+ 2 h / + 1 h during our summer time

Antananarivo

Malagasy

• 127 / 220 volts
• A travel plug adapter for type C, D, E and K sockets is required
• It may be advisable to use a voltage converter.

Banks

8.00 am - 4.00 pm (Mon - Fri)

Shops

8.00 am - 12.00 pm and 2.00 pm - 6.00 pm (Mon - Sat)

• 1 January - New Year’s Day
• 8 March - International Women’s Day
• 29 March - Martyrs’ Day
• Easter Sunday - (date varies)
• Easter Monday - (date varies)
• 1 May - Labour Day 
• Ascension Day - (40 days after Easter Sunday, date varies)
• Whit Sunday - date varies
• Whit Monday - date varies
• Eid al-Fitr - date varies (end of Ramadan)
• Eid al-Adha - date varies
• 26 June - Independence Day
• 15 August - Assumption of Mary
• 1 November - All Saints’ Day
• 25 December - Christmas Day

The following documents are required for entry into Madagascar:

• A Swiss passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry.

• A visa is required and may be issued on arrival for stays of up to 90 days. Alternatively, the visa can be applied for online in advance.

• A return or onward flight ticket to another country.
• Proof of sufficient financial means for the duration of the stay.

• Minors: Minors travelling alone, with only one parent or with an accompanying person are required to have a travel authorisation.

As of: January 2025

• East coast: The east coast has a humid tropical climate with high levels of rainfall. This region experiences particularly heavy rain during the cyclone season from November to April.
• West coast: In contrast, the climate on the west coast is drier and warmer. Rainfall is significantly lower, resulting in sparser vegetation and a more arid landscape.
• South: Southern Madagascar is known for its extremely dry climate. Temperatures can be very high and rainfall is rare, making it one of the driest regions on the island.
• Central Highlands: The Central Highlands, which include the capital Antananarivo, enjoy a more temperate climate with clearly defined seasons. Summers are warm but not excessively hot, while winters can be cool to cold.
• North: The north benefits from a more moderate climate, lying between the extremes of the east and west coasts. Temperatures are pleasant throughout the year and rainfall is more evenly distributed, resulting in more lush vegetation.

The ideal time to travel to Madagascar:

• Nature and wildlife watching: May to October: These months are the driest period of the year and are ideal for visiting national parks and observing wildlife. Vegetation is less dense, improving visibility, and animals tend to gather around water sources.
• Beach holidays: May to October: These months offer ideal conditions with plenty of sunshine and little rainfall, making them perfect for long days by the sea.
• Hiking and exploration: April to June: Immediately after the rainy season, the landscapes are particularly green and in bloom, making this an ideal time for photography and exploring. Temperatures are pleasant and rainfall is lower. September to November: The climate remains mild and nature is still vibrant, making these months a good time for outdoor activities.
• Whale watching: July to September: These months are the best time to observe humpback whales along the coast.

• Using a mobile phone in Madagascar may incur roaming charges. It is advisable to check your mobile provider’s roaming rates before travelling and, if necessary, purchase a suitable roaming package to reduce costs. 
• In Madagascar’s larger cities and tourist centres, numerous Wi-Fi hotspots are available, particularly in hotels, cafés and restaurants.
• For a reliable Internet connection throughout your stay in Madagascar, we recommend purchasing a local SIM or eSIM. This is particularly useful in more remote regions, where Wi-Fi availability may be limited.

• Avenue of the Baobabs: The famous Avenue of the Baobabs, an impressive collection of giant baobab trees creating a spectacular landscape.

• Tsingy de Bemaraha Strict Nature Reserve: A UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its sharp limestone formations and home to many endemic species.

• Ranomafana National Park: A tropical rainforest park known for its hot springs and wide variety of lemur species.

• Isalo National Park: Known for its eroded sandstone formations, deep canyons, rare plants and hiking trails ranging from easy to challenging.

• Andasibe-Mantadia National Park: Ideal for observing the indri, the largest living lemur, as well as other lemur species and a rich variety of birdlife.

• Nosy Be: A popular island off the north-west coast, known for its beautiful beaches, fragrant ylang-ylang plantations and relaxed atmosphere.

• Ifaty: Located on the south-west coast, it is known for its coral reefs and is an excellent destination for diving and snorkelling.

• Ankarana National Park: Features spectacular tsingy limestone formations, caves filled with bats and sacred lakes.

• Île Sainte-Marie (Nosy Boraha): A peaceful island off the east coast, ideal for relaxing, whale watching and exploring its pirate history.

• Royal Hill of Ambohimanga: A historic UNESCO World Heritage Site offering insights into Madagascar’s culture and history.

Travel inspiration
Get inspired by our blog posts and discover Madagascar’s most fascinating travel destinations:

• Madagascar as a travel destination in July: adventure and culture under the sun

Madagascan cuisine stands out for its unique combination of local ingredients and influences from the many cultures that have arrived on the island over the centuries.

• Rice dishes: Rice is the staple food and is served with almost every meal, often accompanied by slow-cooked meat or fish.
• Fish and seafood: Thanks to Madagascar’s long coastline, fish and seafood are widely available and are often grilled or cooked in coconut milk.
• Zebu meat: Zebu cattle are an important part of Madagascan cuisine, and the meat is served in various ways, including grilled, stewed or as part of casseroles.
• Mofo-Anana: A popular snack made from fried breadfruit, often with a savoury or sweet filling.
• Fresh fruit and vegetables: Madagascar is known for its wide variety of fruits such as lychees, mangoes and papayas, which are often served fresh or as a dessert.
• Romazava: A traditional stew made with leaves, herbs and pieces of meat, valued for its rich flavours and nutritious ingredients.
• Drinks: Local beverages include homemade rum and a variety of fruit juices made from the wide selection of locally grown fruits.

• Greetings: In Madagascar, verbal greetings are customary, often using “Salama” or “Bonjour” in the morning and “Manakory” later in the day, accompanied by a handshake. Older people should always be greeted first.
• Saying please and thank you: Politeness is highly valued in Madagascar. “Azafady” means “please” and “Misaotra” means “thank you”.
• Clothing: Conservative clothing is recommended, particularly in rural areas. Women should wear skirts or trousers that cover at least the knees.
• Dining etiquette: It is customary to wash your hands before and after meals and to eat only with the right hand, as the left hand is considered unclean.
• Smoking: Smoking in public areas should be avoided unless it is expressly permitted.
• Tipping: A tip of around 5-10% is customary in the tourism sector, depending on the quality of service.

• Tap water: Tap water in Madagascar is not safe to drink. Travellers should use bottled water or boil tap water before drinking it.

• Vaccinations: No mandatory vaccinations are required for direct entry from Switzerland. However, it is advisable to check that standard vaccinations are up to date in accordance with the Swiss vaccination schedule before travelling and to receive any necessary boosters. Additional vaccinations against hepatitis A, hepatitis B, polio, dengue fever, typhoid and rabies may be advisable depending on the itinerary and length of stay.

• Mosquito protection: In Madagascar, it is advisable to protect yourself against mosquitoes, which can transmit diseases such as malaria and dengue fever. Use insect repellent, wear light-coloured, long-sleeved clothing and sleep under mosquito nets or in rooms fitted with insect screens.

• Medical care in Madagascar does not meet European standards and may be severely limited, particularly in rural areas, in terms of staffing, technical equipment and hygiene. English-speaking medical professionals are mainly found in the capital, Antananarivo.
• It is strongly recommended to take out comprehensive international health insurance before travelling, including cover for emergency repatriation.
• Travellers should carry a well-stocked travel medical kit containing all necessary medicines as well as treatments for common travel-related illnesses.

• Check the media for the latest developments before and during your trip and remain in contact with your tour operator.
• In Madagascar, the security situation varies by region and can change quickly. However, the domestic political situation is relatively stable. 
• Pickpocketing and armed robberies, including during the daytime, have increased significantly, particularly in the capital Antananarivo. Areas around popular hotels and restaurants, as well as intercity taxi stations, are particularly affected.
• Travellers are advised against visiting Battery Beach, north of Tulear, the banks of the Tsiribihina River and Pic Saint-Louis due to the high crime rate in these areas.
• In the event of a robbery, do not resist.

As of: January 2025

• An international driving permit is mandatory and is only valid when carried together with your national driving licence.

• The minimum age for hiring a car is 21, depending on the rental company.
• Road conditions in the region are poor, and only a few rural roads are paved.
• Travellers are advised not to drive themselves, but to hire a car with an experienced local driver and to travel only in groups.
• Blood alcohol limit: 0.08 ‰.

• Trains: Rail transport in Madagascar is mainly operated by Madarail, which is owned by the Malagasy state. There are two separate railway networks that are not connected to each other. The trains are often older, and journeys can take a long time due to low speeds and the condition of the tracks.
• Buses: Buses are a common transport option for travelling between different cities and regions. They are inexpensive and relatively frequent, but can be crowded and timetables are often irregular. Travellers should be prepared for longer waiting times and unexpected delays.
• Ferries: Ferries are used for travel to nearby islands and coastal regions. Availability and safety standards can vary, so it is advisable to check in advance and use recognised operators only.
• Taxis: Taxis are commonly used in cities. It is advisable to agree on the fare before starting the journey to avoid unexpected charges.

• Ivato International Airport (TNR) – Madagascar’s largest airport, located in Antananarivo, serves as the main hub for international and domestic flights, with direct connections to Paris, Johannesburg and other cities.
• Fascene Airport (NOS) – A smaller airport on Nosy Be, mainly used for domestic flights but also offering some international connections. It is popular with tourists wishing to explore the beaches and island life of Nosy Be.
  
  There are no direct flights from Switzerland to Madagascar. The most common routes involve connections via European hubs such as Paris or Amsterdam, with onward flights operated by airlines such as Air France or KLM.

00 41 (omit the zero from the Swiss area code)

• Police: 117
• Ambulance: 124
• Fire service: 118

Immeuble "ARO" - 2ème étage
Làlana Solombavambahoaka Frantsay 77
Antsahavola
101 Antananarivo

Tel. +261 20 226 29 97 / +261 20 226 29 98
Email: antananarivo@eda.admin.ch

• Photographing military installations and public buildings (airports, bridges, etc.) is prohibited.
• Carrying or wearing military camouflage clothing is prohibited. Violations may result in heavy fines and, in serious cases, imprisonment.
• Drug laws are very strict.
• You must be able to present your passport at all times.