Madagascar entry requirements for Ireland passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 18, 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
Irish passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Madagascar. You show up at the airport, pay the fee, and get your visa stamped right there. As of 2026, this is the standard process for tourism visits.
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 — 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 Irish passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in Madagascar. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires before you leave, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Ivato Airport in Antananarivo routinely ask for proof of a return or onward flight. Have a printed or digital copy of your ticket ready — they won't let you through without it. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Hotel bookings or a letter of invitation from your host can speed up the immigration process. Officers sometimes ask where you're staying — having a printed confirmation avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Carry evidence of sufficient funds — around €50–€100 per day in cash or a credit card statement. Immigration rarely asks, but having it ready covers you if they do. | Recommended |
Cash is king at the airport
The visa fee counter at Ivato Airport often doesn't accept cards. Bring euros or US dollars in cash. There's an ATM after baggage claim, but it can run out of money.
Visa on arrival is not extendable
Once you're in Madagascar, you cannot extend the visa on arrival. If you think you might need more time, apply for a tourist visa at the embassy before you travel.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the airport
You'll land at Ivato International Airport (TNR) in Antananarivo. Follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'.
2
Fill out the visa application form
At the counter, you'll get a short form to fill in. It asks for basic details like your name, passport number, and length of stay.
3
Pay the visa fee
The fee is typically around €35–€50 (payable in euros, US dollars, or Malagasy ariary). Have cash ready — cards are not always accepted.
4
Get your passport stamped
The officer will stamp your passport with the visa. Check the validity dates before you walk away.
5
Proceed to baggage claim and customs
After immigration, collect your bags and go through customs. Have your accommodation address handy in case they ask.
Download Madagascar Entry Checklist
PDF · Ireland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 18, 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 Dublin or Paris; allows longer stay than VoA.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost€100 (approx. $110 USD)
Ideal for frequent visitors; must apply in advance.
Long-stay visa (courtesy/residence)
Max stay1 year
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost€150 (approx. $165 USD)
Requires sponsorship or proof of purpose (work, study, investment).
work visa
Travail Temporaire (Temporary Work Visa)
1 year, renewable
€150 (approx. $165 USD) application fee
For those with a job offer from a Malagasy company. Requires employer sponsorship and work permit. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Visa Étudiant (Student Visa)
1 year, renewable annually
€100 (approx. $110 USD) application fee
For enrollment in a recognized educational institution in Madagascar. Requires proof of acceptance and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Investisseur (Investor Visa)
2 years, renewable
€500 (approx. $550 USD) application fee
For individuals investing at least $100,000 USD in a Malagasy business. Includes residency rights.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry, up to 30 days)Payable in cash (EUR, USD, or MGA) upon arrival at Ivato Airport or other entry points. | €35 (approx. $38 USD) |
| Visa on arrival (single entry, up to 60 days)Available at major entry points; longer stays require justification. | €40 (approx. $44 USD) |
| Overstay fineNo official cap reported; avoid overstaying to prevent complications. | €10 (approx. $11 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
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
Ireland passport holders transiting through Madagascar (e.g., at Ivato Airport) do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if you need to enter the country (e.g., to change airports or overnight), you must obtain a visa on arrival.
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 risk of yellow fever transmission (e.g., parts of Africa or South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout Madagascar, especially in coastal and lowland areas; prophylaxis strongly recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance is key.
SchistosomiasisModerate risk
Risk from swimming in freshwater lakes and rivers; avoid contact with untreated water.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in all regions, including urban areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine) is recommended for all travellers.
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 residency permits; bring passport, photos, and fee in cash.
Antsiranana
Service Régional de l'Immigration
Place Kabary, Antsiranana 201
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:30
Handles extensions for northern region; limited English spoken.
Practical information for IE 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–€50, depending on the length of stay. You can pay in euros, US dollars, or Malagasy ariary. Cash is preferred — cards are rarely accepted.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to leave and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before you travel.
The standard visa on arrival is typically valid for 30 days. You can request up to 90 days at the airport, but the fee increases. Confirm the exact duration with the officer when you apply.
Yellow fever vaccination is required if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. If you're flying directly from Ireland, you don't need it. Check the latest health requirements before you go.
You will be denied entry. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before you travel.
Yes, visa on arrival is available at all international airports, including Ivato (Antananarivo) and Fascene (Nosy Be). The process is the same.
It's not officially required, but immigration may ask how you'll support yourself. Having a credit card or a few hundred euros in cash is a good idea.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 18, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.