Madagascar entry requirements for Switzerland 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
Swiss passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Madagascar. This is the standard entry method — no need to apply in advance. As of 2026, the process is straightforward and handled at the airport.
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 online form takes about 10 minutes — you'll need a passport scan and a digital photo. Processing usually takes 24-72 hours, and you'll receive the approved visa by email.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your Swiss passport must be valid for the entire period you plan to stay in Madagascar. Airlines at Zurich and Geneva check this before boarding — if your passport expires before you leave, 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. Have a printed copy or show it on your phone — they check this before stamping you in. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have your hotel confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host ready. Officers occasionally ask for it, especially if you're arriving without a pre-booked itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Carry evidence of sufficient funds — a bank statement or credit card showing at least €100 per day of your stay. Officers rarely ask, but it's better to have it on hand. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa on arrival
The visa fee must be paid in cash (euros or USD). There are ATMs at the airport, but they may not work reliably. Bring enough cash to cover the fee plus a little extra.
No advance application needed
Swiss citizens do not need to apply for a visa before traveling. Just show up at the airport with your passport and cash — the visa on arrival is issued on the spot.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Ivato International Airport (TNR)
After landing in Antananarivo, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' counters before passport control. There's usually a queue — expect 15–45 minutes depending on flight load.
2
Fill out the visa application form
You'll be handed a small form. Fill in your passport details, flight info, and accommodation address. A pen is handy — counters sometimes run out.
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay in cash — euros or US dollars are accepted. As of 2026, the fee is about €35 for a 30-day visa. Keep the receipt.
4
Receive your visa sticker
The officer will stamp and stick the visa into your passport. Check the validity dates before walking away. Then proceed to passport control.
Download Madagascar Entry Checklist
PDF · Switzerland 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)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost€50 (approx. $55 USD)
Apply at Madagascar embassy before travel. Allows longer stay than VoA.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months
Cost€100 (approx. $110 USD)
For frequent travellers. Must apply in advance.
Long-stay visa (visiteur)
Max stay1 year
Validity1 year
Cost€200 (approx. $220 USD)
Requires proof of sufficient funds and accommodation. Apply at embassy.
long stay visa
Long-stay visa (visiteur)
1 year, renewable
€200 (approx. $220 USD) per year
For retirees or those with sufficient funds. Requires proof of income (at least $500/month) and local accommodation. Allows multiple entries.
work visa
Work visa (salarié)
1 year, renewable
€150 (approx. $165 USD) plus employer fees
For those with a job offer from a Malagasy company. Requires work permit approval and employer sponsorship.
investor visa
Investor visa (investisseur)
2 years, renewable
€500 (approx. $550 USD)
For investors committing at least $100,000 USD in a local business. Includes residency rights.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, up to 30 days)Payable in cash (EUR, USD, or MGA) at Ivato Airport and other entry points. | €35 (approx. $38 USD) |
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, up to 60 days)Available at major airports and ports. | €40 (approx. $44 USD) |
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, up to 90 days)Maximum stay for tourist visa on arrival. | €50 (approx. $55 USD) |
| Overstay finePayable at immigration office or airport departure. No official cap reported. | 10,000 MGA (approx. $2.50 USD) per day |
| Stay extension (if applicable)Extensions are not officially available for visa on arrival; must leave and re-enter. | Unknown |
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
Swiss 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
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.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderCholeraConsiderRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)Essential
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. Use mosquito repellent.
SchistosomiasisModerate risk
Risk from swimming in freshwater lakes and rivers. Avoid contact with untreated water.
Malaria risk: high
High risk throughout the country, including urban areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) strongly recommended. Use insect repellent and sleep under mosquito 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. Bring passport, photos, and fee.
Antsiranana
Service Régional de l'Immigration
Antsiranana (Diego Suarez)
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:00
Regional office for northern Madagascar.
Practical information for CH 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
As of 2026, the fee is approximately €35 (or equivalent in USD) for a 30-day single-entry visa. Longer stays cost more — 60 days is around €40, 90 days about €50. Pay in cash at the counter.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave the country and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before travel.
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at immigration. Renew your passport before traveling — no exceptions.
Only if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. Switzerland is not on that list, so you won't need it for direct travel. But check if you're transiting through an affected country.
Yes, the visa on arrival is available at Ivato International Airport (TNR) in Antananarivo and at all other international airports and land borders. The process is the same everywhere.
Euros or US dollars are preferred. Bring small bills — counters may not have change for large notes. Avoid paying in Malagasy ariary as the exchange rate may be unfavorable.
Generally yes, but check your government's travel advisory for current safety and health updates. Petty crime can occur in cities — keep valuables out of sight and avoid walking alone at night.
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.