Madagascar

🇲🇬

Phone Code

+261

Capital

Antananarivo

Population

29 Million

Native Name

Madagasikara

Region

Africa

Eastern Africa

Timezone

East Africa Time

UTC+03:00

On This Page

Money & CurrencyVisa OverviewVisa TypesImportant NotesCitiesEmbassies abroadEmbassies in country

Madagascar is the world's fourth-largest island, located off the southeastern coast of Africa in the Indian Ocean. Isolated from mainland Africa for 165 million years, Madagascar has evolved unique biodiversity found nowhere else on Earth - an estimated 90% of its wildlife is endemic. The island is most famous for lemurs (found only in Madagascar), but also features unique chameleons, fossas (cat-like carnivores), baobab trees, and countless other endemic species, earning it the nickname 'the eighth continent.' Antananarivo (Tana), the capital in the central highlands, is a hillside city with French colonial architecture. Madagascar has a fascinating Malagasy culture blending African and Indonesian/Southeast Asian influences (Austronesian origins). Visitors are drawn to lemurs in national parks (Andasibe, Ranomafana, Ankarafantsika), Avenue of the Baobabs iconic landscape, Tsingy de Bemaraha limestone karst formations (UNESCO), Isalo National Park sandstone canyons, Nosy Be island resort, Île Sainte-Marie whale watching, Ankarana Reserve, vanilla plantations (world's top exporter), unique wildlife, and pristine nature. Madagascar offers unparalleled biodiversity, adventure travel, and endemic species, though infrastructure is very limited.

Visa Requirements for Madagascar

Madagascar offers convenient visa on arrival for citizens of all countries at Ivato International Airport (Antananarivo) and other international entry points. Tourist visas are available for 30 days (€37), 60 days (€45), or 90 days (€55) paid in Euros, US Dollars, or Malagasy Ariary cash at airport upon arrival. Processing takes 15-30 minutes. E-visas are also available online through the official government portal (evisamada.gov.mg) for same costs, allowing you to skip airport lines. Passport must be valid for 6 months beyond arrival with at least 3 blank pages. Return ticket and proof of accommodation may be requested. Madagascar's visa system is one of the most tourist-friendly in Africa with visa on arrival for all nationalities - no advance arrangements needed. Extensions available at immigration offices in major cities for additional fees. The visa process is straightforward, making Madagascar accessible for independent travelers seeking wildlife and nature tourism despite limited infrastructure.

Common Visa Types

Visa on Arrival (Tourist)

30 days (€37), 60 days (€45), or 90 days (€55); available at Ivato Airport Antananarivo, Nosy Be Airport, and other entry points; requires passport (valid 6 months, 3 blank pages), return ticket, accommodation proof; pay cash in EUR, USD, or MGA; processing 15-30 minutes; passport photos not required but bring one just in case.

For tourism for citizens of ALL countries, obtained directly at airport or port upon arrival.

E-Visa (Tourist)

30 days (€37), 60 days (€45), or 90 days (€55); apply at evisamada.gov.mg; processing 3-5 business days; requires passport scan, photo, return ticket, accommodation; print e-visa confirmation; speeds up arrival process; same cost as visa on arrival.

For tourism, applied for online before travel to skip airport visa queue.

Visa Extension

Extensions possible up to 6 months total; apply at SECAM (immigration office) in Antananarivo or regional offices before visa expires; costs vary (~€15 per 30 days); requires passport, application form, hotel letter, fee; relatively straightforward process.

For tourists wishing to extend stay beyond initial 30/60/90 day visa.

Transit Visa

Up to 5 days; available on arrival; free or minimal fee; requires confirmed onward ticket to third country and visa for destination; rarely used since Madagascar is not major transit hub.

For travelers transiting through Madagascar to another destination.

Important Travel Information

Passport validity: Must be valid for at least 6 months from entry date with minimum 3 blank pages for stamps. Bring extra passport photos just in case (officially not required but sometimes requested).

Cash for visa: Visa on arrival must be paid in cash (Euros, US Dollars, or Malagasy Ariary). Credit cards NOT accepted at airport immigration. Bring exact or close amount. Change available but limited. EUR/USD easier than Ariary on arrival.

Return ticket required: Must have confirmed return or onward ticket out of Madagascar. Immigration may ask to see proof. Keep printed or electronic confirmation accessible.

Cities with missions

Where this country maintains embassies or consulates

Antananarivo
States & Regions in Madagascar

Explore different regions and their cities.

Hosted missions

Embassies in Madagascar

These foreign embassies and consulates are based here. Choose a mission to open its in-depth guide and contact details.

Key origin countries

United Kingdom in Madagascar
United States in Madagascar

All countries by continent

Planning your Madagascar wildlife adventure?

Apply for e-visa