Madagaskar

Översikt

Madagascar has an inherently volatile political and security environment, which can prove a risk to foreign personnel and business operations. Coups d’état in 2002 and 2009 highlight the pivotal role of the military in Malagasy politics and enduring political turmoil has polarised society, nurturing long-standing grievances and resulting in international sanctions which have further damaged an already unequal and underperforming economy. However, the newly elected President Rajaonarimampianina has a mandate to return political stability to the island nation and his inclusive policies are beginning to unlock aid and development assistance, placing the economy on a tentatively upwards trajectory.

Hälsa, sjukdomar och vaccination

You are advised to consult a travel health specialist or general practitioner to obtain the latest information on recommended vaccines 4-6 weeks before departure to Madagascar.

You should ensure that your routine vaccines for polio, measles/mumps/rubella (MMR), and diphtheria/pertussis/tetanus (DPT) are up-to-date. In addition, you are advised to obtain vaccinations against Hepatitis A and typhoid.

If you will be in Madagascar for over six months, or otherwise have regular contact with the local population, you should also be vaccinated against Hepatitis B. Only those spending much time outdoors, in rural areas, or in an at-risk group (e.g. children), need to consider getting vaccinated against rabies.

Chloroquine resistant malaria is also a risk all over Madagascar, although especially around coastal regions. Ensure that you bring adequate supplies of an appropriate anti-malarial medicine as local medicines may not meet European drug standards. Prophylaxis with Lariam, Malarone, or doxycycline is recommended.

Around 500 cases of bubonic plague are reported every year in Madagascar, mainly in the provinces of Antananarivo, Fianarantsoa, Mahajanga, and Toamasina. Outbreaks of plague tend to be seasonal and occur mainly during the rainy season. It is fairly easy to treat, although travellers who are concerned should bring a bottle of doxycycline, to be taken prophylactically if exposure occurs.

You should drink or use only boiled or bottled water and avoid ice in drinks.

Comprehensive medical insurance, including provisions for repatriation, is recommended for Madagascar. Both public and private hospitals exist in Madagascar, but generally they are only capable of performing routine procedures. The best hospitals are in Antananarivo, but their standards are variable.

Pass

Your passport must be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date of entry into Madagascar. You should have at least 2 blank pages in your passport on arrival.

Visum

Tourists staying in Madagascar for fewer than 30 days will be able to receive a free visa at the airport upon arrival. Travellers staying for longer or who require a transformable visa are not eligible for this service, since visas obtained at the airport cannot be extended. Other types of visas must be applied for at your nearest Embassy of Madagascar.

Be sure to get the correct visa for the purpose of your travel (business, tourist etc.) and not to overstay your limit. Deviations from visa designations have resulted in detention and deportation.

For additional information visit TLCS at http://www.tlcsvisas.com/tlcs/