Madagascar Police Number: 17
+261 · Police Nationale / Gendarmerie
The police emergency number in Madagascar is 17. Operated by Irish Department of Foreign Affairs Travel Advice. Free to call. Works from mobile phones.
Police Nationale / Gendarmerie
Madagascar · Police
📝 Dial 17 from landlines or 117 from any operational mobile plan. To contact the central police tracking desk directly, dial 19 or mobile 119.
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📍 Find Nearest Emergency Services
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🗣️ Emergency Phrases in Madagascar
Use these phrases to communicate in an emergency when language is a barrier. Tap the speaker to play pronunciation.
⚠️ When NOT to Call Police
- • To seek directions across national park tracks or ask for wilderness route guidelines.
- • To report minor non-violent thefts after the event when suspects have left (visit local stations directly).
- • To resolve basic retail transaction pricing disputes with local artisanal market merchants.
✈️ Travel Notes — Madagascar
No response details available.
🛡️ Traveling to Madagascar? Protect Yourself
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Police Emergency Service in Madagascar — Complete Guide
When traveling to Madagascar or living there as an expat, knowing the correct police number in Madagascar is critical for emergency preparedness. The official emergency contact line for police services in Madagascar is 17, which is operated and monitored by Irish Department of Foreign Affairs Travel Advice. Dial 17 from landlines or 117 from any operational mobile plan. To contact the central police tracking desk directly, dial 19 or mobile 119.
How to Dial 17 in Madagascar
To reach the Police Nationale / Gendarmerie in Madagascar, dial 17 from any local fixed line, cellular phone, or public payphone. Dialing from mobile devices is fully supported across local mobile operators and international roaming SIM cards. A SIM card is typically required by mobile operators in Madagascar. If you lack a SIM card, dial the universal emergency number 112. Calls to this emergency service are 100% free of charge — no prepaid airtime credit or active subscription plan is required.
Calling from International Roaming or Abroad
If you are within Madagascar using an international roaming SIM card, you can dial 17 directly without any country code prefix. If you need to contact emergency dispatch in Madagascar from an international location, the country calling code is +261.
Language & Communication with Dispatchers
Emergency operators in Madagascar communicate primarily in mg, fr. If you do not speak mg, remain calm and state your language immediately (e.g. "English, please"). Most national dispatch centers have access to telephonic interpretation services or English-speaking officers to ensure rapid dispatch.
What to Expect When You Dial 17
When you call the police number in Madagascar, you will be connected to a trained dispatcher at Irish Department of Foreign Affairs Travel Advice. These operators are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. When connected, clearly state:
- Your exact location (city, neighborhood, landmark, or GPS coordinates)
- The nature of the emergency (police assistance)
- Number of individuals involved or needing immediate medical/police/fire assistance
- Your contact number for callback if disconnected
All Emergency Numbers in Madagascar
Please note that Madagascar utilizes dedicated emergency lines for different agencies. Besides the Police (17), the following emergency services can also be reached directly: Mobile Emergency Fallback (117), Police Nationale / Gendarmerie (17), Ambulance / Police Medical Triage (17), Sapeurs-Pompiers (18). Additionally, the universal emergency contact number 112 is active across Madagascar and will redirect calls to the appropriate local agency.
Official Regulatory & Government Source
The emergency number 17 is verified against official directories published by Irish Department of Foreign Affairs Travel Advice. Last verified on 2026-05. If you notice any outdated information or changed hotline details, please contact our editorial team so we can update the platform for traveler safety.
Frequently Asked Questions — Police in Madagascar
What is the Police number in Madagascar? ▼
The Police emergency number in Madagascar is 17. Dial 17 from landlines or 117 from any operational mobile plan. To contact the central police tracking desk directly, dial 19 or mobile 119.
Does 17 work from mobile in Madagascar? ▼
Yes, 17 works from all mobile phones in Madagascar.
Can I call 17 without a SIM card? ▼
A SIM card is typically required. Try 112, the universal number, which works without a SIM on most networks.
Is calling 17 free in Madagascar? ▼
Yes, calling 17 is free in Madagascar. No airtime credit needed.
Who operates Police in Madagascar? ▼
The Police service in Madagascar is operated by Irish Department of Foreign Affairs Travel Advice. Source: https://www.ireland.ie/en/dfa/overseas-travel/advice/madagascar/
What is the structural difference between dialing 17 and 117 in Madagascar? ▼
17 is the direct response code used strictly from standard fixed landline infrastructure. 117 is the modernized three-digit standard optimized for mobile networks.
What happens if I call 119 on a cell phone inside Madagascar? ▼
Dialing 119 (or 19 from landlines) connects directly to specialized central police headquarters, bypassing local regional dispatch loops for high-priority reports.
Are public ambulance responses free for tourists in Madagascar? ▼
Public dispatches carry base fees, and clinical hospital admissions require cash clearance or valid insurance validation. Comprehensive travel insurance with airlift support is strongly advised.