SP
Would rather he take your DD to see the film rather than the country at her tender age!. I don't think he fully realises what he could be letting themselves (particularly her) in for...
Current Foreign Office advice re Madagascar is as follows:-
SAFETY AND SECURITY
Terrorism
The threat from terrorism is low. But you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners. Please read "Security and General Tips" and "Risk of Terrorism when Travelling Overseas" for further information and advice.
Crime
Beware of pickpockets at the airport. Do not leave your bags unattended. Safeguard valuables and cash. Deposit them in hotel safes, where practicable. Keep copies of important documents, including passports, separately.
There is a danger of mugging in urban areas and there has been an increase in the number of armed robberies. Do not carry excessive money or wear expensive jewellery when walking in town centres. Take sensible precautions in crowded areas such as markets. Avoid walking in the city centres after dark.
There have been occasional incidences of armed robbery in some National Parks. If you intend to visit a National Park, seek advice from a tour operator or from the park administration in advance.
Local Travel
Avoid travelling outside urban areas at night. There have been reports of occasional hold-ups at night on some of the main highways.
The 2002 political crisis affected the travel and tourism industry badly and many hotels closed. The majority have now reopened, but if you plan to travel outside Antananarivo, you should re-confirm bookings before leaving the capital.
Road Safety
Road conditions vary greatly. In the rainy season (December to April), except for four-wheel drive vehicles, most secondary roads are impassable and bridges are regularly washed away. Operation of river ferries may be irregular. Check with the local authorities before setting off to find out whether your chosen route is passable.
Most of the major roads out of Antananarivo carry heavy freight traffic and have a number of steep gradients and sharp bends. Drive with extreme caution.
Malagasy regulations specify that foreigners driving in Madagascar require an international driving licence.
Air Safety
The EU has published a list of air carriers that are subject to an operating ban or restrictions within the community. You should check the following link to see whether this will affect your travel: europa.eu.int/comm/transport/air/safety/flywell_en.htm.
LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS
Certain parts of the country and many practices are covered by taboos (called fady). Some areas subject to fady may be forbidden to foreigners, but these tend to be in remote corners of the country. If you intend to visit remote areas, you should seek prior advice either locally or from your tour operator.
Drug smugglers are sentenced to hard labour and/or fined. After that, they will be deported and will not be allowed to enter Madagascar for a further five years. Foreign nationals resident in Madagascar will not be allowed to leave the country and their passports will be confiscated for up to five years. They will also be deprived of civil rights.
The import and export of foodstuffs (including fruit), protected plants and animals is illegal.
Homosexuality is not illegal, but you should be discreet.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Visas are required for entry to Madagascar. They may be obtained at the airport on arrival. The fee is the equivalent of Ar 58,000 (14 Euros) and can be paid in hard currency (preferably euros or dollars). The Malagasy Consulate, 16 Lanark Mansions, Pennard Road, London, W12 8DT; (tel: 020 8746 0133) offers a visa service.
Minors already in possession of a visa do not need further parental approval for travel.
Please ensure that your visa is valid for the period and purpose of your journey. Overstaying can lead to detention and eventual deportation.
Malagasy law requires that visitors have a return air ticket. You will be asked for evidence of this at check-in in the UK and on arrival in Madagascar.
If you have previously visited a country where yellow fever is prevalent, you will need to produce a certificate of vaccination against yellow fever on entry. If you cannot produce a certificate, you will be required to visit the Institut Pasteur in Antananarivo to be vaccinated.
HEALTH
Among the diseases endemic in Madagascar are malaria, bilharzia, tuberculosis and bubonic plague. Malaria, including a virulent strain of cerebral malaria, is particularly prevalent on coastal areas. Before travelling, you should consult your doctor about suitable anti-malarial medication, and on arrival in Madagascar ensure that you take adequate precautions against being bitten by mosquitoes.
There have been reported cases of dengue fever and Chikungunya virus in Madagascar. Both diseases are transmitted by mosquitoes. Precautionary measures to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes should be taken at all times as the mosquitoes are also active during daylight hours.
There is also a risk of rabies from stray dogs.
Sexually transmitted diseases including HIV/AIDS are prevalent throughout the country.
Outbreaks of cholera are not infrequent, particularly during the rainy season. You should observe the strictest food and general hygiene precautions. Do not buy food from street vendors. You are strongly advised only to drink water from bottles where seals are still unbroken at the time of purchase.
Although there are a number of public and private hospitals in the capital, only routine operations can be handled. If complex surgery is required, patients will be medically evacuated either to South Africa or La Reunion.
You should check the Department of Health website at www.dh.gov.uk, or contact your own GP for up to date advice on vaccinations and preventative measures to protect your health.
We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. This should include cover for medical evacuation by air ambulance. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake. Please see: Travel Insurance.
NATURAL DISASTERS
Cyclones regularly cause damage, particularly in coastal areas during the period January-March. You should check with local weather monitoring services for the latest advice. The capital Antananarivo is not seriously affected by cyclones.