The U.S. Just Issued a Level 3 Travel Warning to This Idyllic Beach Destination—Here’s What Travelers Should Know

The United States government warned travelers to carefully review their plans before visiting the East African island of Madagascar.

The State Department recently upgraded the country to a Level 3, warning Americans to “reconsider travel” there due to crime and unrest. Madagascar was the site of a military coup earlier this month, the Associated Press reported, following demonstrations from young protesters concerning water and electricity outages.

“Protests occur throughout the country, and they can turn violent without warning,” the State department wrote in its advisory. “Protesters have also engaged in rioting, looting, vandalism and destruction of property.”

The Department advised Americans there to “avoid areas with protests or demonstrations” and to “have a plan to leave in an emergency that does not depend on U.S. government help.”

In addition, the Department warned of violent crime throughout the country, “particularly after dark.” The advisory recommended American travelers not travel on roads between cities after dark.

For travelers who do go to the country, the Department encouraged them to purchase travel insurance since the government provides little support for citizens when traveling internationally. 

“The U.S. government does not pay medical costs for U.S. citizens traveling abroad,” the State Department said. “Plan ahead in case of any hospital visits, emergencies, or other unexpected expenses during your trip.”

Popular among outdoor enthusiasts and leisure travelers for its clear water, natural wonders like the towering Baobab trees, and unique wildlife, Madagascar has historically been a great place to celebrate a big trip. However, the ongoing political uncertainty has left a lot of question marks open for the island country.

The State Department regularly updates and modifies travel advisories based on current events, geopolitical issues, and analysis of overall threat risks. These advisories are based on four levels: “level 1: exercise normal precautions,” “level 2: exercise increased caution,” “level 3: reconsider travel,” and “level 4: do not travel” to a destination.

Currently, there are 25 international destinations classified under the level 3 designation, including several others in Africa like Ethiopia, Uganda, Niger, Mauritania, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Chad, Burundi, Guinea-Bissau, and Nigeria.

In general, the State Department encourages all Americans who travel abroad to sign up for its free Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) before any international trip. The program provides updates and guidance for travelers to each particular country, and also allows the local embassy to contact the traveler in the event of an emergency.