country faces cyclones, poor roads, unreliable services and endemic malaria, and its remoteness complicates emergency response.
Risk Matrix
| Category | Risk Rating | Commentary |
|---|---|---|
| Armed Conflict | Low | No armed conflict; a military-led transition following the 2025 takeover. |
| Terrorism | Low | No significant terrorism threat. |
| Kidnapping | Moderate | Kidnapping occurs, including of business figures; banditry and abduction risk on rural routes. |
| Crime | High | Widespread armed robbery and assault, worse after dark and in the south and west. |
| Civil Unrest | High | Recent upheaval and a fragile transition, with recurring protests and strikes. |
| Health & Medical | High | Limited care outside Antananarivo; malaria endemic. Serious cases require evacuation. |
| Internal Travel | High | Poor roads, banditry, cyclone disruption and long distances make travel difficult. |
| Digital / Cyber | Moderate | Surveillance and internet disruption during unrest; scams occur. |
Essential Precautions
Security Situation
Madagascar's risk is driven by a recent political upheaval, widespread violent crime and weak infrastructure rather than conflict. The capital and main tourist circuit are manageable with strong precautions, while the south and west and periods of unrest carry higher risk.
Antananarivo and the Centre
The South and West (Dahalo Banditry)
The East and Coastal Areas
The National Parks and Tourist Circuit
Detailed Risk Assessment
Armed Conflict
Madagascar is not in armed conflict. The October 2025 military takeover placed the country under a military-led transition, and while the political situation is fragile, the risk is one of unrest and crime rather than war.
Terrorism
There is no significant terrorism threat in Madagascar. Security risks stem from crime, banditry and political unrest rather than terrorism.
Kidnapping and Crime
Violent crime, including armed robbery and assault, is widespread, particularly after dark, in remote areas and on national roads in the south and west, and petty crime is common in tourist areas. Kidnapping occurs, including of business figures, and banditry adds abduction risk on rural routes.
Internal Travel
Poor roads, long distances, Dahalo banditry on southern and western routes, cyclone disruption and unreliable services make travel difficult. Internal flights help but are limited, and night travel should be avoided.
Health and Disease
Healthcare is limited outside Antananarivo, with basic rural facilities, and malaria is endemic, alongside periodic plague and other outbreaks. Serious cases require evacuation, often to Reunion or South Africa, and travellers should hold comprehensive cover.
Cultural and Religious Sensitivities
Madagascar has a distinctive culture blending Malagasy, African and Asian influences, with strong ancestral traditions and taboos known as fady that vary locally. Travellers should respect local customs, seek guidance on fady, and be sensitive around politics.
LGBT Travellers
Same-sex activity between adults is legal but socially sensitive, with limited protections and conservative attitudes, particularly in rural areas. Discretion is advisable.
Diplomatic and Government Situation
Madagascar is under a military-led transition following the October 2025 takeover, with an uncertain path back to constitutional rule and persistent economic grievances. Consular support is limited, often via missions in the region, and travellers should not rely on emergency help.
Digital and Cyber Threats
The authorities can disrupt the internet and monitor communications during unrest, as seen in the 2025 crisis, and scams occur. Connectivity is limited outside main towns.
Vaccinations & Health Hazards
Strongly Recommended
- Hepatitis A and Typhoid
Recommended due to contaminated food and water.
- Hepatitis B and Tetanus
Recommended for many travellers.
- Rabies
Consider for rural or long stays.
- Polio and Measles (MMR)
Ensure boosters are current.
Other Health Hazards
- Malaria: High risk in most areas. Take prophylaxis and bite-avoidance measures.
- Plague and outbreaks: Periodic plague and other outbreaks occur; follow health guidance.
- Cyclones: The cyclone season can bring severe storms and disruption.
- Remote evacuation: Serious cases require evacuation; hold comprehensive cover.
Choosing the Right Insurance
Cover for Madagascar is available on a specialist basis. Antananarivo and the main tourist circuit are manageable with strong precautions, while the south and west, night travel and periods of unrest require particular caution, and cover should include medical evacuation given remoteness.
Annex A - Key Risk Dynamics
Checkpoints and Detention Triggers
Police and military checkpoints operate, more so during the transition and unrest; cooperate calmly. Carry ID and a clear travel purpose. Southern and western national roads carry banditry risk. Avoid photographing security forces and government sites.Kidnapping and Detention Dynamics
Kidnapping has targeted business figures. Dahalo banditry adds abduction risk on rural routes. Risk rises after dark and on isolated roads. Armed robbery is the dominant threat.High-Risk Travellers
South and west travellers face severe crime and banditry. Night and lone travellers face robbery and assault risk. Unrest-period travellers face protest and strike risk. Remote-area travellers face road, health and evacuation challenges.Annex B - Key Preparation & Checklists
Essential Preparation and Medical
Plan around widespread violent crime. Take particular care in the south and west and avoid night travel. Hold comprehensive medical and evacuation cover. Prepare for storms and service failures.Digital Security and Checkpoints
Plan for internet disruption during unrest. Guard against scams. Connectivity is limited outside towns. Limit public location sharing.Movement and Operational Security
Avoid night travel and isolated rural roads. Use reputable transport and guides. Avoid Dahalo-affected routes in the south and west. Avoid gatherings during the transition.Conduct and Legal Compliance
Respect Malagasy customs and local fady taboos. Be sensitive on the transition and politics. Avoid displaying valuables.This report is provided for information only and does not constitute travel or security advice. Ratings are indicative and subject to change without notice. Confirm current conditions with Hotspot Cover before any deployment.
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