French citizens need a visa to enter Madagascar. The easiest option is the electronic visa (eVisa), which you can apply for entirely online before departure – no embassy visit required. Fees start at just €30 for stays up to 15 days.
Do French Citizens Need a Visa for Madagascar?
Yes. France is not on Madagascar’s visa-exempt list. Every French passport holder – including dual nationals traveling on a French passport – must obtain a visa before or upon arrival in Madagascar.
The two options are:
| Option | Where to Apply | Processing | Recommended? |
|---|---|---|---|
| **eVisa** | Online (pre-departure) | 48-72 hours | ✅ Yes |
| **Visa on Arrival** | Airport immigration desk | Varies (queues) | Backup only |
The eVisa is strongly recommended because it guarantees entry approval before you board your flight. Visa on arrival carries the risk of delays or missing documentation at the airport.
For a full comparison, see our guide on Madagascar eVisa vs Visa on Arrival.
Madagascar eVisa Fees for French Citizens
The eVisa fee is the same for all nationalities, including French citizens. Fees are charged in EUR (€):
| Duration | Fee (EUR) | Approx. USD |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 15 days | €30 | ~$33 |
| 16 to 30 days | €35 | ~$38 |
| 31 to 60 days | €40 | ~$44 |
| 61 to 90 days | €50 | ~$55 |
Key points about fees:
- Same price for adults and children – no reduced rate for minors
- Non-refundable – even if your application is rejected
- Payment by credit or debit card in EUR
- The eVisa fee is identical to the visa on arrival fee
For a detailed breakdown, read our Madagascar eVisa Fee guide.
How to Apply for a Madagascar eVisa from France
The application process takes about 15-20 minutes online.
Step-by-Step Application
- Visit the official portal at evisamadagascar.com
- Create an account with your email address
- Fill in personal details – full name, date of birth, nationality (France)
- Enter passport information – number, issue date, expiry date
- Upload documents – passport bio page scan and a recent passport photo
- Select visa duration – choose 15, 30, 60, or 90 days
- Pay the fee – credit or debit card in EUR
- Submit and wait – processing takes 48-72 hours typically
Once approved, you receive the eVisa by email. Print it or save a digital copy on your phone to present at immigration.
Documents Required
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| French passport | Valid for at least 6 months beyond arrival date, with 2 blank pages |
| Passport photo | Recent, white background, standard passport dimensions |
| Return/onward flight | Proof of departure from Madagascar |
| Accommodation details | Hotel booking or host address |
| Email address | To receive the eVisa approval |
Passport Requirements for French Citizens
Your French passport must meet these conditions:
- Validity: At least 6 months remaining from your date of arrival in Madagascar
- Blank pages: Minimum 2 blank pages for entry and exit stamps
- Condition: Passport must not be damaged, torn, or water-stained
If your passport expires within 6 months of your travel date, renew it before applying for the eVisa. France’s standard passport renewal takes 2-3 weeks at a prefecture or sous-préfecture.
Processing Time
| Processing Type | Typical Duration |
|---|---|
| Standard | 48-72 hours |
| Peak season (Jul-Aug, Dec) | Up to 5 business days |
Apply at least one week before departure to allow for any delays. During peak travel periods – French school holidays in particular – processing can take longer than usual.
Validity and Duration of Stay
The standard Madagascar tourist eVisa is:
- Single entry – you cannot leave and re-enter on the same visa
- Valid for 90 days from the date of issue (you must enter within this window)
- Duration of stay depends on the option selected (15, 30, 60, or 90 days)
If you plan to visit neighboring islands (Mauritius, Réunion, Comoros) and return to Madagascar, you will need a separate eVisa for each entry.
Health Requirements
Yellow Fever Vaccination
French citizens traveling directly from France do not need a yellow fever certificate. However, if you have a layover in a yellow fever endemic country (such as Kenya, Ethiopia, or South Africa for more than 12 hours), you must present a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate upon arrival.
Recommended Vaccinations
While not mandatory, these vaccinations are recommended for Madagascar:
- Hepatitis A and B
- Typhoid
- Rabies (if visiting rural areas)
- Malaria prophylaxis (Madagascar is a malaria zone)
Consult your médecin traitant or a travel clinic (centre de vaccination) at least 6 weeks before departure.
Extending Your Stay in Madagascar
If you want to stay longer than your eVisa allows, you can apply for an extension:
| Extension Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Where to apply | PAF (Police de l’Air et des Frontières) in Antananarivo |
| Cost | Approximately €25-35 per 30-day extension |
| Maximum total stay | 90 days (including extensions) |
| When to apply | Before your current visa expires |
Overstaying your visa without an extension results in a fine of €30+ per day and potential detention or deportation. Always extend before expiry.
For more details, see our Madagascar Visa Extension guide and Madagascar eVisa Overstay penalties.
Common eVisa Mistakes to Avoid
French applicants frequently make these errors:
- Passport validity under 6 months – check expiry before applying
- Blurry passport scan – upload a clear, high-resolution image
- Wrong passport number – double-check every digit
- Incorrect travel dates – your eVisa validity window is fixed
- Not printing the eVisa – carry a printed copy, not just a phone screenshot
- Transit without yellow fever cert – even a short layover in an endemic country triggers this requirement
For a full list, read Madagascar eVisa Common Mistakes.
Arrival in Madagascar: What to Expect
When you land at Ivato International Airport (Antananarivo):
- Proceed to the immigration counter (not the visa-on-arrival desk if you have an eVisa)
- Present your printed eVisa, passport, and return flight details
- Immigration stamps your passport with the allowed duration of stay
- Collect luggage and proceed through customs
The eVisa lane is typically faster than the visa-on-arrival queue, especially during peak hours.
Travel Tips for French Citizens
- Currency: Malagasy Ariary (MGA). Euros are sometimes accepted in tourist areas but at poor rates. Withdraw MGA from ATMs in Antananarivo.
- Language: French is widely spoken alongside Malagasy. You will have no language barrier in cities.
- Flights: Direct flights operate from Paris CDG to Antananarivo (Air Madagascar, Air France). Flight time is approximately 11 hours.
- Time zone: UTC+3 (same as East Africa Time). France is UTC+1/+2, so expect a 1-2 hour jet lag.
- Safety: Petty theft exists in Antananarivo. Keep valuables secure and avoid walking alone at night.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can French citizens get a visa on arrival in Madagascar?
Yes, French citizens can obtain a visa on arrival at the airport. However, the eVisa is recommended because it guarantees approval before travel and avoids airport queues. The fee is the same for both options.
How long does the Madagascar eVisa take to process?
Standard processing is 48-72 hours. During peak seasons (July-August and December), it may take up to 5 business days. Apply at least one week before your departure date.
How much does the Madagascar eVisa cost for French citizens?
The eVisa costs €30 for up to 15 days, €35 for 30 days, €40 for 60 days, or €50 for 90 days. These fees are the same for all nationalities and are non-refundable.
Can I extend my Madagascar eVisa?
Yes. You can apply for an extension at the PAF office in Antananarivo for approximately €25-35 per additional 30 days. The maximum total stay is 90 days.
Do children need a separate eVisa for Madagascar?
Yes. Every traveler, including infants and children, needs their own eVisa. There is no reduced fee for minors – children pay the full adult rate.
Is the Madagascar eVisa single or multiple entry?
The standard tourist eVisa is single entry only. If you leave Madagascar and want to return, you must apply for a new eVisa.
Do I need a yellow fever vaccination to visit Madagascar from France?
Not if you fly directly from France. A yellow fever certificate is required only if you transit through or have visited a yellow fever endemic country (e.g., Kenya, Ethiopia, Senegal) for more than 12 hours.
What happens if I overstay my Madagascar eVisa?
Overstaying results in a fine of €30 or more per day. You may also face detention, deportation, or a ban on future entry. Always apply for an extension before your visa expires.
