HEALTH ALERT AND INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL
Due to the measles epidemic, there are new regulations requiring evidence of immunizations or immunity.
In order to be prepared and to have the required immunization and documents before the travel, we invite all participants to check the following link: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/diseases/measles.
VISA APPLICATION AND ENTRY INTO MADAGASCAR
We invite participants to check VISA application procedures by contacting embassies in their country - the list of embassies is available on http://www.mae-gov.mg/index.php?fr/static3/representations-exterieures
Visas can be obtained at the Ivato International airport upon arriving in Antananarivo and the prices are as follows (subject to slight increases and can also be paid in the equivalent in USD):
Regarding VISA fees:
- 0 to 30 days: 31€
- 31 to 60 days: 39€
- 60 to 90 days: 54€
Certificate of Yellow Fever vaccinations is required for individuals travelling from countries listed as those with Yellow Fever problems or those that have visited such countries in the past six months.
AIRLINES
Airlines that operate flights to Antananarivo include :
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ETHIOPIAN AIRLINES
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https://www.ethiopianairlines.com/AA/EN/event/?Key=Madagascar-ATBC-2019 Please see https://www.atbc2019.org/travel-information for discount rates on this airline for people attending ATBC 2019 - Tel: +261 20 22 307 34 |
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AIR MADAGASCAR |
www.airmadagascar.com - Tel : +261 20 22 510 00 |
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AIR FRANCE |
https://www.airfrance.mg - Tel : +261 20 23 230 23 |
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KENYA AIRWAYS |
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TURKISH AIRLINES |
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AIR AUSTRAL |
https://www.air-austral.com - Tel : +261 20 22 303 31 |
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AIR MAURITIUS |
http://www.airmauritius.com - Tel: (261) 32 05 620 36 |
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AIR SEYCHELLES |
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EWA AIR |
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Language
The official languages are Malagasy and French. Some people working in the tourist industry and government officials will have a reasonable command of English.
Population in Madagascar
Approximately 26 million inhabitants.
Weather
The climate is tropical along the coast, temperate inland, and arid in the south and west. Madagascar has two seasons: a hot, rainy season from November to April, and a cooler, dry season from May to October. The east coast with a sub-equatorial climate and, being most directly exposed to the trade winds, has the heaviest rainfall, averaging as much as 3500 mm annually.
During the ATBC in Antananarivo, day temperatures will range from highs of about 20-22°C and lows to about 10°C, with some chance of rain, particularly in the morning.
Madagascar has two seasons: a hot, rainy season from November to April, and a cooler, dry season from May to October. The east coast has a sub-equatorial climate and, being most directly exposed to the trade winds, has the heaviest rainfall, averaging as much as 3,500 mm annually.
Before your trip, we recommend you to visit http://www.weather.com/ for the latest weather report.
Time Zone
Madagascar observes the Eastern Africa Time, which is a 3:00 hour ahead of Coordinated Universal Time
EAT - UTC/GMT +3
Currency
The official currency of Madagascar is called “Ariary”, it has the ISO standard code of MGA and is identified by the symbol “Ar.”
You can exchange money upon your arrival at the airport, which has several official offices for these services. At different places in town, including the airport, people will ask if you want to exchange money. This is associated with the illegal “black market” and it is strongly suggested that you exchange money at official offices.
Different banks, with ATMs, are operating in Antananarivo, including Ivato airport, and other main cities: BMOI, BNI Madagascar, BFV-SG, BOA, and MCB. At most major hotels or in the near vicinity, one can find ATMs
VISA and MASTER cards (distinctly less so than VISA) are accepted in top hotels, travel agencies and major craft shops in the capital and other major towns. USD and Euro are accepted for most high-end transactions.
Electricity and Voltage
Plugs: C, D (see images); voltage: 220 volts. For electric devices purchased in the United States and other countries with 110-120 volt electricity, a converter and plug adapter are needed if the appliance does not have dual voltage. Volt electricity with 220-240 (such as Australia, Europe, and the UK) only a plug adapter will be required.
Telephone
The international telephone code for Madagascar is +261.
Internet
Some hotels have free Wi-Fi.
Public transportation
For moving around Tana, it is possible to take city buses or taxis.
Official taxis are beige and have a sign on the car roof. Taxis do not have meters, you should agree on the price before getting in. Fares start at 5,000 Ar depending where you are going. Night fares are more expensive. At the airport there are also official white taxis (taxi agréé) that can be used for transport to hotels in town (about 25 km from the airport to the center of town), and prices are fixed. Recently the price was 60,000 Ar for a one-way trip into town.
