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Travel.State.Gov > International Parental Child Abduction > Country Information > Madagascar International Parental Child Abduction Information

International Parental Child Abduction

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Travel.State.Gov > International Parental Child Abduction > Country Information > Madagascar International Parental Child Abduction Information

Madagascar

Madagascar
Republic of Madagascar
Exercise increased caution in Madagascar due to crime and civil unrest. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Updated to reflect information on reconsider travel to select areas.

Exercise increased caution in Madagascar due to crime and civil unrest. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Reconsider travel to the following areas due to violent crime and banditry:

  • The area in and around the city of Tsaratanana in the Betsiboka Region.
  • The area along the unnamed road connecting the city of Tsiroanomandidy in the Bongolava Region with the coastal city of Maintirano in the Melaky Region.
  • The area in and around the city of Betroka in the Anosy Region.
  • The area along the road from Miandrivazo to Malaimbandy. This road is part of the National Road number 34 (RN34) that connects Antsirabe-Miandrivazo-Malaimbandy-Morondava and is located 220km west of Antsirabe.
  • The area along the road from Ihosy to Betroka. The road is part of the National road number 13 or (RN13). Note that, the RN13 connects Ihosy-Ambovombe-Fort Dauphin.
  • The Menabe Region south of Morondava.

Country Summary: Violent crime, such as armed robbery and assault, occurs throughout Madagascar, particularly after dark, in remote areas, and along major national roads in the south and western areas of the country.

Strikes and other protest activity related to political and economic conditions occur regularly, particularly in periods near elections.

Violent confrontations between the dahalo (criminal gangs that steal cattle) and security forces have increased in several regions of Madagascar, particularly in areas south and west of the capital.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Madagascar.

If you decide to travel to Madagascar:

  • Avoid demonstrations and crowds.
  • Monitor local media for breaking events and be prepared to adjust your plans.
  • Avoid walking alone, especially after dark.
  • Do not travel on the roads between cities after dark.
  • Be aware of your surroundings. Thefts of items from vehicles is common and may involve ruses or distraction, particularly when stuck in traffic.
  • Stay alert in locations frequented by tourists.
  • Do not display signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive jewelry or watches.
  • Review the Country Security Report for Madagascar.
  • U.S. citizens who travel abroad should always have a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
  • Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.  
  • Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.Follow us on Facebook, X/Twitter, or Instagram.

Select Areas – Level 3: Reconsider Travel

Violent crime, such as armed carjacking, banditry, mugging, home invasion, and kidnapping can occur at any time. Local police often lack the resources and training to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents in these areas:

  • The area in and around the city of Tsaratanana in the Betsiboka Region.
  • The area along the unnamed road connecting the city of Tsiroanomandidy (Bongolava Region) to the coastal city of Maintirano (Melaky Region).
  • The area in and around the city of Betroka in the Anosy Region.
  • The area along National Road number 34 (RN34) from Miandrivazo to Malaimbandy, located 220km west of Antsirabe.
  • The area along National Road number 13 (RN13) from Ihosy to Betrok.
  • The Menabe Region south of Morondava.

Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk.

... [READ MORE]

Hague Convention Participation

Party to the Hague Abduction Convention?
No
U.S. Treaty Partner under the Hague Abduction Convention?
No
Learn why the Hague Abduction Convention Matters.

What You Can Do

Learn how to respond to abductions FROM the US
Learn how to respond to abductions TO the US
ALL / ALL /

U.S. Embassy Antananarivo

Lot 207 A, Point Liberty
Andranoro, Antehiroka
105 Antananarivo
Madagascar
Telephone: +(261) (20) 23-480-00 (Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.)
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(261) (20) 23-480-00
Fax: +(261) (20) 23-480-35
Email: AntanACS@state.gov

For information concerning travel to Madagascar, including information about the location of the U.S. Embassy, the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, entry/exit requirements, safety and security, crime, medical facilities and health information, traffic safety, road conditions and aviation safety, please see country-specific information for Madagascar. 

The U.S. Department of State reports statistics and compliance information for individual countries in the Annual Report on International Child Abduction. The report is located here. 

Madagascar is not a signatory to the 1980 Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction (Hague Abduction Convention), nor are there any bilateral agreements in force between Madagascar and the United States concerning international parental child abduction.

Legal systems and laws pertaining to custody, divorce, and parental abduction vary widely from country to country. Parents are encouraged to consult with an attorney who specializes in family law in Madagascar and who can provide accurate legal guidance that is specific to their circumstances. 

The Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs, Directorate for Overseas Citizens Services, Office of Children’s Issues provides assistance in cases of international parental child abduction. For U.S. citizen parents whose children have been wrongfully removed to or retained in countries that are not U.S. partners under The Hague Abduction Convention, the Office of Children’s Issues can provide information and resources about country-specific options for pursuing the return of or access to an abducted child. The Office of Children’s Issues may also coordinate with appropriate foreign and U.S. government authorities about the welfare of abducted U.S. citizen children. Parents are strongly encouraged to contact the Department of State for assistance.

Contact information:

Bureau of Consular Affairs
Office of Children's Issues
CA/OCS/CI
SA-17, 9th Floor
Washington, DC 20522-1709
Telephone: 1-888-407-4747
Outside the United States or Canada: 1-202-501-4444
Website
Email: AfricaIPCA@state.gov

According to Article 354 of the Malagasy Penal Code, the abduction of a minor can result in being sentenced to five to ten years' imprisonment. Additionally, according to Article 355, if the minor is less than 15 years old, the penalty shall be that of forced labor for life.

Parents may wish to consult with an attorney in the United States and in the country to which the child has been removed or retained to learn more about how filing criminal charges may impact a custody case in the foreign court. Please see Possible Solutions - Pressing Criminal Charges for more information.

Legal systems and laws pertaining to custody, divorce, and parental abduction vary widely from country to country. Parents are encouraged to consult with an attorney who specializes in family law in Madagascar and who can provide accurate legal guidance that is specific to their circumstances.

The Office of Children’s Issues may be able to assist parents seeking access to children who have been wrongfully removed from or retained outside the United States. Parents who are seeking access to children who were not wrongfully removed from or retained outside the United States should contact the U.S. Embassy in Madagascar for information and possible assistance.

Neither the Office of Children’s Issues nor consular officials at the U.S. Embassy in Madagascar are authorized to provide legal advice.

U.S. Embassy Antananarivo posts a list of attorneys, including those who specialize in family law.

This list is provided as a courtesy service only and does not constitute an endorsement of any individual attorney. The Department of State assumes no responsibility or liability for the professional ability or reputation of, or the quality of services provided by, the persons or firms included in this list. Professional credentials and areas of expertise are provided directly by the lawyers.

Exercising Custody Rights

While travelling in a foreign country, you are subject to the laws of that country. It is important for parents to understand that, although a left-behind parent in the United States may have custody or visitation rights pursuant to a U.S. custody order, that order may not be valid and enforceable in the country in which the child is located.  For this reason, we strongly encourage you to speak to a local attorney if planning to remove a child from a foreign country without the consent of the other parent.  Attempts to remove your child to the United States may:

  • Endanger your child and others;
  • Prejudice any future judicial efforts; and
  • Could result in your arrest and imprisonment.

The U.S. government cannot interfere with another country’s court or law enforcement system.

To understand the legal effect of a U.S. order in a foreign country, a parent should consult with a local attorney in the country in which the child is located.  

For information about hiring an attorney abroad, see our section on Retaining a Foreign Attorney. 

Although we cannot recommend an attorney to you, most U.S. Embassies have lists of attorneys available online. Please visit the local U.S. Embassy or Consulate website for a full listing.

For more information on consular assistance for U.S. citizens arrested abroad, please see our website.

Country officers are available to speak with you Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.  For assistance with an abduction in progress or any emergency situation that occurs after normal business hours, on weekends, or federal holidays, please call toll free at 1-888-407-4747. See all contact information.

DISCLAIMER: The information in this flyer is provided for general information only, is not intended to be legal advice, and may change without notice. Questions involving interpretation of law should be addressed to an attorney licensed in the relevant jurisdiction. 

 

Last Updated: July 28, 2020

Assistance for U.S. Citizens

U.S. Embassy Antananarivo
Lot 207 A, Point Liberty
Andranoro, Antehiroka
105 Antananarivo
Madagascar
Telephone
+(261) (20) 23-480-00 (Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.)
Emergency
+(261) (20) 23-480-00
Fax
+(261) (20) 23-480-35
Email
AntanACS@state.gov
Website
https://mg.usembassy.gov/

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