Travel Warning for Madagascar

March 9, 2009

The State Department has issued a new Travel Warning for Madagascar (Click here for pdf version 119 kb) This supersedes the Travel Alert that was issued January 27, 2009.

Reminder, there will be a Town Hall meeting on Wednesday March 11, 2009 at 5pm at Villa Liberty in Ivandry.  This meeting is open to all US Citizens.  Please bring your US passport for identification purposes. For recorded travel information, call 202-647-5225. Internet Address:  http://travel.state.gov

Travel Warning
United States Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs Washington, DC  20520

Madagascar

The State Department warns U. S. citizens of the risks of traveling to Madagascar, and recommends deferring all but essential travel to Madagascar because of escalating civil unrest stemming from a political rift between supporters of the former mayor of the capital city of Antananarivo and the government of Madagascar.  This replaces the Madagascar Travel Alert of January 28, to note that the Department of State has authorized the departure of non-emergency personnel and family members at the U.S. Embassy in Antananarivo, recommend against non-essential travel to Madagascar, and update security concerns.

Since January 2009, Madagascar has been experiencing escalating political demonstrations including violent clashes between government forces and supporters of the former mayor of Antananarivo.  Looting, and the burning of residences and businesses have occurred.  While American citizens have not been targeted to date, the Department of State has authorized the departure of non-emergency personnel and family members at the U.S. Embassy in Antananarivo due to the ongoing unrest and security concerns.  The Department of State advises U.S. citizens against non-essential travel to Madagascar at this time.  American citizens already in Madagascar should carefully consider the dangers of remaining.  Those who do choose to remain despite this warning should continue to maintain a high level of vigilance and a low profile.

The Department of State urges American citizens to take responsibility for their own personal security while traveling overseas, to review emergency procedures and contingency plans, and to remain aware of their surroundings at all times.  American citizens in Madagascar should ensure they have enough water, food, and supplies in stock in the event of an emergency.  The dynamic political situation may require the U.S. Embassy in Madagascar to close for safety and security reasons without much advance notice.  The Embassy will nevertheless endeavor to notify American citizens of any such closures via warden message, posted at http://www.antananarivo.usembassy.gov/warden-messages.html.

American citizens in Madagascar are urged to register with the Department of State or the U.S. Embassy in Antananarivo, Madagascar, through the State Department's travel registration website, https://travelregistration.state.gov.   By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy in Antananarivo to contact them in case of emergency.  Please be sure to include your e-mail address and cellular phone number.

The Embassy is located at 14-16 Rue Rainitovo, Antsahavola, Antananarivo.  The mailing address is B.P. 620, Antsahavola, Antananarivo, Madagascar; telephone [261] (20) 22-212-57 during regular business hours and for after-hours emergencies; fax [261] (20) 22-345-39.  The Consular Section e-mail address is antanwarden@state.gov.  The Embassy's web site is located at http://www.antananarivo.usembassy.gov .

Updated information on travel and security in Madagascar may be obtaine from the Department of State by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada, or for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.  For further information, please consult the Country Specific Information for Madagascar and the Worldwide Caution available on the Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet website at http://travel.state.gov .