Madagascar Entry Requirements

Visa, immigration, and customs information

Madagascar, the unique island nation off the southeastern coast of Africa, welcomes international visitors with a relatively straightforward entry process. Most travelers can obtain a visa on arrival at Ivato International Airport in Antananarivo or other international entry points, making it accessible for tourism and business visits. The country's immigration system is designed to facilitate tourism while maintaining security standards. Upon arrival, travelers will need to present a valid passport, proof of return or onward travel, and payment for visa fees if applicable. The immigration process typically involves document verification, visa issuance (if obtained on arrival), and customs clearance. Madagascar has modernized its entry procedures in recent years, though travelers should be prepared for potential delays during peak tourist seasons. It's essential to ensure your passport has at least six months validity from your intended date of entry and contains sufficient blank pages for stamps. While Madagascar's entry requirements are generally tourist-friendly, regulations can change, and specific requirements may vary based on nationality, purpose of visit, and current health situations. Always verify the latest requirements with official sources before your departure.

Visa Requirements

Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.

Madagascar offers visa on arrival for most nationalities, making it one of the more accessible African destinations. Visitors can obtain tourist visas valid for stays of up to 30, 60, or 90 days depending on their needs and payment.

Visa on Arrival

30 days (extendable to 60 or 90 days)

Most nationalities can obtain a tourist visa upon arrival at Madagascar's international airports and seaports

Includes

United States United Kingdom European Union countries Canada Australia New Zealand Japan South Korea Singapore Most African countries Most South American countries

Visa fees can be paid in cash at the airport. Credit cards are not always accepted. Ensure you have exact change or small denominations. Visas can be extended once in-country through the immigration office in Antananarivo.

Electronic Travel Authorization (eVisa)

30, 60, or 90 days depending on application

Madagascar offers an online eVisa system that allows travelers to apply in advance, though visa on arrival remains available

Includes

Available to all nationalities eligible for visa on arrival Particularly recommended for travelers who prefer advance planning

How to Apply: Apply through the official Madagascar eVisa portal (evisamada.gov.mg) at least 5-7 business days before travel. Upload required documents including passport copy, passport photo, and proof of accommodation. Processing typically takes 3-5 business days.
Cost: Similar to visa on arrival fees plus small processing fee: approximately €37-40 for 30 days, €45 for 60 days, €55 for 90 days

The eVisa system can experience technical issues. Keep confirmation and approval documents printed and accessible. Even with an eVisa, you may need to show proof of return travel and accommodation at immigration.

Visa Required in Advance

Varies by visa type and purpose of visit

Very few nationalities require advance visa application through an embassy

How to Apply: Contact the nearest Madagascar embassy or consulate. Required for work visas, long-term stays, or certain restricted nationalities. Business visas and other special categories must be arranged in advance.

If planning to work, study, or stay longer than 90 days, contact Madagascar immigration authorities or your nearest embassy well in advance of travel. Tourist visas cannot be converted to work permits in-country.

Arrival Process

The entry process at Madagascar's international airports is generally straightforward but can be time-consuming during peak arrival times. Ivato International Airport in Antananarivo is the main point of entry, though international flights also arrive at Nosy Be and other locations.

Health Screening

Upon arrival, you may be subject to health screening procedures including temperature checks. Keep any required health documentation readily accessible.

Visa Payment and Issuance

If obtaining visa on arrival, proceed to the visa counter before immigration. Present your passport, return ticket, and payment. You'll receive a visa sticker or stamp in your passport. Have exact change in Euros, USD, or Ariary ready.

Immigration Control

Present your passport with visa, completed arrival card (distributed on the plane or available at the airport), and proof of onward travel. Immigration officers will verify your documents, ask basic questions about your visit, and stamp your passport with entry permission.

Baggage Claim

Collect your luggage from the carousel. Baggage handling can be slow, so be patient. Porters are available for a small tip.

Customs Declaration

Complete a customs declaration form if carrying items to declare. Proceed through the customs checkpoint where your luggage may be inspected. Green channel for nothing to declare, red channel if declaring items.

Exit to Arrivals Hall

After clearing customs, exit to the arrivals hall where you can arrange transportation, exchange money, or meet your hotel representative.

Documents to Have Ready

Valid Passport

Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay with at least 2-3 blank pages for stamps and visa

Return or Onward Ticket

Proof of departure from Madagascar within your authorized stay period. Digital or printed copies accepted.

Proof of Accommodation

Hotel reservation, invitation letter, or address where you'll be staying. May be requested by immigration officers.

Visa Payment

Cash in Euros, US Dollars, or Malagasy Ariary for visa on arrival. Credit cards typically not accepted for visa fees.

Yellow Fever Certificate

Required if arriving from or having transited through a yellow fever endemic country within 6 days prior to arrival

Completed Arrival Card

Immigration and customs forms distributed on the flight or available at the airport

Tips for Smooth Entry

Arrive with small denomination bills (Euros or USD) for visa payment as change may not always be available at the visa counter

Keep all important documents (passport, visa confirmation, tickets, hotel bookings) in an easily accessible folder or pouch

Take a photo or make copies of your passport and visa in case of loss or theft during your stay

Be patient during the entry process, especially if arriving on flights with many passengers. The process can take 1-2 hours during busy periods

Have your accommodation address written down clearly. Immigration officers may ask for specific details

Exchange a small amount of money at the airport for immediate expenses like taxi fare, though rates may be better in the city

If applying for eVisa online, print multiple copies of your approval as backup

Keep receipts for your visa payment for potential extension applications later

Customs & Duty-Free

Madagascar customs regulations are designed to protect the country's unique biodiversity and control the import of restricted goods. All travelers must complete a customs declaration form and may be subject to baggage inspection. Be honest in your declarations to avoid penalties or confiscation.

Alcohol

1 liter of spirits or 2 liters of wine

Must be 18 years or older. Alcohol should be for personal consumption only.

Tobacco

500 cigarettes or 25 cigars or 500 grams of tobacco

Must be 18 years or older. Tobacco products for personal use only.

Currency

Amounts over 7,500 Euros (or equivalent) must be declared

Both foreign currency and Malagasy Ariary must be declared if exceeding limits. Keep declaration form for departure. No limit on amount that can be brought in if properly declared.

Gifts/Goods

Personal effects and goods up to approximately 500 Euros value

New items in original packaging may be questioned. Professional equipment may require temporary import documentation.

Perfume

Reasonable quantities for personal use (typically up to 250ml)

Commercial quantities will be subject to duties

Prohibited Items

Illegal drugs and narcotics - severe penalties including imprisonment
Firearms and ammunition without prior authorization - requires special import permit
Endangered species products - Madagascar is signatory to CITES
Counterfeit goods and pirated media
Pornographic materials
Plants and plant materials without phytosanitary certificate
Fresh meat and dairy products from certain countries
Precious stones and minerals without proper documentation

Restricted Items

Prescription medications - bring original prescriptions and keep medications in original packaging. Quantities should be reasonable for personal use during your stay
Drones and radio-controlled devices - may require special permission from aviation authorities
Professional camera and video equipment - may require temporary import permit and carnet for commercial use
Satellite phones - require authorization from telecommunications authorities
Live animals - require health certificates, import permits, and CITES documentation if applicable
Archaeological and cultural artifacts - cannot be exported without special permission

Health Requirements

Madagascar has specific health entry requirements designed to protect public health. Travelers should consult with a travel health clinic or their physician at least 4-6 weeks before departure to ensure compliance and adequate health preparation.

Required Vaccinations

Yellow Fever - Required if arriving from or having transited through a yellow fever endemic country within 6 days prior to arrival. Proof of vaccination (International Certificate of Vaccination) must be presented at immigration. This includes transit through airports in endemic countries.

Recommended Vaccinations

Hepatitis A - Recommended for all travelers due to potential food and water contamination
Typhoid - Recommended, especially if visiting rural areas or staying with friends/relatives
Hepatitis B - Recommended for travelers who may have intimate contact with local population or require medical procedures
Rabies - Recommended for travelers spending time outdoors, working with animals, or visiting remote areas
Tetanus-Diphtheria - Ensure routine vaccination is up to date
Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) - Ensure routine vaccination is up to date
Malaria prophylaxis - Highly recommended as malaria is present throughout Madagascar. Consult with travel health professional for appropriate antimalarial medication

Health Insurance

Comprehensive travel health insurance with medical evacuation coverage is strongly recommended. Medical facilities in Madagascar are limited, especially outside Antananarivo. Serious medical conditions may require evacuation to Reunion Island, South Africa, or Europe. Ensure your insurance covers emergency medical evacuation, which can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Keep insurance documents and emergency contact numbers readily accessible.

Current Health Requirements: Health entry requirements can change rapidly, particularly regarding COVID-19 and other infectious diseases. Check current requirements with official Madagascar government sources, your airline, and your country's travel advisory service 72 hours before departure. Requirements may include testing, vaccination certificates, or health declarations. Visit the Madagascar Ministry of Health website or contact your nearest Madagascar embassy for the most current health protocols.

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Important Contacts

Essential resources for your trip.

Emergency Services

Police: 117 or 020 22 227 35 | Fire: 118 | Ambulance: 124 (limited availability)

Emergency services are limited and may not respond quickly, especially outside major cities. Have your hotel or local contacts assist in emergencies.

Immigration Authority

Direction Générale de la Police Nationale - Service de l'Immigration et de l'Émigration

Located in Antananarivo for visa extensions and immigration matters. Official eVisa portal: evisamada.gov.mg

Embassy/Consulate

Contact your country's embassy or consulate in Madagascar

Major embassies located in Antananarivo. Register with your embassy upon arrival for safety notifications. Check your government's travel advisory website before departure.

Tourist Information

Madagascar National Tourism Board (Office National du Tourisme de Madagascar)

Located at Antaninarenina, Antananarivo. Can provide tourist information and assistance.

Airport Information

Ivato International Airport (TNR): +261 20 22 444 44

Main international gateway located approximately 16km from Antananarivo city center

Special Situations

Additional requirements for specific circumstances.

Traveling with Children

Children must have their own passport regardless of age. Minors (under 18) traveling without both parents should carry a notarized letter of consent from the non-accompanying parent(s) authorizing the travel, including contact information and copies of the parents' identification. If traveling with one parent, a letter from the other parent is recommended. Single parents should carry the child's birth certificate. In cases of sole custody, carry legal documentation. These documents should be in French or English, or accompanied by certified translations. While not always requested, having proper documentation prevents potential issues at immigration.

Traveling with Pets

Pets entering Madagascar require: (1) Valid rabies vaccination certificate (administered at least 30 days but not more than 12 months before arrival), (2) International health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian within 10 days of travel, (3) Import permit from Madagascar Ministry of Agriculture (apply at least 30 days in advance), (4) Microchip identification recommended. Dogs and cats must be examined upon arrival. Some breeds may be restricted. Contact the Madagascar Ministry of Agriculture or your nearest Madagascar embassy for current requirements and permit applications. Airlines have separate requirements for pet transport. Note that veterinary services in Madagascar are limited.

Extended Stays

Tourist visas can be extended once for up to 90 days total. To extend, visit the Immigration Office (Direction de l'Immigration et de l'Émigration) in Antananarivo before your current visa expires. Required documents: valid passport, current visa, proof of sufficient funds, proof of accommodation, passport photos, and extension fee (varies by duration). Extensions are not guaranteed. For stays exceeding 90 days, you must leave the country and re-enter with a new visa, or apply for a long-stay visa or residence permit. Long-stay visas require application through a Madagascar embassy before arrival and are typically for work, study, or family reunification. Processing can take several weeks to months.

Business Travelers

Business visitors can enter on tourist visas for short business trips (meetings, conferences, negotiations). For longer business stays or employment, a business visa or work permit is required. Apply through Madagascar embassy before travel. Required documents include: invitation letter from Madagascar company, business registration documents, proof of business activities, and employer letter. Work permits must be obtained before starting employment and require sponsorship from a Madagascar employer. The process can take 2-3 months. Consult with the Madagascar embassy and consider legal assistance for business visa applications.

Dual Nationals

Travelers holding dual nationality including Madagascar citizenship must enter and exit Madagascar using their Madagascar passport. Madagascar does not recognize dual nationality for entry/exit purposes. If you hold Madagascar citizenship (including by birth or descent), contact the Madagascar embassy before travel to clarify your status and documentation requirements. Using a foreign passport when you are considered a Madagascar citizen can cause significant complications.

Transit Passengers

Passengers transiting through Madagascar without leaving the airport international zone typically do not require a visa if continuing their journey within 24 hours on the same or connecting flight. However, if you need to collect luggage, change airports, or exit the international zone, you will need a visa. If your layover exceeds 24 hours, a transit visa or tourist visa is required. Confirm transit requirements with your airline and Madagascar embassy, as policies can vary based on nationality and specific circumstances.