From: 76702.1202@CompuServe.COM (Charlie Smith)
Newsgroups: rec.travel
Subject: *NEW* TRAVEL INFORMATION -- Madagascar
Date: 6 Jan 1993 13:04:18 -0600
Organization: UTexas Mail-to-News Gateway
NNTP-Posting-Host: cs.utexas.edu

STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Madagascar
============================================================
Madagascar - Consular Information Sheet
 December 24, 1992

Embassy Location:  The U.S. Embassy is located in the capital city 
of Antananarivo, at 14 and 16 Rue Rainitovo, Antsahavola.  The 
mailing address is B.P. 620, Antananarivo, Antsahavola, Madagascar.  
The telephone numbers are (261-2) 212-57, 200-89 or 207-18.

Country Description:  Madagascar is a developing island nation off 
the east coast of Africa.  Facilities for tourism are available, but 
vary in quality.

Entry Requirements:  Passports and visas are required.  Evidence of 
yellow fever and cholera immunizations must be submitted.  For 
additional entry information, the traveler can contact the Embassy 
of the Democratic Republic of Madagascar, 2374 Massachusetts Avenue 
N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, telephone (202) 265-5525/6.  There are 
also Madagascar consulates in New York, Philadelphia and Palo Alto, 
with telephone numbers respectively of (212) 986-9491, (215) 
893-3067, and (415) 323-7113.

Areas of Instability:  Madagascar is in a period of political 
transition, following a constitutional referendum and elections in 
the summer and fall of 1992.  Travel conditions in Madagascar, which 
were unsettled during the summer and fall of 1991, have stabilized 
appreciably, with domestic and international air services operating 
normally.  Goods and services, which include banking, are regularly 
available.

Medical Facilities:  Medical facilities are minimal.  Many 
medicines are unavailable.  Doctors and hospitals often expect 
immediate cash payment for health care services.  U.S. medical 
insurance is not always valid outside the United States.  In some 
cases, supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas 
coverage has proved useful.  Information on health matters can be 
obtained from the Centers for Disease Control's international 
travelers hotline, telephone (404) 332-4559.

Information on Crime:  Street crime poses a risk for visitors, 
especially in the city of Antananarivo.  Reported incidents include 
muggings ad purse snatchings.  These crimes generally occur in or 
near public mass transit systems, and against individuals walking at 
night in the Antananarivo city center.  Useful information on 
safeguarding valuables and protecting personal security while 
traveling abroad is provided in the pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad," 
available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government 
Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.

Demonstrations:  During the current period of political transition, 
there has been an increase in political activity, including party 
rallies.  There have been instances of politically inspired violent 
confrontation, particularly in the provincial cities of Tamatave, 
Tulear, and Diego Suarez.  Foreigners who remain near, or photograph 
political gatherings or demonstrations, especially in towns outside 
Antananarivo, may be at risk.

Drug Penalties:  Penalties for possession, use or trafficking in 
illegal drugs are strict and convicted offenders can expect jail 
sentences and fines.  

Tips for Travelers:  The Department of State publication "Tips for 
Travelers to Sub-Saharan Africa" includes general information on 
travel in the region.  It is available from the Superintendent of 
Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C.  20402.

Registration:  U.S. citizens who register at the U.S. Embassy in 
Antananarivo can obtain updated information on travel and security 
within Madagascar.

 No. 92-151


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