Authorized Departure of US Government Personnel

March 11, 2009 | Antananarivo, Madagascar

Due to the unstable political situation in Madagascar, the U.S. Embassy has authorized departure of non-emergency personnel and family members of Embassy employees.  Additionally the Peace Corps has decided to send all Madagascar-based Peace Corps volunteers to South Africa and temporarily suspend their Madagascar program.  At this time, the embassy is encouraging non-emergency staff and family members to depart while commercial air is still readily available.  We encourage all Americans in Madagascar to monitor the situation closely and consider departing the country while commercial air is still operating normally.

We remind American citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence.  American citizens are therefore urged to avoid areas of demonstrations.  American citizens should monitor media coverage of local events for indications of anti-American sentiments and demonstrations focusing on foreign embassies.

If you decide to leave Madagascar, we ask that you contact the Embassy via e-mail at antanwarden@state.gov to alert us of your departure.  By doing so, we can update our records accordingly. 

The Consular Section will have limited hours tomorrow March 12, 2009 starting at 7:00 am.  If you are in need of a U.S. passport, Consular Report of Birth Abroad, notarial services, etc. please come to the Embassy's consular section in the morning.  We will still require all forms and fees associated with the service you request.  We are able to print emergency passports that can be ready on the same day you apply.  This emergency passport is valid only for one year but is good for travel anywhere in the world.  Please contact the consular section for more information.  All relevant forms and information is on our website at www.antananarivo.usembassy.gov/service.html. 

Although the Consular Section is always available to provide assistance to American citizens, we also remind you that we have wardens located throughout the country who also serve as sources of information and are available to provide assistance. 
 
Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the U.S. Embassy's website and the U.S. Department of State's, Bureau of Consular Affairs' website, where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Country Specific Information can be found.  The U.S. Embassy also encourages U.S. citizens to review to "A Safe Trip Abroad," which includes valuable security information for those both living and traveling abroad.  In addition to information on the Internet, travelers may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S. and Canada, or outside the U.S. and Canada on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.

The U.S. 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 available 24 hours in case of emergency; fax [261] (20) 22-345-39.  The Embassy's web site is located at http://www.antananarivo.usembassy.gov/.