Safety in Madagascar: what overland travellers should know
Our summary of the country advice published by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Viaggiare Sicuri) on 20 July 2026.
Safety
- Robbery on main roads — Serious robberies and assaults on European residents and tourists are increasingly reported, and the ministry asks for maximum caution at night and along the main arteries, the RN7, RN27, RN10 and RN1B among them, partly because of the terrible state they are in. Crime is rising generally, above all in the capital and in the tourist areas of Nosy Be and Diego Suarez.
- Protests close roads — Main roads can be closed at short notice in response to demonstrations, particularly where security forces and the community clash. Protests sometimes turn violent, so always avoid gatherings, and do not stop at or join crowds that form around a road accident or a protest.
- Take a local guide — The ministry advises using organised travel packages with local guides. If you want to visit rural areas, it is better to have a guide who speaks the local language.
- Stay near the centres — Do not stray far from the main urban centres and tourist areas, and avoid isolated places. Do not move at night outside the towns, and do not walk around cities on foot after dark; in the evening the ministry suggests official taxis. Keep valuables such as jewellery and cameras out of sight, and carry a photocopy of your passport with the original left somewhere secure.
- Cyclone season — Cyclones and tropical storms normally run from December to April, and travellers are advised to keep away from the areas most exposed to them. During the rains many roads and bridges can become impassable.
- Dangerous plants and animals — Some dangerous plant and animal species are present. Follow any warnings given by local authorities, operators and the places you stay.
Before you rely on this
This is our summary of advice written by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Italian travellers, published on 20 July 2026. We summarise in good faith, but we cannot guarantee it is accurate, current or complete, and we take no responsibility for decisions made on the basis of it. Rules change without notice and are applied by officials at the border, not by websites. Always read the original source and the travel advice your own government publishes for Madagascar before you travel. GuideMeet has no way of checking whether an individual guide meets any standard mentioned here — ask them directly.
Source: Viaggiare Sicuri — Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, updated 20 July 2026. Last checked by GuideMeet on 2026-09-20.