Reconsider travel to Madagascar due to crime and unrest.
Advisory Summary
Unrest
Protests occur throughout the country, and they can turn violent without warning. Protesters have also engaged in rioting, looting, vandalism and destruction of property. Police responses to protests and large gatherings can quickly become violent.
U.S. citizens should stay in place and avoid areas with protests or demonstrations. Sporadic protests may develop quickly, especially after dark.
- Have a plan to leave in an emergency that does not depend on U.S. government help. Review our information on Crisis and Evacuations.
Crime
Violent crime occurs throughout Madagascar, particularly after dark. This includes armed robbery and assault. It can happen in remote areas, and along major national roads in the country’s south and west.
Violent confrontations are on the rise in Madagascar. The Dahalo, criminal gangs known for stealing cattle, are clashing more with security forces. This is happening mainly in areas south and west of the capital.
- Review our information on Crime Abroad and for Victims of Crime.
If you decide to travel to Madagascar:
- Avoid demonstrations and crowds.
- Have a plan to leave in an emergency that does not depend on U.S. government help. Review our information on Crisis and Evacuations.
- Monitor local media for breaking events and be prepared to adjust your plans.
- Avoid walking alone, especially after dark.
- Do not travel on the roads between cities after dark.
- Keep travel documents up to date and easily accessible.
- Be aware of your surroundings. Thefts of items from vehicles is common and may involve ruses or distraction, particularly when stuck in traffic.
- Stay alert in locations frequented by tourists.
- Do not display signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive jewelry or watches.
- Review the Country Security Report for Madagascar.
- Whether you’re a first time or frequent traveler, use the International Travel Checklist.
- Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for the latest Travel Health Information for Madagascar.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to get important updates and alerts from the U.S. embassy or consulate. Enrolling helps the U.S. embassy or consulate contact you or your emergency contact in an emergency.
We highly recommend that you buy travel insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancelation coverage.
The Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will be submitting the following information collection request to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA). The information collection is published in the Federal Register to obtain comments from the public and affected agencies.
The Office on Trafficking in Persons (OTIP), Administration for Children and Families (ACF), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), is requesting an extension of approval with revisions of an Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approved information collection: Domestic Victims of Human Trafficking (DVHT) Program Data (OMB #0970-0542; expiration date 2/28/2026).
FMCSA amends the Federal regulations for State Driver's Licensing Agencies (SDLAs) issuing commercial driving credentials to foreign-domiciled individuals. Through this interim final rule (IFR), FMCSA restores the integrity of the commercial driver's license (CDL) issuance processes by significantly limiting the authority for SDLAs to issue and renew non-domiciled commercial learner's permits (CLPs) and CDLs to individuals domiciled in a foreign jurisdiction. This change strengthens the security of the CDL issuance process and enhances the safety of commercial motor vehicle (CMV) operations.
We are issuing guidance to explain that uncharacterized discharges that occurred on or after Aug. 1, 2024, do not meet the requirement of a separation “under honorable conditions” for former alien service members to naturalize under Sections 328 and 329 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).
The Board of Immigration Appeals has released two more decisions designated as precedential, adding to the Trump administration's growing tally of opinions that are binding upon the board.