Visa & Entry Requirements for Madagascar: A Practical Guide
Do you need a visa to enter Madagascar? This is one of the most common questions when planning a trip. The good news is that Madagascar’s visa requirements are simple and traveler-friendly. Most visitors will need a tourist visa, but the process is straightforward and easy to manage.
In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about Madagascar visas, including types, costs, required documents, health entry rules, and how to extend your stay.
Who Needs a Visa for Madagascar?
- Travelers from most countries (including the US, UK, EU, Canada, and Australia) must obtain a visa.
- Only a few neighboring nations in the Indian Ocean region have exemptions.
- For tourists, the easiest option is a Visa on Arrival or an eVisa.
Visa Duration and Fees
- Up to 15 days: €30 ($35)
- 16-30 days: €35 ($41)
- 31-60 days: €40 ($47)
- 61-90 days: €50 ($59)
Payment Details:
- On arrival: cash only in USD, EUR, or Ariary. Bring newer, clean notes – damaged bills may be refused.
- Credit/debit cards are not accepted at the airport visa desk.
- eVisa applicants pay online by card in advance.
- Fees may change, so check the official eVisa site or a Malagasy embassy for the most up-to-date information before traveling.
Types of Madagascar Tourist Visas
Travelers visiting Madagascar have three main options for obtaining a visa. You can (1) get a visa on arrival at the airport, (2) apply in advance through the official eVisa system, or (3) arrange a visa in advance at a Malagasy embassy or consulate.
1. Visa on Arrival (VoA)
- Available to all nationalities at major airports, such as Antananarivo (Ivato).
- Process: Fill out a short form (given on the plane or at the airport), show your passport, and pay the fee in cash.
- Requirements: Passport valid 6+ months, at least 2 blank pages, an onward or return ticket, and a visa fee. Proof of accommodation may be asked for, but is not always required.
- Duration: Choose between 15, 30, or 60 days. Immigration will stamp your passport with the details of your authorized stay.
2. Madagascar eVisa (Online Visa)
- Apply via the official website: evisamada.gov.mg. Avoid unofficial copycat sites.
- Eligibility: All nationalities are accepted.
- Options: Tourist eVisas for 15, 30, or 60 days.
- Process:
- Fill out the online application form.
- Pay the visa fee by card.
- Receive an approval email within about 72 hours.
- Print or save the approval and present it on arrival.
- Fill out the online application form.
The main benefits of this option are a faster entry process at the airport and the convenience of not having to carry large amounts of cash.
3. Embassy or Consulate Visa
- Best for travelers staying longer than 60–90 days or for non-tourist purposes (such as work, study, or volunteering).
- Process: Submit your passport, photos, and application form to a Malagasy embassy or consulate. Additional documents (proof of funds, itinerary, invitation letter) may be required.
- Timing: Apply at least several weeks in advance, as processing can take time.
- Cost: Usually similar to on-arrival visas, but long-stay visas may cost more.
Passport & Entry Requirements
- Validity: Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your entry date.
- Blank pages: At least 2–3 blank pages required.
- Return/onward ticket: Often checked at immigration or even by airlines at departure.
Arrival process
When you land in Madagascar, you’ll first head to the visa on arrival desk before passport control. You may need to fill out a short entry form (often provided on the plane or at the airport). At the counter, you’ll present your passport and onward/return ticket, and the officer will ask how long you plan to stay (15, 30, or 60 days). If you are applying on arrival, you’ll then pay the visa fee in cash. If you have already obtained an eVisa, simply present your printed approval (or show it on your phone), and you won’t need to pay again. Once processed, the officer will place a visa sticker in your passport and add an entry stamp showing your permitted length of stay.
The process is generally straightforward, but it can be slow and involve queues, especially if several international flights arrive at the same time. Waiting times can range from a few minutes to over an hour, so it’s best to be patient and keep your documents ready to speed things up.
Health Requirements
- Yellow Fever certificate: Mandatory if you arrive from or transit through a yellow-fever-risk country. Bring your WHO vaccination card if this applies.
- Other vaccines: Not required for entry.
- COVID-19: No entry restrictions.
Extending Your Visa in Madagascar
You should apply for an extension several days before your current visa expires – don’t wait until the last minute. Go to a local immigration office (Police de l’Air et des Frontières / Immigration) in main cities like Antananarivo, Nosy Be, or other major towns. Bring your passport (with your current visa stamp), a photocopy of the main passport page and visa page, and be prepared to pay the extension fee in cash (usually similar to the cost of an additional visa period).
At the office, you’ll complete a short application form and submit your documents. In some cases, you may also be asked for your address in Madagascar or proof of onward travel. Processing can take anywhere from the same day to a couple of days, depending on the location.
There is no official, user-friendly online system or central website to explain or handle visa extensions in Madagascar, so it’s best to ask your hotel, guide, or local contacts for the nearest office and the current procedures.
Important: Tourist visas cannot be extended beyond 90 days. For longer stays, you’ll need a different visa category. Fines and penalties apply if you exceed your visa period. In some cases, you may be detained or deported. Always check your passport stamp for the exact expiry date.
