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Safety and Security

While demonstrations and political violence have abated with the installation of a democratically elected government, U.S. citizens are strongly advised to closely monitor developments and to follow information as provided by the U.S. Embassy in Antananarivo. U.S. citizens should also be aware of the potential for mob violence and ‘popular justice’ that is sometimes directed towards foreign nationals.  Street altercations and traffic accidents can quickly draw large and sometimes violent crowds.  We urge U.S. citizens to exercise caution and calm if they should find themselves in a dispute, particularly if in a public place.  U.S. citizens who feel threatened by large crowds should seek the direct intervention of local law enforcement and contact the U.S. Embassy immediately.

Travelers should maintain security awareness at all times and avoid political gatherings and street demonstrations. Certain large gatherings, such as concerts or scenes of accidents, also may pose a threat to foreigners. In September 2013, the U.S. Embassy prohibited U.S. government personnel from visiting or transiting l’Avenue de l’Independence in downtown Antananarivo, after multiple explosive devices were either found or detonated in central Antananarivo. This prohibition was lifted in late October 2013 after the threat passed.

Travel in the provincial areas is generally safe, but caution should be exercised at all times. In the past, Madagascar has experienced political crisis, during which a number of provincial capitals experienced political demonstrations that had, on occasion, become violent and resulted in clashes with security forces and looting. A number of national highways connecting provincial cities and the capital experienced temporary road blocks by political demonstrators resulting in travel delays. 

There are random police vehicle checkpoints throughout Madagascar, so all visitors should carry photo identification (residency card, U.S. passport) in the event of police questioning. These checkpoints are routine in nature, and should not result in vehicle and/or person searches as long as valid identification is shown.

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CRIME: Madagascar has experienced a dramatic spike not only in the number of crimes, but also in their severity and type. However, Madagascar still remains safer than many other African countries and even certain U.S. cities.

Over the last several years, there has been a surge in armed attacks. The U.S. Embassy noted increased reports of more home invasions, robberies and assaults. The majority of reported crimes targeted Malagasy nationals and did not involve foreigners, but U.S. citizen visitors should remain vigilant, particularly in large urban centers and coastal cities frequented by tourists

Carjackings, though infrequent in cities, are known to occur. There have been many reports of thieves reaching into stopped vehicles, opening unlocked doors, or sometimes breaking the windows to steal cell phones, purses, and even jewelry from their victims. Keeping windows rolled up and doors locked will minimize these types of situations.

In addition, armed bandit attacks on vehicles carrying goods and people—specifically taxi-bes (which operate within urban centers) and taxi-brousses (which travel to outlying regions)—have increased drastically since 2009 and now occur regularly. Groups of armed bandits often position themselves on major routes after dark to ambush vehicles. Others have involved armed criminals who stage a “breakdown” that blocks the roadway, forcing the victimized driver to slow down, and hence become more vulnerable. Additionally, sometimes local villagers design a “trap” of sand, a tree log, or some other substance or condition that makes the only viable road impassible. Local villagers then “assist” the stranded vehicle and expect monetary compensation. Although the government has taken steps to increase checkpoints and require night convoys to deter banditry, the U.S. Embassy prohibits personnel from traveling at night outside of Antananarivo or other major cities due to these attacks and the lack of security force coverage outside of city limits. All U.S. citizens are advised to avoid unknown taxis, particularly bush taxis, especially if alone or at night.

Other major concerns for visitors, especially those in Antananarivo, are crimes of opportunity, such as pick-pocketing, purse snatching, and residential and vehicular theft. Although some of these crimes are non-confrontational, incidents involving violence by assailants do occur and are rising, particularly when the victim resists and when several persons confront the victim. The U.S. Embassy has received reports of physical attacks against foreigners, including U.S. citizens, particularly in coastal tourist areas and large cities. Toamasina, is particularly noteworthy in this regard, and gun violence there is increasingly common.  A number of these attacks resulted in serious injuries to foreign nationals and, in rare cases, fatalities. Criminal elements in Antananarivo and throughout Madagascar are becoming bolder when selecting their victims, and are also committing more crimes in areas that are generally well-lit and well-traveled by pedestrians and vehicles.

Criminal gangs comprised of felons, ex-military, and police are known to commit home invasions and kidnappings, sometimes targeting foreigners. In April 2013, a Western businessman working in Antananarivo was kidnapped at gunpoint and held for four days before being released for ransom. Organized gangs of bandits are known to patrol areas where foreigners, who are perceived to be wealthy, tend to congregate. Crimes such as burglary and robbery also occur in areas outside the capital, and the threat of confrontational and violent crime in rural and isolated areas continues to rise. Coastal cities like Toamasina and Mahajunga have experienced a particularly significant rise in crime over the last year, and violent assaults on foreign travelers in high-traffic tourist areas—like Nosy Be, the Ankarana and Montagne d’Ambre National Parks adjacent to Diego, Isahlo, and the area surrounding Tolagnaro (Ft. Dauphin) —have also been reported. While the government has recently increased the presence of dedicated police units at the most frequented tourist sites, U.S. citizens are advised to visit remote sites in large groups guided by reputable tour operators.

To reduce the risk of being victimized, travel in groups and avoid wearing expensive jewelry or carrying costly electronic items (iPods, digital cameras, or high-end cell phones) with you in public. Valuable items should never be left in an unattended vehicle or at a hotel (unless locked in the hotel safe). Walking at night, whether alone or in a group, is not considered safe in urban areas, including in the vicinity of Western-standard hotels, restaurants, and night clubs in Antananarivo. Visitors are strongly discouraged from traveling outside of cities after dark, due to banditry, lack of lighting, poor road conditions, and lack of security assets. While traveling in vehicles, remember to lock your doors and keep your windows rolled up at all times.

In major cities, the National Police are charged with maintaining peace and security. Outside of major cities, the Gendarmerie is primarily responsible for these duties. Due to a lack of resources and equipment, police and gendarmerie responses to victims of crime are often limited, slow, or nonexistent. Though not exclusively targeted at foreigners, popular discontent with the ability of authorities to maintain law and order has resulted in a number of incidents of violent vigilantism and summary mob justice. As recently as October 2013, two French nationals accused of being pedophiles or organ traffickers in Nosy Be were burned alive by an angry crowd. A third suspect, a Malagasy national held by police, was seized and also killed. Similar incidents of mob justice, sometimes targeting foreign nationals, have occurred throughout the country, including Diego, Toamasina, Antananarivo and Tolagnaro (Ft. Dauphin).

Don’t buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available. Bootlegs are illegal in the United States, and their purchase may also violate local Malagasy laws.

VICTIMS OF CRIME:  If you or someone you know becomes the victim of a crime abroad, you should contact the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. We can:

  • Replace a stolen passport.
  • Help you find appropriate medical care if you are the victim of violent crimes such as assault or rape.
  • Put you in contact with the appropriate police authorities, and if you want us to, we can contact family members or friends.
  • Help you understand the local criminal justice process and direct you to local attorneys, although it is important to remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime. 

The local equivalent to the “911” emergency line in Madagascar is 117. The police can also be reached in Antananarivo at 22-227-35 and 22-281-70. We recommend you use these numbers only if you speak Malagasy or French well. Otherwise, please contact the U.S. Embassy in case of emergency.

Please see our information on Victims of Crime, including possible victim compensation programs in the United States.

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Population: 27,691,018


Total Land Area: 581,795 km2


Population/km2: 47.60