Sitting in the Indian Ocean approximately 400 kilometers or 250 miles off the coast of southeastern Africa, the island nation of Madagascar has in the last year seen a strong explosion in tourist interest, despite its relative remoteness from many parts of the word.

In 2024, the country welcomed 254,137 international tourists by plane and 54,138 by cruise ship in an increase of more than 15% from the year before. 

Along with the viral namesake 2005 animated DreamWorks film about escaped animals, Madagascar is known for its pristine beaches and nature — in particular multiple species of baobab trees — that cannot be found anywhere else.

But throughout September, Madagascar has also faced growing anti-government demonstrations that in some cases turned violent as local security forces struggled to contain unrest that began over water and electricity shortages across the country. 

On Sept. 28, police used tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse the thousands of mostly young protesters gathered in the largest demonstration to date, while the capital of Antananarivo is currently under a dusk-to-dawn curfew.

“U.S. citizens are strongly encouraged to shelter in place”: Madagascar travel advisory

In an updated travel advisory for the country, the U.S. State Department warned that although the central airport “remains open and busy […] as many flights are operational and checking in passengers,” tourists can get caught up in a situation that escalates quickly. 

The advisory says Americans in the country should shelter in place until the state of the demonstrations has reached a calmer point.

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“Security forces have announced a move to a ‘restoration of public order’ phase and will no longer consider looters as protesters but as public enemies and will use weapons against them,” the September 27 update reads. 

“U.S. citizens are strongly encouraged to shelter in place, especially at night, and only leave their location if necessary to do so. Please follow local media for additional information on curfews or public ordinances.”

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The regular advisory level for Madagascar is at level three’s “reconsider travel” due to high crime and the regular occurrence of protests. 

Other countries that have the same ranking include Colombia, Bangladesh, Guatemala, Uganda, and Trinidad and Tobago. The four-tier system assigns level one to countries that are just as safe, or safer than, the U.S. and level four to war zones and authoritarian governments.

Protesters face security forces during a demonstration against repeated water and electricity outages in Antananarivo, Madagascar.

Image source: Rijasolo/Getty Images

“Protests occur throughout the country and they can turn violent without warning”: travel advisory

“Protests occur throughout the country, and they can turn violent without warning,” the regular advisory reads. “Protesters have also engaged in rioting, looting, vandalism and destruction of property. Police responses to protests and large gatherings can quickly become violent.”

Anyone who is in Madagascar during a period of protests is advised to avoid areas where they are taking place if possible and shelter inside if it is not. Travelers are also encouraged to follow local media to stay informed of where demonstrations are taking place at a given moment and obey the instructions of local law enforcement.

“Sporadic protests may develop quickly, especially after dark, and the Security forces may use force to enforce order. Exercise extreme caution if you must depart your shelter.”

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