GoMadagascar Visa Requirements

Visa Entry

1、 Visa entry

（1） Visa types: There are two types of visas for the Republic of Madagascar: convertible and non convertible visas. Convertible visas include employment visas, family visit visas, and hospitality visas; Non convertible visas, including tourist visas, have a maximum validity period of 2 months.

（2） Application process: To apply for a visa to Malaysia, one should usually go to the Malaysian embassy or consulate abroad for processing. Fill out the visa application form and provide relevant information according to the type of visa applied for.

The required documents for applying for a tourist or business visa are: the applicant's original valid passport, two 2-inch color ID photos, a notarized certificate of no criminal record (original), a bank credit certificate, and proof of work unit.

The required documents for applying for a family visit visa are: an invitation letter from the Malaysian side (indicating the purpose of the invitation, the round-trip time, address, telephone number, etc. of the invitee), the original valid passport of the applicant, proof of work unit, a copy of the ID card, two 2-inch color ID photos, a notarized certificate of family relationship, and a notarized certificate of no criminal record (original).

The required documents for applying for an employment visa are: the applicant's original valid passport, two 2-inch color ID photos, a notarized certificate of no criminal record (original), an invitation letter from the Malaysian accepting unit (original, indicating the purpose of the invitation, address, telephone number, etc.), and a copy of the registration certificate.

The applicant shall submit their passport and required documents to the consular staff of the Malaysian Embassy for review in accordance with the above requirements, and pay the visa fee upon approval. Under normal circumstances, the visa can be obtained within 5 working days after payment.

The two countries signed the Agreement between the Government of the People's Republic of China and the Government of the Republic of Madagascar on Mutual Exemption of Visa Requirements for Personnel Holding Diplomatic or Official Passports, which came into effect on November 4, 2023. According to the agreement, citizens of the People's Republic of China holding valid diplomatic or official passports of the People's Republic of China and citizens of the Republic of Madagascar holding valid diplomatic or official passports of the Republic of Madagascar are exempt from visa requirements for up to 90 days from the date of entry into, exit from, or transit through the other contracting party (the Chinese official passport referred to in the agreement includes the ordinary official passport).

Visa on arrival: In order to promote tourism, the Malaysian government has been processing tourist visas on arrival for inbound travelers holding Chinese passports and return or departure tickets since early 2010. The following precautions should be taken: 1 Applicants must prepare their passport, accommodation certificate (or hotel reservation or travel itinerary provided by the travel agency), and round-trip airfare that are valid for more than 6 months. The applicant must fill in the entry card in advance. Applicants who have traveled to yellow fever endemic countries within 6 days before arriving in Malaysia must present a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate. 3. Application fee for visa on arrival (as of June 2023): For stays of less than 15 days, there is no visa fee, but an administrative fee of 10 euros is required; A visa with a stay period of 30 days costs 115000 Ariary/35 euros/37 US dollars; A visa with a stay period of 60 days costs 135000 Ariary/40 euros/45 US dollars. Applicants can choose to pay in euros, US dollars, or Ariary. 4. The visa on arrival is valid for one entry and can be extended once at the Malaysian Ministry of Public Security for a maximum of 30 days at a cost of 80000 Ariary. It cannot be converted into a long-term visa. 5. Landing visas are only applicable to temporary visitors to Malaysia, and holders of such visas are not allowed to engage in paid labor in Malaysia. Those who come to Malaysia for official visits, work, family visits, etc. must apply for the corresponding visa in advance at the Malaysian Embassy in China. For specific matters regarding visas, please consult the Embassy of the Republic of Madagascar in the People's Republic of China at 3 Sanlitun East Street, Beijing. Telephone: 0086-10-65321353, fax: 0086-10-65322102.

Electronic Visa: Starting from October 1, 2019, tourists visiting Malaysia can apply for a Malaysia tourist visa online using www.evisamada.gov.mg, which has a Chinese page in the system. Tourists planning to visit Malaysia can apply online within six months before departure, and should complete the application no later than 72 hours before arrival in Malaysia. Users can directly log in to the website to create a new account, enter relevant personal information and the planned length of stay in Malaysia. After submission, the system will send a visa approval confirmation within 72 hours. The confirmation letter can be printed or stored in electronic devices, and electronic visa inspection machines will be set up at the ports of entry in Malaysia for verification. Visa fees will be paid upon entry at the airport. Applicants for other types of visas need to make an online appointment through the Madagascar electronic visa application system (evisa. diploma. gov. mg) and submit their visa application to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the Malaysian Embassy or Consulate General at the scheduled time by bringing the original required documents.

（3） If any of the following situations occur, the Malaysian Ministry of Foreign Affairs or Immigration Bureau has the right to refuse or cancel the visa:

1. Those who do not meet the conditions for issuing visas, or visa holders who violate the entry and residence regulations of Malaysia;

2. Individuals who may pose a threat to public order and safety upon entry;

3. The initial reason for applying for a visa no longer exists.

Those who have been refused an extension of their visa must leave the country within the prescribed time limit, and such visas with a time limit for departure are marked with the words' cannot be extended '. In case of force majeure or justifiable reasons, the visa agency will grant an extension as appropriate, but not exceeding thirty days.

2、 Entry and exit inspection

Entrants must fill out an entry form, have their relevant identity documents checked by border personnel, and stamp the entry seal on their passport or travel document before entering the country.

Outbound travelers must fill out an exit form, prepare valid documents and boarding passes to enter the waiting hall, and personnel and personal belongings must undergo security checks. Submit your boarding pass, passport, or travel document for verification before boarding.

Attention: When entering the country with high-end, valuable duty-free goods or large amounts of foreign exchange, it is necessary to declare them for verification and release upon exit. Outbound travelers are not allowed to carry dangerous goods as stipulated by international aviation conventions. There are restrictions on carrying foreign exchange out of the country, and it must be declared to the customs. Carrying wooden fossils, gemstones, and other restricted export items, relevant exit procedures must be completed at the Madi Mining Department office or customs located at the airport before leaving the country.

Customs epidemic prevention and control

1、 Customs requirements

Travelers planning to travel to Madagascar must present their valid identification documents, and are generally required to obtain an entry visa and an International Vaccination Certificate before entering the country. Fill in the entry card upon entry. Carrying items and large amounts of foreign exchange that are subject to taxation according to horse regulations into the country requires declaring to customs and completing corresponding procedures.

According to the regulations of the Malaysian Customs, foreign passengers carrying foreign exchange with a value equal to or exceeding 1000 euros must declare it to the customs when leaving the country, and are not allowed to carry foreign exchange exceeding 10000 euros or its equivalent in other currencies. Whether declared or not, when customs inspect outbound personnel, they should actively present a legal exchange certificate (i.e. an exchange certificate issued by a bank or foreign exchange office authorized by the Malaysian Ministry of Finance). Otherwise, the foreign exchange carried out of the country may be confiscated. Madagascar Customs is very strict in inspecting outbound passengers to prevent illegal carrying of foreign exchange. It is recommended that domestic travelers to Madagascar proactively declare the foreign exchange they carry upon entry and keep the declaration certificate for future reference upon departure. When leaving the country, if there is an inspection, you can present the entry declaration form or the exchange form issued by the bank and exchange office for customs inspection and release.

Ma strictly prohibits black market trading of foreign exchange, and only banks and business offices that are allowed to exchange foreign exchange have the right to conduct foreign exchange transactions. All private transactions are illegal and will be confiscated once discovered.

Requirements for checked baggage: According to international travel customs, dangerous goods, flammable and explosive materials, liquids, and volatile substances are not allowed to be carried; The weight of randomly checked baggage varies by airline and is limited to the weight indicated on the ticket.

The items that each inbound person (excluding accompanying children) can bring into the country duty-free include: portable musical instruments; Portable medical devices and wheelchairs; Portable dialyzer; 2 bottles of perfume and 2 bottles of eau de toilette; 200 cigarettes; 2 liters of alcoholic beverages (aged 18 and above); 250g jewelry and 250g jewelry accessories; Reasonable quantity of personal clothing and items for personal use; 400000 Ariary; 1 laptop, 1 mobile phone or tablet; 1 portable camera, 1 portable radio, and 1 other non professional photography equipment.

Carrying the following items into the country requires declaration and relevant documents: animals and plants, non personal use of drugs, food; Pets; Sports equipment and professional equipment; Mobile phones, drones, transmitters and receivers, walkie talkies; Weapons and ammunition; More than 1000 euros or equivalent in other currencies. Specific document requirements can be found on the Ma Customs website http://www.douanes.gov.mg/particulier/voyageurs/ .

The items that each outbound person (excluding accompanying children) can carry tax-free out of the country are: 400000 Ariary; Pets (export license and vaccination certificate required).

Carrying the following items out of the country requires declaration and relevant documents: exceeding 1000 euros or equivalent in other currencies; Gold; Gemstones and their processed products; 9 kilograms of rice or dry grain; 2 kilograms of processed vanilla; 1 kilogram of onion, pepper, coffee or cloves; 5 kilograms of meat, fish or seafood (frozen, fresh or dried products); woodwork; 1 kilogram of jewelry (for tourists) or 250 grams of jewelry (for residents); Food; Weapons and ammunition. Specific document requirements can be found on the Ma Customs website http://www.douanes.gov.mg/particulier/voyageurs/ .

Those who illegally carry items or fail to declare customs according to regulations will be confiscated or fined. In addition, Ma Customs has stipulated that it is strictly prohibited to carry endangered animals, plants, and narcotic drugs out of the country; The export of rosewood is strictly controlled; Exporting gold requires prior contact with the National Gold Administration of Malaysia.

2、 Entry quarantine

Vaccination: People entering Malaysia are not required to present a vaccination quarantine yellow book. Considering the local health situation, it is recommended to receive vaccinations against yellow fever, typhoid fever, cholera, and hepatitis before traveling to Malaysia.

Animal quarantine: According to the regulations on horse animal quarantine, importers of live animals should apply for an animal import license from the Animal Quarantine Bureau under the Ministry of Agriculture. When the goods enter the country, the animal quarantine officer stationed at the port inspects the certificate of origin and animal quarantine certificate issued by the country of origin, as well as the import license issued by the Animal Quarantine Bureau of the Ministry of Agriculture of Malaysia. The import of live shrimp is subject to quarantine and issuance of import licenses by the Fisheries Administration. When bringing pets into the country, it is necessary to apply to the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry in advance or send an email（ vetclinic@sssm.mg ）Represented by Vet Clinic. When carrying pets out of the country, it depends on the requirements of the destination country.

Plant quarantine: The Plant Protection Department under the Ministry of Agriculture of Malaysia is responsible for plant quarantine. Imported plants and plant products should apply for an import license from the Plant Protection Department of the Ministry of Agriculture of Malaysia, undergo inspection by the Customs Plant Inspection Office, present the plant quarantine certificate issued by the relevant agency of the country of origin of the product, and prepare samples for quarantine by the Plant Protection Department.

Quarantine requirements: Malaysia has quarantine requirements for the import of various animal and plant products, requiring inspection of the characteristics of imported products and relevant information of importers.

Attention: Passengers carrying livestock products and live animals out of the country should present a quarantine certificate (issued by the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry or Vet Clinic).

Residency and Naturalization

1、 Residence

The main types of residence include: work, study, investment, reunion, native born foreigners, missionary, internship, retirement.

The duration of residency varies from 4 months to permanent, usually including six months, 1 year, 2 years, 3 years, 5 years, 10 years, and permanent residency.

Application for Residence: To apply for residence, one must personally go to the Immigration Bureau or Economic Development Bureau (EDBM) of the Ministry of Interior of Malaysia to handle it.

The visa on arrival processed at Malaysia Airport is a tourist visa, which is valid for a maximum of 2 months and can be extended once for a maximum of 30 days. It cannot be converted to any other type of visa or residence permit.

To apply for business, family reunion, or employment residence, one must fill out a residence application form, provide the same materials as the corresponding entry visa, as well as an economic guarantee letter and proof of residence in Malaysia. In addition to the above documents, the application for work residence also requires a work contract and a work permit issued by the Malaysian labor department. Investors applying for residency must provide their business license, investment certificate, and necessary documents for registering a company in Malaysia, which have been notarized by the local notary office according to their occupation. For specific matters regarding residence visas, please consult the Immigration Department of the Ministry of Interior of Madagascar.

Attention: When applying for a long-term residence visa, it is necessary to apply for a residence permit (i.e. green card). Those who have obtained legal residency in Malaysia are not allowed to engage in occupations unrelated to their own profession or without permission. Once discovered, it will be considered illegal.

2、 Basic Overview of Nationality Policy

Introduction to Naturalization Application: According to Malagasy law, any foreign businessman or investor who obtains a legal residence visa in Madagascar can apply to become a citizen of the country. In fact, it is difficult for foreigners to be admitted to Malaysia. With the exception of a few foreigners who have lived in Malaysia for a long time, have certain professional expertise or senior intellectuals, and have made contributions to Malaysia, Malaysia generally does not accept applications from foreigners to become Malaysian nationals.

The newly revised Nationality Law of Malaysia in 2017 stipulates that as long as one parent is of Malaysian nationality, the child is born with Malaysian nationality.

Foreign women who marry Malaysian men and apply for Malaysian citizenship generally receive approval within two years. After they obtain Malaysian citizenship, their children under the age of 21 also acquire Malaysian citizenship; Their children who have reached the age of 21 still hold foreign nationality, and if they wish to acquire Malaysian nationality, they need to apply separately.

Citizenship authorities: Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Justice, Prime Minister's Office, Presidential Office.

Notes on naturalization: When submitting the application, you need to attach your birth certificate, salary certificate, tax payment certificate, and children's enrollment certificate. At the same time, you need to undergo an investigation to determine whether you can speak Malay, whether you have a criminal record, whether you have made contributions to the horse, your educational level (diploma), technical expertise, capital status, whether you have served in the military, and whether you have any infectious diseases or disabilities during the physical examination.

Madagascar risk level is blue (low risk)

public security

Madagascar will hold presidential elections in November 2023, and the security situation before and after the elections is quite severe. Theft, robbery and other cases occur from time to time. I suggest that overseas Chinese in Malaysia avoid going out alone for long periods of time; Regularly adjust daily routines to avoid being controlled by malicious individuals in terms of daily living and travel patterns; Do not carry large amounts of cash with you; Important documents, identification documents, and cash should be stored separately to minimize potential losses; In case of robbery or attack, when there is a significant difference in strength or no signs of harm from the perpetrator, one should remain calm and report to the local police station as soon as possible to ensure personal safety. It is important to remember the characteristics and license plate numbers of the robber as much as possible in order to provide clues for solving the case; Try not to go out alone at night.

natural disaster

The coastal areas of Madagascar often experience hurricanes during the rainy season. The phenomenon of desertification in the southern region is becoming increasingly severe. My personnel and enterprises should pay timely attention to disaster warnings, reduce outings during hurricane weather, and contact the embassy in a timely manner in case of emergencies.

FDA

Ma tap water should not be consumed directly. It is recommended to boil it before drinking or use bottled water. There are various types of restaurants in the capital city of Antananarivo, with different grades and types. It is recommended to choose restaurants with mid-range or above and good hygiene conditions as much as possible to reduce food safety risks.

Urgent Help

foreign marriage

The Malagasy government attaches great importance to the management of transnational marriage and transnational human trafficking, and strengthens the punishment and fight against relevant illegal and criminal acts. Chinese citizens must strictly abide by laws and regulations and take necessary preventive measures in cross-border marriages involving Madagascar, including:

（1） Understand local laws, regulations, and customs in advance, abide by rules and discipline, and respect local traditional customs. Understand in advance the type of visa you hold for coming to Malaysia, and do not engage in activities that do not match the visa type after entering the country. The landing visa processed at Ma Airport can only be used for tourism activities.

（2） For cross-border marriages, it is advisable to carefully discern the other party's true intentions and not trust others' propaganda.

（3） Stay away from illegal intermediaries and prevent being deceived. According to relevant laws and regulations in China, it is strictly prohibited to establish foreign-related marriage introduction agencies. Domestic marriage introduction agencies and any other units are not allowed to engage in or indirectly engage in foreign-related marriage introduction business. No individual is allowed to use deceptive means or engage in or indirectly engage in foreign-related marriage introduction activities for profit. The horse law also has similar provisions. If one easily trusts illegal marriage introduction agencies and individuals, not only may they become victims themselves, but they may also become evidence of illegal transactions due to payment of introduction fees, leading to lengthy judicial proceedings.

Urgent Help

Madagascar's national emergency hotline: 117.

Fire alarm hotline: 118+ 261-202225018，+ 261-202222566.

Rapid rescue mobile police phone number:+ 261-202380138，+ 261-202380139.

SOS ambulance service hotline:+ 261-320208816，+ 261-202262566.

The ambulance service hotline for Antananarivo city is+261-202235753,+261-202220040.

air traffic

1、 International flights: Madagascar Airlines originally had four regular international routes, but it announced at a press conference on November 6, 2023 that it will temporarily suspend international flights. In addition to Malaysia Airlines, eight foreign airlines have international flights stopping at the capital Antananarivo Airport: Air France, Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, Air Mauritius, South African Airways, Air Australia, Türkiye Airlines, Corsair International, to Paris, Addis Ababa, Nairobi, Port Louis (Mauritius), Johannesburg, French Reunion, Istanbul, etc. In addition, cities such as Tamataf, Nosibe, Diego, Tulia, Maringa, and Saint Mary also have a small number of international routes.

2、 Domestic flights: mainly operated by Air Madagascar, with routes from the capital city of Antananarivo to major cities in the country such as Tamatave, Mahanga, Tulia, Nosibe, Diego, and Samba. Specific flight information can be found on the Madagascar Airlines website.

3、 Main airport situation: Ivato International Airport in the capital city of Tananari. 17 kilometers from the city center and about 23 kilometers from our embassy. Airports such as Tamataf and Nosibe also have the conditions for international flight takeoff and landing.

The main modes of transportation to and from the airport are self owned cars, taxis, or minibuses, which can be used for parking.

land transport

1、 Highway

Madagascar's land transportation is mainly based on ordinary roads, with motor vehicles and left-hand drive as the main mode of transportation. Chinese driver's license cannot be used on horses and must be replaced with a local driver's license. The replacement method is as follows: the applicant should bring a written application, 4 photos of their identification documents, the original and photocopy of their Chinese driver's license, a translated version, the original and photocopy of their passport, the original and photocopy of their residence permit (Carte de r é sident), the certificate of residence (Certification de r é sidence), and a certified copy of the aforementioned documents to the Centre d'simulation in person for processing. The main traffic rule is to drive on the right side. For vehicles on the secondary lane, let the main lane vehicle go first. When encountering a roundabout, give priority to driving within the roundabout. Some city roads are very narrow, and pedestrians should pay special attention to safety. The infrastructure of the horse is outdated, and some roads are only accessible by four-wheel drive vehicles. When driving for long distances, it is necessary to prepare sufficient personal belongings, especially for remote mountainous areas, where flashlights and mobile phone battery packs are needed. Avoid driving at night to prevent road robbers.

2、 Railway

Madagascar has two railway transportation lines (north and south) with a total length of 836 kilometers (all meter gauge), and there is no high-speed railway yet. Among them, the northern line is 673 kilometers long and is operated by the Madagascar Railway Company, which is controlled by a Belgian company, while the southern line is 163 kilometers long and is operated by the Madagascar government. In 2021, the total passenger volume of Madagascar's railways was 141000, and the total freight volume was 21000 tons.

water communication

Madagascar currently has 15 water ports. Among them, Tamataf (Tuamasina) Port is the largest port in the country,

Undertook over 80% of shipping tasks. Other major international seaports include: Fort Dovan (Tauranaru) Port, Diego (Anjou) Port

Zilanana Port, Mahazanga Port, and Tulia Port, among others.

Urban transportation

The capital city of Antananarivo does not have state-owned buses, only private minibuses and taxis. Long distance passenger transportation includes private minibuses and a small number of large buses. When going out, choose to take a taxi, preferably with two people walking together, and pay attention to the safety of carrying personal belongings to prevent theft and robbery.

major city

1、 The capital city of Antananarivo is located in the central eastern plateau of the island of Mas, with an average elevation of 1300 meters. The climate is mild, with an average temperature of 18 degrees Celsius. The population is 1.27 million. It is the national political, economic, and tourism cultural center.

2、 Toamasina is located in the eastern part of Madagascar, about 365 kilometers from the capital, with a population of 330000. It is the second largest city, the first largest port, and a major shipping hub in Madagascar, known as the "economic lung" of the country. The climate is humid and hot, and hurricanes often make landfall from January to April.

3、 Antsirabe is located 167 kilometers south of the capital city, with a population of 250000. It is the third largest city in Malaysia, with an altitude of 1500 meters and a cool climate, earning it the nickname "Water City".

4、 Mahajanga is located 376 kilometers northwest of the capital city, with a population of 250000, and is the second largest port in Malaysia. Across the Mozambique Channel and facing the African continent, it is navigable with ports in multiple neighboring countries.

5、 Antsiranana, located in the northern part of the country with a population of 130000, is the third largest port and important naval base in the country.

6、 Fianarantoa is located in the southern part of the capital city, with a population of 190000. It is a hub city for trade and road transportation in Malaysia.

7、 Toliara is located 936 kilometers southwest of the capital city, with a population of 170000. The port city is mainly used for the import and export of Malaysian agricultural products. It is also an important tourist destination in southern Malaysia.

8、 Morondava is located on the west coast of Malaysia, 700 kilometers away from the capital, with a population of 50000. The famous tourist attraction of Arima is the Avenue of the Monkey Bread Trees (All é e des baobabs).

9、 Nosy Be, commonly known as Beidao/Nusi Be, is located on the northwest coast of Malaysia. It is the largest island in the coastal area of Malaysia, with an area of approximately 320 square kilometers and a population of 50000. It is a famous tourist attraction in Malaysia.

Commodity prices

1、 Commodity prices

Madagascar is one of the least developed countries declared by the United Nations. The foundation of the horse industry is weak, and the main industrial products and daily necessities rely on imports, which are expensive. Vegetables, fruits, and seafood are mainly seasonal products, with reasonable prices for local products and higher prices for imported products. There are several supermarkets in the capital with a wide range of product categories, but brand choices are relatively limited, resulting in a shortage of goods supply outside the capital.

Currency and exchange rate situation: The currency name of Madagascar is Ariary, generally marked as Ar, abbreviated as "Ali". In July 2017, Madagascar issued a new version of banknotes with a maximum denomination of 20000 Ariary. On November 7, 2023, the exchange rates of Alibaba, the central bank of Malaysia, against the US dollar and the Chinese yuan were 4488.58 Alibaba ≈ 1 US dollar and 616.22 Alibaba ≈ 1 Chinese yuan, respectively (available on the exchange rate website www.banky-foribe. mg).

2、 Tax rate

Import tariffs: 5% -10% for imported raw materials, 10% for imported machinery and spare parts, and 20% for imported finished and processed products. Madagascar tariff rate inquiry website: www.douanes.gov.mg/tarif-douanes。

Value added tax: The tax rate is 20%.

Consumption tax: The ad valorem tax rate for consumption tax ranges from 7% to 325%.

Income, profits, and income tax: including income tax, comprehensive tax, wage and related income tax, working capital income tax, andProperty tax.

(1) Income tax: Legal and natural persons with a turnover (excluding tax) greater than or equal to 200 million Ariary shall pay income tax on their entire income, with a general tax rate of 20%.

(2) Comprehensive tax: applicable to natural persons or legal entities engaged in independent economic activities. When the total annual revenue or estimated non tax revenue of natural persons or legal entities and individual operators is less than 200 million Ariary, comprehensive tax should be paid at 5% of the previous fiscal year's revenue or total revenue.

(3) Salary and related income tax: The basis for calculating salary and related income tax is the taxpayer's total income minus fixed employment costs. According to Madagascar's 2021 Finance Act, starting from January 1, 2021, the calculation method of "salary and related income tax" will be changed from a fixed proportional tax rate of 20% to a progressive tax rate, with a starting point of 350000 Alibaba for monthly salary income, and the tax rate will increase from 5% to 20%.

(4) Working capital income tax: Companies, partnerships, joint ventures, and natural persons that obtain income related to movable property ownership shall pay working capital income tax on the income obtained from corresponding financial investments. The tax rate is 20%.

(5) Property tax: Natural persons should pay property tax on the income obtained during the process of real estate transfer. The tax rate is 20%.

Other taxes and fees: Various other taxes and fees are stipulated in the general tax law, such as real estate tax, construction tax, etc.

3、 Shopping payment methods

Payment can be made in cash or by check. VISA credit cards can be used for consumption in major hotels, supermarkets, and banks in Madagascar, but most merchants only accept cash transactions.

4、 Banking and Financial Services

According to statistics from the Central Bank of Madagascar, there are currently 11 commercial banks in Madagascar:

(1) Madagascar Indian Ocean Bank (BMOI), registered in 1989, is now controlled by the Moroccan BCP Group.

(2) BNI Madagascar, registered in 1991, is currently controlled by the Mauritius CIEL Group and the Madagascar AXIAN Group. There are a total of 109 branches and 24 ATMs nationwide.

(3) MCB Madagascar, registered in 1992, is currently controlled by the MCB Group in Mauritius. There are a total of 29 branches nationwide.

(4) SBM Madagascar, registered in 1998, is now managed by SBM MauritiusGroup holding. There are four branches nationwide.

(5) Societe Generale Madagascar Branch, registered in 1998, is now controlled by Societe Generale. We have 61 branches and 5 corporate business centers nationwide. The bank establishes a China Desk for corporate clients, which is specifically managed by the Chinese client manager.

(6) BOA Madagascar, registered in 1999, is currently managed by BMCE in MoroccoGroup holding.

(7) ACCESBANQUE Madagascar, registered in 2007, is now controlled by the German Access Group and mainly focuses on small and micro enterprises.

(8) BGFIBank Madagascar, registered in 2009, is currently controlled by the BGFI Group in Gabon.

(9) Baobab Banque Madagascar, formerly known as Microcredi Banque Madagascar, was registered in 2010 and is now controlled by the French Baobab Group.

(10) BM Madagascar, formerly known as Transfer Express, was registered in 2011 and is now controlled by the French BPCE group.

(11) SIPEM BANQUE, jointly founded by French non-governmental organization SIDI and Madagascar Enterprise Promotion Association (APEM), was registered in 2014 and mainly provides financing loans for small and medium-sized enterprises.

Attention: Due to differences in service conditions among banks, it is recommended that investment companies or business owners in Malaysia consult and compare more when handling banking business.

Insurance Medical

Madagascar has poor medical conditions, rudimentary hospital facilities, insufficient professional doctors, and a shortage of drugs and equipment. As of 2019, there were 2847 major medical institutions in Malaysia, including 2710 primary health centers, 99 county-level hospitals, and 38 hospitals at or above the regional level. Most areas lack medical care and medicine, especially in remote rural areas. In the capital, the medical conditions of the army hospital and some foreign clinics are relatively good, but the cost is high and ordinary people dare not inquire. Chinese expatriates are accustomed to bringing their own small amounts of commonly used medicines. If they get sick, they can go to the Chinese medical team for treatment, or choose to return to their home country or a third country for medical treatment. There are more than 10 private hospitals in the capital, including the Madagascar National Medical Center, the Madagascar National Army Hospital, as well as maternal and child health care and comprehensive hospitals.

Due to the backward medical and health conditions of horses, some epidemics on the African continent, such as pestis, malaria, dengue fever, amebic dysentery, are also common in horses. In recent years, Madagascar has experienced a high incidence of malignant infectious diseases. From August to November 2017, pestis broke out, causing more than 200 deaths; A measles outbreak occurred from September 2018 to the first half of 2019, resulting in over a thousand deaths; In 2020, the cases of malaria and dengue fever will increase significantly compared with previous years, of which the incidence rate of malaria will be 13.35%, up 6.25 percentage points year on year.

Chinese medical team: The Chinese government has been sending medical teams to Madagascar since August 1975. As of 2023, China has sent 23 batches of medical teams to Madagascar, totaling 686 personnel. The main departments include internal medicine, surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, otorhinolaryngology, anesthesiology, Chinese medicine acupuncture and moxibustion, laboratory, pharmacy, radiation, etc. At present, the 23rd batch of Chinese medical teams consists of 32 people working in hospitals in four regions of Madagascar:

(1) Capital location: Anusiyala Hospital, 14 people, about 20 kilometers from the center of the capital city. Phone:+ 261-321108888

(2) Southern point: Ambuwenbe (Ambuwenbe) Hospital, 7 people, about 1300 kilometers away from the capital. Phone:+ 261-321158885

(3) Northern point: Sambava Hospital, 7 people, about 1200 kilometers away from the capital. Phone:+ 261-321168886

(4) Oriental Point: Vatumandri Hospital, 4 people, about 450 kilometers away from the capital. Phone:+261-32111888

Customs taboos

1、 Religious beliefs

Madagascar has relaxed religious policies and various religions coexist peacefully. 52% of residents believe in traditional religions, 41% believe in Christianity (Catholicism and Protestantism), and 7% believe in Muslim Islam. A very small number of people believe in Eastern Orthodox and Evangelical Christianity.

2、 Etiquette and taboos

Worship of Cattle: Local people have a special worship of cattle, and in agricultural areas, the amount of cattle owned is a symbol of wealth. The bull's head is a symbol of the country. A newborn calf needs to be baptized like a baby, and there is one day a week when the cow cannot be forced to work. If a car encounters a herd of cattle while driving on the road, it must yield to the cattle. 'Do not harm cows without reason' is the creed of the people of the country.

Worship of ancestors: Although the tribal customs in different regions are different, the horse countrymen have a common feature, that is, the custom of worshipping and worshipping ancestors as gods. In the eyes of horse countrymen, the dead ancestors are energy holders, they protect their descendants in the dark, and they are also the source of their physical and spiritual strength. Every major festival or celebration, the Malaysian countrymen have to carry out a grand ceremony of sacrifice and blessing, place offerings of chickens, ducks, cows, etc., and offer homemade sugarcane wine and honey. Through sacrificial activities, ethnic people sometimes receive "divine edicts" from their ancestors, which help them make choices or overcome difficulties. If someone suddenly suffers from an accident or strange illness, it will be seen as a punishment for lacking respect for their ancestors. The traditional horse countrymen will blow and beat all the way and perform traditional dances when they are holding a funeral for the dead. The women will clap their hands and the men will wave javelin. The coffin bearers will walk and shake violently until the cemetery.

Corpse flipping festival: It is a custom unique to horses that expresses nostalgia and respect for the deceased. As the name suggests, "turning over a corpse" means removing the body of a deceased person from the tomb and flipping it over. The horseman believed that the deceased had been buried in a cold and dark tomb for several years and should come out to "breathe and bask in the sun". Corpse turning is usually carried out several years after the deceased is buried. For hygiene reasons, it is generally chosen during the dry season, and the specific date is chosen by the feng shui master in the tribe. When the corpse turning ceremony is held, people carefully take out the body from the tomb, wrap it in new hemp cloth, and then walk around surrounded by people. Men and women sing and dance in a grand manner, and the more lively it is, the more they show respect for the deceased. Finally, return to the cemetery. During reburial, according to tradition, the body needs to be flipped 7 times before sealing the coffin. The importance and grandeur of the "corpse flipping" ceremony are comparable to the level of solemnity at the time of burial.

Circumcision: In the traditional concept of the horse countrymen, boys need to be circumcised. Only in this way can these boys be manly in the future. From June to September every year, adults hold boys aged 2-5 to gather together for the circumcision ceremony, which is called "circumcision". The ceremony is of great significance to the countrymen of Malaysia. People sing and dance to celebrate. When the ceremony is large-scale, thousands of people will attend.

3、 Daily Etiquette

Horse countrymen are friendly to foreigners. Shake hands when meeting, and give a face to face gesture when meeting familiar relatives or friends. Attending formal or high-level events requires formal attire or formal attire. For general occasions, neat attire is sufficient. When engaging in business activities in Malaysia for the first time, one should prepare a business card with French characters printed on it. Due to the local people's respect for elders, tourists should pay attention to showing courtesy to the elderly whether taking a car, traveling, or visiting. Different regions have different customs and etiquette, for example, some regions and ethnic groups consider Tuesday and Thursday as taboo days, only eat a small amount of poultry meat for dinner before Christmas, and do not eat meat for the week before New Year.

4、 Public holidays

The Madagascar government operates on a 5-day workweek, with Saturdays and Sundays being public holidays. The Labor Law stipulates that all enterprises shall not work more than 173.33 hours per month (or 40 hours per week). Traditionally, the vast majority of enterprises implement a Saturday and Sunday rest system. The regulations for horse holidays are relatively strict, and generally do not change rest days. If a statutory holiday falls on a weekend, there will be no compensatory leave.

In 2023, Madagascar's statutory holidays include: January 1st (New Year's Day), March 8th (International Women's Day), March 29th (1947 National Uprising Memorial Day), April 9th (Easter), April 10th (Monday after Easter), April 21st (Eid al Fitr), May 1st (International Labor Day), May 18th (Ascension Day), May 28th (Pentecost), May 29th (Monday after Pentecost), June 26th (Independence Day), June 28th (Eid al Adha), August 15th (Assumption Day), and November 1st. (The Feast of All Saints), December 25th (Christmas), etc.

Communications Power

Telma is the fixed telephone service provider in Madagascar; There are three mobile phone service providers: Airtel，Telma，Orange。

As of 2023, the total number of post offices in Madagascar is 255.

[Internet] There are three Internet service providers in Madagascar: Telma，Blueline，Orange。

The voltage of the horse is 220 volts, and it uses a French double ended round plug (some sockets also have a ground wire socket in the middle). Chinese tourists need to equip their daily appliances with conversion sockets. The voltage of the horse power supply is unstable and trips frequently. It is recommended to install UPS on office or household appliances to ensure their safe operation.

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