Madagascar - Consular Information Sheet
October 18, 1993

Country Description:  Madagascar is a developing island nation off the east 
coast of Africa.  Facilities for tourism are available, but vary in quality.

Entry Requirements:  Passports and visas are required.  Evidence of yellow 
fever immunizations must be submitted.  For additional entry information, 
the traveler may contact the Embassy of the Democratic Republic of 
Madagascar, 2374 Massachusetts Avenue,  N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, 
telephone (202) 265-5525/6.  There are also Madagascar consulates in New 
York, Philadelphia and Palo Alto, with telephone numbers respectively of 
(212)986-9491, (215) 893-3067, and (415) 323-7113).

Areas of Instability:  Madagascar has just completed a transition to a multi-
party democracy.  Travel conditions in Madagascar, which were unsettled 
during 1991 and 1992, have stabilized appreciably, with domestic and 
international air services operating normally.  Goods and services, which 
include banking, are regularly available.

Medical Facilities:  Medical facilities are minimal.  Many medicines are 
unavailable.  Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for 
health care services.  U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside 
the United States.  In some cases, supplemental medical insurance with 
specific overseas coverage has proved useful.  Information on health matters 
can be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control's international 
travelers hotline, telephone (404) 332-4559.

Information on Crime:  Street crime poses a risk for visitors, especially in 
the city of Antananarivo.  Reported incidents include muggings and purse 
snatchings.  These crimes generally occur in or near public mass transit 
systems, and against individuals walking at night in the Antananarivo city 
center.  The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported 
immediately to local police and to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.  
The pamphlets "A Safe Trip Abroad" and "Tips for Travelers to Sub-Saharan 
Africa" provide useful information on protecting personal security while 
traveling abroad and on travel in the region in general.  Both are available 
from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, 
Washington, D.C. 20402.

Demonstrations:  Foreigners who remain near or photograph political 
gatherings or demonstrations, especially in towns outside Antananarivo, may 
be at risk.

Drug Penalties:  U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in 
which they are traveling.  Penalties for possession, use or trafficking in 
illegal drugs are strict and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences 
and fines.

Registration:  U.S. citizens who register at the U.S. Embassy in 
Antananarivo may obtain updated information on travel and security within 
Madagascar.

Embassy Location:  The U.S. Embassy is located in the capital city of 
Antananarivo, at 14 and 16 Rue Rainitovo, Antsahavola.  The mailing address 
is B.P. 620, Antsahavola, Madagascar.  The telephone number is (261-2) 212-
57, 200-89 or 207-18.

No. 93-280

This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated December 24, 1992 to add 
information on reporting the loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport.