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5,648 mi away
£1 MGA 5,678
Today
2:21 pm
+3h from you
Weather & climate
Weather in Madagascar
Madagascar
25°
Overcast
Sat
15°
25°
Sun
13°
25°
Mon
15°
26°
Tue
16°
26°
Wed
12°
24°
Thu
13°
24°
Fri
13°
22°
SPF level in Madagascar
Recommended: SPF 50+ (extreme)
Spring
SPF 50+
Summer
SPF 50+ (extreme)
Autumn
SPF 50+
Winter
SPF 50+
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Before you go
Entry requirements for Madagascar
What British travellers need to know
You can visit Madagascar for up to 15 days without a visa.
Your passport must have an expiry date at least 6 months after you arrive and at least 2 blank pages.
For a stay longer than 15 days, you can buy a 30- or 60-day tourist visa on arrival at the airport.
You must be ready to show your onward or return tickets on arrival.
You must have a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you are arriving from a country listed as a transmission risk.
Good to know:
A child aged 17 or under travelling without one or either parent must carry written authorisation from the absent parent or parents when leaving Madagascar.
You can take up to 400,000 Malagasy ariary into Madagascar but must declare foreign cash or travellers cheques if the value is 7,500 euros or more.
Safety in Madagascar
Tips when travelling
Madagascar is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Be vigilant at beaches as violent robberies and assaults can occur even during the day.
Always carry your passport with you as police randomly conduct ID checks.
Avoid walking alone in city centres or poorly lit urban areas after dark.
Do not show your mobile phone or cash while on the street to reduce the risk of street crime.
Use pre-booked taxis or hotel transport rather than multi-passenger taxi vans for safety.
Bonus tips:
Avoid buying or exporting souvenirs made from protected animals or plants, such as rosewood.
If you are stopped by someone claiming to be police, ask to see their identification.
Stay connected on your trip
More information
Driving in Madagascar
A UK driving license is valid for up to 3 months. An International Driving Permit is recommended.
Side of road
right
Motorway speed limit
110 km/h
Urban speed limit
50 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.08%
Remember: Madagascar drives on the right. Take extra care at junctions if you normally drive on the left.
Health in Madagascar
Ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, including evacuation. A Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is not applicable in Madagascar.
Vaccinations recommended before travel
Consult your doctor well in advance of travel for advice on vaccinations and malaria prophylaxis. Malaria is a significant risk in Madagascar. Drink bottled or purified water and be cautious about food hygiene.
Cards & payments
Limited, especially outside of tourist areas and major establishments in cities.
Visa
Medium
Mastercard
Medium
American Express
Low
Lost card? Call Visa: +13039671096
Tipping in Madagascar
Tipping is appreciated for good service in Madagascar, but not always expected. It's becoming more common in tourist areas.
Restaurant
5-10% of the bill for good service
Bar/Café
Small change or 5-10% for table service
Taxi
Round up the fare for good service
Hotel Porter
2,000-5,000 MGA per bag (~£0.40-£1)
Hotel Housekeeper
2,000-5,000 MGA per day (~£0.40-£1), left at the end of your stay
Tour Guide
5,000-10,000 MGA per person per day (~£1-£2) depending on the tour length and quality
Mobile & roaming
Since Brexit, EU roaming agreements no longer apply to UK mobile customers. Check with your mobile provider for roaming charges in Madagascar. Roaming can be expensive, so consider purchasing a local SIM card.
Local SIM
10 GB for 30,000 MGA (~£6)
Network coverage
4G, 3G, 2G
Electrical in Madagascar
Voltage
220V / 50Hz
Plug types
Type C, Type D, Type E, Type J, Type K
UK adapter needed
WiFi & internet
Limited. Available in some hotels, restaurants, and cafes in major cities.
Average speed
5 Mbps
WiFi is available in tourist hubs. However, expect slower speeds and less reliability compared to the UK. Mobile data is a viable alternative with a local SIM card.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
117
Ambulance
118
Fire
118
Save 117 in your phone before travelling.
Calling Madagascar
Country code
+261
To call the British Embassy in Antananarivo from the UK, you would dial 00 261 20 22 333 33.
The country code for Madagascar is 261. The international access code from the UK is 00.
Languages in Madagascar
UK Embassy
British Embassy Antananarivo
Lot III M 1 Ter, Rue Ralaimongo Analakely, Antananarivo 101, Madagascar
Phone
Website
Recent updates
Airports in Madagascar
Beaches in Madagascar
Frequently asked questions
Yes, British citizens typically require a visa to enter Madagascar. You can obtain a visa on arrival at Antananarivo Airport for stays up to 90 days. Check the latest visa requirements on the Madagascan embassy website before you travel, as rules can change.
While Madagascar is generally safe, petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, can occur, particularly in urban areas. Take precautions, avoid walking alone at night, and keep valuables out of sight. Be aware of potential scams targeting tourists.
The best time to visit Madagascar is during the dry season, from April to October. The weather is cooler and drier, making it ideal for exploring the national parks and beaches. Avoid the cyclone season, which typically runs from December to March.
The Malagasy Ariary (MGA) is the official currency of Madagascar. Credit cards are accepted in larger hotels and restaurants in major cities, but cash is essential for smaller establishments and rural areas. ATMs are available in Antananarivo and other major towns.
Malagasy cuisine is a blend of African, Asian, and European influences. Rice is a staple, often served with various dishes such as Romazava (a meat and vegetable stew) and Ravitoto (cassava leaves pounded and cooked with pork). Zebu beef is also commonly eaten.
Fady (taboos) are an important part of Malagasy culture and vary by region. It's respectful to ask locals about any fady before visiting a specific area. Showing respect for ancestors is also important, so avoid taking photos of tombs without permission.
Lightweight, breathable clothing is suitable for most of the year. A light jacket or sweater may be useful for cooler evenings or higher altitudes. If you plan to visit religious sites, dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees. Sturdy footwear is recommended for hiking.
Road conditions can be poor, so hiring a 4x4 vehicle with a driver is often the best option for exploring the country. Domestic flights are available to connect major towns, but they can be expensive. Bush taxis (taxi-brousses) are a common form of transport, but they can be crowded and unreliable.
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.