Madagascar Entry Requirements

Visa, immigration, and customs information

Entering Madagascar as a tourist requires advance preparation, with most travelers needing either a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) obtained online before arrival. Immigration procedures at major airports like Ivato International Airport (TNR) in Antananarivo are generally straightforward but can be slow; having all documents organized is key. Travelers should be aware that passport validity must extend at least six months beyond the date of entry, and proof of sufficient funds and onward/return travel may be requested by immigration officers.

Visa Requirements

Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.

Madagascar offers visa-free entry to a limited number of nationalities. For most visitors, entry is helpd through an online Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system. Traditional visas from an embassy are required for nationals of a few specific countries and for those seeking long-term stays.

Visa-Free Entry

Up to 90 days within a 180-day period

Citizens of a select group of countries can enter for tourism without a visa for short stays.

Includes

Mauritius Seychelles

Passport must be valid for at least 6 months. Travelers may be asked to show proof of accommodation and sufficient funds.

Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA/eVisa)

30 or 60 days, single entry (can be extended in-country)

The primary entry method for most tourists. The ETA is mandatory and must be obtained online prior to travel.

Includes

United States United Kingdom All EU Member States Canada Australia New Zealand South Africa Japan China India Brazil Russia

How to Apply: Apply online via the official 'Madagascar E-Visa' platform (https://www.evisamada.gov.mg). Processing typically takes 72 hours. The ETA approval must be printed and presented on arrival.
Cost: Approximately 10 EUR for 30 days, 35 EUR for 60 days (subject to change)

The ETA is not a visa stamp but a mandatory pre-authorization. Entry is still at the discretion of the immigration officer. Applications should be made at least 1 week before departure.

Visa Required

Varies by visa type (tourist, business, etc.)

Nationals from countries not listed above or those not eligible for the ETA must apply for a traditional visa at a Malagasy embassy or consulate before travel.

How to Apply: Apply in person or by mail to the nearest Malagasy diplomatic mission. Requires application form, passport photos, flight itinerary, and sometimes proof of accommodation/funds.

This process is longer and more complex than the ETA. Check embassy websites well in advance of your trip.

Arrival Process

Upon arrival at a Malagasy international airport, follow signs for immigration. The process involves health checks, passport control, and customs. Have all documents ready to expedite the process.

Health Declaration

You may be asked to fill out a health declaration form, if there are active health alerts.

Passport Control

Present your passport (with 6+ months validity), printed ETA approval (if applicable), and completed arrival card. Your photo may be taken, and fingerprints scanned.

Visa Stamping/Verification

If you have an ETA, the officer will verify it and stamp your passport with the appropriate entry stamp and duration of stay. Visa-free nationals receive a stamp directly.

Baggage Claim & Customs

Proceed to collect your luggage and pass through the customs green (nothing to declare) or red (goods to declare) channel.

Documents to Have Ready

Passport

Must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry. Must have at least one blank visa page.

Printed ETA Approval

Required for all travelers from ETA-eligible countries. Must be a physical printout.

Return/Onward Ticket

Proof of intention to leave Madagascar may be requested.

Proof of Accommodation

Hotel bookings or invitation letter may be requested.

Sufficient Funds

May need to show access to adequate funds for the duration of your stay (cash, credit cards).

Completed Arrival/Disembarkation Card

Distributed on the plane or available in the arrival hall.

Tips for Smooth Entry

Print two copies of your ETA approval: one for immigration and a backup.

Fill out the arrival card completely and legibly before reaching the immigration counter.

Be polite and patient. Immigration queues can be long, during peak arrival times.

Have your supporting documents (hotel, flight) easily accessible, not buried in your luggage.

Customs & Duty-Free

Madagascar has strict customs regulations to protect its unique biodiversity and cultural heritage. Declare all items of value and any restricted goods.

Alcohol

1 liter of spirits and 2 liters of wine per adult

Traveler must be over 21 years of age.

Tobacco

500 cigarettes, 100 cigars, or 500g of tobacco per adult

Traveler must be over 21 years of age.

Currency

No limit on foreign currency import

Amounts over 7,500 EUR (or equivalent) must be declared upon arrival. Export of foreign currency is limited to the amount declared upon entry. The local currency (Ariary) cannot be imported or exported in large amounts.

Gifts/Goods

Personal effects and gifts up to a value of approximately 400,000 MGA (Ariary)

Items for commercial purposes or exceeding this value are subject to duty.

Prohibited Items

Drugs and narcotics without prescription - illegal
Counterfeit goods and currency - illegal
Pornographic material - illegal
Protected wildlife products (e.g., tortoise shell, certain corals, live animals/plants without permits) - protected by CITES
Weapons, ammunition, and explosives without special authorization - security risk

Restricted Items

Medication: A doctor's prescription is recommended for personal medications, controlled substances.
Drones: Require prior authorization from the Civil Aviation authority.
Professional film/photography equipment: May require a permit from the Ministry of Culture and Communication.
Plants, seeds, and agricultural products: Require phytosanitary certificates.

Health Requirements

While no specific vaccinations are universally required for entry, several are strongly recommended due to health risks present in Madagascar. Requirements can change, in response to outbreaks.

Required Vaccinations

Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is required for travelers aged 1 year and over arriving from countries with risk of Yellow Fever transmission.

Recommended Vaccinations

Routine Vaccinations (MMR, DTP, Polio, etc.)
Hepatitis A
Typhoid
Hepatitis B (for longer stays)
Rabies (for adventure travelers, animal handlers)
Malaria prophylaxis is HIGHLY recommended as malaria is endemic throughout the country.

Health Insurance

Travel health insurance with medical evacuation coverage is not mandatory but is strongly recommended. Healthcare facilities outside major cities are limited, and serious illnesses/injuries often require evacuation.

Current Health Requirements: As of May 2024, there are no COVID-19 vaccination, testing, or quarantine requirements for entry. However, this is subject to change. Check the Malagasy Ministry of Public Health or WHO websites for the latest health advisories.

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Important Contacts

Essential resources for your trip.

Embassy/Consulate

Find your country's embassy or consulate in Antananarivo.

Check your government's travel advisory website (e.g., US State Department, UK FCDO) for contact details and local assistance information.

Immigration Authority

Office de la Régulation des Migrations (ORM) / Police des Frontières.

Official ETA website: https://www.evisamada.gov.mg. For extensions and other immigration matters within Madagascar, visit the ORM office in Antananarivo.

Emergency

Emergency services number

Police: 117, Ambulance/Fire: 118. For tourists, contacting your embassy or hotel for assistance is also advisable.

Special Situations

Additional requirements for specific circumstances.

Traveling with Children

Children must have their own passport and ETA/visa. If traveling with only one parent or without parents, a notarized letter of consent from the non-accompanying parent(s) or legal guardian(s) is strongly recommended, though not always requested. It should include travel dates, destinations, and contact details.

Traveling with Pets

Pets (dogs and cats) require an import permit obtained in advance from the Malagasy Ministry of Agriculture. Requirements include a valid rabies vaccination certificate (administered at least 30 days prior to travel), a veterinary health certificate issued within 7 days of travel, and potentially a rabies antibody titer test. Quarantine may be imposed. Start the process months in advance.

Extended Stays

Tourist ETAs (30/60 days) can be extended once for an additional 30 or 60 days. Apply at the Office de la Régulation des Migrations (ORM) in Antananarivo before your initial stay expires. For longer stays (work, study, residency), you must apply for the appropriate long-term visa from a Malagasy embassy before traveling or convert your status in-country, which is a complex process.

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