MADAGASCAR: Important Information for Medical Mission Trip Volunteers

Schedule 

August 23 – Arrive in Antananarivo, Madagascar
August 24– Set up for the Medical Clinic at the venue
August 25 - 27 – Medical Clinic from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
August 28 – Medical Clinic from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. 
August 29 – Sabbath worship & celebration 
August 30 – Outing to visit the lemurs at Lemur Park (This will be at an additional cost - more details later)
August 31– Return home or join the Evangelism Team

AIRPORT, HOTEL AND FOOD

Airport
Please book your flights in and out of the airport in Antananarivo (TNR) to arrive on August 23 and depart on August 31, 2026. Because unforeseen circumstances may arise, you may want to consider purchasing refundable airline tickets and/or travel insurance to reimburse you for unexpectedly canceled or changed trips.

If you want assistance with your booking, I recommend Butler Travel, an Adventist travel agency that can get good rates. To request their help, please visit their website and fill out the  “Book a Trip Travel Request Form.”  Their phone number is (503) 879-5005.

Ground Transportation
 You will be picked up at the Antananarivo airport and transported to the Ibis Hotel. The Adventist church leaders in Antananarivo will coordinate your local ground transportation. No rental car is needed.

Hotel
Ibis Hotel

Route des Hydrocarbures
Ankorondrano BP 529
101 Antananarivo, Madagascar
 

Standard room for one person: 70 euros/night (approximately $81/night), inclusive of taxes and breakfast daily.

Standard sharing room for two people (one or two beds): 90 euros/night (approximately $104/night), inclusive of taxes and breakfast daily.

Food
 Vegetarian breakfast buffet included in room charge.

Vegetarian lunch: $8-$15/person/day.

Vegetarian supper: $8-$15/person/day.

There is a grocery store nearby where you may purchase food for your room. Each room has a mini fridge.

PASSPORTS

If you don’t already have a passport, please apply for one ASAP. If you have a passport, please ensure it will not expire within six months of your arrival in Madagascar. You must have ample pages in your passport for immigration to stamp your entry and exit. The last page and cover are not counted for stamps.

DO I NEED A VISA?

Yes, a visa is required to enter Madagascar for most nationalities, and it can usually be obtained upon arrival in Antananarivo; however, it is best to get it before traveling as it may be required before you board from your home country.  Please check your specific country’s eligibility before traveling.

HOW SHOULD I CARE FOR MY PASSPORT AND ITS INFORMATION?

When traveling on the plane, always keep your passport on your person or in your carry-on luggage, and never in your checked baggage. Make at least two copies of your passport. Leave one with someone at home and carry the other in a separate bag from where you keep your original document. Also, take a picture of your passport with your phone. Once you arrive at your hotel, store your passport, along with your money and credit cards, in a safe place, such as the safety deposit box. Do not carry your passport or money unless you need them.

WHAT ELECTRICITY IS USED IN MADAGASCAR?

Madagascar operates on 220V/127V supply voltage and 50Hz, utilizing plug types C, D, E, J, and K, primarily European 2-pin (Type C/E). Travelers from the US (Type A/B) need a plug adapter and possibly a voltage converter for devices that are not dual voltage (110-240V). Do not bring a surge protector, hair dryer, curling iron, etc., that isn’t dual-voltage (220V). It’s easy to order these items online.

WHAT IS THE SIZE AND WEIGHT OF LUGGAGE ALLOWED ON THE AIRLINE?

Check with your airline carrier.

HOW MANY OUNCES CAN MY LIQUID BOTTLES BE FOR MY CARRY-ON?

They cannot be more than 3.4 oz. and must be put in one quart-sized Ziploc bag. If you have larger bottles, put them in Ziploc bags, but place them in your checked luggage. To help avoid messes in your checked baggage, always put your liquids in waterproof or Ziploc bags and then put them in another bag for added protection.

HOW CAN I TRAVEL COMFORTABLY ON THE PLANE?

Wear comfortable clothing, take slippers so you can take off your shoes, carry healthy snacks, and stay hydrated. Start your trip with a bottle of water that you’ve purchased at the airport once you’ve gone through security. Take an aspirin, try to move around, and do some exercises in your seat. For long flights, don’t wear tight clothing or anything binding. Sometimes it’s chilly on the plane, so wear or bring a jacket.

HOW CAN I COMMUNICATE WITH FAMILY WHILE I’M GONE?

Check with your phone company about an international plan for texting, calling and Internet. When WiFi is available, you can use FaceTime, WhatsApp, Messenger, etc., for free. WiFi is available at the Ibis Hotel.

DO I NEED SPECIAL VACCINATIONS FOR MY TRAVEL?

You are advised to check with your physician or a travel clinic to see what you may need before your trip, including malaria prophylaxis. Proof of yellow fever vaccination is required for entry in Madagascar if you are coming from a region with yellow fever.

I GET MOTION SICKNESS. WHAT SHOULD I DO?

Bring medication, and if need be, get a prescription from your physician for motion sickness.

WHAT IF I TAKE SPECIFIC MEDICATIONS ON A DAILY BASIS? CAN I GET REFILLS WHILE ABROAD?

Don’t take a chance on getting a refill overseas. Ensure that you have an ample supply for the entire length of your trip plus a couple more days (in case of delay). Carry your medication in your carry-on bag. If your medications are liquid and over 3 oz., carry your paper prescription; otherwise, they will likely be confiscated at airport security.

MEDICAL TRAVEL INSURANCE

Adventist World Radio will purchase short-term travel medical insurance for you through Adventist Risk Management from August 21 to September 2, 2026. You will receive an email with the proof of insurance before your trip.

WHAT ARE SOME THINGS I SHOULD BRING?

This is not a comprehensive list, as everyone’s needs will differ, but you may want to bring:

• Toiletries: shampoo, conditioner, soap, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrush, brush/comb, razor (shampoo and soap are also provided in the hotel).
• Small medical kit: Band-Aids, antibiotic cream.
• Medications: Bring any medicine you might need, including cough drops.
• Malaria medicine: Check with a travel clinic or your physician.
• Antibiotics: In case of traveler’s diarrhea. Ask a travel clinic or your physician.
• Activated charcoal tablets or capsules.
• Over-the-counter medicine in case of diarrhea.
• Hand sanitizer.
• Travel-size roll of toilet paper (you can get the coreless rolls in the camping section of stores or on Amazon). This is for emergencies.
• Washcloths or whatever you use for bathing (the hotel provides towels only).
• Two polo shirts will be provided to you for the medical clinic. This allows you to wash one in your hotel room while wearing the other in between days. Wear comfortable closed-toe shoes and comfortable black, blue or khaki pants.
• Modest casual clothes for the hotel.
• Comfortable dress and casual shoes.
• Small sewing kit.
• Small container of powdered laundry soap (if you need to do laundry in your room).
• Several lightweight hangers and clothespins (to hang up laundry in the room if washed by hand).
• Mosquito repellent containing at least 25% DEET.
• Snacks/food for the trip and in your room if desired.
• A couple of pens and a notepad.
• Flashlight.
• Camera/phone.
• A small backpack that will hold all your personal items needed throughout the day at the medical clinic.

CAN I USE CREDIT CARDS, AND HOW MUCH CASH SHOULD I BRING?

It’s always wise to bring some cash. The amount you bring depends on your needs. The newer the bills, the better. You may want to exchange a little money at the airport, so you will have local currency if needed. You can pay for your hotel room and meals at the hotel with a credit card.

NOTE: Never put your money in your checked bags or leave it in the open in your hotel room. If you don’t have a safety deposit box in your hotel room, put your money and passport in a locked suitcase.

WHAT KIND OF CLOTHES SHOULD I BRING?

We want you to have a wonderful experience and don’t want dress to be a problem for you or the local people. We have discussed at length with the Madagascar church leadership what is acceptable in terms of appearance, and the following is based on this discussion. They said that if our volunteers look improper, they will have no credibility with the people. Because of this, we need to be mindful of our appearance not only at our medical event but also in the hotel and when we go outside of the hotel.

DRESS FOR THE HOTEL: Modest clothing is required for both men and women. Please do not wear any of the following in public: low-cut tops (including tank tops), shorts for women, tight pants, baggy pants that hang below the waist, pajama pants, or jewelry of any kind (with the exception of a simple wedding band).

WILL I BE ABLE TO WASH MY CLOTHES?

You can do it by hand in your room by bringing a small bag of powdered laundry soap, hangers and clothespins. The Ibis Hotel does provide a laundry service for a cost.

WHAT WILL THE TEMPERATURES BE LIKE?

In Antananarivo, the temperature for that time of year averages highs in the 60s and 70s (Fahrenheit) and lows in the 40s and 50s. It will be chilly at night and in the morning, so please plan accordingly.

CAN I DRINK THE WATER?

Never drink or brush your teeth with water from the tap. Always use bottled water, or if your room has a hot water pot, you can use it to boil water and refill your water bottle. If you’re going to invest in a filtered water bottle, be sure to get a good one. Many filtered water bottles are not good for removing bacteria from the water. You can order a trusted brand online. Also, when showering, please make sure to keep your mouth closed to keep water out.

DO I NEED TO BE CAREFUL WHAT I EAT?

Yes. Don’t eat food that is not cooked or peeled. Don’t eat food that is sold on the street unless you can wash and peel it.

WHAT WILL WE DO EACH DAY?

• Personal and devotional time in the hotel.
• Breakfast.
• Leave for the medical clinic by 7 a.m. (except on Sabbath).
• Lunch at the medical event Tuesday – Friday.
• Return from the medical clinic by 6 p.m.
• Supper at the hotel. Get plenty of rest each evening to start another busy day the following morning.
• On Sabbath, we will all join one of the evangelistic meetings in town.
• On Sunday, August 31, we plan to take a sightseeing day for those who are interested. We are planning to go to Lemurs’ Park to see some of the native wildlife and enjoy God’s beautiful nature. There is an additional cost for this trip, but it will not be too expensive.

SAFETY FIRST

Please never go walking outside the hotel property alone. Always go in pairs or groups. Never go walking at night. Don’t go home with people after our medical event or go with anyone you don’t know. Always return to the hotel.

DOS AND DON’TS AND PRECAUTIONS

• DO spend time in prayer and Bible study.
• DON’T drink water out of the tap or brush your teeth with tap water.
• DON’T eat foods that aren’t cooked or peeled. DON’T eat foods that are sold on the street unless you can peel them.
• DON’T GO WALKING ALONE OR AT NIGHT.
• DON’T GO ANYWHERE WITH INDIVIDUALS YOU DON’T KNOW.

ADAPT, ADAPT, ADAPT

You can expect that not everything will go as planned. This is normal. Don’t get stressed; keep a positive, sweet attitude and pray, pray, pray.
 

Ephesians 3:20: “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us.”
 

Romans 8:28: “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”

IF I NEED MORE INFORMATION, WHO SHOULD I CONTACT?

Suzanna Facundo
[email protected]

PLAN TO RETURN HOME A CHANGED PERSON

As you go to be a blessing to the people in Antananarivo, expect to receive an equal or greater blessing. God will stretch your faith and use you to share His great love and truth.

PLEASE NOTE: Once you have booked your flights, please log in to the registration page and add your flight information there. We must have everyone’s itinerary. Also, please make sure your passport information is complete.

Blessings to you as you prepare for this exciting mission experience. I know God will use you to share His love and truth in beautiful Madagascar.

Continue below to register for our 2026 AWR360˚ Health Medical Clinic in Madagascar!

Please fill out one form per person.