U.S. State Department Issues Madagascar Travel Alert

Published on: January 29, 2009

The U.S. State Department issued a Travel Alert about safety and security concerns in Madagascar due to demonstrations stemming from a political rift between supporters of the mayor of the capital city of Antananarivo and the government of Madagascar. The Travel Alert urges American citizens to consider carefully the risks of travel to Madagascar at this time, and expires on May 1. For the past three weeks, Madagascar has been experiencing escalating political demonstrations including violent clashes between government forces and supporters of the Antananarivo mayor, looting, and burning of residences and businesses. To date, American citizens have not been targeted. American citizens are, however, urged to carefully consider travel to Madagascar at this time. The political demonstrations have intensified and remain volatile.

U.S. citizens already in Madagascar are urged to maintain a high level of vigilance and a low profile. The Department of State urges American citizens to take responsibility for their own personal security while traveling overseas, to review emergency procedures and contingency plans, and to remain aware of their surroundings at all times. American citizens in Madagascar should ensure they have enough water, food, and supplies in stock in the event of an emergency. The dynamic political situation may require the U.S. Embassy in Madagascar to close for safety and security reasons without much advance notice. The Embassy will nevertheless endeavor to notify American citizens of any such closures via warden message, posted at www.antananarivo.usembassy.gov/warden-messages.html. For more information, visit www.travel.state.gov.