Madagascar Travel Risk

Exercise increased caution to Madagascar due to crime, unrest, and health. Some areas have increased risk.

Crime

Violent crime, such as armed robbery and assault, occurs throughout Madagascar, particularly after dark, in remote areas, and along major national roads in the south and western areas of the country. Petty crime is common, especially in tourist locations. Stay aware of your surroundings.

Unrest

Strikes and other protest activity related to political and economic conditions occur regularly, particularly in periods near elections.

Violent confrontations between the Dahalo (criminal gangs that steal cattle) and security forces have increased in several regions of Madagascar, particularly in areas south and west of the capital.

Health

Medical infrastructure is very limited in populated areas of Madagascar and is extremely limited in rural areas of Madagascar. Serious medical emergencies in Madagascar require medical evacuation. Review the Health section of the Travel Guidance on this page for more information.

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:

• see general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

This guide also has safety advice for regions of Madagascar.

Terrorism

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in Madagascar

Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in Madagascar, attacks cannot be ruled out.

Terrorist attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by foreign nationals.

Political situation

In late September and early October 2025, significant protests took place in Antananarivo and other parts of Madagascar, which included incidences of violence and looting. A new transitional government was formally established on 17 October. Politically linked rallies are possible and occur in any parts of the country. Avoid large gatherings and political demonstrations as protests can sometimes turn violent. Roads may be closed in response to demonstrations as clashes have been known to occur between security forces and the community.

This section has safety advice for regions of Madagascar. It only covers regions where FCDO has specific advice.

You should also read FCDO’s overall travel advice and safety and security advice.

Central Madagascar

In 2022, over 30 people were killed when criminals (often referred to as ‘dahalo’) set fire to buildings in a village in Ankazobe District, north-west of Antananarivo. Armed forces are active in the area. Dahalo have not targeted tourists but you should seek local advice before travelling there.

Northern Madagascar

Use an official local guide if you’re visiting the Montagne des Français protected area. Take local advice if visiting beaches as there have been opportunistic attacks on tourists.

Southern Madagascar

Violent incidents involving cattle rustlers (‘dahalo’) in southern Madagascar have resulted in fatalities. Tourists have not been targeted, but you should avoid staying in rural areas without security arrangements. Madagascar’s armed forces are active in southern Madagascar.

In 2021, a large-scale attack on 3 villages in Midongy District resulted in the deaths of 17 civilians and 2 military officers. Other attacks have taken place:

• to the north of Fort Dauphin
• around the township of Betroka
• along the west coast between Belo sur Tsiribihina and Toliara (Tuléar)
• in the Commune of Ilakakabe (near Isalo National Park)

The security situation in the southern triangle between Ihosy, Toliara (Tuléar) and Fort Dauphin remains tense, the risks are greater at night and the roads are in a poor condition. Use a recognised tour operator when travelling in this area. If you are travelling to Fort Dauphin, you should travel by air.

Criminal gangs have attacked vehicles travelling in convoy on the RN7 (between Antananarivo and Toliara (Tuléar).

Be vigilant when visiting night clubs in Toliara (Tuléar).

In July 2023, demonstrations in the Lanirano area to the east of Fort Dauphin turned violent with reports of gunfire and injury to civilians

Partial regional extract; read the full official section.

Risk level

Madagascar - Exercise a high degree of caution

Exercise a high degree of caution in Madagascar due to the high crime rate and the potential for political instability.

Political situation in Madagascar

On October 14, 2025, following large-scale demonstrations, the military took over and announced a 2-year transition period with an interim President, followed by new elections.

The interim measures have been implemented without major unrest and conditions remain calm.

Crime

Petty crime

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, is common throughout the country. Be particularly vigilant in areas frequented by tourists in Antananarivo, specifically:

• the steps leading to the Rova
• the Avenue de l’Indépendance
• the Analakely market
• the road leading to the Soarano train station
• 67 Hectares
• Itaosy
• Antaninarenina
• Tsaralalana

During your stay:

• be aware of your surroundings at all times
• ensure that your personal belongings are secure at all times, including your passport and your other travel documents
• avoid showing signs of affluence or wearing expensive jewellry
• do not leave valuables or bags unattended
• avoid carrying large sums of cash
• only use a reputable tour operator
• avoid walking after dark

Violent crime

There are reports of violent crime across all regions of Madagascar. Armed gangs are known to commit home invasions, carjackings, robberies, and kidnappings. Foreigners have been targeted in urban areas as well as in rural and isolated areas. Theft from vehicles occurs frequently. Thieves target cars stuck in traffic for smash-and-grab robberies.

During your stay:

• do not travel after dark
• choose a well-secured accommodation
• make sure you lock doors and windows at night and when you’re away
• always lock your car doors and windows
• keep valuables out of sight and out of reach
• avoid confrontation
• if attacked, don’t resist

Assaults

There have been reports of attacks and robberies by persons representing themselves as “guides”, particularly on beaches and in coastal tourist areas.

Violent assaults have been reported in:

• the island of Sainte Marie (also known as Nosy Boraha)
• Ihosy
• Pic Saint Louis in Tôlanaro (formerly Fort Dauphin)
• Toliara, especially in Batterie Beach
• Nosy Be
• Ankify port
• Ambanja
• Anosy region
• Isalo

Avoid visiting these areas alone and seek local advice on the security situation prior to visiting

马达加斯加风险等级为蓝色（低风险）