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East Africa

🇲🇬 Vaccines for Madagascar

Entry requirements & recommendations for travel to Madagascar

Madagascar requires no specific travel vaccines for entry from most countries, though Yellow Fever proof is needed if arriving from an endemic country. Malaria is endemic at high risk throughout the island. Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Rabies are also recommended. Madagascar has one of the highest plague rates in the world — plague occurs in seasonal outbreaks, mainly affecting rural highland areas, and travellers should be aware of this and avoid contact with rodents and fleas, particularly during the plague season (roughly September to April). The island's unique wildlife and ecosystems draw visitors interested in nature and conservation, often involving travel to remote areas with very limited infrastructure. Healthcare in Antananarivo is the best available; elsewhere facilities are very basic.

Medical disclaimer: This is general information only — not personal medical advice. Requirements and risks change. Always consult a qualified travel health clinic before departure.
Required for entry

No vaccines required for entry to this destination.

Recommended by WHO & CDC
Hepatitis A
Food and water contamination risk.
💉 2 doses
📅 Book at least 4 weeks before travel
⚡ Effective: 2 weeks after 1st dose. Full protection after 2nd dose (6–12 months later).
🛡 Protects for: 1st dose ~1 yr. 2nd dose: lifetime.
Recommended
Typhoid
Contaminated food and water.
💉 1 dose
📅 Book at least 3 weeks before travel
⚡ Effective: 2 weeks after vaccination.
🛡 Protects for: 3–5 years. Booster recommended if re-exposure.
Recommended
Rabies
Animal bites risk.
💉 3 doses
📅 Book at least 5 weeks before travel
⚡ Effective: After 3rd dose. 2nd dose 7 days after 1st, 3rd dose 21 days after 1st.
🛡 Protects for: Pre-exposure reduces post-bite treatment needed. Boosters based on blood tests.
Recommended
Disease risks
  • ⚠Malaria (high risk throughout)
  • ⚠Plague (periodic outbreaks — highest in the world)
  • ⚠Rabies
  • ⚠Cholera (periodic)
Notes: Malaria prophylaxis essential. Madagascar has one of the highest rates of plague in the world — avoid contact with rodents and fleas.
Approximate cost per person
Required vaccines
—
None required for entry
Recommended vaccines
~€522
(~$568)
per person · full courses
Hepatitis A (2 doses)€140 ($152)
Typhoid (1 dose)€45 ($49)
Rabies (3 doses)€273 ($297)
Malaria tablets (4 weeks) (1 dose)€64 ($70)

💡 Approximate figures based on private European travel clinic rates (April 2026). Actual costs vary by clinic and country. Not all recommended vaccines will apply to every trip — discuss your specific itinerary with a travel health clinic.

Often combined with
KenyaTanzaniaEthiopiaUganda
Common questions
Do I need vaccines for Madagascar?
Yellow Fever proof is required if arriving from an endemic country. Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Rabies are recommended. Malaria prophylaxis is essential for any visit, as malaria is endemic at high risk throughout the island including Antananarivo.
Is there malaria in Madagascar?
Yes, malaria is endemic at high risk throughout Madagascar, including the capital Antananarivo. Antimalarial medication is essential for any visit.
Is tap water safe in Madagascar?
No. Tap water in Madagascar, including Antananarivo, is not safe to drink. Use bottled water throughout your stay.
What healthcare is available in Madagascar?
Healthcare in Antananarivo is the best available in the country but still basic by international standards. Outside the capital, including in the remote areas often visited for wildlife and nature tourism, facilities are very limited. Comprehensive travel insurance with medical evacuation cover is important. One notable consideration specific to Madagascar is plague, which occurs in seasonal outbreaks mainly in rural highland areas — avoiding contact with rodents and fleas, particularly during the plague season from roughly September to April, is a sensible precaution beyond standard vaccinations.