Madagascar eVisa for Australian Citizens – Complete Guide
Australian citizens need a visa to enter Madagascar. The easiest option is the Madagascar eVisa, an electronic travel authorization that lets Australian passport holders apply entirely online – no embassy visit required. This guide covers fees, documents, step-by-step application, and everything else Australian travelers need to know before their trip.
Do Australian Citizens Need a Visa for Madagascar?
Yes. Australian passport holders must obtain a visa before or upon arrival in Madagascar. There is no visa-free arrangement between Australia and Madagascar. The two main options are:
- eVisa (recommended) – Apply online before departure, receive approval by email
- Visa on Arrival – Available at the airport, but involves queues and uncertainty
The eVisa is the preferred method because it guarantees entry approval before you board your flight. You can compare both options in detail on our eVisa vs Visa on Arrival page.
eVisa Types Available to Australian Citizens
Australian passport holders can apply for the following eVisa durations:
| eVisa Duration | Purpose | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| 15-day eVisa | Short tourism, transit | €30 (approx. $50 AUD) |
| 30-day eVisa | Standard tourism | €35 (approx. $58 AUD) |
| 60-day eVisa | Extended tourism | €40 (approx. $67 AUD) |
| 90-day eVisa | Long-stay tourism | €50 (approx. $83 AUD) |
The 30-day eVisa is the most popular choice among Australian tourists. If you want more time to explore Madagascar’s rainforests, baobab avenues, and coral reefs, the 60-day or 90-day options provide greater flexibility.
For a full breakdown of fees and what each duration includes, see our guide to Madagascar eVisa fees.
Madagascar eVisa Fees for Australian Citizens
All nationalities pay the same eVisa fees. The cost depends only on the duration of stay selected:
| eVisa Duration | Government Fee (EUR) | Approximate AUD Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 15 days | €30 | ~$50 AUD |
| 16 to 30 days | €35 | ~$58 AUD |
| 31 to 60 days | €40 | ~$67 AUD |
| 61 to 90 days | €50 | ~$83 AUD |
Key fee facts:
- Fees are charged in euros (EUR), not Australian dollars – your bank will apply the prevailing exchange rate
- Payment is made online by credit or debit card (Visa or Mastercard recommended)
- Fees are non-refundable, even if the application is rejected
- Children pay the full adult rate – there is no reduced fee for minors
AUD equivalents are approximate and fluctuate with the EUR/AUD exchange rate. The eVisa and visa on arrival charge the same fees, but the eVisa saves you time and removes uncertainty at the airport.
eVisa Requirements for Australian Citizens
Before applying, make sure you have the following ready:
- Valid Australian passport – Must be valid for at least six months beyond your date of entry into Madagascar, with at least two blank visa pages
- Passport-size photograph – Digital photo in JPEG or PNG format, taken recently against a white background
- Return or onward flight booking – Proof that you plan to leave Madagascar before your eVisa expires
- Accommodation details – Hotel reservation or host information for your stay
- Working email address – Your approved eVisa will be delivered to this email as a PDF
- Credit or debit card – To pay the eVisa fee online
Yellow Fever Vaccination Note
Australia is not a yellow-fever-endemic country, so Australian citizens travelling directly from Australia to Madagascar do not need a yellow fever vaccination certificate. However, if you have a layover or transit through a yellow fever risk country (such as Kenya, Ethiopia, or South Africa), you will need to present a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate upon arrival in Madagascar.
For full document details, see our Madagascar visa requirements page.
How to Apply for a Madagascar eVisa from Australia
The application is completed entirely online and takes approximately 15-20 minutes.
Step 1: Go to the Official eVisa Portal
Visit the official Madagascar eVisa website at evisamada.mg. This is the only legitimate government portal. Avoid third-party sites that charge extra service fees.
Step 2: Create an Account
Register with your email address. You will receive a confirmation email – click the link to verify your account.
Step 3: Complete the Application Form
Fill in the required details:
- Personal information – full name, date of birth, nationality (select Australia)
- Passport details – passport number, issue date, expiry date
- Travel dates – planned arrival and departure dates
- Accommodation – hotel name and address or host details
Double-check all entries against your passport. Even small errors (a wrong passport digit or misspelled name) can cause delays or rejection.
Step 4: Upload Documents
Upload a scan or photo of your Australian passport’s bio page and a passport-size photograph. Accepted formats are JPEG and PNG, typically 100 KB to 2 MB in size.
Step 5: Pay the Fee
Pay the applicable fee using your credit or debit card. Australian-issued Visa and Mastercard cards are widely accepted. The charge will appear in EUR – your bank handles the AUD conversion.
Step 6: Receive Your eVisa
Processing typically takes 48 to 72 hours (2-3 business days). You will receive an email notification when your eVisa is approved. Download and print the eVisa PDF – you must present it at immigration on arrival.
For a detailed walkthrough of the entire application process, see our how to apply for eVisa guide.
eVisa Processing Times
| Processing Stage | Typical Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Standard processing | 48-72 hours (2-3 business days) |
| Peak season (July-September) | Up to 5 business days |
Australian peak travel season to Madagascar aligns with the Australian winter (June-August), which also coincides with Madagascar’s cool dry season – the most popular time to visit. During this period, applications may take longer. We recommend applying at least two weeks before departure to allow a buffer for any additional document requests.
Check our eVisa processing time page for more details.
Travelling from Australia to Madagascar
There are no direct flights from Australia to Madagascar. The most common routing options for Australian travellers are:
| Route | Typical Airlines | Approximate Travel Time |
|---|---|---|
| Sydney/Melbourne → Mauritius → Antananarivo | Air Mauritius, Qantas (to Mauritius) | 16-20 hours (1 stop) |
| Sydney/Melbourne → Johannesburg → Antananarivo | South African Airways, Qantas | 18-22 hours (1 stop) |
| Perth → Mauritius → Antananarivo | Air Mauritius | 12-16 hours (1 stop) |
| Sydney/Melbourne → Doha/Dubai → Antananarivo | Qatar Airways, Emirates | 20-26 hours (1-2 stops) |
Perth offers the shortest routing to Madagascar via Mauritius, making it the most convenient departure point for Western Australian travellers.
Arrival in Madagascar with an eVisa
When you arrive at Ivato International Airport (TNR) in Antananarivo:
- Proceed to the immigration counter
- Present your printed eVisa PDF, Australian passport, and return/onward ticket
- Immigration will stamp your passport with the authorised stay duration
- Collect your luggage and proceed through customs
The eVisa eliminates the need to queue at the visa-on-arrival desk, saving you significant time – especially during busy periods when multiple international flights arrive simultaneously.
Can You Extend a Madagascar eVisa?
Yes. If you want to stay longer than your eVisa allows, you can apply for an extension at the Police de l’Air et des Frontières (PAF) office in Antananarivo. Extensions cost approximately €25-35 per additional 30 days and must be applied for before your current visa expires.
Important: Overstaying your visa without an extension results in a fine of €30 or more per day of overstay and can lead to detention or future entry bans. Always apply for an extension before your visa expires.
For more details, see our Madagascar visa types page.
Common Questions from Australian Travellers
How long can Australian citizens stay in Madagascar?
Australian citizens can stay for up to 90 days on a single-entry tourist eVisa. The available durations are 15, 30, 60, and 90 days.
Can I work in Madagascar on an eVisa?
No. The tourist eVisa does not permit employment. If you need to work in Madagascar, you must apply for a work visa through a Malagasy embassy or consulate before travelling.
Is Madagascar safe for Australian tourists?
Madagascar is generally safe for tourists, but like any destination, you should take standard precautions. Avoid displaying valuables, use registered taxis, and stay in well-reviewed accommodation. Check smartraveller.gov.au for the latest Australian government travel advice.
What currency should I bring?
The local currency is the Malagasy Ariary (MGA). Euros are widely accepted in tourist areas and are the easiest foreign currency to exchange. Australian dollars are not commonly accepted – convert your AUD to EUR before departure or withdraw MGA from ATMs in Antananarivo.
Do I need travel insurance?
Travel insurance is not a visa requirement, but it is strongly recommended. Medical facilities in Madagascar are limited, and medical evacuation to Australia can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Make sure your policy covers Madagascar specifically and includes emergency evacuation.
What if my eVisa application is rejected?
Application rejections are rare but can happen due to incorrect information, poor-quality documents, or passport issues. If rejected, you can reapply with corrected details. Fees are non-refundable, so accuracy is critical on your first application.
Quick Checklist for Australian Citizens
- [ ] Confirm your Australian passport is valid for 6+ months with 2 blank pages
- [ ] Check yellow fever requirements if transiting through an endemic country
- [ ] Apply for your eVisa at least 2 weeks before departure at evisamada.mg
- [ ] Pay the EUR fee with your Visa or Mastercard
- [ ] Print your approved eVisa PDF
- [ ] Book your connecting flight (no direct flights from Australia)
- [ ] Arrange travel insurance covering Madagascar
- [ ] Convert some AUD to EUR before departure for easy exchange on arrival
