Madagascar entry requirements for France 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
French passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Madagascar in 2026 — no need to apply in advance. Just show up at the airport in Antananarivo or Nosy Be with your passport and a return ticket, pay the fee in cash, and you're in.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply online before travel | Madagascar offers an eVisa for French passport holders. Apply at visa.madagascar.travel before departure — the process takes about 10 minutes and you get a PDF approval within 72 hours. Print the approval and carry it with your passport; immigration at Antananarivo will stamp you in on arrival.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your French passport needs to be valid for at least the length of your stay in Madagascar. Airlines at CDG and Orly will check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you may be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Madagascar | Immigration at Antananarivo airport asks for a return or onward ticket before they let you through. Have a printed or digital copy of your outbound flight ready — they check this at the passport control desk. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host. Immigration officers occasionally ask for it, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have a bank statement or credit card showing you have enough funds for your stay. Officers rarely ask for it, but if they do, they want to see you can cover accommodation and expenses. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa on arrival
The visa fee must be paid in cash — no cards, no mobile payments. Bring euros or US dollars in good condition (no tears, no marks). ATMs are available after customs, but it's easier to have the exact amount ready.
Visa on arrival is for tourism only
If you're planning to work, study, or stay longer than 90 days, you need to apply for a specific visa at a Malagasy embassy before you travel. The visa on arrival is strictly for short-term tourism.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the airport
At Ivato International Airport (TNR) in Antananarivo or Fascene Airport (NOS) in Nosy Be, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' after passport control. There's usually a dedicated counter — join the queue.
2
Fill out the visa form
You'll get a small paper form to fill in: name, passport number, flight details, hotel address. Have your booking confirmation handy.
3
Pay the fee and get your visa
Hand over your passport, form, and cash. The officer will process it — takes 5–10 minutes. You'll get a sticker in your passport valid for 30 days (extendable later).
4
Proceed to baggage claim
Once you have the visa, head through customs and collect your bags. Keep the visa receipt with your passport — you'll need it when leaving.
Download Madagascar Entry Checklist
PDF · France 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 stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost€40 EUR (~$44 USD)
Apply at Madagascar embassy or online eVisa. Allows single entry.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost€70 EUR (~$77 USD)
Ideal for travellers planning multiple visits.
Long-stay visa (visiteur)
Max stay1 year
Validity1 year
Cost€150 EUR (~$165 USD)
Requires proof of sufficient funds and accommodation. Renewable.
retirement visa
Retirement Visa (Carte de Séjour Retraité)
1 year, renewable
~€150 EUR (~$165 USD) per year
For retirees aged 60+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds. Requires local bank deposit of ~€500/month. Allows long-term stay.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Carte de Séjour Investisseur)
2 years, renewable
~€500 EUR (~$550 USD) application fee
For individuals investing at least €100,000 in a local business or real estate. Requires business plan and proof of funds.
work visa
Work Visa (Carte de Séjour Salarié)
1 year, renewable
~€200 EUR (~$220 USD) application fee
For those with a job offer from a Malagasy company. Employer must obtain work permit. Requires contract and qualifications.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Payable in cash (EUR or USD) upon arrival at Antananarivo airport. | €35 EUR (~$38 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry, pre-arranged)Available through Madagascar embassy or online eVisa system. | €40 EUR (~$44 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | €70 EUR (~$77 USD) |
| Overstay fineMaximum fine cap of €500 EUR (~$550 USD). Pay at immigration office before departure. | €10 EUR (~$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
France passport holders transiting through Madagascar do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if leaving the airport or staying 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.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in coastal and lowland areas.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Outbreaks occur, especially during rainy season.
SchistosomiasisModerate risk
Risk from swimming in freshwater lakes and rivers.
Malaria risk: high
Prophylaxis recommended for all travellers, especially in coastal and rural areas. Use mosquito 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
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
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:00
Smaller office; expect longer processing times.
Practical information for FR 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
The fee is around €35–€40 for a 30-day single-entry visa. You can pay in euros, US dollars, or Malagasy ariary. Bring cash — cards are not accepted at the counter.
Yes, you can extend it once for an additional 30 days. Go to the immigration office (Direction de l'Immigration et de l'Émigration) in Antananarivo or the regional office in major towns. The extension costs about 100,000–150,000 MGA (roughly €20–€30) and takes a few hours to process.
You will be denied entry. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced. If your passport expires sooner, renew it before you travel.
Only if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (e.g., parts of Africa or South America). Otherwise, no. But it's a good idea to check routine vaccines (hepatitis A, typhoid) with your doctor.
Yes, the visa on arrival is available at Ivato International Airport (Antananarivo) and Fascene Airport (Nosy Be). For land borders or smaller airports, you may need to arrange a visa in advance — check with the nearest Malagasy embassy.
Your passport (6+ months validity), a return or onward ticket, and optionally proof of accommodation. The visa form is provided at the counter. Have cash ready for the fee.
Generally yes, but exercise normal precautions. Petty crime (pickpocketing, bag snatching) happens in busy areas, especially in Antananarivo. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas. Travel insurance is strongly recommended.
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.