The Embassy has been advised that opposition presidential candidates and their supporters intend to gather at 13 May 1972 Square in downtown Antananarivo tomorrow, November 3. We anticipate an increased presence of security personnel in the vicinity. We are also advised that former president Rajoelina plans to hold campaign events in several areas throughout the city, including the roundabouts at Antsahabe and Antanimena and Barea Stadium in Mahamasina.
American citizens are advised to avoid these areas so long as the crowds persist.
We remind U.S. citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence. You should avoid areas of demonstrations and exercise caution if in the vicinity of any large gatherings, protests, or demonstrations.
The U.S. Embassy reminds U.S. citizens to review your personal security plans; remain aware of your surroundings, including local events; and monitor local news stations for updates. Maintain a high level of vigilance and take appropriate steps to enhance your personal security and follow instructions of local authorities.
We strongly recommend that U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in Madagascar enroll in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at https://step.state.gov/step. STEP enrollment gives you the latest security updates, and makes it easier for the U.S. embassy or nearest U.S. consulate to contact you in an emergency. If you don’t have Internet access, enroll directly with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
Regularly monitor the State Department’s website at http://travel.state.gov, where you can find current Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and the Worldwide Caution. Read the Country Specific Information for Madagascar at http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_4965.html.
For additional information, refer to “A Safe Trip Abroad” on the State Department’s website.
Contact the U.S. embassy or consulate at the coordinates below for up-to-date information on travel restrictions. You can also call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free from within the United States and Canada, or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
Follow us on Twitter at https://mobile.twitter.com/travelgov and Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/travelgov.
Please note the following contact information:
The U.S. Embassy in Madagascar located at:
Lot 27 A Point Liberty
Andranoro – Antehiroka, Antananarivo, Madagascar
Telephone: [261] (20) 23-480-00 (available 24 hours)
Fax: [261] (20) 23-480-35
Web site is mg.
If you are a U.S. citizen in need of urgent assistance, the emergency number for the U.S. Embassy/Consulate is: 034-49-328-54
Note: The timestamp on this message may reflect Washington, D.C., time, which may differ from local time.