Canadian citizens need a visa to enter Madagascar. The fastest option is the Madagascar eVisa, which you can apply for entirely online – no embassy visit, no paperwork by mail. This guide covers every step: fees, documents, processing time, and what to expect at the airport.
Do Canadian Citizens Need a Visa for Madagascar?
Yes. Canada does not have a visa-free arrangement with Madagascar. Every Canadian passport holder – including dual citizens traveling on a Canadian passport – must obtain a visa before or upon arrival.
Your two options are:
| Option | How It Works | Recommended? |
|---|---|---|
| **eVisa** | Apply online, receive approval by email | ✅ Yes |
| **Visa on Arrival** | Apply at the airport in Madagascar | Possible but riskier |
The eVisa is strongly recommended because it guarantees entry approval before you fly. With a visa on arrival, you face potential queues, payment issues, and – in rare cases – denial at the border.
Madagascar eVisa Fees for Canadian Citizens
Madagascar eVisa fees are the same for all nationalities, including Canadians. Prices are in euros (€):
| Duration | Fee (EUR) | Approx. CAD |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 15 days | €30 | ~CA$45 |
| 16 to 30 days | €35 | ~CA$52 |
| 31 to 60 days | €40 | ~CA$60 |
| 61 to 90 days | €50 | ~CA$75 |
Important details:
- Fees are non-refundable, even if your application is denied
- Payment is by credit or debit card (charged in EUR)
- Children pay the full adult rate – there is no reduced child fare
- The eVisa fee is the same as the visa on arrival fee
💡 Tip: Canadian-issued credit cards may charge a foreign currency conversion fee (typically 2.5%). Budget an extra CA$1-2 per transaction.
How to Apply for the Madagascar eVisa from Canada
Follow these steps to complete your application:
Step 1: Gather Your Documents
Before starting the online form, have these ready:
- Valid Canadian passport – must be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date and have at least 2 blank pages
- Passport bio page scan – clear photo or scan of the page with your photo and details
- Recent passport-style photo – digital format (JPEG or PNG)
- Return flight booking or onward travel confirmation
- Accommodation details – hotel name and address in Madagascar
- Credit or debit card for payment
Step 2: Complete the Online Application
- Visit the official Madagascar eVisa portal: evisamadagascar.com
- Create an account with your email address
- Fill in personal details exactly as they appear on your passport
- Upload your passport scan and photo
- Enter your travel dates and accommodation information
- Pay the fee by card
Step 3: Wait for Processing
Standard processing takes 48 to 72 hours (2-3 business days). During peak travel seasons (July-August, December-January), allow up to 5 business days.
Step 4: Receive Your eVisa
You will receive your eVisa approval by email as a PDF document. Print at least two copies – one for your records and one to present at immigration.
Madagascar eVisa Requirements for Canadian Citizens
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Passport validity | 6+ months from arrival date |
| Blank passport pages | Minimum 2 |
| Photo format | JPEG or PNG, passport-style |
| Processing time | 48-72 hours (standard) |
| Entry type | Single entry |
| Maximum stay | 90 days |
| Extension available | Yes, at PAF in Antananarivo |
What Happens at the Airport in Madagascar
When you arrive at Ivato International Airport (TNR) in Antananarivo:
- Proceed to the immigration counter – present your printed eVisa and passport
- Immigration officer stamps your passport – confirm the entry date and duration
- Collect your luggage and proceed through customs
The eVisa line is typically faster than the visa on arrival line, which is one of the key advantages of applying in advance.
Extending Your Stay Beyond 90 Days
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) in Antananarivo.
| Extension | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 30-day extension | ~€25-35 | Applied for at PAF office |
| Maximum total stay | 180 days | Requires multiple extensions |
Do not overstay your visa. The overstay fine is €30 or more per day, and you may face difficulties leaving the country or returning in the future.
Yellow Fever Vaccination
Canadian travelers do not need a yellow fever vaccination to enter Madagascar directly. However, if your itinerary includes a layover in a yellow fever endemic country (such as Kenya, Ethiopia, or Nigeria), you will need a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate.
| Transit Route | Yellow Fever Certificate Required? |
|---|---|
| Canada → Paris → Madagascar | No |
| Canada → Addis Ababa → Madagascar | **Yes** |
| Canada → Nairobi → Madagascar | **Yes** |
Canadian Travel Advisories for Madagascar
Global Affairs Canada advises travelers to exercise a high degree of caution in Madagascar due to:
- Petty crime and theft, especially in Antananarivo
- Political instability during election periods
- Limited medical infrastructure outside the capital
- Road conditions that are poor, especially during the rainy season (November-April)
Register with the Registration of Canadians Abroad service before departure so the embassy can reach you in an emergency.
Best Time for Canadians to Visit Madagascar
| Season | Months | Conditions | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry/cool | April-October | Mild, little rain | Wildlife, hiking, beaches |
| Wet/hot | November-March | Heavy rain, cyclone risk | Fewer tourists, lower prices |
Most Canadian visitors travel between June and September to avoid the rainy season and take advantage of summer holidays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Canadian citizens get a Madagascar visa on arrival?
Yes, Canadian citizens can obtain a visa on arrival at the airport. However, the eVisa is recommended because it guarantees entry approval before you travel and avoids long queues at the airport.
How long does the Madagascar eVisa take for Canadians?
Standard processing is 48-72 hours. During peak seasons, allow up to 5 business days. Apply at least one week before your departure date to be safe.
How much does the Madagascar eVisa cost for Canadian citizens?
The eVisa costs €30 for up to 15 days, €35 for 16-30 days, €40 for 31-60 days, and €50 for 61-90 days. Fees are the same for all nationalities and are charged in euros.
Can I extend my Madagascar eVisa?
Yes. You can extend your eVisa at the PAF office in Antananarivo for approximately €25-35 per additional 30 days. The maximum total stay is 180 days.
Do I need a return ticket to apply for the Madagascar eVisa?
Yes. The application requires proof of onward or return travel. You can upload a flight booking confirmation.
Is the Madagascar eVisa a single or multiple entry visa?
The standard tourist eVisa is single entry. If you leave Madagascar and wish to return, you will need to apply for a new eVisa.
What if my Canadian passport expires in less than 6 months?
You must renew your passport before applying. Madagascar strictly enforces the 6-month passport validity rule, and you will be denied entry if your passport does not meet this requirement.
Can I work in Madagascar with an eVisa?
No. The tourist eVisa does not permit employment. You need a separate work visa, which requires sponsorship from a Malagasy employer.
