Madagascar Transit Visa – Complete Guide
Yes, you need a visa to transit through Madagascar. The Madagascar Transit eVisa allows travelers passing through the country to stay for up to 15 days while connecting to another destination. You can apply entirely online, and the fee is €35 (approximately $38 USD). This guide covers who needs a transit visa, how to apply, required documents, and how it compares to a tourist visa. For a full overview of all visa options, see our Madagascar eVisa complete guide.
What Is the Madagascar Transit Visa?
The Madagascar Transit Visa is a short-stay travel authorization for foreign nationals who need to pass through Madagascar on their way to another country. It is designed for travelers with layovers, stopovers, or connecting flights that require them to enter Malagasy territory.
Unlike a tourist visa, the transit visa is not intended for leisure travel. If you plan to explore Madagascar’s national parks, beaches, or cities, you should apply for a Madagascar tourist eVisa instead.
The transit eVisa is issued electronically – no embassy visit required. You receive the approved visa by email as a PDF document, which you present on arrival at the airport or border crossing.
Who Needs a Madagascar Transit Visa?
Almost all foreign nationals require a visa to transit through Madagascar. There are very few visa-exempt countries. Citizens of the following groups must obtain a transit visa before or upon arrival:
| Nationality Group | Transit Visa Required? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| United States citizens | Yes | Apply online for eVisa – see US citizens guide |
| United Kingdom citizens | Yes | Apply online for eVisa |
| Indian citizens | Yes | Apply online for eVisa |
| EU/EEA citizens | Yes | Apply online for eVisa |
| Chinese citizens | Yes | Apply online for eVisa |
| South African citizens | Yes | Apply online for eVisa |
| COMESA member states | Varies | Some may have exemptions – check before travel |
If you are unsure whether your nationality requires a transit visa, check the official Madagascar eVisa portal or contact the nearest Malagasy embassy.
Madagascar Transit Visa vs Tourist Visa
Choosing between a transit visa and a tourist visa depends on the purpose and duration of your stay:
| Feature | Transit eVisa | Tourist eVisa (30 days) | Tourist eVisa (60 days) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum stay | 15 days | 30 days | 60 days |
| Purpose | Transit / connecting flights | Tourism, sightseeing | Extended tourism |
| Fee | €35 (~$38 USD) | €35 (~$38 USD) | €45 (~$49 USD) |
| Entry type | Single entry | Single entry | Single entry |
| Extension possible | No | Yes, at PAF Antananarivo | Yes, at PAF Antananarivo |
| Apply online | Yes | Yes | Yes |
If your layover is short and you do not plan to leave the airport transit area, you may not need a transit visa at all. However, if you need to clear immigration – for example, to collect and re-check luggage, change airports, or stay overnight – you must hold a valid transit or tourist visa.
Madagascar Transit Visa Fees
The transit visa fee is the same regardless of your nationality:
| Visa Type | Duration | Fee (EUR) | Fee (USD, approximate) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transit eVisa | Up to 15 days | €35 | ~$38 USD |
| Tourist eVisa – 30 days | Up to 30 days | €35 | ~$38 USD |
| Tourist eVisa – 60 days | Up to 60 days | €45 | ~$49 USD |
| Tourist eVisa – 90 days | Up to 90 days | €55 | ~$60 USD |
Fees are payable online by credit or debit card during the application process. The fee is charged in euros, so the USD equivalent depends on the current exchange rate. For a detailed breakdown of all visa fees, see our Madagascar eVisa fee guide. Children and infants pay the full adult fee – there is no reduced rate for minors. The fee is non-refundable, even if your application is rejected.
Madagascar Transit Visa Requirements
To apply for a Madagascar Transit eVisa, you will need the following documents. For a full checklist, see our detailed Madagascar visa requirements page.
- Valid passport – Must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned date of entry, with at least two blank pages.
- Passport-size photo – A recent digital photo in JPEG or PNG format, taken against a white background.
- Onward flight ticket – Proof that you will leave Madagascar within the 15-day transit period. This can be a confirmed booking to your next destination.
- Valid email address – Your approved eVisa will be sent to this email.
- Credit or debit card – To pay the €35 fee online.
Additional documents may be requested depending on your nationality and travel itinerary. If you are transiting through a country with yellow fever risk, you may also need to present a yellow fever vaccination certificate upon arrival in Madagascar.
How to Apply for a Madagascar Transit eVisa
The application process takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes and can be completed entirely online. For a detailed walkthrough with screenshots, visit our how to apply for Madagascar eVisa page.
Step 1: Visit the Official Portal
Go to 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 using your email address. You will receive a confirmation link to verify your account.
Step 3: Select Transit Visa
When prompted to choose a visa type, select Transit eVisa. This option is for travelers passing through Madagascar to another destination.
Step 4: Complete the Application Form
Fill in your personal details, passport information, travel dates, and onward destination. Double-check all entries against your passport to avoid delays.
Step 5: Upload Documents
Upload a digital copy of your passport bio page and a passport-size photograph. Accepted formats are JPEG and PNG, with file sizes between 100 KB and 2 MB.
Step 6: Pay the Fee
Pay €35 by credit or debit card. The transaction is processed in euros.
Step 7: Receive Your eVisa
Processing typically takes 48 to 72 hours. Once approved, you will receive the eVisa as a PDF attachment by email. Print a copy and keep a digital version on your phone for presentation at immigration.
Transit Visa Processing Time
| Processing Stage | Typical Duration |
|---|---|
| Application submission | 15-20 minutes |
| Government processing | 48-72 hours |
| eVisa delivery by email | Within 1 hour of approval |
Apply at least one week before your travel date to account for any unexpected delays. During peak travel seasons (July-August and December-January), processing may take longer.
Important Rules for Transit Travelers
Keep these rules in mind when transiting through Madagascar:
- Single entry only – The transit eVisa allows one entry. If you leave Madagascar and need to return, you must apply for a new visa.
- No extensions – Unlike tourist visas, the transit visa cannot be extended. You must leave Madagascar within 15 days.
- Overstay penalties – Overstaying your transit visa incurs a fine of €30 or more per day. Serious overstays may result in detention and deportation.
- Airport transit without visa – If you remain in the international transit area of the airport and do not clear immigration, you may not need a transit visa. Confirm with your airline before travel.
- Yellow fever certificate – If your transit route passes through a country with yellow fever risk, you must present a valid vaccination certificate upon arrival in Madagascar.
What If Your Transit Becomes a Longer Stay?
If your plans change and you decide to stay in Madagascar beyond 15 days, you have two options:
- Apply for a tourist eVisa before departure – If you know in advance that you want to stay longer, apply for a 30-day or 60-day tourist eVisa instead of a transit visa. The 30-day tourist visa costs the same as the transit visa (€35).
- Apply for an extension in-country – If you are already in Madagascar on a tourist visa, you can apply for a 30-day extension at the PAF (Police de l’Air et des Frontières) office in Antananarivo. The extension fee is approximately €25 to €35. Note that transit visas generally cannot be extended.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa to transit through Madagascar?
Yes. Almost all foreign nationals need a visa to transit through Madagascar. The Transit eVisa allows stays of up to 15 days and can be applied for online.
How much does a Madagascar Transit eVisa cost?
The transit eVisa costs €35 (approximately $38 USD). The fee is the same for all nationalities and is payable by credit or debit card during the online application.
How long does it take to get a Madagascar Transit Visa?
Processing typically takes 48 to 72 hours after submission. You should apply at least one week before your travel date to allow for any delays.
Can I leave the airport with a transit visa?
Yes. The transit visa allows you to clear immigration and enter Madagascar. If you remain in the international transit area and do not pass through immigration, you may not need a visa at all.
Can I extend a Madagascar Transit Visa?
No. Transit visas cannot be extended. If you need to stay longer, apply for a tourist eVisa (30 or 60 days) before your trip, or apply for a tourist visa extension at the PAF office in Antananarivo if you are already in the country on a tourist visa.
What is the difference between a transit visa and a tourist visa for Madagascar?
A transit visa allows stays of up to 15 days for travelers passing through Madagascar. A tourist visa allows stays of 30, 60, or 90 days for leisure travel. The 30-day tourist visa costs the same as the transit visa (€35).
Do children need a separate transit visa for Madagascar?
Yes. Every traveler, including children and infants, must have their own visa. There is no reduced fee for minors – the full €35 fee applies.
Do I need a yellow fever certificate to transit through Madagascar?
If your travel route includes a country with yellow fever risk, you must present a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate upon arrival in Madagascar. This applies even if you are only transiting.
