Madagascar does not offer visa-free entry to any country for ordinary passport holders. Every foreign visitor must obtain a visa – either an eVisa (applied online before travel) or a visa on arrival at the airport. The only exception applies to holders of diplomatic or official passports from select countries with bilateral agreements.
Do You Need a Visa for Madagascar?
Yes. Regardless of your nationality, you need a visa to enter Madagascar. There is no visa-free regime for tourist or business travelers. The good news is that the process is straightforward – you can either:
- Apply for an eVisa online before your trip (recommended)
- Get a visa on arrival at Ivato International Airport or other international airports
Both options are available to citizens of virtually every country in the world. The only group that is completely banned from entering Madagascar is citizens of Palestine – entry and transit are refused even if not leaving the aircraft.
Visa on Arrival vs eVisa: What Is the Difference?
| Feature | eVisa | Visa on Arrival |
|---|---|---|
| Apply from home | Yes | No |
| Processing time | 48-72 hours | Immediate (but queues) |
| Payment | Online (card) | At airport (cash/card) |
| Guarantee of entry | Pre-approved | Subject to officer discretion |
| Available durations | 15, 30, 60, 90 days | Up to 90 days |
| Fee | Same as VoA | Same as eVisa |
The eVisa and visa on arrival cost exactly the same. However, the eVisa is strongly recommended because it gives you pre-approval before you fly. If your eVisa application is rejected, you will know before booking flights and accommodation.
Madagascar Visa Fees (2026)
All nationalities pay the same fees. There is no reciprocal pricing – the cost does not vary by country.
| Duration | EUR | USD (approx.) | MGA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 15 days | EUR 30 | $33 | 44,125 |
| 16-30 days | EUR 35 | $38 | 115,000 |
| 31-60 days | EUR 40 | $44 | 135,000 |
| 61-90 days | EUR 50 | $55 | 175,000 |
Important notes:
– Fees are charged in EUR – USD amounts are approximate
– Payment by credit or debit card
– Fees are non-refundable even if the application is rejected
– Children pay the full adult rate – there is no reduced child fee
– The standard tourist eVisa is single-entry only
Countries That Can Get a Madagascar Visa Easily
While no country has visa-free access, citizens of the following regions can obtain a visa on arrival or eVisa without difficulty:
All African Countries
Citizens of every African nation can obtain a visa on arrival or apply for an eVisa. This includes South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, Tanzania, and all other AU member states.
All European Countries
Citizens of all EU and EFTA member states (France, Germany, UK, Italy, Spain, etc.) are eligible for visa on arrival and eVisa. France is by far the largest source of tourists to Madagascar.
All Asian Countries
Citizens of India, China, Japan, South Korea, and all other Asian nations can apply. Indian citizens represent a significant portion of Madagascar visa applicants.
All Americas
Citizens of the United States, Canada, Brazil, Argentina, and all other countries in North and South America are eligible.
All Oceania
Australian and New Zealand citizens can apply for eVisa or visa on arrival.
Diplomatic and Official Passport Exemptions
Madagascar has bilateral agreements with several countries that exempt holders of diplomatic or official passports from visa requirements. These agreements typically allow stays of 30 to 90 days without a visa.
Countries with diplomatic passport exemptions generally include:
- France (diplomatic and service passports)
- China (diplomatic and service passports)
- India (diplomatic and official passports)
- Russia (diplomatic passports)
- Several other African Union member states
Note: These exemptions apply ONLY to diplomatic or official passport holders. Ordinary passport holders from these same countries still need a visa. If you hold a diplomatic passport, check with Madagascar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs or your country’s embassy for the current list of exemptions.
Why Does Madagascar Require Visas for Everyone?
Madagascar’s universal visa requirement serves several purposes:
- Revenue generation – visa fees contribute to the national budget
- Security screening – the application process allows pre-screening of travelers
- Immigration control – visa validity periods help manage overstay risks
- Bilateral reciprocity – Madagascar’s visa policy reflects its diplomatic relationships
The island nation’s geographic isolation (located in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Mozambique) means that virtually all visitors arrive by air, making airport-based visa processing practical.
How to Apply for a Madagascar eVisa
The eVisa application process is simple and can be completed entirely online:
Step 1: Visit the official eVisa portal at evisamadagascar.com
Step 2: Create an account and fill in the application form with:
– Personal details (name, date of birth, nationality)
– Passport information (number, expiry date)
– Travel details (arrival date, accommodation)
– Contact information
Step 3: Upload required documents:
– Passport scan (bio data page)
– Passport-size photo
– Return flight booking
– Hotel reservation or invitation letter
Step 4: Pay the fee online via credit or debit card (charged in EUR)
Step 5: Wait for processing (typically 48-72 hours)
Step 6: Download and print your eVisa approval letter
Passport Requirements for Madagascar
Your passport must meet these requirements regardless of whether you use an eVisa or visa on arrival:
- Validity: At least 6 months beyond your planned arrival date
- Blank pages: At least 2 blank pages for entry stamps
- Condition: Passport must be undamaged and legible
If your passport does not meet these requirements, your visa application will be rejected and the fee will not be refunded.
Yellow Fever Vaccination Requirement
If you are arriving from or transiting through a country with risk of yellow fever transmission, you must present a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate upon arrival. This applies regardless of your nationality.
Countries that may trigger this requirement include:
– Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia (East Africa)
– Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal (West Africa)
– Brazil, Colombia (South America)
Even if you are only transiting through an affected country’s airport, the certificate may be required. Get vaccinated at least 10 days before travel.
Madagascar Entry Points
Visa on arrival is available at all international airports:
| Airport | Code | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Ivato International Airport | TNR | Antananarivo (main) |
| Fascene Airport | NOS | Nosy Be |
| Arrachart Airport | DIE | Antsiranana |
| Toamasina Airport | TMM | Toamasina |
| Tulear Airport | TLE | Toliara |
The eVisa is accepted at all these entry points. Most international flights arrive at Ivato International Airport in Antsanarivo.
Overstay and Extension Rules
If you need to stay longer than your visa allows:
- Extensions are available at the Police de l’Air et des Frontières (PAF) in Antananarivo
- Cost: approximately EUR 25-35 per 30-day extension
- Apply before your visa expires
- Overstay fine: EUR 30+ per day (enforced at departure)
It is much cheaper to extend your visa than to overstay. Overstaying can also result in deportation and future entry bans.
Countries With Entry Restrictions
Palestine: Citizens of Palestine are refused entry and transit to Madagascar. This applies even if you are not leaving the aircraft and continuing on the same flight. There are no exceptions to this policy.
No other countries face complete entry bans. All other nationalities can apply for a visa through the standard eVisa or visa on arrival process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which countries can enter Madagascar without a visa?
No countries have visa-free access to Madagascar for ordinary passport holders. All visitors must obtain a visa (eVisa or visa on arrival). Only holders of diplomatic or official passports from select countries with bilateral agreements may enter without a visa.
Is Madagascar visa-free for African citizens?
No. Citizens of all African countries need a visa to enter Madagascar. However, the process is simple – African citizens can get a visa on arrival at the airport or apply for an eVisa online before traveling.
How much does a Madagascar visa cost?
The visa fee depends on the duration of stay: EUR 30 for up to 15 days, EUR 35 for 30 days, EUR 40 for 60 days, and EUR 50 for 90 days. All nationalities pay the same fee. The eVisa and visa on arrival cost exactly the same.
Can I get a visa on arrival in Madagascar?
Yes. Visa on arrival is available at Ivato International Airport in Antsanarivo and other international airports. It is available for stays of up to 90 days. However, an eVisa is recommended for guaranteed pre-approval before you fly.
Do Indian citizens need a visa for Madagascar?
Yes. Indian citizens need a visa to enter Madagascar. They can apply for an eVisa online or get a visa on arrival at the airport. The fee is the same as for all other nationalities (EUR 30-50 depending on duration).
Do I need a yellow fever vaccination for Madagascar?
A yellow fever certificate is required if you are arriving from or transiting through a country with yellow fever risk. This includes countries in East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania), West Africa (Nigeria, Ghana), and South America (Brazil). Get vaccinated at least 10 days before travel.
How long can I stay in Madagascar without a visa?
You cannot stay in Madagascar without a visa at all. Every visitor must have a valid visa. The maximum stay allowed on a single-entry tourist visa is 90 days, which can be extended at the PAF office in Antananarivo for approximately EUR 25-35 per 30-day extension.
Is Madagascar eVisa the same as visa on arrival?
The eVisa and visa on arrival grant the same permissions and cost the same fee. The difference is that the eVisa is applied for and approved online before travel, while the visa on arrival is processed at the airport. The eVisa is recommended because it provides pre-approval and avoids airport queues.
Can Palestinians enter Madagascar?
No. Citizens of Palestine are completely banned from entering or transiting through Madagascar. This applies even if not leaving the aircraft. There are no exceptions to this policy.
What is the cheapest visa for Madagascar?
The cheapest option is the 15-day visa at EUR 30 (approximately $33 USD). This is available as both an eVisa and visa on arrival. The fee is non-refundable regardless of which option you choose.
Planning Your Trip to Madagascar
Now that you know you need a visa, here is how to prepare:
- Check your passport – at least 6 months validity, 2 blank pages
- Apply for eVisa – at least 1 week before departure
- Check vaccination requirements – yellow fever if transiting through affected countries
- Book accommodation – needed for eVisa application
- Print your eVisa – carry a printed copy of the approval letter
For the most up-to-date visa information and to start your application, visit our Madagascar eVisa guide or learn about common application mistakes to avoid.
