Emergency Help Abroad – Madagascar

Crime & Legal Awareness

A concise overview of the key laws, legal expectations and enforcement practices travellers should understand before visiting Madagascar — including behaviours that may be acceptable in the UK but carry stricter penalties or different interpretations abroad.

1. STRICT DRUG, WEAPON & ALCOHOL LAWS

• Possession or trafficking of illegal drugs is treated severely, with long prison sentences and no leniency for tourists.

• Carrying weapons, knives, or military-style equipment without authorisation is prohibited.

• Drink-driving is illegal and heavily punished; roadside checks are common in major cities.

• Public intoxication or disruptive behaviour related to alcohol may result in arrest or fines.

• Attempting to purchase drugs or engage with dealers carries serious risk — undercover police operations occur in tourist areas.

2. RESPECT FOR CULTURE, PUBLIC MORALS & ENVIRONMENT

• Disrespecting local customs, traditions or sacred sites (“fady”) can lead to serious offence — in some areas breaches may have legal consequences.

• Modest dress is expected in rural areas and villages; inappropriate attire may be considered disrespectful.

• Damage to cultural artefacts, crafts or community structures is prohibited.

• Littering in national parks, protected areas or beaches is taken seriously and can result in fines.

• Public indecency or offensive behaviour may result in arrest or community intervention.

3. PUBLIC BEHAVIOUR & CIVIL ORDER

• Police may ask for identification — carry your passport or a photocopy with your entry stamp.

• Demonstrations and political gatherings can become unpredictable; participating or photographing them may draw police attention.

• Street crime, including pickpocketing and bag-snatching, occurs in urban centres and crowded markets.

• Aggressive bargaining, disputes or confrontational behaviour can escalate quickly.

• Failure to comply with police instructions, even for small matters, may result in detention.

4. TRAVEL, TRANSPORT & ADMINISTRATIVE OFFENCES

• Driving without the correct licence or rental paperwork is illegal; fines or vehicle confiscation may follow.

• Road accidents must be reported to police — leaving the scene can result in serious penalties.

• Using unlicensed taxis or informal transport (bush taxis) can lead to scams or security risks.

• Travel after dark on major roads is discouraged and may be restricted in some regions due to banditry risks.

• Overstaying visas or failing to follow entry/exit rules can lead to fines or immigration issues.

5. PHOTOGRAPHY, DRONE & SECURITY RESTRICTIONS

• Photographing airports, military sites, police, government buildings or checkpoints is prohibited.

• Drones require strict authorisation; unauthorised drones may be confiscated at customs.

• Photographing local people without permission, especially in rural areas, may cause offence.

• Certain cultural sites, villages and “fady” zones forbid photography — always check local rules.

• Filming security incidents or police operations may lead to questioning.

6. ENVIRONMENTAL & SAFETY LAWS

• Removing wildlife, plants, coral, shells or other natural materials is illegal — Madagascar’s biodiversity is highly protected.

• Feeding wildlife, especially lemurs, is forbidden in most reserves and can cause harm.

• Entering protected forests, reserves or marine areas without a guide or permit can result in fines.

• Open fires on beaches or in natural areas are prohibited due to wildfire risks.

• Ignoring safety advice on hiking routes, cliffs or coastal zones may lead to liability if rescue services are required.

7. RESPECT FOR NATURE, CULTURE & HERITAGE SITES

• Climbing on sacred rocks, baobab structures or cultural monuments is forbidden.

• Removing stones or natural materials from heritage sites can result in penalties.

• Damaging sacred tombs, shrines or local community structures is treated extremely seriously.

• Entering cultural lands or villages without permission may be seen as trespassing.

• Disrespecting conservation rules at UNESCO sites such as Tsingy de Bemaraha may result in fines or removal from the site.

What You Shouldn’t Do - Behaviours Travellers Should Avoid.

These are important behaviours and actions to avoid to stay respectful, safe and aligned with local expectations. Remember that what feels routine or familiar in the UK may be understood quite differently in Madagascar.

• Don’t buy, use or transport illegal drugs — penalties are severe.

• Don’t disrespect sacred sites, “fady” zones or local customs.

• Don’t take photos of police, military or government buildings.

• Don’t walk alone at night in major cities or along beaches.

• Don’t use unlicensed taxis or informal transport after dark.

• Don’t carry valuables openly — theft is common in crowded areas.

• Don’t travel on long-distance roads at night due to banditry risks.

• Don’t trespass in villages, farmlands or protected areas.

• Don’t remove wildlife, plants, shells or natural souvenirs.

• Don’t feed or touch lemurs or other protected animals.

• Don’t ignore safety advice when hiking cliffs, canyons or national parks.

• Don’t accept food or drink from strangers — spiking incidents occur.

• Don’t drink untreated tap water — always use bottled or filtered.

• Don’t attempt to bribe police or officials — this can worsen the situation.

• Don’t swim in unsafe or unpatrolled beaches with strong currents.

• Don’t drive without proper documentation, rental papers or insurance.

• Don’t film protests, political rallies or security operations.

• Don’t rely solely on card payments — cash shortages are common.

• Don’t display expensive jewellery, phones or cameras in public.

• Don’t overstay your visa or miss your entry/exit stamp requirements.