Madagascar | Africa

Madagascar is the world’s second-largest island country, located in the Indian Ocean off the southeastern coast of Africa. The nation’s geography is defined by a central highland plateau and unique biodiversity, with an economy heavily dependent on agriculture-primarily vanilla and clove exports-and ecotourism; the capital city is Antananarivo.

Visa & Entry Policy

EU, US, and UK passport holders require a visa for entry. For stays up to 15 days, travelers are exempt from a standard visa but must pay a €10 administrative fee upon arrival. For stays between 15 and 60 days, travelers can obtain a Visa on Arrival at international airports or apply through the E-Visa portal. Passports must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of arrival.

Language & Communication

Malagasy and French are the official languages. Malagasy is spoken by nearly the entire population, while French is the primary language of administration and instruction. English proficiency is low and restricted to high-end tourism staff and business sectors in the capital. There are 18 recognized ethnic dialects, with the Merina dialect serving as the standard for the Malagasy language.

Currency & Payment Systems

The official currency is the Malagasy Ariary (MGA). Cash is the primary medium of exchange across the country. Credit cards (predominantly Visa) are accepted only in major hotels, upscale restaurants, and supermarkets in the capital or Nosy Be, often carrying a 3% surcharge. ATMs are available in major cities but are frequently out of service or have low transaction limits (typically 400,000 to 800,000 MGA).

National Transport Grid

Inter-city travel is dominated by the "taxi-brousse" (bush taxi) network, consisting of shared minibuses that connect all major towns. Madagascar Airlines operates domestic flights between the capital and regional hubs, though schedules are subject to frequent changes. The rail network is extremely limited and poorly maintained; the only notable passenger service is the Fianarantsoa-Côte Est (FCE) line.

Digital Infrastructure

Primary mobile network providers are Telma, Orange, and Airtel. 4G coverage is reliable in Antananarivo and major tourist centers like Nosy Be and Toamasina but becomes non-existent in deep rural areas. Starlink satellite internet was authorized in 2024 to improve connectivity in remote regions.

Climate & Seasonality

The country has two distinct seasons: the hot, rainy season (November to April) and the cooler, dry season (May to October). The central highlands are temperate, while the east coast is tropical and humid. Cyclones frequently impact the eastern and northern coasts between January and March.

Health & Safety

There are no mandatory vaccines unless arriving from a Yellow Fever endemic country. Malaria is prevalent nationwide, requiring prophylaxis. Plague is endemic to the central highlands, with seasonal outbreaks. Tap water is non-potable. The emergency number for Police is 117 and Ambulance is 124 (Antananarivo) or 17/18 generally.

Top 3 Major Regions & Cities

Central Highlands: Hub: Antananarivo.

Northern Archipelago: Hub: Nosy Be.

Southwest Semi-Desert: Hub: Toliara.

Local Cost Index

1L Water: 3,500 MGA ($0.77 USD)

1 Domestic Beer (0.5L): 6,000 MGA ($1.32 USD)

1 SIM Card (10GB Data): 45,000 MGA ($9.90 USD)

Facts & Legends

The Malagasy practice a ritual known as "Famadihana" (the turning of the bones), where families exhume the remains of ancestors every five to seven years to re-wrap them in fresh silk shrouds and dance with the bodies. This reflects the belief that the dead do not transition to the next world until their bodies have completely decomposed. Geologically, Madagascar has been isolated for 88 million years, resulting in 90% of its wildlife being found nowhere else on Earth.