Newsgroup: it.hobby.viaggi
Titolo: Madagascar avviso di sicurezza

Last Updated: 22 March 2002
Still Current at: 23 March 2002
We advise against all holiday and other non-essential travel to
Madagascar for the time being. Air Madagascar is not offering flights
to Europe and Asia at the moment. Air France is providing one flight
per week. Flights to and from South Africa are severely disrupted.
Flights around the country are also subject to disruption. There is no
aviation fuel for commercial use at Ivato, the main airport in the
capital.
Medical supplies are becoming increasingly scarce in Antananarivo and
around the country. The shortage of medical supplies together with
lack of fuel is limiting the medical evacuation services available.
The demonstrations and strike, which followed the presidential
elections on 16 December 2001, have stopped. However, there are still
outbreaks of violence around the country. Martial law was declared in
Antananarivo on 28 February, and a curfew was imposed from 2100-0500.
Curfews have also been imposed in other cities around the country.
Banking services have resumed a semblance of normality, except that
foreign currency is not available. Only one bank, BFV-SG, has imposed
a currency exchange limit of the equivalent of FMG 1,000,000 (about
£100) per transaction. Only BTM and BMOI are not accepting travellers’
cheques, all other banks are. Western Union is operating normally,
although anyone using this service should check opening hours.
Barricades are still in place at points around the capital and those
situated on the main roads linking Antananarivo to the provinces have
been strengthened. This has made road travel around the country
dangerous and difficult.
Those intending to visit Madagascar in the near future should check
with travel agents and airlines for information about flights before
beginning their journey. Once in Madagascar, visitors are strongly
advised to avoid places where demonstrations and outbreaks of violence
are taking place. 
 
SAFETY AND SECURITY
There have been cases of armed robbery in some National Parks. All
independent travellers intending to visit National Parks should seek
advice from a tour operator, or from the park administration.
There has been an increase in the number of travellers being
pick-pocketed at the airport. Visitors should exercise caution on
arrival and departure and should not leave bags unattended. Keep money
and passports separate.
There is a danger of mugging in urban areas. Do not carry excessive
money or wear prominent jewellery. Take sensible precautions in
crowded areas such as markets. It is wise to avoid walking at night in
city centres. Visitors are advised to carry a copy of their passport
and to keep the original safe (eg a hotel deposit box).
Avoid travelling outside urban areas at night, if at all possible.
Visitors are advised not to wear military style clothing. It is
disapproved of locally and could lead to detention.
ROAD SAFETY
Road conditions vary widely, but only a few of the main roads are in
good condition. In the rainy season many roads are impassable,
landslides regularly block roads, bridges are regularly washed away,
and river ferries operate only spasmodically. 
The road between Antananarivo and Toamasina on the east coast is
particularly dangerous.
HEALTH
Visitors should seek advice about vaccinations before travelling. 
Since early 1999 a cholera outbreak has affected most parts of
Madagascar. The rainy season (December to April) tends to bring a
resurgence of the disease. Visitors are strongly advised to obtain
relevant medical advice before travelling, and to observe the
strictest food and hygiene precautions throughout the island. In
particular they should be wary of food bought from street vendors.
Malaria (including a virulent strain of cerebral malaria) is prevalent
in the coastal areas. Visitors should seek advice about suitable
prophylaxis. There is a risk of rabies from stray dogs.
The Embassy is only able to offer general medical advice. Visitors
should consult their doctors for specific advice before travelling.
Travel insurance should include a provision for medical evacuation
(this is usually to La Reunion or to South Africa).
GENERAL
Credit cards are accepted at only a few outlets in Antananarivo, and,
apart from at a few luxury hotels, are rarely accepted elsewhere. A
charge of up to 7% of the transaction value is levied. However, ATMs
are increasingly available around the capital and in some of the
larger towns. A charge of about 1.5% is made for using this facility.
Malagasy currency (the Malagasy Franc) may not be exported. Some banks
will not exchange local currency back into foreign currency, so
visitors should ensure that they are not left with large amounts of
Malagasy francs at the end of their stay.
Comprehensive travel insurance is essential. Please check policy
exclusions carefully.
Certain areas covered by fady (taboos) are forbidden to foreigners,
but these tend to be in remote parts of the country. Travellers to
remote areas should seek advice on this matter.
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 We advise against all holiday and other non-essential travel to
Ti ringrazio per le notizie.
Mi puoi dire da quale sito le hai estratte?
Ciao
Mauro Morelli


Il sito č:
http://www.fco.gov.uk/personalhome.asp
?
ti registri e loro mandano costantemente aggiornamenti sulle nazioni
da te indicate.
vincio :)
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