Vaccinations & Health Rules for Madagascar: US Citizens 2026

Quick Answer: Vaccines Required vs. Recommended for US Citizens

Vaccine	Required for Entry?	Recommended?	Why
Yellow Fever	Only if transiting yellow fever countries >12 hours	Not for health risk (no virus in Madagascar)	Entry requirement only; disease absent in-country
Malaria Prophylaxis	Not required; prescription-based	Strongly recommended for all areas except Antananarivo	Present year-round in all regions except capital
Hepatitis A	No	Yes, for most travelers	Food/water-borne; high risk
Typhoid	No	Yes, especially rural/remote areas	Food/water-borne; moderate risk
Routine vaccines (MMR, Tdap, Polio)	No	Yes—ensure current	Measles outbreaks reported; global standard
Rabies	No	Consider if extended rural travel or animal contact	Present in wildlife; post-exposure care delays
Chikungunya	No	Consider if traveling to rural areas	Active outbreaks confirmed since mid-2025

Bottom line: If you're flying directly from the United States to Madagascar with no stops in yellow fever countries, you need no entry vaccines. However, malaria prevention and routine vaccinations are medically essential for nearly all travelers.

Yellow Fever: Entry Requirements for US Travelers

Direct Travel from the United States

You do NOT need a yellow fever vaccine if flying directly from the US to Madagascar. Madagascar has no yellow fever virus transmission—the vaccine requirement is purely an entry rule, not a health recommendation.

Transit Through Yellow Fever Countries

If your itinerary includes a layover or transit through a country with yellow fever transmission risk lasting more than 12 hours, you must carry proof of yellow fever vaccination. This applies even if you don't leave the airport during the transit.

Common scenarios that trigger this requirement for US travelers:

• Layover in Nairobi (Kenya), Addis Ababa (Ethiopia), or Johannesburg (South Africa) >12 hours
• Multi-country safari itinerary including Tanzania, Kenya, or Uganda
• Connecting through São Paulo (Brazil)

If this applies to you, get vaccinated at least 10 days before arrival in Madagascar and carry your International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP—the "yellow card"). The certificate is now valid for life; boosters are no longer required.

Vaccination Waiver

If yellow fever vaccine is medically contraindicated, your doctor can issue a waiver letter. However, border authorities may not honor waivers during entry, so consult a travel clinic before relying on this option.

Recommended Vaccinations: Timeline & Details

Schedule a pre-travel health appointment at least 2 months before departure to allow time for multi-dose vaccines and to discuss your specific itinerary. The CDC and WHO recommend the following for Madagascar:

Hepatitis A (Recommended for Most Travelers)

• Risk level: High for all travelers
• Transmission: Contaminated food and water
• Vaccine schedule: 2-dose series (0 and 6–12 months); first dose provides protection after 2 weeks
• Duration: Lifelong immunity after complete series

Typhoid (Recommended, Especially for Rural Travel)

• Risk level: Moderate for most travelers; higher in rural areas, smaller cities, and remote regions
• Transmission: Contaminated food and water
• Vaccine options: Injected (1 dose, lasts 2 years) or oral (4 doses over 1 week, lasts 5 years)
• Timing: Oral vaccine must be refrigerated; take as prescribed

Routine Vaccines (Ensure You're Current)

Before traveling to Madagascar, confirm you're up to date on:

• MMR (measles, mumps, rubella): Measles outbreaks are reported in Madagascar. Ensure 2 doses or immunity confirmation.
• Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis): Booster recommended if >10 years since last dose
• Polio (IPV): Single adult booster if you haven't had one for travel
• COVID-19: Current vaccines and boosters recommended
• Influenza: Year-round risk in Madagascar; annual vaccine recommended

Hepatitis B (Consider if Extended Stay or High-Risk Activities)

• Risk level: Moderate presence in local population
• Transmission: Blood and body fluids
• Vaccine schedule: 3-dose series over 6 months; discuss with your travel clinic if time is limited

Rabies (Consider for Specific Itineraries)

• Risk level: Present in wildlife; recommended for travelers with high-risk activities
• Who should consider: Cavers, wildlife handlers, veterinarians, or those planning extended rural/outdoor activities
• Vaccine schedule: 3 doses (days 0, 7, 21 or 28); allows more time for post-exposure prophylaxis if bitten
• Note: Post-exposure treatment may be delayed in rural Madagascar, making pre-exposure vaccination valuable

Chikungunya (Emerging Risk)

• Risk level: Active outbreaks confirmed in Mahajanga, Toamasina, and Antsirabe since mid-2025
• Transmission: Mosquito-borne
• Vaccine availability: Discuss with your travel clinic; availability in the US may be limited
• Prevention: Strict mosquito bite avoidance essential (see Malaria Prevention section below)

Malaria: Risk, Prophylaxis & Prevention

Risk Areas in Madagascar

Malaria is present year-round in every region of Madagascar EXCEPT Antananarivo (the capital). If you're traveling outside the capital—to beaches, national parks, or rural areas—you need antimalarial medication.

Antimalarial Medications: Options & Timing

Madagascar malaria parasites are resistant to chloroquine. Consult your travel health provider to select the best option for your medical history and itinerary. The CDC recommends:

Medication	Dosing	Duration	Notes
Atovaquone/proguanil (Malarone)	Daily with food or milk	Start 1–2 days before arrival; continue 7 days after leaving	Fewer neuropsychiatric side effects; may cause mild headache, nausea
Doxycycline	Daily	Start 1–2 days before; continue for 4 weeks after departure	Photosensitivity risk; take with full glass of water; avoid dairy
Mefloquine	Weekly	Start 1–3 weeks before; continue 4 weeks after	Neuropsychiatric side effects possible; not first-line
Tafenoquine	Single dose or weekly	Consult provider for timing	Newer option; discuss with travel clinic

Mosquito Bite Prevention (Critical)

Antimalarial medication alone is not enough. Mosquitoes transmit malaria from dusk to dawn. Use these measures every day and night:

• Insect repellent: DEET (20–30%) on exposed skin; reapply after swimming or sweating
• Clothing: Long sleeves and long pants, especially at dawn and dusk
• Permethrin: Treat clothing, mosquito nets, and sleeping gear with permethrin spray (Permanone)
• Sleeping: Use an intact, insecticide-treated bed net if staying in accommodations without air conditioning or screens
• Accommodation: Choose air-conditioned rooms or rooms with screened windows

Other Health Risks & Prevention

Plague (Seasonal Risk)

Plague is endemic to Madagascar with a seasonal upswing from September through April. There is no vaccine. Prevention relies on avoiding rodent contact and flea bites. If you develop fever, chills, or swollen lymph nodes, seek medical care immediately and mention plague risk to your doctor.

Traveler's Diarrhea

Water and sanitation quality varies across Madagascar. Reduce risk by:

• Drinking bottled or boiled water only
• Eating thoroughly cooked food served hot
• Peeling fruit yourself
• Avoiding raw seafood and street food in unsanitary conditions
• Practicing rigorous hand hygiene with soap or alcohol-based sanitizer

Ask your travel clinic about bringing an antibiotic (e.g., azithromycin) for self-treatment if diarrhea occurs.

Health Documents & Travel Insurance

What to Carry

• International Certificate of Vaccination (ICVP): Required if you received yellow fever vaccine. Bring the original yellow card, not a photocopy.
• Immunization records: Carry a copy of your full vaccination history (especially routine vaccines and hepatitis A/B).
• Prescription documentation: Bring antimalarial prescriptions in original labeled bottles with your name.
• Doctor's letter: If carrying syringes, antibiotics, or other medications, request a letter from your doctor explaining medical necessity.

Travel Health Insurance

Comprehensive travel health insurance is essential. Madagascar's medical facilities outside Antananarivo are limited. Ensure your policy covers:

• Emergency evacuation to South Africa or Mauritius (often necessary for serious illness)
• Medical repatriation to the United States
• Pharmacy and doctor visit costs
• Preventive medications (some insurers reimburse vaccines)

Medications: What to Pack

Prescription Medications

• Bring enough antimalarial for your entire stay plus 1 extra week in original labeled bottles
• Pack in carry-on luggage in case checked baggage is delayed
• Carry a copy of your prescription or doctor's letter

Over-the-Counter Medications

Stock a small medical kit with items unavailable or expensive in Madagascar:

• Anti-diarrhea medication (loperamide/Imodium)
• Antacid and anti-nausea medication
• Pain reliever (ibuprofen, acetaminophen)
• Antihistamine (for allergies and insect bites)
• Antibiotic ointment and blister treatment
• Sunscreen (SPF 30+) and insect repellent
• Prescription eyeglasses or contact lens supplies

Medical Facilities & Emergency Care in Madagascar

In Antananarivo

The capital has private clinics and hospitals with English-speaking staff and reasonable care standards. Facilities are limited compared to the United States but serviceable for routine issues.

Outside Antananarivo

Medical care in rural areas, beach towns, and national parks is severely limited. Pharmacies may stock basic medications but with inconsistent quality. Serious illness or injury may require evacuation to the capital or out of country. This is why pre-travel vaccination and preventive measures are critical.

What to Do in a Medical Emergency

• Contact your hotel or tour operator immediately
• Call your travel insurance emergency line for guidance
• Seek care at a private clinic in Antananarivo if possible
• For life-threatening emergencies, arrange evacuation to South Africa (Johannesburg) or Mauritius

Planning Your Madagascar Trip: Integration with Your Itinerary

Vaccinations and health precautions should be part of your broader pre-trip planning. When preparing for a Madagascar safari trip, schedule your travel health appointment early—ideally 2 months before departure—so you have time for vaccines to take effect and to adjust antimalarial medications if needed.

If you're combining Madagascar with other African countries (e.g., Kenya, Tanzania, or South Africa), your yellow fever and malaria requirements may differ. Discuss your complete itinerary with a travel clinic to avoid vaccine gaps. For comparisons of health requirements across safari destinations, consult official CDC and WHO resources for each country.

Consider health costs when budgeting for your Madagascar safari. Vaccines and antimalarials can cost $300–$800 depending on which vaccines you need and your clinic's fees. Travel health insurance adds another $100–$300 for a 10-day trip. These are essential investments in your safety.

Verification & Next Steps

Last checked July 2026 — always confirm with official sources before travelling.

Before booking your Madagascar safari or beach holiday, take these steps:

1. Schedule a travel health appointment: Visit a travel clinic or your doctor at least 2 months before departure. Bring your complete itinerary (countries, regions, activities, duration of stay).
2. Confirm yellow fever requirements: If your flight includes a layover in a yellow fever country, confirm the transit duration with your airline. If >12 hours, get vaccinated and obtain your ICVP.
3. Get prescriptions for antimalarials: Obtain your antimalarial prescription at least 4 weeks before departure so you can start the medication on schedule.
4. Purchase comprehensive travel health insurance: Ensure it covers emergency evacuation and medical repatriation.
5. Carry documentation: Keep vaccination records, prescriptions, doctor's letters, and insurance details in both your carry-on and checked luggage.
6. Review this article one more time before departure and confirm all requirements with the CDC and your travel clinic.

Madagascar is one of the world's most medically demanding safari destinations, but with proper preparation—vaccines, antimalarials, travel insurance, and preventive habits—you can travel safely and focus on the incredible wildlife and landscapes that make Madagascar unforgettable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do American citizens need a yellow fever vaccine to enter Madagascar?

Only if you're arriving from or transiting through a country with yellow fever transmission risk for more than 12 hours. If you're flying directly from the United States to Madagascar with no stops in yellow fever countries, you do not need the vaccine for entry. However, the vaccine is not recommended for health protection in Madagascar itself, as the virus is not present in the country.

What happens if my flight has a layover in a yellow fever country?

If your layover exceeds 12 hours and the country has yellow fever transmission (e.g., Kenya, Ethiopia, Brazil), you must carry proof of yellow fever vaccination to enter Madagascar. Get vaccinated at least 10 days before arrival and carry your International Certificate of Vaccination (yellow card). Transits of 12 hours or less do not require vaccination.

Is malaria a risk in Madagascar, and do I need to take antimalarial medication?

Yes, malaria is present year-round in all regions of Madagascar except Antananarivo. If you're traveling outside the capital—to beaches, national parks, or rural areas—you must take antimalarial medication prescribed by your doctor. Start the medication 1–2 days before arrival and continue it for 7 days to 4 weeks after departure, depending on the drug. Combine medication with strict mosquito bite prevention.

Which antimalarial is best for Madagascar?

There is no single "best" option—your travel health provider will recommend based on your medical history, trip length, and side effect tolerance. Common choices are atovaquone/proguanil (Malarone), doxycycline, and tafenoquine. Madagascar parasites are chloroquine-resistant, so chloroquine is not an option. Discuss all options with your doctor at least 4 weeks before departure.

What routine vaccines should I have before traveling to Madagascar?

Ensure you're current on MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis), polio (IPV), and COVID-19. Measles outbreaks occur in Madagascar, so confirm you have 2 doses of MMR or immunity. If you haven't had a polio booster for travel, get one.

Is hepatitis A vaccine recommended for Madagascar?

Yes, hepatitis A vaccination is recommended for most travelers to Madagascar. The virus spreads through contaminated food and water. The vaccine is given as a 2-dose series (0 and 6–12 months); the first dose provides protection after 2 weeks. If you have limited time, discuss an accelerated schedule with your travel clinic.

Should I get vaccinated against typhoid?

Typhoid vaccination is recommended, especially if you're visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas outside the main tourist routes. It spreads through contaminated food and water. You can choose an injected vaccine (1 dose, lasts 2 years) or an oral vaccine (4 doses over 1 week, lasts 5 years). Discuss which is best for your itinerary with your travel clinic.

Do I need a rabies vaccine for Madagascar?

Rabies vaccination is not required but is recommended if you plan extended rural travel, outdoor activities, or any contact with animals (including bats, dogs, or wildlife). Pre-exposure vaccination is valuable because post-exposure treatment may be delayed in remote areas. Discuss your specific activities with your travel clinic.

What is the risk of chikungunya in Madagascar?

Chikungunya is a mosquito-borne virus with active outbreaks confirmed in Mahajanga, Toamasina, and Antsirabe since mid-2025. There is no widely available vaccine in the US, so prevention focuses on strict mosquito bite avoidance (insect repellent, protective clothing, bed nets). Discuss current outbreak risk with your travel clinic before departure.

What should I pack in my medical kit for Madagascar?

Pack anti-diarrhea medication, antacid, pain reliever, antihistamine, antibiotic ointment, sunscreen, insect repellent, and any personal prescription medications in original labeled bottles. Include a doctor's letter if carrying syringes or antibiotics. Bring enough antimalarial for your entire stay plus 1 extra week in carry-on luggage.

How far in advance should I schedule my pre-travel health appointment?

Schedule your appointment at least 2 months before departure. This gives you time for multi-dose vaccines to take effect, allows your doctor to prescribe antimalarials so you can start them on schedule, and lets you adjust medications if side effects occur. Many vaccines require several weeks between doses.

What travel health insurance should I buy for Madagascar?

Buy comprehensive travel health insurance that covers emergency evacuation to South Africa or Mauritius (often necessary outside Antananarivo), medical repatriation to the United States, pharmacy and doctor visit costs, and preventive medications. Check whether it covers yellow fever vaccination and antimalarial prescriptions. For a 10-day trip, expect to pay $100–$300 for coverage.