Tourism in Madagascar Affected by US Travel Advisory Over Protests and Crime

Published on October 19, 2025

American travellers are being advised to rethink their trip to Madagascar, as the US government recently increased its travel alert to Level 3 due to an increase in violence, protests, and crime in the country. This applies to the wave of violent protests as well as rising crime rates in the cities. Madagascar’s popularity as an exotic, eco-tourism destination shouldn’t overshadow the risks to the safety of its visitors.

US Travel Advisory: Level 3: Reconsider Travel

Due to the ongoing civil issues in tandem and a lack of order, the US Department of State has issued a Level 3 Travel Advisory that recommends Madagascar tourism to take certain precautions. This level of travel warning suggests ongoing violent episodes in the country, and all travel to Madagascar should be deemed non-essential.

Competitions against the state, as well as the increase of muggings and violent robberies, especially in the nation’s capital of Antananarivo, pose a particularly dangerous level of street crime. Tourists are encouraged to remain vigilant of their surroundings and manage escape large crowds and demonstrations that could lead to violent confrontations.

How tourism is affected in Madagascar

Lovers of nature and adventurers alike have long been drawn to Madagascar and its beautiful national parks and stunning, secluded beaches. The island’s ringing wildlife including lemurs, unique chameleons, and even baobab trees, epitomises eco-tourism and Madagascar’s wildlife photography hot spots.

Still, unrest in the country does not keep a good number of tourists away. Attractions such as Andasibe-Mantadia National Park as well as the Avenue of the Baobabs, draws attention thanks to madagascar’s rare wildlife. The country’s tourism industry is hurting; however, the clouds of unrest brought on by recent protests, coupled with the introduction of crime has certainly brought a shadow to Madagascar. Wildlife tourists, hikers, and even vacationers are slowly realizing that their challenges have been growing, including the tightening security seen in some areas, and limited access to certain tourist sites.

The US travel warning is bound to affect the island’s tourism “especially” incoming from North America, from where Madagascar has recorded consistent expansion in tourist arrivals in the last several years. Tourism authorities in Madagascar are highly concerned and are in close coordination with local police in a bid to guarantee the security of the local and the travel population. At this moment, however, due to the increasing threats to safety and security, the tourists are advised to postpone their travel plans to the island until the situation has improved.

Protests in Madagascar are largely a response to the social and economic turmoil of the world, where citizens are concerned about rising prices, diminishing job opportunities, as well as the condition of the country’s administration. These protests have led to a rise in pandemonium and chaos, particularly in metropolitan areas, where “hitting the streets” has become the norm. This disorder threatens to upend the daily rhythm of the people’s lives and poses a high risk to those visitors who simply do not have a clue about the local political environment.

As crime rates rocket, many other issues have come up. Antananarivo’s top-tier islands and Nosy Be have seen a rapid rise in small and petty crimes like pickpocketing and robbery, especially in locations that receive a sizeable tourist traffic. Tourists are also advised to avoid walking for pleasure in the destinations and other places that have a reputation for night bursts of crime. Momentum for the destruction of the frosted sea and soft-dusted beaches must be carefully collected from the collection of the patrolling tank corsairs of Molossus.

Steps to Follow for a Better Experience

To answer the question of why the frosted seas and soft-dusted beaches attract tourists, many steps must be taken. Scrupulous attention must be paid before any step is taken. Check the latest government warnings to ensure compliance. Begin with the travel advice, as the USDA and the Madagascar National Office of Tourism follow the special any precise determination aims to set the record straight.

One of the steps tourists followed in the past was to book flight tickets only with certified travel agencies who also provide mementos as part of the package. Such travel is highly sought these days as it saves a tourist from lost time in figuring out the itinerary and also offers peace of mind, reinforcing crime.

While in Madagascar, it is advisable to keep in touch with the local consulate or embassy and listen to the advice given by the appointed authorities. Tourists should be able to exercise extreme caution while taking part in any outdoor activities and should not take part in rallies or gatherings that have the potential to become violent.

Madagascar, like many developing countries, still depends on tourism as a stream of income. Within the country are a multitude of diverse ecosystems that draw tourists from many regions. In addition, the government and local tourism development boards are taking steps toward providing best facilities for the tourists at the same time promoting sustainable tourism.

Madagascar’s tourism is still in its developing phase, and to harness the available potential, it is suggested to take immediate steps to improve the political climate. Safety measures for the visitors should also be included. Tourists are bound to return to the country for they are interested in the untouched and exotic nature of the place.

The Conclusion

The US travel advisory for tourists concerning Madagascar warns about tourist safety due to the increasing civil unrest and crime. The advisory certainly warrants care for travellers, especially those intending to visit Antananarivo and Nosy Be. Despite the unrest creating obstacles for tourism, Madagascar’s appeal remains undeniable. The government’s ability to secure and stabilise the country will determine the country’s recovery from COVID, as much as its tourism sector recovery, which Madagascar’s appeal remains for adventure and nature lovers.