INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS RETURN TO MADAGASCAR

The Island of Madagascar in the Indian Ocean is again allowing international flights, with the possibility to fly directly from Europe since November 6. At the same time, international travellers can visit Madagascar with minimal requirements.

Reopening Madagascar first started with regional flights. Since October 23, the government of the island lifted its ban on international flights by allowing the revival of air connections from the neighbouring islands of Mauritius and La Reunion. Mauritius is now linked by Air Mauritius flights while Saint Denis de la Réunion is connected to Madagascar by Air Austral. Since November 6, Madagascar is again connected to Europe. Both Air France and Air Madagascar are flying from Paris to Antananarivo. These are currently the only scheduled international flights allowed into the island.

Charter flights are however possible from Milan and Rome to the resort island of Nosy Be, north of Madagascar. Cruise ships are also allowed.

Flight activity thus remains limited. Airlines flying into Madagascar will be limited to a rate of one frequency every 5 hours as recommended by the ICAO.

Private jet flights to Madagascar are authorised, however, they need to get the green lights from the office of the President of the Republic or from the office of Madagascar Prime Minister.

Madagascar classifies countries in two distinctive colours: green or red. Travellers from “green” countries are the only ones allowed to enter on the island. Countries classified as “red” are those with community transmission of more than 300 new cases per 100,000 inhabitants per week. Travellers from these places are banned from Madagascar for the time being.

A one to two day compulsory quarantine

The health measures for international travellers arriving in Madagascar are as follows:

• A PCR test is to be done 72 hours before departure.
• A mandatory PCR test (25 euros) which is to be included in the air fare- is to be done on arrival.
• Quarantine is compulsory for one to two days pending test results (PCR or antigenic). A letter certifying a commitment to lockdown until the test result is requested.
• Presentation of a booking confirmation for 2 nights and payment of a hotel room for at least 1 night for the quarantine. A total of 31 hotels have been certified by local authorities to welcome international travellers following their flight.
• The airport-hotel transfer is provided by an approved shuttle, at the traveller’s expense
• If the test is negative, the traveller is free to move around. In the event of a positive result, v visitors must serve a 14-day quarantine on their own. ravellers must complete a travel tracking form after the one or two-day quarantine.

Visas remain compulsory and are payable either before departure at Madagascar embassies or on arrival at Antananarivo Airport. Visas have a validity of 30 or 60 days.

To facilitate travel for tourists, tourism authorities on the island launched the “Real Madagascar App“. The tool allows tourists to prepare their trips. The app is available on iOS and Android and works without an internet connection. It shows hotels, restaurants, activities and practical information such as ATMs, banks, bureaus de change, mobile shops or the nearest police station (location and telephone number).

Users can find all these sites using the geo location function. It also offers a booking engine offering hundreds of accommodation options as well as a list of restaurants and of key events.