Practical Guide · Written by Our Guides
Everything practical you'll want to know before you fly — written by people who live on the island.
This page covers visas, health, emergencies, safety and local customs. The entry rules, visa procedure, emergency numbers and embassy contacts below apply to all of Madagascar — not only Nosy Be — so this guide is just as useful if you are heading to Antananarivo, Diego-Suarez, Morondava or Île Sainte-Marie. Where something is specific to Nosy Be, such as the hospital and the police station, we say so.
Nothing here replaces your own government's official travel advice — we link to that below too. If something is unclear, just ask us: we would rather you arrive prepared.
Nearly every nationality needs a visa for Madagascar, and there are two ways to get one.
What you need either way:
Apply only through the official government portal: evisamada-mg.com (the Republic of Madagascar's official eVisa service, also known as evisamada.gov.mg). There are many lookalike sites charging several times the real fee, and some that simply take your money. If a site is not the one linked here, do not pay it.
The eVisa is normally issued by email within about 72 hours, so apply at least a week before you fly.
Malaria is present on Nosy Be year-round. Talk to a travel doctor about prophylaxis well before you fly, and bring repellent — mosquitoes here are most active at dawn and dusk. Our boats and vehicles are open-air, so long sleeves in the evening help more than anything.
Yellow fever vaccination is required only if you are arriving from a country where yellow fever is endemic. Check whether that applies to your route.
Water: drink bottled or filtered water. We provide bottled water on every tour. Sun: the UV index here regularly reaches 10 or more — reef-safe sunscreen, a hat and a rash vest for snorkeling are not optional.
Emergency numbers in Madagascar:
Most operators speak Malagasy and French. If you are on a tour with us, call your guide first — we speak the language, know the roads, and will get you to the right place faster than an ambulance will find you.
Medical care on Nosy Be:
Be realistic about the limits. Nosy Be can handle stitches, infections, broken bones and diving injuries. It cannot handle major surgery, cardiac emergencies or serious trauma. Anything severe means medical evacuation to Réunion, Mauritius or South Africa — a flight that costs tens of thousands of euros without insurance.
There are no embassies on Nosy Be. All embassies are in Antananarivo, roughly a 1 hour 20 minute flight away. France maintains an honorary consulate on Nosy Be for French citizens. If you lose your passport, are arrested, or have a family emergency while travelling, your embassy is who you call — save the number before you fly.
Photograph your passport, visa, insurance policy and vaccination card and email the photos to yourself. Replacing a passport from Nosy Be means a trip to the capital; having copies makes it days instead of weeks.
It is recoverable, but it takes time — so start the same day. The order matters:
Do not resist. Phones, cameras and wallets are replaceable and insured; you are not. Hand it over, walk away, then deal with it calmly afterwards.
Nosy Be is a relaxed island and violent crime against visitors is rare. The realistic risks are opportunistic, and easy to avoid:
Before you travel, read your own government's advice. It is updated continuously and is more current than any tour operator's page:
Malagasy culture is warm and welcoming, and a little awareness goes a long way.
Fady. Many places and practices are fady — taboo. It might be a particular beach, a tree, a day of the week, or pointing at a tomb. Fady varies from village to village and you cannot guess it. Your guide will tell you; please just follow it. It matters deeply to the people who live there.
Ask before photographing people, especially children, elders and anything to do with tombs or ceremonies. Most people say yes and enjoy it. Being photographed without being asked feels the same here as it would at home.
Dress. Swimwear is for the beach and the boat. In villages, in Hell-Ville and at the market, cover shoulders and knees — a small thing that is noticed and appreciated. Greet people: manao ahoana (hello) and misaotra (thank you) will get you a smile every time. French works nearly everywhere; English less so outside tourism.
Bargaining is normal at markets and should be good-humoured. Remember what you are haggling over: a euro means very little to you and a great deal to the seller.
Giving to children. Please don't hand out sweets, money or pens to children on the road — it encourages begging instead of school. If you want to give something back, ask us and we will point you to a local school or association that actually needs it.
Almost every nationality does. You can apply online for an eVisa before you travel, or get a visa on arrival at Nosy Be (Fascene) or Antananarivo airport. You will need a passport valid for at least six months, a return ticket and proof of accommodation.
Yes. Violent crime against visitors is rare and the island is relaxed. The realistic risks are petty theft and unlit roads at night, both easy to avoid with normal precautions.
Malaria is present on Nosy Be year-round, so speak to a travel doctor about prophylaxis before you fly, and bring insect repellent for dawn and dusk.
Dial 117 from a mobile for police or ambulance, and 118 for the fire brigade. From a landline these are 17 and 18. If you are on a tour with us, call your guide first.
Yes — a public hospital in Hell-Ville and private clinics used by most visitors, with an operating theatre and X-ray. Serious cases are evacuated to Réunion, Mauritius or South Africa, which is why travel insurance covering medical evacuation is essential.
Planning your trip? See the best time to visit Nosy Be and all our Nosy Be tours.
This page is general information, not legal or medical advice. Visa fees, entry rules and health requirements change — always confirm with the official sources linked above before you travel. Last reviewed: 30.07.2026.