Madagascar entry requirements for Australia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 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
Australian passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Madagascar. This is the standard entry method — no need to apply before you travel. As of 2025, the process is straightforward at the main international airport in Antananarivo.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply online before travel | Apply for your Madagascar eVisa at visa.madagascar.travel before departure. The online form takes about 10 minutes — you'll need a passport scan and a digital photo. Approval usually comes within 72 hours, and you'll receive a PDF to show on arrival.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your Australian passport needs at least 6 months of validity from your date of entry into Madagascar. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Madagascar | Immigration officers at Ivato Airport in Antananarivo routinely ask for a return or onward ticket before stamping you in. Have a printed copy or the booking confirmation on your phone ready — they won't let you through without it. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Madagascar. Officers occasionally ask for this during the visa-on-arrival process, especially if you're staying more than a few days. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support your stay | Have a bank statement or credit card showing access to at least 500,000 MGA (about $110 USD) per day of your stay. Officers rarely ask for this, but it's a legal requirement — better to have it than risk a denial. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa on arrival
The visa fee must be paid in cash — Euros or US dollars. No credit cards, no local currency. Have the exact amount ready to avoid delays.
No visa extension available
The visa on arrival cannot be extended. If you overstay, you'll face fines and possible detention. Plan your exit date carefully.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Ivato International Airport (TNR)
After landing, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. There's usually a dedicated counter before the main passport control queue.
2
Fill out the visa application form
You'll be given a small form to complete. It asks for basic info: name, passport number, flight details, and where you're staying. Have your accommodation address handy.
3
Pay the visa fee
Fees are paid in cash — Euros or US dollars are accepted. As of 2025, a 30-day single-entry visa costs around €35 or $40. Keep the receipt.
4
Present your documents
Hand over your passport, completed form, and payment. The officer may also ask for your return ticket and accommodation booking. Have them ready on your phone or printed.
5
Receive your visa and enter
The visa is usually processed in 5–10 minutes. You'll get a sticker in your passport. Then proceed to passport control for the entry stamp.
Download Madagascar Entry Checklist
PDF · Australia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost€35 (approx. $38 USD)
Apply at Madagascar embassy or online before travel.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost€70 (approx. $76 USD)
For frequent travellers; apply in advance.
Long-stay visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost€150 (approx. $163 USD)
Requires sponsorship or proof of long-term purpose.
retirement visa
Retirement Visa (Carte de Séjour Retraité)
1 year, renewable annually
~€200 (approx. $218 USD) per year
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds. Requires local bank deposit and health insurance.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Carte de Séjour Investisseur)
2 years, renewable
~€500 (approx. $545 USD) initial fee
For investors with a minimum investment of €100,000 in a local business. Requires business plan and proof of funds.
work visa
Work Visa (Carte de Séjour Salarié)
1 year, renewable
~€150 (approx. $163 USD) per year
For those with a job offer from a Malagasy company. Requires employer sponsorship and work permit.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)Payable in cash (EUR or USD) at airport upon arrival. | €35 (approx. $38 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap known; avoid overstaying. | €10 (approx. $11 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
Australian passport holders transiting through Madagascar do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Transit hubsIvato International Airport (TNR), Antananarivo · Fascene Airport (NOS), Nosy Be
Health & vaccines for Madagascar
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in coastal and rural areas.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Outbreaks occur, especially in urban areas during rainy season.
SchistosomiasisModerate risk
Risk from swimming in fresh water lakes and rivers.
Malaria risk: high
Prophylaxis recommended for all travellers, especially outside Antananarivo. Use mosquito repellent and 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
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits.
Nosy Be
Service de l'Immigration de Nosy Be
Hell-Ville, Nosy Be
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:00
For tourists in the island region.
Practical information for AU 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 = 4,199.71 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
As of 2025, a 30-day single-entry visa costs about €35 or $40 USD. You can pay in Euros or US dollars — cash only. There may be a small additional fee for longer stays (60 days is around €40–45).
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a different visa type before you travel, or leave and re-enter.
You will be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at the border. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before you go.
Only if you are arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. Australians transiting through South Africa or other endemic areas may need proof. Otherwise, no.
Yes, but it's most straightforward at Ivato International Airport (TNR) in Antananarivo. Smaller airports may have limited facilities — check with your airline if you're flying into a regional airport.
Yes, but keep it in a secure place like a money belt or hidden pouch. ATMs are available in the city but not always reliable. Bring Euros or USD in small denominations.
Contact the Australian Embassy in Antananarivo immediately. They can issue an emergency passport. You'll also need a police report. The embassy is at: Lot 207 A, Ankorondrano, Antananarivo. Phone: +261 20 22 330 00.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.