Like other tourist destinations, Madagascar's tourism sector is not spared from malpractices and corruption. Resorting to them and perpetuating them have only harmful consequences for the country's development and our population. At Détours Madagascar, it matters to us to be irreproachable and exemplary, which is why, at our scale, we fight against these malpractices, even though they are tempting and easy to fall into.

One example among many. Our vehicles and our drivers are perfectly compliant: During our journeys, there is no valid reason why any of our guides would hand over even a small sum at a road checkpoint.

Unofficials guides, with non-compliant vehicles, need to bribe police officers to "avoid" incidents and continue on their way. However, it is precisely the accumulation of these practices that fuels social instability in the country, maintains and perpetuates an unequal two-speed state.

Declaring one's employees, one's revenue, and being in compliance with Malagasy law are fundamental steps to stop the spread of corruption.

Practical Information:

• Upon your arrival at the airport, only the €35 for your tourist visa is legally required: Once your visa is paid, you are in order, any other request for money (even from a police officer) is unwarranted! It's worth noting that you have the option of using a porter who will handle your luggage for 1,000 Ariary (€0.25).
• If you travel by taxi in the evening, especially in town, it's common to be stopped by police officers. Similarly, once you present your valid passport and visa, any request for money from them is neither justified nor legitimate.
• It is important that travellers do not participate in perpetuating this system, whose harmful repercussions for society are undeniable.

The government in power since January 2019 adopts, in a cross-cutting manner, a very firm stance against malpractices and corruption, particularly within administrative services and public procurement. It is implementing an array of measures, across all sectors, to reverse this insidious dynamic and establish a more impartial and equitable state.

"If you are not part of the solution, you're part of the problem"

(« If you are not part of the solution, you're part of the problem »)

E.Cleaver