Madagascar entry requirements for Argentina passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
Visa on arrival
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Argentine passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Madagascar. Just show up at the airport with the right documents and pay the fee. As of 2026, this is the standard entry method for tourists.
Apply for Madagascar eVisaOfficial portal: Madagascar eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply online before travel | Apply for your Madagascar eVisa at visa.madagascar.travel before departure. The eVisa is valid for 30 days and costs around $35 USD. Processing takes 24–72 hours, so apply at least 3 days before your flight.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay | Your Argentine passport must have at least 6 months of validity remaining from your date of entry into Madagascar. Airlines check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel required | Immigration officers at Ivato Airport (TNR) routinely ask for proof of a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot ready on your phone. Without one, you may be denied entry. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed or digital copy of your hotel reservation, hostel booking, or a letter of invitation from your host. Immigration may ask for it, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Have a bank statement, credit card, or cash equivalent to at least $200 USD per person for your stay. Officers rarely ask, but having it ready avoids delays. | Recommended |
Cash is king at the visa counter
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash — EUR, USD, or MGA. ATMs at the airport are unreliable. Bring small bills (€5, €10, €20) to avoid change issues.
Visa on arrival is only for tourism
If you plan to work, volunteer, or study in Madagascar, you must apply for the appropriate visa at the embassy in Buenos Aires before traveling. The visa on arrival is strictly for tourism.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Ivato International Airport (TNR)
After deplaning, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' counters. There are usually 2-3 windows. Join the queue — it can take 20-40 minutes depending on flight arrivals.
2
Present documents and pay fee
Hand over your passport, completed arrival card (given on the plane), and cash. The officer will process your visa sticker. Have your return ticket and hotel booking ready in case they ask.
3
Receive visa and proceed to immigration
Once the sticker is in your passport, walk to the immigration counters. They'll stamp you in. Then collect your luggage and exit customs.
Download Madagascar Entry Checklist
PDF · Argentina Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry, pre-arranged)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost€50 (approx. $55 USD)
Apply at Madagascar embassy in Buenos Aires or nearest consulate; allows longer stay than VoA.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost€100 (approx. $110 USD)
For frequent travellers; must be arranged before travel.
work visa
Temporary Work Permit (Carte de Séjour Temporaire)
1 year, renewable
~$100–200 USD (processing fees)
For those with a job offer from a Malagasy company. Requires employer sponsorship, work contract, and approval from Ministry of Labour.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Carte de Résidence)
2 years, renewable
~$500–1,000 USD (depending on investment)
For individuals investing at least $100,000 in Madagascar. Requires proof of investment and business plan.
student visa
Student Visa (Carte d'Étudiant)
1 year, renewable annually
~$50–100 USD (processing fees)
For enrolment in a recognized educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, up to 30 days)Payable in cash (EUR, USD, MGA) at airport upon arrival. | €35 (approx. $38 USD) |
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, up to 60 days)Payable in cash at airport; requires justification for longer stay. | €40 (approx. $44 USD) |
| Overstay finePaid at immigration office before departure; no official cap but may be negotiated. | 10,000 MGA (approx. $2.50 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documents20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Madagascar
No transit visa needed
Argentina passport holders transiting through Madagascar do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if you need to enter the country (e.g., to change airports or overnight), a visa on arrival is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Transit hubsIvato International Airport (TNR) · Nosy Be Fascene Airport (NOS)
Health & vaccines for Madagascar
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk (e.g., parts of Africa or South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRabiesRecommendedCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in coastal and lowland areas; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Outbreaks occur, especially in urban areas during rainy season.
SchistosomiasisModerate risk
Risk from swimming in freshwater lakes and rivers; avoid contact with untreated water.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is high risk in all regions, especially coastal and rural areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended. Use insect repellent and bed nets.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Antananarivo
Direction Générale de l'Immigration et de l'Émigration
Anosy, Antananarivo 101, Madagascar
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and overstay payments; bring passport, photos, and fee.
Nosy Be
Immigration Office Nosy Be
Hell-Ville, Nosy Be, Madagascar
Mon–Fri 08:30–15:30
Handles extensions for tourists on the island; less crowded than Antananarivo.
Practical information for AR travellers
Country basics
CapitalAntananarivo
LanguageMalagasy, French
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 90 days.
Money
CurrencyMalagasy ariary (MGA)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 4,265.01 MGA
Time zone
Local timeUTC+3
vs New York+8h
vs Los Angeles+11h
Electricity
Voltage220V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,ETypes C and E, same as in Europe.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; use bottled or boiled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
Yes, but it's not automatic. You must visit the immigration office in Antananarivo (Direction Générale de l'Immigration et de l'Émigration) before your visa expires. Extensions are typically granted for 30 days at a time, costing around MGA 100,000–150,000 (about €20–30). Bring your passport, a passport photo, and proof of funds.
Visa on arrival is also available at major land borders, including the border with Mozambique (if coming from Pemba or Nampula). The process is the same — passport, fee, and onward ticket. However, smaller crossings may not offer this service, so check in advance.
No. Cash only — EUR, USD, or MGA. ATMs at the airport are unreliable and often run out of cash. Bring enough for the visa fee plus a buffer for taxis or snacks.
Only if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (including transit over 12 hours). Otherwise, no. But it's recommended to have routine vaccines up to date — hepatitis A, typhoid, and tetanus.
Typically 20–40 minutes at Ivato Airport. It can be longer if multiple flights arrive at once. There's no fast-track option. Plan for at least 1 hour from landing to exiting customs.
You can apply for a 90-day visa on arrival by paying a higher fee (around €70–80). Alternatively, get a 30-day visa and extend it at the immigration office in Antananarivo. Overstaying is fined — around MGA 50,000 per day.
Generally yes, but exercise normal precautions. Petty crime (pickpocketing, bag snatching) is common in Antananarivo and tourist areas. Avoid walking alone at night in cities. For remote areas, hire a guide or join a tour.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.