Madagascar Universal Emergency Number: 117
+261 · Mobile Emergency Fallback
The universal emergency number in Madagascar is 117. Operated by UK Government Foreign Travel Advice for Madagascar. Free to call. Works from mobile phones.
Mobile Emergency Fallback
Madagascar · Universal Emergency
📝 Cellular standard operating loop. Captures incoming mobile signals and connects straight to central public response dispatch rooms.
🔢 Dedicated Number Pages
📍 Find Nearest Emergency Services
Use GPS to locate the nearest hospital, police station, or fire station near your current location.
🗣️ 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 Universal Emergency
- • 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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Universal Emergency Emergency Service in Madagascar — Complete Guide
When traveling to Madagascar or living there as an expat, knowing the correct universal emergency number in Madagascar is critical for emergency preparedness. The official emergency contact line for universal emergency services in Madagascar is 117, which is operated and monitored by UK Government Foreign Travel Advice for Madagascar. Cellular standard operating loop. Captures incoming mobile signals and connects straight to central public response dispatch rooms.
How to Dial 117 in Madagascar
To reach the Mobile Emergency Fallback in Madagascar, dial 117 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. You can dial this emergency number even if your phone has no SIM card inserted or if the SIM card is locked. 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 117 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 117
When you call the universal emergency number in Madagascar, you will be connected to a trained dispatcher at UK Government Foreign Travel Advice for Madagascar. 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 (universal emergency 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 Universal Emergency (117), 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 117 is verified against official directories published by UK Government Foreign Travel Advice for Madagascar. 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 — Universal Emergency in Madagascar
What is the Universal Emergency number in Madagascar? ▼
The Universal Emergency emergency number in Madagascar is 117. Cellular standard operating loop. Captures incoming mobile signals and connects straight to central public response dispatch rooms.
Does 117 work from mobile in Madagascar? ▼
Yes, 117 works from all mobile phones in Madagascar.
Can I call 117 without a SIM card? ▼
Yes, you can dial 117 without a SIM card in Madagascar.
Is calling 117 free in Madagascar? ▼
Yes, calling 117 is free in Madagascar. No airtime credit needed.
Who operates Universal Emergency in Madagascar? ▼
The Universal Emergency service in Madagascar is operated by UK Government Foreign Travel Advice for Madagascar. Source: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/madagascar/getting-help
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.