A border measure has just been announced and is awaiting its effectiveness. This is the abolition of antigen testing on arrival.
IT WAS during the 10th partnership dialogue between Madagascar and the European Union, held at the State Palace of Iavoloha last Monday that the President of the Republic announced the new health measures as of this Thursday. August 11, 2022, in particular the end of antigen test samples for all flights arriving in Madagascar. Among the travel restrictions put in place in the context of Covid-19, the antigen test which is administered to all passengers on arrival, at a cost of 15 euros, will therefore be abolished. This border measure should be passed by the Council of Ministers, according to sources.
A sigh of relief for many passengers who were victims of mistreatment by the agents responsible for carrying out the test. “At the end of the test I paid the 15 euros but they refused the coins. I gave a 50 euro note, they gave me change in Ariary. They don’t have an office. Just a table and a simple notebook to record first names without passport control. They don’t give a receipt”, testifies Fanja, who recently returned to the country. She pointed out this disgraceful situation to the officers. “I was the victim of the same treatment. They didn’t want to take the 1 and 2 euro coins. It is inadmissible”, plague Miharisoa, resident in Reunion. The “business” therefore ends with this government decision.
Accompanying measures as well as details would be expected in council today. The removal of this measure comes following the PCR test on arrival was replaced by an anti-gene test, thus leading to the cancellation of compulsory hotel confinement. This easing measure took place in March of this year, in the Council of Ministers. Thus, during this test if the result is negative, the passengers will be able to return but if not, they will stay in a designated medical center for a period of 7 days until the test is negative.
Fear
On the one hand, this decision to abolish the TDR will be a relief for passengers who come to Madagascar; on the other hand, the fear of an increase in cases is being heard. Currently, the result of a negative test is still required before boarding even for those who are vaccinated.
Conversely, the European Union is asking Madagascar to recognize the equivalence of Covid-19 vaccination certificates from European countries to enter the country. The adoption by the EU, on July 1, of the decision establishing the equivalence of the Covid-19 vaccination certificates issued by the Republic of Madagascar with the certificates issued, in accordance with the regulation in Europe, was also discussed. The joint press release indicates that the decision directly benefits people holding a compliant Malagasy certificate, wishing to travel to Europe and who will no longer be obliged to present the PCR test in order to be able to board a flight. The EU expressed the hope that Madagascar would apply reciprocity on this issue, which is not yet the case.