Madagascar entry requirements for Finland 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
Finnish passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Madagascar in 2026. You'll handle it at the airport in Antananarivo or Nosy Be. Have your documents ready, and you'll be through in 15–30 minutes.
Apply for Madagascar eVisaOfficial portal: Madagascar eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for your Madagascar eVisa at visa.madagascar.travel before departure. The online form takes about 10 minutes — upload a passport photo and pay the fee with a credit card. Approval usually comes within 72 hours, but apply at least 5 days before your flight to be safe.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your Finnish passport must be valid for the entire period you plan to stay in Madagascar. No minimum validity beyond your departure date is required by law, but airlines may enforce 6 months — check with Finnair or your carrier before booking. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Ivato Airport in Antananarivo routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a ticket to your next destination ready. Budget airlines like Air Madagascar may also check this at check-in. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Keep a copy of your hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host. Immigration rarely asks for it, but having it ready avoids delays if they do. A simple Booking.com confirmation works fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Carry a bank statement or credit card showing you have enough money for your stay. There is no fixed amount, but around €50 per day is a safe benchmark. Immigration rarely checks this for Finnish passport holders. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa on arrival
The visa counter does not accept cards. Bring euros or US dollars in cash — you'll avoid exchange rate headaches and long ATM queues.
Visa on arrival is for tourism only
If you're coming for work, study, or long-term stays, you need to apply for the appropriate visa at a Malagasy embassy before you travel. The visa on arrival is strictly for short tourist visits.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the airport and follow signs
At Ivato International Airport (Antananarivo) or Fascene Airport (Nosy Be), follow the 'Visa on Arrival' signs after you get off the plane. You'll see a dedicated counter before passport control.
2
Fill out the visa application form
You'll be given a short form — name, passport number, flight details, where you're staying. Fill it out while queuing to save time.
3
Pay the visa fee in cash
Hand over your passport, the form, and the fee. Pay in euros or US dollars for simplicity. Keep the receipt.
4
Get your visa sticker and proceed to passport control
The officer will stick the visa in your passport and stamp it. Then head to the passport control queue — show your passport and boarding pass. You're in.
Download Madagascar Entry Checklist
PDF · Finland 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, 90 days)
Max stay90 days, extendable 30 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, 6 months)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost€100 (approx. $110 USD)
Ideal for frequent travellers; must apply in advance.
Long-stay visa (6 months to 1 year)
Max stay6 months to 1 year
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost€150 (approx. $165 USD)
Requires sponsorship or proof of purpose (work, study, etc.).
retirement visa
Retirement Visa (Carte de Séjour Retraité)
1 year, renewable annually
~€200 (approx. $220 USD) per year
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds. Requires local bank deposit and health insurance. Allows long-term residence.
digital nomad visa
Digital Nomad Visa (Passport Talent)
1 year, renewable
~€300 (approx. $330 USD) per year
For remote workers with proof of income (min. €1,500/month). Requires health insurance and local address. No work permit needed for foreign employer.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Carte de Séjour Investisseur)
2 years, renewable
~€500 (approx. $550 USD) initial fee
For investors committing at least €50,000 in a local business or real estate. Requires business plan and proof of funds. Leads to permanent residency.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry, up to 30 days)Payable in cash (EUR or USD) upon arrival at major airports. | €35 (approx. $38 USD) |
| Visa on arrival (single entry, up to 60 days)Available at entry points; longer stay requires extension. | €40 (approx. $44 USD) |
| Stay extension (per month, up to 2 months)Apply at immigration office before initial visa expires. | €30 (approx. $33 USD) per month |
| Overstay fine (per day)Maximum fine cap of €500 (approx. $550 USD). | €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
Finland passport holders transiting through Madagascar do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. For landside transit or leaving the airport, a visa on arrival is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid visa for Madagascar may transit landside without additional visa.
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; certificate must be presented.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderCholeraConsider
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
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 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 extensions and permits; bring passport, photos, and fee.
Nosy Be
Immigration Office Nosy Be
Hell-Ville, Nosy Be
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:30
Popular for tourists; process extensions here if staying on the island.
Practical information for FI 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
For a 30-day visa, expect to pay around €35–€40 (or equivalent in US dollars or Malagasy ariary). Longer stays cost more — a 60-day visa is about €45–€50. Pay in cash at the airport counter.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer than 30 or 60 days, you'll need to apply for a different visa type before you travel — contact the nearest Malagasy embassy.
You'll be denied entry. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before you go.
Only if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. Finland is not a risk country, so you won't need it unless you've recently travelled to an affected area. Check the latest health requirements before you fly.
No. Only cash is accepted — euros, US dollars, or Malagasy ariary. There are ATMs at the airport but they can be unreliable. Bring enough cash from home.
Usually 15–30 minutes, but it can be longer during peak arrival times (multiple international flights landing at once). The queue moves steadily.
If you're staying airside and not passing through immigration, you don't need a visa. But if you leave the transit area, you'll need the visa on arrival just like anyone else.
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.